General

Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has reported the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at over PHP1.4 million during a series of operations conducted from May 26 to June 1. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib stated that 19 anti-illegal drug operations led to the confiscation of 213.1630 grams of suspected shabu and three grams of marijuana. These substances collectively hold a market value of PHP1.44 million. The operations saw a continuous decline in illegal drug activities compared to previous efforts. Calubaquib noted that the quantity of

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero has stated that one month is sufficient for the government to decide on the long-delayed rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). He emphasized that a swift evaluation to determine whether to proceed with the project should be possible within this timeframe. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero expressed concerns regarding the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed two- to three-year timeline for the rehabilitation. He argued that with the availability of modern construction technologies, such a timeline is excessive. He specifically mentioned the use of advanced methods like quick-drying cement, which

Manila: Clean up the police force, act swiftly against erring officers, and ensure the police remain a source of public reassurance and protection. These were among President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm marching orders to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who officially took over the reins of the 231,000-strong police force on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos urged Torre to act decisively in investigating police officers involved in illegal activities. He emphasized the need to speed up investigations into cases involving police officers who break the law to deliver justice promptly. The President

Nasugbu: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the filing of criminal charges against four individuals accused of posing as law enforcers to kidnap three foreign nationals in Nasugbu, Batangas. The incident occurred early last month, targeting two Chinese nationals and one Korean who were on their way to a fishing trip. According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), reported that a kidnapping for ransom case has been filed against the alleged mastermind, Danilo Abilong. Another suspect, Jomar Ubarde, has been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping for ransom. Meanwhile,

Rome: Philippine mangoes have officially made their commercial debut in Italy, as over half a ton of the country’s prized tropical fruit recently arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport in an attempt to capture and win over the Italian market. According to Philippines News Agency, this marks the first time Philippine mangoes have been exported commercially to Italy, achieved through the collaborative efforts of Filipino entrepreneurs and support from the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Embassy in Rome. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that this initial mango export to Italy represents more than just a singular achievement, as