Category: General

LEGAZPI CITY: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 in Bicol has heightened security protocols across its municipalities, focusing on coastal areas following the discovery of a Chinese submarine drone off the coast of Masbate. The underwater device, identified as a Chinese navigation and communication system, was found in the waters of Barangay Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon confirmed that the object, marked HY-119, was discovered by local fishermen on December 30, 2024. The fishermen handed over the device to local authorities, prompting the deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel

BICOL: The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) has reported a total of 36 fireworks-related injuries across the region, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with holiday celebrations. The injuries, recorded between December 21 and December 31, 2024, occurred in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, and Naga City. According to Philippines News Agency, healthcare facilities throughout Bicol treated the injured individuals, including eight at the Bicol Medical Center and 12 at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Additionally, eight patients were treated at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, one at the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric

MANILA: The social and advocacy branch of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful to unite in fostering hope within the church as the 2025 Jubilee Year approaches. This initiative aims to strengthen faith, spread hope, and uphold commitments to service, compassion, and justice. According to Philippines News Agency, Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo emphasized the active nature of hope, urging believers to act with boldness and fidelity. He highlighted the importance of supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities, aligning with the church’s mission of service. Bagaforo also underlined the church’s duty to

MAKATI CITY: Makati City experienced a significant decline in air quality during New Year’s Eve, reaching “very unhealthy” levels due to the extensive use of firecrackers and fireworks, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). According to Philippines News Agency, Jundy del Socorro, the chief of the Air Quality Management Section of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), stated in an interview that air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) escalated alarmingly during the celebrations. “Noong New Year o kasagsagan, mula 12 midnight hanggang alas 2 ng madaling araw, tumaas siya hanggang 160 percent na mas

BACOLOD CITY: In response to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has implemented a network of 20 community kitchens that are delivering essential meals to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and support personnel. The initiative has been pivotal since the volcano’s eruption last month, which has significantly affected local communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted the efforts during his New Year address to Capitol employees, emphasizing the substantial impact of the community kitchens. “Through our 20 community kitchens, we provided for more than 10,000 IDPs, camp managers, volunteers, peacekeepers, and social