General

Bulacan: A newly identified high-value target in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Bulacan early Tuesday morning, yielding over PHP686,000 worth of suspected shabu. According to Philippines News Agency, the 2 a.m. operation in Barangay Borol 2nd was spearheaded by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 3 (RPDEU3), with support from the Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RSOG3), Balagtas Municipal Police Station, and the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit. Authorities identified the suspect as alias Omar, 36 years old, a resident of Barangay Panginay, Balagtas town. He was caught in possession of 101 grams of suspected

Manila: In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that all Filipinos affected by disasters will never get hungry, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to strengthen its relief supply chains and logistic capabilities through the “Buong Bansa Handa” (BBH) Program. According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group emphasized the urgency of this initiative during the National Press Club’s Meet the Press forum in Intramuros, Manila. Dumlao highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability to disasters, as reflected in its ranking as number one in the

Manila: The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) reported on Tuesday a steady increase in new international flights as well as carriers offering services via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This came shortly after flag carrier Philippine Airlines launched direct services to Da Nang. Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific (CEB) was the first to launch the nonstop flight to the Vietnamese city in December 2023. According to Philippines News Agency, NNIC president Ramon Ang stated, “We are scoring quick wins where we can by improving systems, facilities, and passenger flow. The results: we are now able to accommodate more flights and reduce

Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) thrice-weekly direct services between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam commenced Tuesday, with a planned increase to four flights a week by November. According to Philippines News Agency, Flight PR 585 Manila-Da Nang is scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 p.m. The Da Nang-Manila flight PR 586 is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1:35 p.m., arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:10 p.m. “This flight is more than a connection between two cities. It’s a bridge between our people, cultures, and shared dreams,”

Makati: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed a strong desire for the proposed multi-role fighter (MRF) program to advance as a complete package, incorporating an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and aerial tankers for mid-air refueling. This comprehensive approach ensures that the MRF program functions as an operational force package, Teodoro stated during a media briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized that the integration of these platforms would enable MRFs to perform their missions effectively. He highlighted the necessity of acquiring AWACS capability, which many countries find