General

Manila: The Philippines is an independent country and does not act as a “chess piece” to any global power, Malaca±ang said Thursday as it took a swipe at China’s remarks about the country’s defense cooperation with other nations. China’s foreign ministry earlier suggested that those who ‘willingly serve as chess pieces’ for other nations would ultimately be abandoned. The statement further called on some individuals in the Philippines to stop serving as ‘other countries’ mouthpiece’ for personal political agendas. The remarks came ahead of the scheduled visit of United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the country on March

Mati City: Mati City emerged as the top performer at Thursday’s prestigious PaNaTa (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon) Ko sa Bayan Awards, claiming five major honors from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its innovative social programs. According to Philippines News Agency, the coastal city in Davao Oriental province received the Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan for its Microenterprise Development Model, which has become a national benchmark. It also earned first place in the Serbisyong Mahusay category for its sectoral programs benefiting youth, seniors, and children. Additional accolades included first place in both the Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga for compassionate

Bacolod City: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has officially activated its 18th Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Negros Island Region (NIR), aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster security and governance in the newly formed region. This move marks a significant step towards enhancing law enforcement and public safety in the area. According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that the establishment of the PRO-NIR follows the January 9, 2025 resolution by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) under Republic Act (RA) 12000, which facilitated the creation of this region. The Napolcom

Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Thursday called on the international community to take coordinated action against transnational criminal networks operating scam hubs in Southeast Asia. This appeal came after she personally welcomed several Filipinos, who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that the Philippine government cannot tackle this issue alone and urged governments and international bodies to work collectively to ensure the safety of citizens. She expressed gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department

Davao Oriental: Davao Oriental province launched a specialized task force on Thursday to combat drug trafficking through its seaports, deploying a multi-agency approach to secure the region’s maritime borders. According to Philippines News Agency, the newly formed Davao Oriental Seaport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Force (DOSIDIT) will operate from a command center at Mati City’s Balay Silangan Compound, coordinating intelligence and interdiction efforts among 10 national and local agencies. Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, serving as task force co-chair, emphasized the province’s zero-tolerance policy. “This task force reinforces our commitment to shutting down all drug smuggling routes through our