Day: December 15, 2025

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the strict enforcement of a one-strike policy against indiscriminate firing as part of heightened security measures during the holidays. PNP Acting Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that anyone, whether civilian or police personnel, found engaging in indiscriminate firing will face immediate action, without warnings or second chances. According to Philippines News Agency, this measure is intended to deter irresponsible behavior and prevent injuries and deaths, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police personnel found to have been involved in indiscriminate firing will be held administratively and criminally

Tacloban: The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office has officially rolled out the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’ program in two towns in Leyte province. This initiative aims to ensure that the public has access to affordable rice. According to Philippines News Agency, around 1,500 families in Palo town, belonging to vulnerable sectors, benefitted from the program’s rollout. The beneficiaries include those from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Indigenous People, farmers, and fisherfolk. In La Paz town, an additional 1,000 beneficiaries were able to access affordable staple rice. Each beneficiary from Palo and

Zamboanga city: The Philippine Navy seized PHP39.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in three maritime interdiction operations around Basilan and Zamboanga City, officials reported Monday. Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command, said the biggest haul occurred Sunday when Navy personnel apprehended a fishing vessel southeast of Tolonpisa Island, Basilan. According to Philippines News Agency, the operation netted 519 master cases of cigarettes worth PHP29.9 million and led to the arrest of five crewmen. Earlier interceptions on Friday and last Monday also resulted in the confiscation of an additional PHP9.9 million worth of contraband

Manila: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Monday expressed its support for the establishment of an independent fact-checking body, while emphasizing that the government’s primary approach to combating false online content remains public debunking and coordination with law enforcement. According to Philippines News Agency, PCO Undersecretary Ramon Ilagan made this clear during a Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on proposed measures against fake news and online disinformation. Ilagan explained that the PCO does not possess the authority to mandate the immediate removal of false content, as the agency’s responsibilities are centered around public education. Ilagan stated,

Manila: Diesel and kerosene prices will see a reduction of PHP0.20 per liter on Tuesday, while gasoline prices will increase by PHP0.20 per liter. The adjustments are set to take effect at 6 a.m. on December 16. According to Philippines News Agency, Seaoil announced the forthcoming price changes in an advisory issued on Monday. Other major fuel companies, including Jetti Petroleum, PTT Philippines, and Petron, also confirmed that they will implement similar adjustments for their diesel and gasoline products at the same time. This marks the third consecutive week of gasoline price increases. However, the prices for diesel and kerosene