Day: July 8, 2025

Bi±an city: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested three individuals and seized more than PHP32 million worth of illegal vape products in a raid in Bi±an City, Laguna. NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Kert Simbajon, Javier Dirampatun, and Romeo Cada, who were apprehended by the NBI – Special Task Force (NBI-STF). According to Philippines News Agency, operatives uncovered a significant importation, sale, and distribution of illegal vape products in Cavite and Laguna. They were able to identify the suspects and obtain contact information, business details, and social media accounts through cybercrime monitoring and surveillance efforts.

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) continues to prepare for the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) while the bill extending the terms for village and youth officials is waiting for the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated in an interview on Tuesday that the poll body has decided to make adjustments in the preparation of election materials for the December 1 polls. The adjustments include omitting the specific election date from essential forms such as official ballots, statements of votes, election returns, and minutes of voting. Garcia

Barcelona: Filipino dentist Dr. Maritess Oliveros Villarico has clinched the Pediatric Oral Health Research Award (South East Asia Division) in Spain last month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the awarding was held during the 103rd General Session of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) in Barcelona on June 27. Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, during her recent visit to the Philippine Consul General in Barcelona, congratulated Villarico and hailed her role in bringing recognition to Filipino research. Dr. Villarico’s achievement marks an important milestone for Filipino

Houston: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that it is actively monitoring the severe flooding situation in Kerrville and nearby communities in Central Texas, which has resulted in over 100 fatalities. Despite the widespread devastation, the Philippine Consulate General in Houston has confirmed that no Filipino casualties have been reported so far. According to Philippines News Agency, the consulate is maintaining close communication with local authorities and the Filipino community within the affected areas. The consulate assured that it is prepared to provide necessary and appropriate support to any Filipinos who might be impacted by the disaster. The

Manila: Expectations for additional cuts in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key rates resulted in gains of both the local bourse’s main index and the peso on Tuesday. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) increased by 0.13 percent to 6,433.60 points, while the All Shares index rose by 0.11 percent to 3,784.17 points. According to Philippines News Agency, despite the overall positive performance, most sectoral indices ended in the red, except for Services, which rose by 0.77 percent, and Holding Firms, which increased by 0.66 percent. The Mining and Oil sector led the decliners with a drop of 0.43