Day: November 18, 2025

Pasay city: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is anticipating positive developments in the mission to secure the release of Filipino seafarers currently detained by the Houthis in Yemen. Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro announced this during a press briefing held in the city. According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lazaro highlighted the support from partner countries in the Middle East, which are assisting the Philippines in its appeal for the release of the detained Filipinos. “We are hopeful that we have had very good relations with many of these countries. I cannot just divulge the negotiations or the discussions,” she

Surigao del norte: Police in Surigao del Norte arrested 78 suspects and seized illegal drugs, fish, lumber, and gambling cash in a three-day anti-crime blitz, officials reported Tuesday. The Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations conducted from November 14-16 resulted in the capture of eight fugitives, among them two individuals classified as “Most Wanted.” According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Warren Dablo, the provincial police director, stated that the operations led to the confiscation of 15.66 grams of narcotics valued at PHP106,488, along with the arrest of seven suspects involved in drug-related activities. The police intensified their efforts, focusing on various

Baybay city: More than 8,400 residents across eight rural villages will benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water with the near completion of the PHP114 million World Bank-funded Barangay Water System Development Project in Baybay City, Leyte. The Department of Agriculture 8 (Eastern Visayas) here reported on Tuesday that the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the local government unit of Baybay City completed the pre-final inspection of the project. According to Philippines News Agency, the new water system, which spans the villages of Plaridel, Maslug, Bitanhuan, Maitum, Punta, Jaena, Sabang, and Palhi, is designed to directly benefit

Northern samar: Northern Samar was officially placed under a state of calamity following the widespread destruction caused by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), the provincial government announced on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial government, in its official Facebook page, stated that the declaration was approved during a special session held on November 14, 2025, upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), chaired by Governor Harris Ongchuan. The declaration aims to expedite the province’s disaster response, rehabilitation, and recovery initiatives, particularly in severely affected communities. The PDRRM office reported that Super

Manila: The appointment of new officials to the Cabinet is expected to further boost the government’s bid for fiscal management and stability, among others, ensuring economic growth. This follows Malacanang’s announcement about former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s new position as Executive Secretary in lieu of former Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and Secretary Frederick Go, as new Department of Finance chief, from being the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. According to Philippines News Agency, the new appointments were made after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Department of Budget and Management (DBM)