Day: August 17, 2025

Beijing: The Philippines has strengthened its standing as a top global diving hub after winning the Island Charm Award, recognizing the country’s unique appeal to tourists, at the Diving Resort and Travel (DRT) Expo held in Beijing from August 8 to 10. Led by the Department of Tourism – Beijing and the Tourism Promotions Board, the country showcased its world-class marine attractions at the China National Convention Center, mounting a pavilion with major airlines, dive suppliers, and resorts, including those from emerging dive sites in Romblon, Ticao Island (Masbate), and Camiguin. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines bagged the

Bago city: Volunteers from the city government and other government agencies joined hands to help rebuild the homes of 22 families displaced by the unrest of Kanlaon Volcano in Bago City, Negros Occidental. Composed of 81 internally displaced individuals (IDPs), the families evacuated their homes in Purok Manokan, Barangay Ilijan after Alert Level 3 was hoisted during the explosive eruption on Dec. 9 last year. On July 29, when the volcano’s status was lowered to Level 2, they were allowed to finally return home. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, dubbed ‘Bayanihan sa Bago’ (Cooperation in Bago), was a

Pasay city: A 43-year-old South African national was detained at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after authorities discovered seven kilograms of suspected shabu valued at PHP47.6 million in his luggage. The arrest took place on Saturday night as the individual arrived on Cathay Airways Flight CX 748 from Hong Kong. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect, identified only as ‘Antonie,’ was intercepted at around 7:30 p.m. The Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) reported that approximately 7,000 grams of the illegal substance were confiscated from the suspect’s belongings. The seized drugs have been handed over to

Quezon city: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives arrested six individuals, including a female minor, and seized vape products with a marijuana flavor during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City. According to Philippines News Agency, the CIDG reported that the suspects, identified as ‘Charles,’ ‘Marc,’ ‘Steph,’ ‘Paulyn,’ ‘Jessa,’ and the minor ‘Mary,’ were apprehended for allegedly selling and distributing vape products with cannabis flavor in Bago Bantay on August 15. These vape products are unregistered, unsafe, and prohibited for public consumption. During the illicit transaction, ‘Charles’ allegedly offered violet-colored party drugs in tablet form. In the course of the

Bacolod: Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has announced plans to organize a flood control summit aimed at addressing the recurring flood issues plaguing this highly urbanized city. Benitez made the announcement over the weekend, emphasizing the need for real and actionable solutions, although he did not specify a date for the summit. According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez, who previously served as Bacolod’s mayor, intends to gather residents, representatives from nearby areas, national and local government officials, contractors, and experts to tackle the flooding problem. Last month, monsoon rains led to flooding in Bacolod’s northern region, impacting over 5,000