General

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

Negros Oriental: The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) has instructed local officials running in the upcoming May 12 elections to remove or cover their photos and names on government vehicles throughout the campaign period. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-NIR Assistant Regional Director Jossil Macute stated that this directive applies specifically during the campaign period for local candidates, which commences on March 28 and concludes on May 10. Macute emphasized the importance of preventing accusations of using government resources for personal campaign benefits, recommending that photos and names be temporarily removed or covered on ambulances, dump

Baguio City: It was business as usual for drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) here on Monday amid the start of a three-day nationwide transport strike set by groups opposed to the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). In a joint statement, 16 transport cooperatives and corporations operating in Baguio City and nearby areas voiced their support to the government’s PUVMP. According to Philippines News Agency, the groups expressed their unified stance saying, “United we stand in support to modernize the transport system in the Cordilleras.” While they are in favor of the PUVMP and have shunned the transport strike,