Day: June 8, 2025

Manila: The National Security Council (NSC) hailed the Japanese National Diet’s ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), calling it a defining moment in Philippine-Japan defense relations. The RAA, approved by Japan’s Diet on Friday, allows joint military operations, training and humanitarian missions between the Philippine and Japanese forces. According to Philippines News Agency, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo A±o expressed the significance of the ratification, stating it provides both nations with the tools to act jointly in a security environment that is increasingly volatile in the Indo-Pacific region. A±o emphasized that the agreement focuses on defending principles such as

San Antonio: Unbeaten Filipino power-puncher Weljon ‘Triggerman’ Mindoro added another explosive finish to his already-stellar highlight reel. According to Philippines News Agency, Mindoro delivered a first-round knockout over previously unbeaten Mexican Omar Gutierrez Munguia in San Antonio, Texas on the undercard of the Michael Angeletti vs. Eros Correa event. The 25-year-old needed just under two minutes to secure the victory at Tech Port Arena on Sunday (Manila time). A left hook to the body connected on Munguia, followed by a right uppercut to the jaw that sent the Mexican crashing to the canvas. This victory further solidified Mindoro’s growing reputation

Apayao: More than 1,200 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Banban and nearby communities are set to benefit from the newly completed PHP29.85 million Banban-Banauan-Guidegued farm-to-market road (FMR). The turnover ceremony of the 1.9-kilometer concrete road was held in Barangay Banban, a part of the CALAOAN Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) comprising 10 barangays in Conner. According to Philippines News Agency, the FMR is designed to boost agricultural productivity as it is expected to ease the transport of goods, reduce post-harvest losses, and save time and money in bringing their products to market. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Arsenio Tumbali, chair

Mina: Nearly 2 million pilgrims in Saudi Arabia began the final stage of the Hajj pilgrimage on Saturday by performing the ritual stoning of the devil at Mina, before concluding their pilgrimage with the farewell circumambulation at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. According to Philippines News Agency, early groups of pilgrims arrived at the Jamarat complex in Mina and performed the stoning ritual. In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi Interior Ministry urged pilgrims to strictly follow designated routes for going to and returning from the Jamarat complex. The Saudi General Authority for Statistics announced that the number of Hajj

Laoag City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took in stride the Palarong Pambansa opening video that went viral, addressing in his latest vlog the playful antics of student-athletes who were caught on camera making faces behind him during his speech in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 24. According to Philippines News Agency, the students’ antics quickly gained traction online, with clips of their expressions circulating across social media platforms. Marcos appeared amused and even asked his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, to help track them down so they can meet in person. Marcos, while laughing in