General

Manila: Rapid police action in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, led to the swift arrest of a rape suspect Thursday morning, just hours after the crime was reported. According to Philippines News Agency, the Bacuag police reported that a 27-year-old woman from Purok Lapu Lapu, Barangay Poblacion, approached the police station at 6:19 a.m. to report that her neighbor had raped her. The victim narrated that she woke up around 3 a.m. Thursday to find the suspect on top of her. He then threatened her with a knife. Following the report, Bacuag police quickly launched a manhunt, which led to the

Baler: The looming free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) is seen to greatly boost operations of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO). “The renewed push for the PH-EU free trade agreement strengthens APECO’s position as a future transshipment hub for our trade partners, especially from Europe. With our strategic location along the Pacific corridor, we offer a direct and efficient gateway for European goods entering the ASEAN market and vice versa,” APECO president and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV told the Philippine News Agency Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency,

Washington: Philippine officials are set to travel to the United States next week to engage in discussions with their American counterparts regarding the newly imposed 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports by the Trump administration. This rate marks an increase from the previously announced 17 percent back in April. According to Philippines News Agency, the tariff is slated to take effect on August 1, 2025. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, during a briefing on Thursday, indicated that she has yet to meet with other trade and economic officials to strategize on negotiations concerning the tariff issue. She refrained from providing detailed

Manila: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to five more local government units (LGUs) and institutions. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s program to equip all local government units with essential patient transport vehicles. According to Philippines News Agency, the latest recipients of the PTVs include the municipality of Benito Soliven in Isabela, San Pedro City in Laguna, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ospital ng Para±aque, and the Joint Task Force Unit Ilocos headquarters. PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the donation aims to enhance

Dumaguete: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the indemnification for hog farmers in two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental whose pigs were culled following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in previous years. Jaymar Vilos, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) spokesperson, announced that the local government units that qualified for the national government’s financial compensation are Bais City and Manjuyod. According to Philippines News Agency, the ASF outbreaks were reported in Bais City and Manjuyod in 2023 and in Valencia in 2024. Valencia swine raisers received the indemnification for their hog farmers last February. Vilos stated that