Day: December 4, 2025

Manila: Select Department of National Defense (DND) personnel underwent “cyber exercises” earlier this week to beef up the agency’s cybersecurity readiness against looming threats from cyberspace. In a news release on Thursday, the DND said participants in CYBEX 2025 engaged in “rigorous cyber simulations” throughout the two-day event held on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, during the event, the participants were faced with realistic attack scenarios, pressure-driven decision points, and challenges designed to expose vulnerabilities – “situations aimed to mirror the threats confronting defense organizations worldwide,” the DND said. Among the threats the DND mentioned were ransomware

Albay: The provincial government of Albay, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has issued a directive for heightened preparedness due to the anticipated heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Wilma and the shear line. In an advisory Thursday, PDRRMC chair, Albay Governor Noel Rosal, ordered agencies and responders to remain on high alert, coordinate closely, and mobilize resources as needed. According to Philippines News Agency, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the combined effects of Tropical Depression Wilma, monsoon rains, and the shear line could significantly increase the risks of flooding, lahar flows, river swelling, and landslides in

Manila: Filipino warrior Annie Ramirez was voted as the top achiever for November by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA). The former University of Santo Tomas judoka ruled the women’s adult -57kg Gi and No-Gi divisions at the JJIF World Championships on Nov. 1-15 in Bangkok, Thailand. According to Philippines News Agency, Ramirez, a protege of SEA Games multi-medalist John Baylon, has won medals at the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships, AIMAG, and Asian Beach Games. The PSA’s monthly honor roll also includes Kimberly Anne Custodio, who competed in Thailand, billiards player Jonas Magpantay, and young gymnast Karl Eldrew

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) has granted the request of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to resume its role as counsel for the government officials named in the pending petitions filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. According to Philippines News Agency, during its session on Wednesday, the SC en banc approved the manifestation with entry of appearance filed by the OSG on the petitions challenging Duterte’s arrest and the Philippine government’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Initially, the OSG, through then Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, had requested to be excused from

Tokyo: The Japanese health ministry proposed Thursday that the cost of child delivery be fully covered by public health insurance. The proposal was presented to the Social Security Council’s medical insurance subcommittee, which discusses the advisability of eliminating out-of-pocket expenses related to childbirth. The council advises the health minister. According to Philippines News Agency, with the full insurance coverage of child delivery cost, which is intended to reduce the financial burden related to childbirth and close the regional gap in parturition cost, the ministry plans to abolish the existing allowance that is provided when a baby is born. The government