The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), dismissively responding to Chinese claims that such operations undermine regional stability. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the AFP will not be deterred by Beijing’s…
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) intensified its nationwide crackdown on substandard transport hubs this week, issuing Show Cause Orders and notices to comply to 29 additional bus and public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals. The enforcement action, carried out under the direction of the Department of Transportation, aims to ensure that facility operators…
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela has extended an invitation to Senator Rodante Marcoleta to join a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) following the lawmaker’s controversial suggestions regarding the territory. Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, issued the invitation via social media on Saturday, offering…
State meteorologists warned of potential flash floods and landslides on Sunday as the shear line and northeast monsoon continue to bring heavy rains across several regions of the Philippines. In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the shear line is currently bringing cloudy skies with…
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday announced it is closely monitoring the situation in Islamabad following a suicide bombing at a mosque that killed at least 31 people and injured over 160 others. The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad is currently verifying the status of Filipinos in the area. Initial reports indicate no Philippine…
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the formation of a dedicated inter-agency committee to manage the Philippines’ participation in the Green Expo 2027, an international horticultural exhibition set to take place in Yokohama, Japan. Through Administrative Order No. 41, signed on Feb. 4 and released by Malacañang on Saturday, the President established the Philippine Organizing…
The Cambodian government on Saturday officially denied reports that fugitive Filipino businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang is hiding within its borders, stating there are no official records of his entry into the country. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodian authorities clarified that a review of immigration data showed…
More than 64,000 families across four regions have been affected by Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha), which has now weakened into a low pressure area (LPA), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday. In its latest situational update released at 5 a.m., the NDRRMC confirmed that 64,360 families—totaling approximately…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) concluded a five-day series of high-level military exercises on Saturday, aimed at bolstering defense interoperability and regional security. The drills, which ran from February 2 to 6, featured coordinated maneuvers across various locations in Luzon and the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “The…
A team of Filipino and international botanists has identified a new Begonia species, Begonia ilinensis, discovered clinging to the coastal limestone cliffs of Ilin Island, just off the southwestern coast of Mindoro. The discovery, published in the scientific journal Taiwania, adds a unique entry to the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. Unlike many of its relatives, Begonia…