ASEAN, Japan seek stronger defense cooperation amid regional security challenges

ASEAN and Japan defense leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, and disruptions to global supply chains. The discussions took place during the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu….

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PNP-HPG warns personnel against unauthorized use of recovered vehicles

The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against the unauthorized use of recovered, stolen, and impounded motor vehicles following allegations raised during a Senate hearing that some vehicles under police custody were being used for personal purposes. In a statement issued Saturday, October 31, the PNP-HPG stressed that all recovered…

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Business groups flag ₱7.2-T budget over House insertions

By Tracy Cabrera Senate President Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian has assured the country’s business sector that the Senate would vet the proposed ₱7.2 trillion 2027 national budget, promising to strip away all politically driven, technically baseless congressional insertions. Gatchalian’s pronouncement came in direct response to a joint manifesto issued by major business groups which raised concerns over ₱180…

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BFP Central Luzon maintains full alert status for Undas 2026 The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon has maintained its Code Red or Full Alert Status as it intensifies public safety and emergency response operations across the region under Oplan Kaluluwa 2026. On Saturday, October 31, the BFP said its personnel remained deployed in…

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Philippine Navy deploys ships to secure ASEAN defense meeting in Cebu

The Philippine Navy deployed naval vessels across the Visayas to strengthen maritime security during the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, from October 28 to 29, 2026. The deployment formed part of the government’s security preparations to ensure the safety of delegates and the peaceful conduct of the regional defense…

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American arrested over P17.46-M marijuana kush seizure at NAIA

An American passenger was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after authorities intercepted approximately Php 17.46 million worth of suspected marijuana kush concealed inside food packages in his luggage on October 29, 2026. The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug…

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BuCor chief leads Undas commemoration for deceased PDLs at New Bilibid Prison

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. led a solemn commemoration for deceased persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Cemetery in Muntinlupa City on Saturday, October 31, 2026, emphasizing the importance of upholding human dignity even after death. Catapang attended a Holy Mass dedicated to departed PDLs…

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PCG records 114k port passengers traveling for ‘Undas’ nationwide

By Joyce Ann Rocamora MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recorded more than 114,000 passengers passing through ports nationwide as Filipinos observe this year’s Undas *All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day). In its latest tally Saturday, the PCG said it already logged at least 60,411 outbound passengers and 54,291 inbound passengers. The…

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