General

Manila: Several senators on Monday expressed their support for the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) plan to identify those allegedly bankrolling fake news campaigns on social media and called for a fair and balanced investigation. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Senate President Francis Escudero called for the separation of fact from opinion, stating that grievances from allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte should not justify the spread of disinformation. Escudero emphasized that while the NBI may act motu proprio, it typically initiates investigations based on formal complaints. He also noted a disparity in how such complaints

Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has successfully secured significant financial backing from Japan for various infrastructure projects, as well as health and climate change initiatives during a high-level meeting between the Philippines and Japan. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced that the meeting took place at the Bureau of the Treasury office, with senior Japanese officials led by Dr. Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, in attendance. This gathering marked the 15th Philippines-Japan High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation, aimed at expediting the implementation of Japan-supported projects in

Dinagat Islands: A decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel will soon become a tourist attraction in Dinagat Islands after Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. received approval for its transfer, officials said Monday. Demerey confirmed the approval of his October 2022 request to acquire the BRP Rizal (PS-74), which required clearance from the US State Department due to its American origins. According to Philippines News Agency, the World War II-era vessel, originally the USS Murrelet (AM-372), will be repurposed as a floating museum, hotel, and educational facility for local and foreign tourists. The Auk-class minesweeper served in the Korean War before being transferred to

Eastern Samar: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already delivered over 9,000 family food packs (FFPs) to Eastern Samar as part of its augmentation support for families affected by recent flooding caused by the shear line. According to Philippines News Agency, as of Sunday afternoon, approximately 9,292 FFPs have been transported to Eastern Samar, specifically targeting the towns of Taft, San-avid, San Policarpo, and Borongan City. “Currently, the agency is continuing to coordinate with other local government units to ensure that assistance is provided to others in need,” the DSWD Eastern Visayas regional office said in a

Butuan City: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Monday reported the arrest of two Korean nationals and nine Filipinos involved in illegal mining in Butuan City. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre stated that CIDG-Caraga operatives apprehended Joung Whan Oh and Young Gwan Mun, both Korean nationals, along with Filipino suspects known by the aliases John, Jenalyn, Herbert, Jenie, Noel, Macky, Beth, Marvin, and Elmer. The arrests took place in Barangay San Vicente on March 21. In cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources