General

Manila: Twenty-nine areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to danger-level heat indices while the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will continue to bring rains across Mindanao, the weather bureau said Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, the heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air. A peak heat index of 45°C is forecast in Mu±oz, Nueva Ecija, as per the 5 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices: Laoag, Ilocos Norte with 42°C, Dagupan

North Cotabato: The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in North Cotabato confirmed a case of monkeypox (mpox) infection, with the patient currently stable but still in isolation. According to Philippines News Agency, the IPHO-North Cotabato, under the leadership of Dr. Eva Rabaya, identified the mpox case as a 30-year-old man from Tulunan town. The agency confirmed that the patient was informed of the infection upon detection and is currently in a stable condition. The mpox variant, identified as Clade II, poses a low risk. The man sought early medical consultation after experiencing symptoms and has been cooperating with the local

Rome: United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania visited Pope Francis’ coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, offering a moment of silent prayer before the funeral. According to Philippines News Agency, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, joined by his daughter Laura, along with several other world leaders, also paid their respects ahead of the late pontiff’s final rites. Meanwhile, Trump also met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky before the funeral service, Sky News quoted Vatican sources as saying. The two leaders agreed to meet later on Saturday after the funeral, according to the report.

Bataan: The Philippine Navy (PN) announced a significant achievement as one of its newly acquired missile boats successfully tested the Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missile system off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan. The test marks a crucial step in the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos confirmed the successful live-fire demonstration of the Spike NLOS missile system aboard the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909). The missiles were launched and successfully struck a target located approximately 24 kilometers away, showcasing the system’s capability and precision. This event is part of the PN’s

Vatican City: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, paid tribute to Pope Francis’ unwavering spirit of sacrifice in his homily at the late pontiff’s funeral in St Peter’s Square on Saturday. “Despite his final fragility and suffering, Pope Francis chose to walk the path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life,” Cardinal Re said during the homily attended by thousands of mourners, including world leaders. According to Philippines News Agency, Cardinal Re emphasized how Pope Francis followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd, who loved his sheep to the point