Day: November 18, 2025

Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have seized more than PHP128.5 million worth of suspected shabu in the province since January 1, an official reported on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated that during this period, 477 individuals were arrested in 453 anti-illegal drug operations throughout the province. In addition to the shabu, authorities also confiscated approximately 208 grams of suspected marijuana, valued at over PHP37,000. Lt. Polinar explained that the suspects were apprehended during regular police operations or while conducting Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO).

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday denied the petition filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa seeking to compel the production of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case originated from a petition filed on March 11 by Duterte and Dela Rosa, challenging Duterte’s arrest and the Philippine government’s cooperation with the ICC. According to Philippines News Agency, the respondents in the case included then Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, then Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, among others. Following the filing of the petition,

Manila: An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday reminded private sector employers in the country of their obligation to grant the 13th month pay of their employees before Dec. 24. According to Philippines News Agency, Director Alvin Curada of the DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) stated that Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has already issued a reminder about the mandatory payment, which is to be made a day before Christmas Day. “Sec. (Laguesma) has already announced that as early as the beginning of Nov. and even the last week of Oct., reminded employers of their responsibilities to

Manila: The running total of applications received during voter registration activities has now approached 500,000 since the initiative began in the middle of last month, in connection with the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). According to Philippines News Agency, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported processing 484,334 applications, which include voter registration and transfer of registration from other cities or municipalities, among others, from October 20 to November 16. The data highlights that Calabarzon recorded the highest number of applications processed, with 103,752, followed by the National Capital Region with 63,030; Central Luzon, 54,080; Central Visayas, 28,047;

Manila: PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. (PLDT-Smart) have embarked on a pioneering pilot test of remote-controlled robotic arms in their cell towers, aiming to enhance real-time network optimization and coverage, particularly in areas that have been underserved. According to Philippines News Agency, the innovative technology, known as the Optical Compass and Robot Arm (OCRA) system, enables operators to remotely adjust antennas for immediate optimization. This system is designed to boost coverage in target areas, reduce operational costs, and improve overall network performance. The pilot and proof of concept are being conducted in collaboration with OCRA manufacturer HUMAX