Category: General

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced that 20 members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities between January 16 and 18 under the government’s Oplan “Balik-Loob” program. This program aims to encourage insurgents to return to peaceful civilian life. According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office-Region-Central Luzon (PRO-3) indicated that the majority of these surrenders occurred on January 14. Among those who surrendered were seven individuals from the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid in Guimba, five from the Alyansa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa in Laur, and two from Bulacan. In addition to

Ilocos Norte: The greater white-fronted goose, a rare bird species, was spotted for the first time at Paoay Lake National Park this week, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Rhoel Marcelo, ecosystem management specialist at DENR-Ilocos Norte, confirmed the sighting during the agency’s annual bird census. The sighting was documented by Cecil Morella, a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines. “The greater white-fronted goose is a rare species and a first record at the Paoay Lake National Park,” Marcelo said as he shared its photo taken by Morella. According to Philippines News Agency,

Washington: Filipino lawyer Jordan Pizarras, legal counsel to American businessman Timothy Strong, will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20, highlighting the United States’ commitment to fostering strong ties with the Philippines, particularly concerning the resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to Philippines News Agency, Strong, a major shareholder in PXP Energy Corporation, has been instrumental in efforts to develop Service Contract 72 (SC 72) in the Reed Bank/Recto Bank basin, west of Palawan Island. PXP Energy, listed on the London Stock Exchange, holds the concession to explore the energy-rich SC 72,

Nueva Ecija: Four alleged online scammers were arrested during an entrapment operation in Barangay Burnay, Talavera, Nueva Ecija, early Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, Nueva Ecija police director, Col. Ferdinand Germino, reported that the suspects, including a 25-year-old male and a 22-year-old female from Barangay Burnay, along with two 28-year-old males from Barangay San Pascual, were apprehended following a complaint by a 32-year-old co-owner of a motorsport shop, identified as Renz. Cordova, who was scammed, indicated that a fifth suspect, a 24-year-old male, posed as a buyer and presented a falsified online transaction slip for motor parts valued at

MOSCOW: The 11th International Press Photo Contest for Young Photographers, held in memory of acclaimed photojournalist Andrei Stenin, has officially begun accepting entries. The competition traditionally launches on December 22, commemorating Stenin’s birthday, and honors his legacy following his tragic death in 2014 near Donetsk. According to Philippines News Agency, Oksana Oleinik, curator of the contest, expressed excitement over its continued success. ‘Despite the challenges of our times, the contest remains a beacon for professional photographers worldwide, celebrating integrity and artistic expression. Through their lenses, participants reflect themes of compassion and humanity, fostering global understanding,’ Oleinik said. The competition is