Day: November 13, 2025

Zamboanga city: Authorities arrested seven individuals and seized PHP21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a maritime operation in Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Thursday. Police discovered the contraband during a seaborne operation on Wednesday afternoon, according to acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, the police intercepted two motorized boats locally known as ‘Jungkung’ that were spotted navigating suspiciously near Sta. Cruz Island. Upon inspection, they discovered 300 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. The suspects, all adult males, were arrested while the seized items were brought

Manila: Eight ranking police officials got new assignments in the latest reorganization within the Philippine National Police (PNP). In an order dated Nov. 13, 2025, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. designated Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete as acting regional director of Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) based in Davao City, replacing Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles, who is transferred to the Personnel Holdings and Accounting Unit (PHAU) along with Col. Jonathan Abella of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group (EOD/K9). According to Philippines News Agency, police officers sent to PHAU usually do not have an assignment. Nartatez

Manila: Buying spree for cheap shares following the recent slide of the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) boosted the main gauge further on Thursday, while the peso gained against the U.S. dollar a day after dipping to its record-low level. The local bourse’s main index rose 0.23 percent to 5,726.99 points, but the broader All Shares declined by 2.81 percent to 3,400.68 points. According to Philippines News Agency, the local market extended its gains as the end of the US government’s shutdown with the signing of the funding bill compelled investors to do more bargain hunting, as reported by Philstocks

Catanduanes: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited Catanduanes to inspect areas devastated by Super Typhoon Uwan on Nov. 9. Marcos visited Tubli Elementary School in Barangay Tubli, Caramoran municipality, where he inspected the classrooms damaged by Uwan and those destroyed by Super Typhoon Pepito last year. He also inspected the damaged houses and the seawall in the same barangay. According to Philippines News Agency, in Barangay Tubli, a total of 158 houses were totally damaged, while 370 were partially destroyed, and nearly all motor bancas were smashed by the storm surge. Following the whole-of-government approach, Marcos instructed government

Baguio city: A growing number of Cordillera-based businesses are now actively taking part in government data-gathering efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, this move has signaled stronger trust and collaboration between the private sector and the agency. From only two or three participants in previous years, over 50 companies have joined this year’s Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (SPBI). The major increase reflects a positive shift in mindset toward transparency and data-driven development, according to Imelda Buyucan, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA-Benguet, during the 2025 SPBI Regional Respondents Forum on Thursday in Baguio City. ‘Before, when we invited participants