Day: November 17, 2025

Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday denied allegations made by former lawmaker Mike Defensor concerning the alleged illegal detention and international flight using fake passports of John Paul Estrada, an aide to former Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co, and his wife. According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI urged Defensor to provide verifiable evidence rather than relying on hearsay if he continues to assert these accusations involving Estrada. The NBI emphasized that without credible proof, these allegations cannot be substantiated and warned of potential prosecution for malicious intent, which could damage the Bureau’s credibility and integrity. Defensor

Manila: The modernization of the Philippine National Police (PNP) received a significant boost with the acquisition of PHP1.672 billion worth of firearms and equipment. This procurement includes vital mobility and protection tools aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the police force. According to Philippines News Agency, the items procured consist of 322 unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, 383 4×4 personnel carriers, 32 heavy motorcycles, 225 light transport vehicles, and 400 light motorcycles. Additionally, the PNP acquired 3,000 5.56mm basic assault rifles, 155 units of 5.56mm light machine guns, 4,989 enhanced combat helmets, and 505 multi-mode mobile devices. The newly acquired

Quezon city: The Quezon City government announced it has completed 167 infrastructure projects in 2025, ahead of the launch of a new public dashboard in 2026 that will allow residents to monitor all city-funded construction. During Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, QC Engineering Department chief Mark Dale Peral reported that the completed projects amount to a total of PHP5.6 billion. According to Philippines News Agency, Peral stated that the completion rate is almost 50 percent higher compared to last year. Among the completed projects are the newly opened Elevated Landscape Promenade, a pedestrian- and bike-friendly structure linking the QC Circle to the

Bohol: Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) welcomed the start of wide-body aircraft operations, highlighting the Aboitiz-led airport’s capability to accommodate larger jets. A 459-seater A330 aircraft operated by Cebu Pacific for its Manila-Tagbilaran route landed at the BPIA on Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, “The arrival of the A330 demonstrates our commitment to elevating BPIA to world-class standards,” Aboitiz Operating Airports chief operating officer Terence Delomoney said in a statement on Monday. This capability allows airlines to increase capacity, introduce more direct flights, and bring more travelers to experience the beauty and culture of Bohol, he added. To recall, BPIA’s

Davao occidental: The Department of Agriculture launched the first Mobile Soil Laboratory in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, officials announced Monday (Nov. 17, 2025). The PHP42-million facility, housed in a 10-wheeler truck, brings advanced soil diagnostics directly to farmers’ fields. According to Philippines News Agency, Ma. Geneva Depra, chief of the DA-11 Soils Laboratory, emphasized that the mobile lab eliminates the need for long travel and waiting times for soil analysis. She explained that using the Mobile Soil Laboratory’s data-driven advice, farmers can significantly reduce unnecessary fertilizer inputs. The laboratory is equipped to test soil chemistry, physical structure, microbiology, and water