Day: October 29, 2025

Cagayan de oro: During a surprise drug test on Wednesday, the joint ‘Oplan Harabas’ operation here identified seven bus drivers who tested positive for illegal drug use. According to Philippines News Agency, Alex Tablate, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10 (Northern Mindanao), said 109 bus drivers and conductors underwent pre-drug testing as part of preparations for the yearly Undas, or the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days every November 1 and 2. “The initiative aims to ensure drug-free roads by implementing surprise mandatory drug testing for drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles,” he stated.

Tacloban: The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) is poised to launch the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone in Eastern Visayas on November 5, 2025. This initiative aims to bolster justice sector coordination throughout the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone will be established in the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, and Calbayog in Samar. Simultaneous launch events are planned at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City, Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, and the Calbayog City Sports Center. The cities have fulfilled the rigorous criteria under the Justice Zone Components, necessitating the implementation of at least 40

Manila: Public and private stakeholders have agreed on a closer tie-up to ensure adequate and stable power supply during the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) on Nov. 1 and 2. The Department of Energy (DOE), in a statement, said it is closely working with power generation companies, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), distribution utilities, and cooperatives ‘to maintain uninterrupted power supply throughout the holiday period.’ According to Philippines News Agency, contingency measures are in place to address potential demand surges or localized disruptions. NGCP and distribution utilities will maintain heightened vigilance and

Nasipit: Flooding caused by heavy rains displaced 35 families, or 158 individuals, from Sitio Sumagayad in Barangay Culit, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday evening. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported Wednesday that the evacuees are temporarily sheltered at the Culit Gymnasium. According to Philippines News Agency, two individuals who were trapped by floodwaters were rescued Tuesday evening. “Floodwaters have subsided and are now at Yellow Level, but the MDRRMO personnel remain on full alert,” the MDRRMO said in a statement. The Sumagayad Spillway, which connects the sitio to other areas, remained impassable as of Wednesday

Prosperidad: A farmers association in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, received PHP1 million worth of livelihood starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment in Caraga Region (DOLE-13) on Tuesday. The San Jose Prosperidad Integrated Farmers Association (SJPIFA) was provided with 505 sacks of rice and additional materials to support their retail operations. According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-13 Regional Director Jason Balais spearheaded the turnover of the starter kits as part of the agency’s DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. During the event, Balais emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and documentation to ensure transparency and accountability in all