General

Kidapawan: Reelected Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista on Tuesday intensified his efforts for transparency and good governance by working to improve anti-corruption policies and to boost the image of local public servants. Evangelista, currently serving his second term, highlighted five key changes that all elected officials and government workers in Kidapawan City should adopt and strictly follow. According to Philippines News Agency, the changes include strict compliance with a ‘No Gift Policy’ in all offices, extending to barangay local government units. “We are paid by the government; thus, gifts and tips are not necessary to perform our tasks,” Evangelista, a lawyer,

Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental provincial government unveiled the new Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) Global Campus, an innovation hub designed to be future-ready, industry-responsive, and globally connected. According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP135-million structure is situated on a 2.5-hectare donated land in Barangay Matab-ang, marking its permanent home after nearly 17 years at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City. The NOLITC Global Campus features a three-story building equipped with classrooms and laboratories for courses including Contact Center Services, Animation and 2D Animation, Visual Graphics Design, Computer-Aided Design, Robotics, and e-sports. The main building also

Iloilo city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has pledged to take action against the vessel owner and manning agency responsible for the plight of six Filipino seafarers stranded for two months off Loboc in Iloilo City. The manning agency, Erica Crew Manning Services Inc., is currently suspended and may face license revocation. According to Philippines News Agency, Patricia Yvonne Caunan, chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), announced in an online briefing that the Filipino crew of the bulk carrier MV Herman Star disembarked on Monday night and received financial assistance from the government. The six Filipino and

Manila: The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested 340 individuals and confiscated PHP6.7 million worth of evidence and 31 unlicensed firearms during a 10-day nationwide operation. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz stated that 289 coordinated operations conducted from June 19 to 28 resulted in the arrest of fugitives, high-profile suspects, and law violators. Authorities confiscated PHP6.7 million worth of evidence, including illegal liquefied petroleum gas products, unregistered vape products, trademark-infringing and smuggled cigarettes, and bets from illegal gambling activities. The nationwide ‘Oplan Pagtutugis’ (Pursuit) operation led to the

Manila: The results of an Octa Research survey showed that more than half, or 57 percent, of Filipinos are in favor of the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from April 22 to 24, revealed that 37 percent opposed the idea while 6 percent were undecided. According to Philippines News Agency, the survey highlighted that the majority of respondents from Metro Manila, Luzon, and the Visayas, amounting to 60 percent, support the move for the Philippines to return to the ICC. However, the strongest opposition was seen in Mindanao, where 66 percent of