Day: June 9, 2025

Manila: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) scored the Makabayan bloc over what it described as the group’s ‘deafening silence’ on sexual assault allegations involving a leader of the Kabataan party-list. In a statement Sunday night, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the bloc’s failure to condemn the alleged rape of a former member of the party-list ‘exposes the deep hypocrisy and rot within their ranks.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Torres accused the group of prioritizing its interests over the pursuit of truth, justice, and the safety of vulnerable members. He criticized

Malolos City: ‘Welcome back to school! Study hard, kids.’ These simple yet encouraging words, handwritten on a freshly installed blackboard, set the tone for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Barihan Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan, as he personally kicked off ‘Brigada Eskwela 2025.’ Taking time off his usual busy Monday schedule, Marcos joined parents, teachers, and volunteers on the ground, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening public education not only through policy but through personal and visible support at the grassroots level. According to Philippines News Agency, a week before the start of the school year 2025-2026

Bangkok: Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia remain high as Thailand strengthens its military presence along their disputed 817-km border, following a deadly clash on May 28 that left a Cambodian soldier dead. Thai Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the buildup, citing repeated Cambodian incursions and Phnom Penh’s rejection of de-escalation efforts during bilateral talks on June 5. According to Philippines News Agency, there has been a strengthening of the military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border. As a result, the Thai government felt it necessary to take further measures and strengthen its military posture.

Catubig: The Philippine Army has identified three of the five members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who died during recent armed clashes with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar. The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) announced that the remains of the slain NPA rebels were turned over to their respective families through direct coordination with local government units. According to Philippines News Agency, those identified among the fatalities are Noel Lebico Sr. of Roxas village in Catubig town, Arnel Aquino of Osme±a village in Palapag town, and Nonoy Norcio of Luneta village in Gamay town. Their identities were

Malolos: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday emphasized the urgent need to clean and improve public school bathrooms and ensure reliable water supply, calling it a basic requirement for students’ health and safety. Speaking to the media after visiting schools in Malolos and San Miguel, Bulacan, as part of “Brigada Eskwela 2025”, Marcos said the condition of school facilities, particularly bathrooms, must be addressed ahead of the school reopening next week. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted that one of the key observations during his visits was the poor state of school bathrooms. He stressed the necessity of