General

Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced the detection of two vessels from the China People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) off the northern coast of Luzon on April 22. These developments highlight ongoing maritime activities in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, this observation was facilitated by the PN’s “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.” The PLAN vessels were identified at different locations, indicating separate operations. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was initially detected at approximately 3 a.m., positioned around 101.3 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC), has launched an investigation into the alleged disinformation on the purported kidnapping of several high-profile Chinese business personalities. This complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat the spread of disinformation under his governance agenda. According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that the JAFNAC, led by Deputy for Operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, is collaborating with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to conduct a focused and thorough probe. The aim is to identify and hold accountable those responsible

Tacloban: The Department of Tourism (DOT) has urged hotels and restaurants in Eastern Visayas to apply halal culinary practices amid growing global demand for Muslim-friendly tourist destinations. At a culinary event held Thursday at Summit Hotel here, the DOT brought together chefs, food industry players, and halal experts to showcase inclusive and culturally sensitive cuisine. According to Philippines News Agency, the gathering featured live cooking demos, discussions on halal practices, and insights into the regional food scene. In her speech, Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar acknowledged that there is a ‘certain demographic that is unable to enjoy or even explore

Manila: Pope Francis appointed 45 of the Philippines’ 86 active Catholic bishops, which is more than half, during his 12-year tenure as the head of the Catholic Church. This information was reported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). According to Philippines News Agency, Pope Francis’ first appointment of a Filipino bishop was Romblon Bishop Narciso Abellana in October 2013, shortly after he assumed the papacy. His final appointment was made on April 14, 2025, when he named Msgr. Glenn Corsiga as the bishop of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, just a week before his passing. The bishops appointed by

Manila: The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved a three-year program to improve food insecurity and malnutrition measures. The NEDA Board approved the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project during its final meeting on Wednesday before its transition to become the Economy and Development (ED) Council as mandated by Republic Act (RA) 12145. RA 12145 also gave the NEDA greater authority as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). According to Philippines News Agency, the REFUEL project is set to be implemented from July 2025