General

Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region (BFAR-13) assured the public that shellfish and other marine products harvested from the region’s waters are safe for consumption. According to Philippines News Agency, this assessment is contained in a Shellfish Bulletin released by BFAR, with a copy obtained on Wednesday. “Shellfish and seawater samples collected from the coastal waters of Hinatuan, Lianga, and Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur, as well as from San Benito in Surigao del Norte, continue to test negative for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), commonly known as toxic red tide,” stated BFAR-13. The

Manila: The Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) has taken decisive action by filing a motu proprio petition for the disqualification of Pasig City congressional candidate Christian Sia. The petition, submitted on Wednesday, targets Sia for violating Comelec Resolution 11116, which outlines the Anti-Discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for this year’s midterm elections. The violation stems from Sia’s lewd remarks about single mothers during an April 3 campaign event. According to Philippines News Agency, task force head Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada emphasized that Sia’s comments, where he expressed readiness to sleep with

Manila: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday said the formalization of its partnership with globally-recognized Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) showcases its commitment to strengthen evidence-based peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stated that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with IEP on Monday is a major step in the Philippines’ quest to achieve long-lasting peace, embedding data-driven strategies at the heart of its peacebuilding efforts. He noted that the research and data analysis tools provided by IEP

Lingayen: The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has implemented a flag warning system on Lingayen beach to enhance safety measures during the Holy Week and the annual Pistay Dayat festival. Beachgoers are urged to pay attention to this system to prevent accidents, particularly drowning incidents. According to Philippines News Agency, Pia Flores, assistant director of the PDRRMO’s Emergency Operations Center, explained in a media interview that color-coded flags-red, yellow, green, and purple-have been strategically installed along the shoreline. These flags are intended to guide beach visitors and ensure their safety. “The red flag indicates a high-hazard

Dumaguete: Caretakers and artisans of religious images are once again busy with the upcoming processions marking the observance of the Holy Week. But with the preparations comes a reminder: follow guidelines. According to Philippines News Agency, Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, head of the Committee on Church Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Dumaguete, emphasized the importance of adhering to the Catholic Church’s guidelines for vesting religious images. He highlighted that the “camareros,” or caretakers, should pay attention to details like the color of garments during religious events, particularly the Holy Week. The term “camareros” refers to those involved in preparing