Day: October 18, 2025

Bicol: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 in Bicol has activated its support force and emergency response teams in anticipation of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ramil, known internationally as Fengshen. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., announced the mobilization of 1,328 personnel to respond to the storm. This includes 713 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) and 615 personnel from the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams, all prepared to assist affected communities promptly. “Our officers are fully prepared to protect lives and property. We are closely coordinating with local

Legazpi: The Social Security System (SSS) Legazpi is expected to collect PHP364,521.30 in contributions for violations of employers, as part of its 11th Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign on Friday. The amount consists of PHP314,910 in principal delinquency and PHP49,611.30 in penalties. According to Philippines News Agency, Maria Betina Abareta, acting head of the accounts management section, stated that the total amount comes from four out of seven non-compliant businesses that failed to remit their contributions, while the other three are not registered. The seven businesses involved, affecting 37 employees, include a printing shop, a laundry service, an appliance

Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) is optimistic that it can begin purchasing storm-damaged palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers within the month to help those affected by recent typhoons. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the agency is awaiting the completion of the Technical Working Group’s (TWG) review of the draft executive order on emergency palay procurement. According to Philippines News Agency, ‘Ang target nila (Their target is) within the month. Sabi ko kasi dapat within the month kasi baka lumagpas, ma-overtake-an na naman tayo ng event, baka wala na tayong mahabol (I said that it must be within the

London: Prince Andrew, King Charles’ younger brother, announced on Friday that he has agreed to relinquish his royal titles, including the Duke of York, in light of ongoing allegations regarding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to Philippines News Agency, a statement released by Buckingham Palace revealed that Andrew had consulted with King Charles III and his immediate and extended family before deciding that the accusations against him were detracting from the royal family’s work. “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” the statement read. Despite this

Bicol: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 5 has condoned PHP246 million in unpaid Irrigation Service Fees (ISF), benefiting 2,230 farmers across six provinces in the Bicol region. NIA-5 Manager, Engineer Gaudencio John De Vera, announced this initiative as an effort to alleviate the financial burdens on farmers and enhance agricultural productivity. According to Philippines News Agency, De Vera emphasized that the condonation is part of the ongoing implementation of Republic Act 10969, commonly known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA). This act aims to relieve farmers owning not more than eight hectares of land from unpaid irrigation service fees,

Manila: Tropical Storm Ramil has intensified as it approaches the coastal waters of Northern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 10 a.m., Ramil was located over the coastal waters of Palapag, Northern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, moving west-southwestward at 20 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over several areas, including the northern portion of Aurora (Casiguran, Dilasag, and Dinalungan), Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, the northern portion of Camarines