Law enforcement authorities seized an estimated P1.1 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes on Wednesday in Batangas City after a stolen vehicle investigation led them to a fleet of abandoned trailer trucks. The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) discovered the massive contraband stash in Sitio Singko, Barangay Balete, while tracking a sedan…
The Philippine Department of Health reported a 5 percent increase in cases of stroke, heart disease, and asthma during the 2025 holiday season compared to the previous year. Data released on Wednesday showed that 288 cases of acute stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma were recorded from December 21 until the early morning of…
The order to activate the Emergency Operations Center in Tandag City for emergency response ahead of the New Year festivities. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMO Tandag) BUTUAN CITY – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRM) Council in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and raised its alert status to “blue”…
With less than six months to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, organizers are bracing for what could be their most challenging opponent yet: extreme heat. Soaring temperatures across the United States, Mexico and Canada pose safety issues for players and fans and a host of logistical issues that remain far from settled….
South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol (Yonhap) SEOUL — South Korea will extend the waiver on visa processing fees for group tourists from six countries, including the Philippines, for another six months, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced Wednesday. Under the plan, the exemption for C-3-2 group tourist visas—originally set to expire Wednesday—will remain in effect until the…
CitizenWatch Philippines warned the Securities and Exchange Commission that its new interest rate caps on small loans may restrict access for borrowers. The SEC memorandum, issued on December 10, limits nominal interest rates to six percent per month and effective rates to 10 percent per month for loans of P10,000 and below. “If compliance leads…
Metro Manila police urged residents to turn over unused firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to authorities following a deadly explosion linked to discarded fireworks. NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin issued the appeal on New Year’s Eve after police collected about P1.4 million worth of illegal fireworks set for destruction early next year. “Just surrender any…
House of Representatives of the Philippines Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez on Wednesday rejected claims that lawmakers received “Christmas bonuses,” saying the checks cited by a colleague were regular disbursements for House operations. Alvarez said the checks posted by Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste did not indicate misuse of public funds or a lack of…
PRO-BAR Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman (File photo courtesy of PRO-BAR) COTABATO CITY – All police units across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are on heightened alert for possible saboteurs during festivities welcoming the New Year, a police official said Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region…
ISTANBUL – Thailand on Wednesday released 18 Cambodian soldiers it had detained since July, officials said, as the ceasefire between the two nations continued to hold. The move came after the two countries declared a ceasefire Saturday after nearly three weeks of border clashes that killed at least 99 people, including civilians. Thailand “repatriated the 18…