Day: August 11, 2025

Albay: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of a man in Albay involved in extorting money from quarry operators for the issuance of ore transport permits (OTP). According to Philippines News Agency, John Bron was apprehended during an entrapment operation in Barangay Mi-isi, Daraga, Albay on August 8. The arrest followed a complaint initially filed against Christopher Notario, also known as ‘Tope,’ in Legazpi City, Albay. Notario was accused of violating Republic Act No. 3019, which addresses Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, as well as charges of robbery and extortion. Tope reportedly posed as a middleman, claiming

Butuan city: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Phases 4 and 5 projects here on Monday. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda led the project launch, which is part of the agency’s Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP). The PDIP, with a total investment of PHP16.1 billion, is the first digital infrastructure program supported by the World Bank. It is designed to speed up the deployment of broadband access nationwide. According to Philippines News Agency, the NFB’s Phases 4 and 5 will connect 772 unserved areas in most parts of Mindanao, including the Caraga Region.

Taguig city: A complaint was filed Monday against allies of former Taguig City mayor and losing congressional candidate Lino Cayetano for alleged violation of election laws by campaigning on social media just hours before voters cast their ballots. According to Philippines News Agency, Taguig resident Santiago Mercado alleged in his complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that Raymond Salve, a member of Cayetano’s close-in security team, and Maryruth Roven Maximo, a former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president and long-time supporter of the former local official, posted identical campaign materials on Facebook on May 12, election day. The disputed campaign posts

Cagayan de oro: The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) on Monday launched a PHP7.2 million state-of-the-art Shared Service Facility (SSF) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern Mindanao. Almarico Brito, Oro Chamber president, said the SSF aims to support the labeling and packaging needs of MSMEs in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the facility was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to empower all MSMEs in the region, not just chamber members. It will open to the public next month. ‘You input a digital design and the CNC

Manila: Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Gorio has decelerated, moving at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) west southwestward, and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday night. According to Philippines News Agency, Gorio was positioned 1,060 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon as of 4 p.m. on Monday. The storm has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Gorio is not expected to affect the country directly in the coming three