Day: October 19, 2025

Manila: Authorities seized PHP240 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 267 suspects from Aug. 26 to Oct. 16, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP conducted 335 anti-smuggling operations nationwide, with 311 specifically targeting smuggled cigarettes. The Police Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayas led these efforts with cigarette seizures valued at PHP58.9 million, closely followed by PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula with PHP56.2 million, and PRO-Soccsksargen with PHP47.7 million. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the dedication of the operating units, emphasizing that this achievement sends a clear message that the PNP is

Manila: Tropical Storm Ramil (international name Fengshen) crossed Manila Bay late Sunday morning, battering large swathes of Luzon with gale-force winds and dangerous coastal conditions as it tracks northwest toward Zambales and Pangasinan. As of 10 a.m., the storm’s center was spotted over Manila Bay, packing sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 90 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to Philippines News Agency, the weather bureau reported that Ramil is moving west-northwest at 15 kph, dragging powerful winds outward up to 430 kph from its core.

Manila: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has directed government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to intensify earthquake preparedness measures through regular drills, infrastructure audits, and retrofitting of critical facilities. According to Philippines News Agency, in Memorandum No. 279 dated October 15, Teodoro ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and all Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to ‘immediately intensify earthquake risk reduction measures while ensuring public service continuity.’ The order comes in the wake of a spate of powerful earthquakes that struck across different parts of

Bacolod: Rains failed to dampen the spirits of young MassKara dancers as they performed from the arena to the streets ahead of the final day of this city’s biggest festival over the weekend. Showing grit and resilience that marked the birth of MassKara 46 years ago, learners from seven public elementary schools braved the non-stop downpour clad in colorful masks and costumes in the return of the arena and street dance competition school category after six years. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a statement on Sunday, paid tribute to the school children behind the masks for

Daanbantayan: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is expediting the completion of a second Bayanihan Village in Daanbantayan, Cebu, following an order by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide housing for families displaced by a recent powerful earthquake. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos Jr. inspected the first Bayanihan Village in Barangay Poblacion, San Remigio, where DHSUD has installed modular shelter units (MSUs) for families affected by the quake. The MSUs have been handed over to the local government and are now occupied by initial beneficiaries. The San Remigio Bayanihan Village was completed within a

Manila: Tropical Storm Ramil maintained its strength and is now positioned over the coastal waters of Alabat, Quezon as of 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to Philippines News Agency, the weather bureau, in its 5 a.m. advisory, reported that Ramil continues to have maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, moving west northwestward at 25 kph. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is currently in effect for several regions including the southeastern portion of Quirino, parts of Nueva