General

Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday summoned Philippine Airlines (PAL) to explain the recent diversion of flight PR102 to a Japanese airport. In a statement, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to issue show cause orders to PAL to explain the incident and to ensure compensation for the affected passengers. Dizon has also ordered CAAP to investigate the incident. According to Philippines News Agency, on Wednesday, PAL flight PR102 departed for Los Angeles in the United States but was diverted to Haneda Airport in Japan

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that Maj. Mae Ann Cunanan, one of its female officers, will represent the Philippines in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) organized by the United States Department of State. The program, focusing on “Combating Human Trafficking,” includes distinguished participants from around the world, such as law enforcement professionals, policymakers, and advocates. According to Philippines News Agency, the IVLP opens on April 12 and will take place in various US locations including Washington D.C., Detroit, and San Francisco. The program is designed to facilitate high-level discussions, the exchange of best practices, and the exploration

Para±aque City: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP28.5 million during a buy-bust operation in Para±aque City on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of one suspect and the arrest of three others. According to Philippines News Agency, the anti-narcotics body stated that the suspects, with aliases Lala, Allan, and Binny, were nabbed during the operation in Barangay San Antonio at about 5 p.m. Another suspect, alias Sady, was killed while four PDEA agents were wounded in the ensuing gunfight. Seized from the operation were 4.2 kilograms of suspected shabu, a

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expressed openness to discussing a proposal from the steelmakers’ group to ban the use of induction furnaces in local steel production. Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist John Steven Magboo noted that while there is no current policy prohibiting induction furnaces for steel production, the DTI is willing to engage in discussions on the issue and the manufacturing process of steel parts. According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay event in Malate, Manila, Magboo invited industry stakeholders to provide data supporting their claims

Negros Oriental: The Negros Oriental police is preparing to fully deploy its personnel ahead of Holy Week, with heightened security measures starting Palm Sunday on April 13. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), said they are awaiting final orders for the implementation of Oplan Semana Santa from higher authorities. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Polinar stated, “We anticipate being placed under full alert status in the coming days, which would mean all personnel will be on duty unless there are exceptional circumstances.” Police officers will be stationed at high-traffic areas, such as churches,