Day: July 7, 2025

Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the search for the remains of missing cockfight enthusiasts, known as ‘sabungeros,’ allegedly disposed of in Taal Lake, is set to begin this week. Despite recent volcanic activity, efforts to conduct technical dives and bed mapping in the lake are moving forward. According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla emphasized the importance of starting the search imminently, stating that the initial plan involves mapping the lake and assessing conditions to strategize the search process. The investigation is also focusing on fishponds reportedly linked to individuals identified in the ongoing probe. Julie “Dondon” Patidongan,

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reassured the public regarding the impact of heavy rains as the planting season for palay (unhusked rice) begins. According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that the current rains are advantageous for rice fields as they help flood the areas required for planting. De Mesa mentioned in an interview that there is no indication of widespread flooding, and emphasized the necessity of flooding the fields during the planting phase. He further explained that the heavy rains are also beneficial for raising water levels in dams, which play

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday assured the public that its Field Office (FO)-Calabarzon is ready to provide the needed assistance for any eventuality amid the increasing seismic activities in Taal Volcano. According to Philippines News Agency, on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that a Taal eruption may be triggered due to the increase in real-time seismic energy measurement (RSAM) and the low level of emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the volcano since June. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the disaster

Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday seized over 110 kilograms of suspected shabu worth around PHP749 million inside four “balikbayan” boxes at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila. According to Philippines News Agency, the illegal drugs were seized during an interdiction operation conducted at around 11:30 a.m. inside Container Facility Station 3, where the boxes arriving from California and addressed to recipients in Mandaluyong and Quezon City were inspected, the PDEA said in a statement. Inside, authorities discovered 106 vacuum-sealed plastic packs filled with white crystalline substances carefully concealed

Manila: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has expressed its support for a proposed bill aimed at regulating minors’ access to social media. The council views this legislative effort as a crucial step in safeguarding Filipino youth from online threats such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. According to Philippines News Agency, CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales stated during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas that the council is in favor of legislative actions to enhance online safety. However, he emphasized the importance of balancing children’s right to protection with their right to access information and participate in