Category: General

Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has urged the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other law enforcement agencies to identify individuals who assisted former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in leaving the Philippines without detection. According to Philippines News Agency, the call from the senator follows the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) revelation on Tuesday that Roque had his counter-affidavit for a qualified trafficking case notarized in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In a press conference, Roque explained that his visit to Abu Dhabi was solely for the purpose of notarizing his document at the Philippine Consulate, and he confirmed that

Manila: A Japanese government official reaffirmed Tokyo’s support for the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) contributions toward enhancing regional safety and security in the maritime sector. During a courtesy visit at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila, Japan Deputy Director General and Deputy Assistant Minister of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Miyamoto Shingo thanked the PCG and expressed his support for its missions. According to Philippines News Agency, Miyamoto emphasized the shared efforts between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting a mutual understanding of the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of

BUTUAN CITY: Police in Surigao del Sur arrested two high-value targets and seized more than PHP1 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation Tuesday in Purok 5, Barangay Ganayon, Lianga town. Col. Harry Domingo, chief of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), reported Wednesday that authorities confiscated approximately 150 grams of shabu, two .45 caliber pistols, three magazines, and 19 rounds of live ammunition during the operation. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects were identified as Archie Boquecosa Alpuerto, 44, a resident of Purok Kalipayan, Barangay Bungtod, Tandag City, and Juvan Suarez Duero, 38, a carpenter

Manila: The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has initiated the distribution of approximately PHP100 million in production grants aimed at enhancing local tobacco production, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday. This initiative is part of efforts under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., facilitated by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., and the NTA, to improve the quality of tobacco produced. According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance targets at least 16,666 eligible tobacco farmers for the cropping year 2024 to 2025, which started in September and will conclude in June of the following

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Authorities seized smuggled cigarettes worth PHP15.3 million and arrested a 25-year-old laborer during an anti-smuggling operation Tuesday in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, director of Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), said Wednesday the operation took place around 3:40 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Laih, and was conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Customs. According to Philippines News Agency, confiscated during the operation were 261 master cases, 314 reams, and 33 packs of assorted smuggled cigarettes. “The PRO-9 remains committed to continuing its efforts against illegal smuggling and other criminal activities in the region,” Masauding said