Day: December 17, 2025

Ilocos norte: The province of Ilocos Norte has remained generally peaceful in 2025 with the implementation of enhanced police operations and intensified campaigns against illegal drugs, wanted persons, and loose firearms, authorities said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, since Jan. 1, a total of 469 crime incidents were recorded in the province, down from last year’s 522. This data was presented by Lt. Col. Jephre Taccad, chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), during the 4th quarter meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Provincial Peace and Order Council.

Malaca±ang: Malaca±ang on Wednesday urged hospitals to submit complete records as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) continue processing claims, following reports of delayed reimbursements. This call to action follows a warning from the Commission on Audit regarding persistent deficiencies in processing over PHP1 billion worth of Return-to-Hospital (RTH) claims, potentially impacting the financial stability and operational efficiency of DOH-retained hospitals. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Clarie Castro emphasized the need for the DOH to organize and submit necessary documentation. Castro stated, ‘Sinabi po diyan na ayusin

Zamboanga city: The Western Mindanao Command has dismissed the Communist Party of the Philippines’ unilateral ceasefire declaration, emphasizing that a temporary pause in hostilities without renouncing armed struggle does not equate to genuine peace. Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, Westmincom commander, highlighted that the four-day ceasefire planned for Christmas and New Year’s will not alter the security landscape in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the CPP central committee announced the ceasefire on Monday, which is set to be in effect from December 25 to 26 and from December 31 to January 1, 2026. Despite the announcement, Gumiran insists that

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a ‘total and complete blockade’ of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, labeling the Maduro government as a ‘foreign terrorist organization.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Trump declared on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest naval force ever assembled in the history of South America. He stated that the blockade would continue until Caracas relinquishes ‘all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets.’ Trump accused Nicolas Maduro’s regime of using oil revenues to fund activities such as ‘drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder, and

Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday served free meals and distributed gifts to walk-in clients at the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Pasay City as part of the government’s efforts to address involuntary hunger and support individuals and families in street situations. According to Philippines News Agency, in line with the spirit of generosity and hope, Marcos served meals to beneficiaries and handed out gifts, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable sectors. This activity coincided with the holiday season, the first anniversary of the Walang Gutom Kitchen, and the inauguration of the Pag-abot Processing Center