Day: October 18, 2025

Manila: Tropical Wind Signal No. 2 was raised in several areas as Ramil intensified into a tropical storm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced Saturday. As of 5 a.m., Tropical Storm Ramil was observed 305 km east of Juban, Sorsogon with sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph, moving westward at 20 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, Signal No. 2 is effective for Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and the northern portion of Camarines Sur, including Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, and Presentacion. Winds greater than 62

Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has firmly rejected allegations that it is defending resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co amid increasing demands for the cancellation of his passport. According to Philippines News Agency, DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona responded to the accusations made by Representative Toby Tiangco, who questioned why the DFA appeared to be protecting Co by not immediately canceling his passport. Escalona clarified that such claims are based on a misunderstanding of the legal standards that govern the cancellation of passports. Escalona emphasized that the process of canceling or revoking a passport is dictated by established

Norzagaray: A rebel was killed and a high-powered rifle was seized in an encounter with government forces in Sitio Balagbag, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan on Friday afternoon. According to Philippines News Agency, the clash occurred at about 2:40 p.m. as government forces of the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company were responding to reports from residents about the presence of about 20 armed insurgents allegedly involved in extortion and subversive activities. As the soldiers approached the target area, they were met with gunfire, resulting in a 10-minute firefight. The insurgents later retreated northwest, leaving behind one dead comrade, one M14 rifle,

San fernando city: About 2,000 jobs have been initially generated in the province of La Union with the opening of the SM City La Union mall here on Friday. San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto said this is a welcome development for the city and the province as a whole as the mall’s management has assured that 70 percent to 80 percent of the employees are from the province. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, in a separate interview, said the mall’s opening offers a wide array of selections for consumers, and challenges micro, small, and medium

Sorsogon: Tropical Storm Ramil has decelerated while moving northwestward over the sea, east of Sorsogon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Saturday. As of 8 a.m., the storm was located 260 km east of Juban, Sorsogon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph, moving westward at 15 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, Signal No. 2 has been raised over Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, the northern portion of Camarines Sur, and Polillo Islands. Signal No. 1 is in effect over several regions including Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino,