NAGA CITY — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday asked forgiveness from Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of the Diocese of Caceres in Naga City, for the lives lost as a result of the government’s campaign to eradicate drugs. “Bishop, ako po ay humihingi ng tawad sa […]
6 towns to remain in Lanao Norte after BOL plebiscite
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — The six contested towns in this province will remain under its jurisdiction after the “no” vote won the February 6 Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite. During Thursday’s final canvassing, results showed that the six towns that vied for inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao voted “yes” but all […]
Cebu farmers embrace new technologies to improve production
CEBU CITY — Farmers in the canyoneering town of Badian, Cebu proved to the whole world they can also become astute in learning new ways of tilling their land, thanks to the Department of Agriculture’s determination to infuse new technology in Cebu’s farmlands. Judilyn Catacutan, a farmer of Banhigan, Badian, loved the usual and traditional method […]
Large fishes thrive near Gigantes Island
ILOILO CITY — Large fishes have been spotted near the shore of Carles in Iloilo province’s Gigantes Island based on testimonies of local fishers, as gathered by a team sent by the local government unit to probe the stranding incident of a Sei whale species (Balaenoptera borealis) off the coast of Barangay Gabi on February 4. […]
DepEd urged to reconsider position vs. mandatory drug test
MANILA— The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday appealed to the Department of Education (DepEd) to reconsider its position against mandatory drug testing on students after Education Secretary Leonor Briones rejected the proposal anew. “Unfortunately, the last meeting with our counterparts from the Department of Education did not win the nod of the Honorable […]
Inter-religious group calls for solidarity amid terror attacks
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Christian and Muslim leaders here came together in time for the World Interfaith Harmony Week to denounce the recent bombings in some parts of Mindanao, as they called on all sectors to unite in the face of violence that many feared aims to sow sectarian discord. During an interfaith prayer rally […]
Bello hopeful Duterte will sign expanded maternity leave bill
MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III is confident that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign into law a proposed measure that will extend the maternity leave for female workers in the country. Bello noted that the bill is a priority legislation for the DOLE. “We strongly support its passage into law […]
Sarangani partners with academe, NGOs for watershed project
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of Sarangani has forged a partnership with the state-run Mindanao State University (MSU) and two other non-government organizations for the implementation of the PHP103-million watershed rehabilitation project in Maitum town. Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said Friday he signed memoranda of agreement earlier this week with MSU, Mahintana Foundation, […]
Davao del Norte town declares Satur Ocampo ‘persona non grata’
DAVAO CITY — Former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and 17 others are no longer welcome in Talaingod municipality after local officials declared them “persona non grata” following last year’s incident involving the alleged trafficking of tribal students. A resolution unanimously approved by the Talaingod Municipal Council on January 14 cited the November 2018 incident when […]
Jolo blast victim dies in Zambo hospital
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The death toll in the January 27 twin blasts that hit a church in Jolo, Sulu has reached 22 and the wounded at 101, a military official said Friday. Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said Thelma Villanueva, 68, died while undergoing medical treatment on Thursday. Besana said Villanueva, […]
No turning back for Manila Bay rehab: Cimatu
MANILA — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu on Sunday said there’s no turning back for the planned rehabilitation of the historic Manila Bay. Cimatu led an estimated 5,000-strong contingent of public and private sector representatives, who committed to help rehabilitate Manila Bay to save it from further environmental degradation. He afterwards […]
Economic managers to endorse infra exemption from election ban
MANILA — Economic managers will formally endorse to President Rodrigo R. Duterte next week the exemption of infrastructure projects from the election spending ban, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday. During the weekly press event Breakfast with Ben, Diokno said economic managers will submit a memorandum to the President to ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) […]
4 persons of interest in Jolo Chuch bombing surrender
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Four persons of interest in the double bomb attack on a church in Jolo, Sulu have surrendered to authorities to clear their names, a military official said Wednesday. Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified them as Alshaber Arbi, 18; Gerry Isnajil, whose age was not provided; Alsimar Mohammad […]