Day: June 23, 2025

Paris: Iran is prepared to engage in dialogue to affirm the peaceful intent of its nuclear program but refuses to fully abandon it, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s willingness to participate in discussions and cooperation aimed at building trust in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, though he firmly declared that Iran will not agree to completely dismantle its nuclear program. According to Philippines News Agency, President Pezeshkian conveyed his readiness for dialogue, emphasizing that negotiations are only possible if Iran’s legitimate rights are respected. He also issued

Socorro: The blood sampling in eight villages in Socorro, Surigao del Norte started on Monday to fully determine the extent of the African swine fever (ASF) infection. According to Philippines News Agency, last week, samples from four villages in Socorro tested positive for ASF, prompting the local government unit and authorities to implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus. ‘The agriculture and veterinary offices in Surigao del Norte have completed the massive cleaning and disinfection operations in the four initially affected barangays,’ Dr. Ashley Mae Nono, ASF coordinator of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region, said in

Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported the confiscation of PHP2.99 million worth of illegal drugs during a series of operations conducted from June 16 to 22. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon stated that a total of 32 anti-illegal drug operations were carried out, resulting in the arrest of 33 suspects. According to Philippines News Agency, the seized illegal drugs included 438.1 grams of shabu and 140 grams of dried marijuana leaves. Naga City recorded the largest haul among the six provinces and one component city in the region, with an estimated value of PHP1,945,260 worth of

Tokyo: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, experienced a historic setback in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election held on Sunday. This defeat comes as a significant blow ahead of the House of Councilors election scheduled for next month. According to Philippines News Agency, Tomin First no Kai, known as the Tokyoites First Group, surpassed the LDP to become the largest faction in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly. The LDP’s share in the assembly reached an unprecedented low, marking a notable decline in their influence within the Tokyo region. Komeito, the LDP’s coalition partner at the national

Iloilo City: Outgoing Mayor Jerry Tre±as expressed his gratitude on Monday as he presided over what he called ‘probably his last flag-raising ceremony,’ celebrating the city government’s first-ever unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2024 financial statements. ‘That’s the first time the city received that. It’s a good parting gift for me. I come out clean; there is no disallowance, no suspension, and ready for either my temporary or permanent retirement,’ Tre±as said in an interview. According to Philippines News Agency, an unmodified opinion, also referred to as an unqualified opinion, is issued when the auditor