General

Manila: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested 237 suspects and confiscated PHP53.9 million worth of evidence during its ‘focused operations’ against criminality nationwide from April 21 to 25. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the arrests included eight Chinese nationals, 13 regional most wanted persons, 32 provincial-level most wanted fugitives, and a member of the Ocariza Criminal Group of Cebu. The operatives also seized 28 loose firearms and assorted ammunition as well as illegal products, including substandard cigarettes, unregistered beauty products, animal feeds, and other evidence, totaling PHP53.88 million.

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concerns over the reported ‘punit’ (rip) passport incidents, stating that such deliberate tampering poses a threat to the Philippines’ tourism industry. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian highlighted that unchecked tampering could deter tourists and weaken trust in the nation’s airport system. He emphasized the severity of the ‘punit passport’ scheme and its potential impact on the country’s image as a tourist destination, urging immediate accountability for those involved. Gatchalian called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airport authorities to develop security protocols that secure passenger safety while maintaining convenience. DOTr Secretary Vince Hizon

Cotabato City: The Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) reiterated its firm commitment on Thursday to ensuring peaceful, honest, and orderly elections across the region on May 12. Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, the director of PRO-BAR, urged all citizens, local government officials, and law enforcement partners to collaborate actively in safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process. According to Philippines News Agency, Macapaz expressed confidence in the preparedness of the police force, stating, “We are fully prepared to protect the sanctity of the ballot and the safety of every voter. Our police personnel are deployed not only to

Cebu: The ‘Bente Pesos na Bigas Meron Na’ program is set to launch as a strategic response to the ongoing oversupply of rice in local markets, serving as a dual-purpose initiative to curb inflation and support local farmers, according to an official statement made on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Agriculture (DA) Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa highlighted the program’s objective to balance supply and demand issues ahead of its official launch in Cebu. De Mesa emphasized that the initiative is designed to benefit both ordinary Filipinos and the farmers themselves, by addressing the critical economic

Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) assured on Thursday that the government has been intensifying interventions in schools following reports of more than 18 million high school graduates from 2019-2024 considered ‘functional illiterate’. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said instead of memorization, the agency is making efforts to help students become critical thinkers while teaching them 21st-century skills. According to Philippines News Agency, Angara emphasized that no child will be allowed to fall behind in reading and comprehension. The recent FLEMMS results on functional literacy underscore the necessity for literacy to be central in educational reforms. The government is focused on