General

Manila: Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Tuesday a Chinese national in possession of electronic eavesdropping equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila. NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin identified the foreigner as Tak Hoi Lao, as stated in his Macao passport. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect was found with a gray Mitsubishi Adventure containing electronic equipment behind the back seat, cooled by a makeshift fan to prevent overheating. The device was identified as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, capable of intercepting mobile phone communications and tracking location data from other

Butuan City: The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) has taken a significant step to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming midterm elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by deploying 596 police personnel. This deployment aims to assist in maintaining order during the elections scheduled for May 12. According to Philippines News Agency, the send-off ceremony for the officers was led by PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano and Commission on Elections Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Samson. The group consists of 537 male and 59 female personnel, which includes nine commissioned officers. Lt.

Makati City: The Philippine government is ramping up efforts to boost economic growth and is currently focusing on digitalization, seen as a major source of productivity growth, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Tuesday. In a briefing at the sidelines of the High-Level Conference Middle-Income Countries (MIC) in Makati City, Balisacan said prioritizing digitalization is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that sources of economic growth will continue to evolve. According to Philippines News Agency, Balisacan emphasized that digitalization is a top priority for the government, aiming to enhance productivity both in the public

Manila: The human trafficking charges filed against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and 40 others mark a crucial step toward accountability, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday. ‘They had it coming,’ Hontiveros stated, referring to the Senate’s previous hearings that she claimed uncovered a ‘mountain of evidence’ – including documents, testimonies, and direct links – implicating the individuals in the operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that all those who played a role in human trafficking, torture, and deceit that enabled the

Manila: Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Tuesday called for continued coordination between Japan and the Philippines to counter coercive tactics in the East and South China Seas, as he reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific anchored on international law. In a statement delivered after a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Malaca±an Palace in Manila, Ishiba underscored the need for both countries to stand firm against actions that aim to alter the status quo. According to Philippines News Agency, Ishiba expressed hope that the two nations can continuously communicate with each