General

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday oversaw the destruction of nearly three million smuggled electronic vapes worth PHP3.26 billion at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) grounds at the South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. The seized goods, which include vapes, parts, and accessories, were part of a series of confiscations stemming from 10 separate operations carried out by the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), and the BOC Intelligence Group (IG). According to Philippines News Agency, in his remarks during the public condemnation of the contraband, Marcos emphasized the significance of these operations in curbing illegal

Dumaguete: The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is hopeful for a reclassification of one town and one city in Negros Oriental currently listed under the ‘red’ category of election areas of concern for the upcoming May 12 elections. Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, the newly appointed director of PRO-NIR, expressed this intent during a media interview, highlighting that Negros Oriental is the only area in the entire NIR with ‘red’ zones, specifically Guihulngan City and La Libertad town. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Wanky stated that there have been no recent reports of election-related violent

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has mandated two candidates in local posts for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections to provide explanations for their contentious remarks during recent campaign events. According to Philippines News Agency, the directive was issued through separate show cause orders under the auspices of the Task Force on Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe). The candidates in question are Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, who is seeking reelection, and Mataasnakahoy, Batangas Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, who is running for governor. Unabia allegedly stated that only attractive women should receive nursing scholarship

Gen. Trias: World amateur ranking points are at stake in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) which kicks off on April 8 at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite. The 15-leg tour features three age divisions, namely 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18. According to Philippines News Agency, Shinichi Suzuki and Charles Serdenia, who will join the annual San Diego event this July, banner the boys’ 15-18 division. Also competing are elite players Alonso Espartero, Alonso Corpus, John Paul Agustin, Jr., and Kristoffer Nadales. In the girls’ 15-18 bracket are Precious Zaragosa, Tiffany Bernardino, Rafa Anciano, and

Pasig City: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday ordered an agency fact-finding team to look into the reported malicious exploitation of a mentally challenged person who was put on video and forced to say negative things against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized that such acts could be considered exploitation and abuse of a person with a disability. He asserted that if the allegations are proven true, the Department would spearhead the filing of appropriate charges against those involved. In a now-viral video uploaded on the Journal Pasig