Day: October 21, 2025

Mindanao: Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno has made a compelling appeal for the establishment of a more robust disaster response mechanism in Mindanao. He emphasized the region’s increasing vulnerability to both natural and human-induced hazards, underscoring the critical need for improved preparedness and resilience. According to Philippines News Agency, Magno highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the rising frequency and intensity of weather disturbances attributed to climate change. He reflected on the past, stating, “Before, when we were growing up, we used to say Mindanao was typhoon-free. But due to climate change-because of things that

Manila: Joint operations by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Philippine Navy on Monday intercepted PHP19.2 million worth of suspected marijuana kush in the West Philippine Sea. Navy soldiers discovered a black duffle bag drifting at sea during a routine maritime patrol near Sabina Shoal, containing 32 heat-sealed plastic packs filled with dried buds of suspected marijuana, weighing approximately 16 kilograms. According to Philippines News Agency, the seized items were brought to the Philippine Navy facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, where documentation and inventory were conducted in coordination with the PDEA provincial office. PNP

Iloilo city: The local government here will regulate vending and other activities in line with the observance of the 2025 All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Executive Order 108, signed by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as and released on Monday afternoon, said the city “must strike a balance between the use of public places vis-a-vis the provision of livelihood economic enhancement to indigents.” According to Philippines News Agency, the influx of people during said observance induces commercial activity, particularly the vending of flowers, food, beverages, candles, and other related commodities, which form part of the customary practices associated with the

South cotabato: An official from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12 (Soccsksargen) urged the public on Tuesday to continue sharing intelligence to help prevent the spread of illegal drugs and marijuana in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA-12 Director Benjamin C Recites III made the appeal following a successful operation by anti-narcotics agents on October 19. During the operation, approximately 11,502 fully grown marijuana plants were uprooted and destroyed. The plants, located in Barangay Miasong, Tupi, South Cotabato, had an estimated market value of PHP2.3 million. Recites stated that the plantation was specifically located at the boundaries

Maguindanao del sur: Eight suspected local terrorists were apprehended during a collaborative law enforcement operation conducted by military and police units in Maguindanao del Sur, as announced by an Army official. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, reported that the arrests occurred Monday morning. The operation was initiated in response to tips from civilians regarding suspected extremists linked to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI)-Hassan Group. The suspects were located in a remote village at the border of Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns. The

Legazpi city: Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has directed the establishment of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to thoroughly investigate the shooting incident involving radio reporter Noel Bellen Samar in Guinobatan, Albay. This directive comes in response to the alarming attack that has raised concerns over the safety of journalists in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP is actively pursuing the gunman responsible for the attack on Samar, who is affiliated with Kadunong iTV and DWIZ in Legazpi City. The SITG ‘Samar’ has been formed to concentrate