MANILA, Philippines — One person died due to stray bullets while 47 were injured by firecrackers days ahead of New Year’s Eve, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in its first casualty bulletin published on Friday. Police said the stray bullet incident occurred “during a drinking spree in celebration of Christmas Eve” in Barangay 120 of Manila’s Tondo district at 12:50 a.m. on Thursday, Christmas Day. The victim was identified as Rey-an Policarpio, of legal age. Suspect remains at large but authorities said a one 9mm pistol was recovered after this incident. Seven more individuals nationwide are arrested due to […]... Keep on reading: PNP: 1 dead by stray bullet, 47 hurt by firecrackers ahead of New Year

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 19 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) directed itspersonnel nationwide to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in setting up centralized markets for firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials ahead of the New Year revelry. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the directive was issued as firecracker-related injuries continued to rise days before New Year’s Day. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed at least 28 firecracker-related injury cases recorded from Dec. 21 to 25, 2025, which authorities expect to increase as celebrations peak. Nartatez said concentrating the sale of firecrackers in specific areas would allow authorities to closely monitor vendors and products, while reducing risks to the public. “The main purpose is proper regulation and public safety. By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can easily monitor and prevent the selling of illegal firecrackers,” Nartatez said on Friday. He instructed police chiefs to work closely with LGUs in identifying safe locations for the sellers and in setting the allowable period for the sale. Under the plan, designated areas will have police present, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Firetrucks and emergency responders will also be placed on standby to immediately address any untoward incident, Nartatez said. He added that centralized selling areas would help curb the sale of illegal firecrackers, noting that transactions outside the designated zones would be considered unauthorized. “Centralized selling areas allow us to strictly inspect vendors and products. It will be easier for us to determine which firecrackers are legal and which are illegal. Once there is a designated firecracker zone, any sale outside that area will be considered unauthorized. Outside the zone, selling is prohibited,” he said. The PNP also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and observe safety guidelines to help ensure a peaceful and injury-free New Year celebration. Nartatez had called on LGUs to establish designated firecracker zones as part of broader measures to enhance public safety amid increased firecracker use during the holiday season.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 21 dakika

• SunStar Philippines
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 28 dakika

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino soldiers manning vital West Philippine Sea (WPS) features received traditional Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast) packages and other essential supplies during a “critical sustainment mission” conducted last Dec. 23. A media release by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) late Thursday night said this resupply mission ensured “warmth, hope, and spirit of the season”. READ: Chinese ships in WPS increasing since January – PH Navy report Among those supported were troops deployed to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, Rizal Reef Station, Kota Island, Parola, Lawak, Likas, and Patag Island—personnel spending […]... Keep on reading: PH troops manning West Philippine Sea features get Noche Buena packages

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 28 dakika

NASA GC NA SI ANGGE Ellen Adarna revealed that fellow actress Angelica Panganiban is now part of a group chat composed of women Derek Ramsay previously dated. Read:

• Philstar.com
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 30 dakika

'FPJ sa GMA' wraps up 2025 with 2002 MMFF film 'Ang Alamat ng Lawin', airing on Sunday, December 28, 3:15 p.m. on GMA.

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 31 dakika

Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue marked Christmas Day with an announcement that they will soon welcome their first child. The couple revealed Maigue’s pregnancy through a joint post on their Instagram pages on Thursday, Dec. 25. The post includes a photo of the two standing in front of a Christmas Tree and holding a newborn onesie that has the phrase “freshly baked” written on it. “From The Greatest Duets to our greatest trio yet,” she said in the caption. “Merry Christmas from our growing family.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lara Maigue-Magdangal (@laramaigue) Among those who […]... Keep on reading: Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue expecting first child

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 31 dakika

Yassi Pressman and Sam Verzosa were among the celebrities who offered comfort and holiday cheer to others after they each spent time with children battling cancer and other illnesses this Christmas season.  Pressman marked Christmas by visiting Child Haus, a temporary shelter for children undergoing cancer treatment. The actress documented her visit to the center through an Instagram reel on Thursday, Dec. 25.  Describing it as a yearly tradition, Pressman spent the day playing games with young patients and giving them food and gifts. During the visit, the actress met a young girl named after her.  Pressman encouraged the young […]... Keep on reading: Yassi Pressman, Sam Verzosa visit kids battling cancer on Christmas

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 41 dakika

The Palawan Group of Companies has earned the Silver Award for Most Innovative B2B Campaign at the prestigious NEXT Awards Asia-Pacific 2025 held on 27 November 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. The recognition highlights the company’s partnership with government agencies through its B2B arm, Palawan For Business, to make government aid more accessible to Filipinos in remote and underserved communities. This achievement underscores Palawan Group’s growing role as a trusted private-sector partner in strengthening government disbursement programs and advancing financial inclusion nationwide. Lisa Lou Castro‑Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies, shared that “We are honored to […]... Keep on reading: Palawan for Business wins at the MarkeTech Awards for innovative government and community impact

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 42 dakika

• SunStar Philippines
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 43 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre 3rd took his oath as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Malacañang announced Friday. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administered the oath of office to Torre, who replaced Procopio Lipana. Torre, who had served as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11, 2025 to face charges of crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs. As Police Regional Office 11 chief, Torre led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on Sept. 8, 2024 in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 43 dakika

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, December 25, highlighted the expanding coverage and measurable impact of its social protection programs for senior citizens, children, and disaster-affected households as it continues to strengthen the delivery of basic services nationwide. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said more than four million indigent senior citizens are receiving a monthly P1,000 social pension under the agency’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program. “While the amount may be modest, it helps our elderly meet essential needs, especially medicines,” she said during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview. Dumlao said Secretary […]... Keep on reading: DSWD expands social aid programs, reports gains in hunger reduction

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 44 dakika

Alternative cinema giant Raymond Red sheds light on the future of the moving image and why it took him 43 years to go mainstream with MMFF 2025 entry, ‘Manila’s Finest’

• Rappler
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 46 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ trade deficit in November narrowed by almost 30 percent as exports sustained their growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday. READ: Philippine trade deficit down 34% in Oct on strong exports, sluggish imports Data from the PSA showed the trade-in-goods balance, or the difference between exports and imports, narrowed by 28.8 percent to $3.51 billion in November from $4.94 billion the same month last year. READ: Killing exports, under(mining) growth Exports continued to grow, rising to $6.91 billion, up 21.3 percent from a year ago. Meanwhile, imports eased to $10.42 billion, posting a […]... Keep on reading: November trade gap shrank by 29% to $3.5B

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 48 dakika

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” — Lao Tzu

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 49 dakika

The Watch Store has officially made its mark in Cebu with the grand opening of its first outlet at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate, Brgy. Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. Known for its stylish and high-quality timepieces, The Watch Store brings both classic and contemporary designs to the city, perfect for holiday gifting—or treating yourself before the year ends. Renowned watch brands such as Citizen, Bering, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein are now more accessible to Cebuanos. Coinciding with the holiday season, The Watch Store is celebrating its soft opening with up to 40% off on selected watches, available until December 31. The […]... Keep on reading: The Watch Store makes its Cebu debut at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 52 dakika