Day: July 30, 2025

Manila: Advocates and leaders in Negros Occidental have reaffirmed support to fight human trafficking in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2025 on Wednesday. The province marked the event with a panel discussion and the signing of a pledge of commitment led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, chair of the Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT VP VAWC), at Ayala Malls Capitol Central Activity Center on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the pledge of commitment stated, “In support of the global campaign against human trafficking, we pledge to work

San juan city: Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Engineering are set to assess the viability of Siquijor Island Power Corporation’s (SIPCOR) power plant as part of efforts to address the power situation in the province. According to Philippines News Agency, National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda announced during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussion that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has approved the hiring of an independent third-party surveyor. This team will test and evaluate the power plant’s viability, given the current challenges faced by the facility. Almeda, speaking on the sidelines

Butuan city: The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) has allocated over PHP72 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to rice and corn farmers’ organizations and cooperatives across four provinces in the region. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural productivity and support local farmers with enhanced resources. According to Philippines News Agency, approximately PHP53.5 million of the total allocation had been disbursed to beneficiaries during a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held on Tuesday afternoon. DA-13 Director Arlan Mangelen highlighted in an interview on Wednesday that the distribution is part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and

Manila: Authorities thwarted an international drug smuggling attempt Wednesday after intercepting a high-value parcel containing more than five kilograms of ketamine – an illegal party drug – valued at over PHP25.3 million. In a statement, Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones Jr. said the 11:12 a.m. operation targeted a parcel declared as a ‘data cable roll,’ which originated from Lier, Belgium, and was consigned to a resident of Rodriguez, Rizal. According to Philippines News Agency, upon thorough inspection, authorities discovered six transparent plastic pouches containing a white crystalline substance, which was later confirmed to be

La union: Greater coordination between the police and the local government resulted in zero casualties in La Union province during the onslaught of recent cyclones. According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO1) officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes highlighted the challenges faced during Typhoon Emong (international name Co-May) on July 25. The typhoon caused significant disruptions as communication lines were down due to fallen trees and toppled posts. Reyes explained that although many calls to 911 were made immediately after the disaster, the national headquarters struggled to reach police stations in La Union due to the downed communication