General

Manila: Over 27,000 families across three regions have been significantly impacted by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” and Typhoon Bising, internationally referred to as Danas. This information was reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the NDRRMC’s 8 a.m. report detailed that 27,401 families, amounting to 82,548 individuals, were affected in 14 barangays located in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 3 (Central Luzon), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Despite the large number of affected individuals, only two families or nine persons are currently

Antique: A team from the Department of Health (DOH) Central Office arrived in Antique on Monday to investigate the cause of the health emergency that affected around 268 learners in the two schools in Barangay Pis-Anan, Sibalom town last week. Antique Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo stated that the team, consisting of a doctor and two nurses from the DOH Central Office Epidemiology Bureau, specializes in investigating chemical exposure that led to symptoms such as chest pain and fainting among the students. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Naciongayo expressed hope that the findings and recommendations from

Seoul: More than 1 million shop owners in South Korea have closed their businesses in 2024, marking the first time in the country’s history, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported on Sunday, citing official data. The retail and restaurant industries made up nearly half of all businesses that shut down last year, according to data from the National Tax Service. According to Philippines News Agency, in 2024, a total of 1,008,282 individual and corporate businesses filed for closure, an increase of 21,795 from the previous year. It is the first time that business closures have surpassed 1 million since record-keeping began in

Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday revealed the “possible transfer” of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This announcement marks a significant development in the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, the PN is currently preparing for a Joint Visual Inspection (JVI) of these naval vessels after receiving an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defense. This inspection is a critical step in the exploratory discussions concerning the potential acquisition of these ships. The Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, matching the PN’s operational needs

Nueva ecija: Police arrested a robbery suspect and recovered several stolen items during a hot pursuit operation in Nueva Ecija on Sunday. The suspect, identified only as ‘Lex,’ 42, of Barangay Mambangnan, San Leonardo town, was nabbed around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Singalat, Palayan City. Reports said he robbed a 67-year-old victim identified as Fin, who also lives in San Leonardo, on July 3. According to Philippines News Agency, combined elements of San Leonardo and Palayan City police stations, Nueva Ecija Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Regional Special Operations Group-Central Luzon conducted the operation. Seized from the suspect were USD1,900 (about