General

Ilocos Norte: The Provincial Veterinary Office of Ilocos Norte has issued a reminder for Palarong Pambansa delegates intending to transport processed pork products to adhere to both national and local policies governing the movement of animal products. This measure is aimed at preventing the spread of African swine fever (ASF). According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the provincial veterinarian, has reached out to the Department of Education seeking their assistance in disseminating information to ensure compliance with advisories issued by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry. This initiative is to prevent potential confiscation of products

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance their cooperation on digital and halal trade. During the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the strategic importance of ASEAN-GCC economic relations, highlighting the regions’ rich natural and human capital and their shared aspirations for prosperity and sustainable development. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted that while there is significant potential, current trade patterns remain limited and concentrated. He advocated for moving beyond traditional trade

Manila: Folk singer and songwriter Freddie Aguilar passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72. He was renowned in the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene for his influential songs and enduring contributions to Filipino music. According to Philippines News Agency, Aguilar’s wife, Jovie Albao, recently took to social media to announce his confinement at the Philippine Heart Center, though she did not disclose details regarding his condition. Aguilar is survived by his four children from a previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. Freddie Aguilar was celebrated as an OPM icon, famed for timeless songs such as “Anak,” “Magdalena,”

Dumaguete: The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) in the capital city of Negros Oriental has acknowledged the official clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the ballot count ‘discrepancy’ reported during the May 12 polls at a clustered precinct. The issue has now been resolved. According to Philippines News Agency, the DEB and its partner, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), have confirmed the clarification issued by the Comelec and the PPCRV National Headquarters in Manila. This clarification addressed the previously reported discrepancy concerning the number of ballots cast in a clustered precinct located in Barangay Calindagan. Msgr.

Garchitorena: The 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported on Tuesday that a combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been killed, and five others have surrendered to government troops in separate incidents across the Bicol Region. Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID spokesperson, stated that the rebel was killed after a 10-minute firefight with government troops in Barangay Salvacion, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, after the encounter, soldiers recovered an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, explosives, including seven anti-personnel mines, equipment for making improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and personal belongings from the rebels. “No casualties or injuries