MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BoC) thwarted an attempt to smuggle over P56.9 million through inbound parcels from February 3 to 6, 2026. The bureau reported an escalated crackdown on narcotics at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), saying it successfully blocked a drug smuggling attempt involving incoming packages through targeted operations. The BoC-NAIA in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, intercepted 126 abandoned inbound parcels containing 37,968 grams of suspected kush marijuana, worth P56,952,000. The agency said that these prohibited items were misdeclared as common consumer goods, apparel and household supplies, reflecting persistent efforts by criminal syndicates to exploit postal services for drug trafficking. The BoC-NAIA added that Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance and inter-agency cooperation. “These multi-day interdictions show that our frontline units remain relentless in protecting our borders. By working closely with our partner agencies, we are denying criminal syndicates the opportunity to use our ports and courier channels to move illegal drugs into the country,” Nepomuceno said.
BACOLOD CITY—The damage to crops and livestock in Negros Occidental caused by the shear line rains and Tropical Storm Basyang has risen to P23.6 million, an updated provincial government report showed on Wednesday. READ: Shear line triggers floods, landslides in Luzon, Visayas The Provincial Veterinary Office reported farm animal losses totaling P6,383,846 in Escalante City, Calatrava, Toboso, Sagay City, Murcia, and Silay City. Dr. Placeda Lemana, the provincial veterinarian, said among the animals that drowned in the flooding were cows, pigs, and carabaos. OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola also reported on Wednesday that Basyang’s damage to rice, high-value crops, and fisheries reached P1,051,166. These figures are on top of the P16,300,082.59 in agricultural and fishery […]... Keep on reading: Negros Occidental agri losses rise to P23.6 million due to rains
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes worth more than P130,000 were seized by police during an inspection operation in Cordova, Cebu, on Wednesday evening, February 11. The seizure was made at around 7:30 p.m. in Purok Langub, Barangay San Miguel, Cordova. This followed an inspection by intelligence operatives of the Cordova Municipal Police Station targeting retail stores suspected of selling illegal cigarettes. Routine inspection The operation formed part of routine checks to verify compliance with licensing, taxation, and labeling requirements for cigarette dealers and distributors within the municipality. During the inspection, officers seized a total of 48 reams and 11 […]... Keep on reading: Smuggled cigarettes worth P130K seized in Cordova, Cebu
ALSDORF, Germany — China was long a lucrative market for Germany Inc., but the Asian giant’s rise in high-tech fields has put the heat on Europe’s industrial powerhouse and its companies, big and small. Insatiable Chinese demand for German exports, from cars to factory equipment, helped underpin a long boom in the eurozone’s biggest economy, but times have changed, adding to the country’s economic headwinds. As Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly readies to make his inaugural visit to the world’s second-biggest economy later this month, a pressing issue will be how to navigate evolving commercial ties. One of the many German companies […]... Keep on reading: 'China shock': Germany struggles as key market turns business rival
Japan handed over coastal radar systems to the Philippines on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in a ceremony attended by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, marking a milestone in growing security cooperation between the two countries.
MANILA, Philippines — Philtranco, recognized as one of the oldest bus companies in the Philippines, announced that it will be ceasing its operations on March 30, 2026. In a memorandum circulating online, Philtranco President and CEO Michael Sabban said, “It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I announce the Official Business Stop Operation of Philtranco Service Enterprises, Inc., effective March 30, 2026.” “For years, we have fought an uphil battle to keep our wheels turning. However, due to serious business losses, we can no longer sustain our business operations,” the memo added. Sabban further explained, “Due to […]... Keep on reading: Why is Philtranco bus ceasing its operations?
NAIISIP MO PA RIN BA ANG TOTGA MO? ? Few days before Valentine’s Day, #PhilstarAsks: who was your the one that got away?
The University of the East (UE) has officially unveiled its 80th foundation anniversary logo, marking the start of its year-long celebration for eight decades of service in Philippine education. Carrying the theme “Honoring the past, building the future,” the logo features a golden oak tree symbolizing strength, growth and UE’s enduring legacy since its founding in 1946. “This logo reflects who we are and where we are headed—deeply rooted in our history, yet firmly focused on the future. As we move toward our September celebration, UE remains committed to delivering accessible, quality and future-ready education while continuing to build on […]... Keep on reading: UE unveils 80th anniversary logo ahead of September celebration
MANILA, Philippines — A third arrest warrant has been issued against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang in connection with the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts, or sabungeros, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Thursday. DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said that, while the panel of prosecutors has not yet received a copy of the arrest order, the branch clerk of court of San Pablo, Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 29, has already confirmed the existence of the court order. “The Branch Clerk of Court (BCC) of Branch 29 RTC San Pablo has confirmed that a warrant in the Atong Ang case […]... Keep on reading: Third court issues arrest order against Atong Ang
TACLOBAN CITY — A 45-year-old man allegedly stabbed a fellow tricycle driver to death after confronting him for showing up uninvited to his granddaughter’s birthday celebration in Laoang, Northern Samar, on Wednesday. The victim, identified by police as alias “Ozy,” 56, of Barangay Sto. Niño, Laoang, sustained multiple stab wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Police said the suspect, alias “Pepz,” 45, also a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay San Miguel Heights, voluntarily surrendered to the Laoang Municipal Police Station shortly after the incident. He also turned over a kitchen knife believed to have […]... Keep on reading: Uninvited birthday guest stabbed to death in Northern Samar
Can purported text messages yet to be released to the public be the smoking gun that directly ties Marcos to the flood control corruption scandal?
P20M FOR LEADS ON ATONG ANG BREAKING: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Thursday, Feb. 11, that the bounty for any information leading to the arrest of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has been raised to P20 million.
Raymond Gutierrez came to the defense of his twin brother, Richard Gutierrez, following remarks made by the latter’s estranged wife, Sarah Lahbati about whether she felt the need to ask for financial assistance for her two children. In a comment posted on TikTok that featured Lahbati’s recent interview, Raymond addressed the actress’ statements about not asking for help in providing for their two sons, saying his brother had not been remiss with his fatherly duties. “My brother provides for his kids. Period. School, hobbies, travel, clothing, staff and everything else they need. The kids split their time equally between both […]... Keep on reading: Raymond Gutierrez defends brother Richard after Sarah Lahbati’s interview
Makakasama ng House of Honorables sina Vince Maristela at Sean Lucas sa Valentine's Day special episode ng 'Your Honor.'
GOV’T FLAGS RISKS OF FIGHTING IN FOREIGN WARS The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, February 11, issued a warning to Filipino nationals against accepting overseas job offers that could lead to recruitment into foreign armed forces. Read: