General

Manila: Malaca±ang has rejected calls for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to deploy the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) to address alleged rising kidnapping cases, asserting that there is no widespread kidnapping spree in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized during a press briefing that the claims of a kidnapping spree are false and constitute fake news. She reassured the public that law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), are sufficiently equipped and capable of managing the situation. The appeal for military intelligence support followed the

Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has confiscated a total of over PHP1.6 million worth of illegal drugs during weeklong operations from April 14 to 20. In a report on Monday, PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon, said they will continue to deliver on their commitment to maintaining peace and order across the Bicol Region. According to Philippines News Agency, in the weeklong campaign, a total of 21 anti-drug operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 22 drug suspects. These efforts culminated in the confiscation of 37.243 grams of shabu and four grams of marijuana, with a

Manila: Archdioceses throughout the Philippines have expressed their sympathies for the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday morning in the Vatican. According to Philippines News Agency, in separate statements, the Archdioceses of Cebu, Lingayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan, and Palo, Leyte said they are one with the “Universal Church” in mourning the demise of the 88-year-old Holy Father. “The Archdiocese of Cebu joins the Universal Church in mourning the death of Pope Francis,” they stated. They invited all the lay faithful, clergy, and religious to offer prayers and Masses for the eternal repose of his soul, hoping the Lord grants him

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the reactivation of the inter-agency Livestock Data Analytics Group (LDAG) to protect both producers and consumers in the face of market volatility and supply fluctuations. This move aims to ensure stability and security within the agricultural sector. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the pivotal role of the LDAG in facilitating data-driven planning, forecasting, and policy creation under DA Special Order (SO) 599. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to guarantee food security, accessibility, and affordability. Laurel highlighted the necessity of up-to-date

Manila: A week after implementing significant price rollbacks, oil firms have announced a hike of over PHP1 per liter on pump prices starting Tuesday morning. According to Philippines News Agency, in separate advisories, several oil companies such as Caltex, Cleanfuel, Jetti, Petro Gazz, Seaoil, and Shell disclosed their plans to increase gasoline prices by PHP1.35 per liter and PHP1.30 per liter for diesel. Additionally, kerosene prices at Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell stations will increase by PHP1.10 per liter. Other oil firms are anticipated to follow the same pricing adjustments. Last week, these oil companies reduced gasoline prices by PHP3.60 per