Philippine News

MANILA, March 16 ------ Two Filipino nationals were reportedly among foreign nationals arrested by authorities in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly posting harmful digital content related to the strikes. In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai said they are closely monitoring reports that Filipino nationals are among those arrested for "sharing videos and other online content related to the recent attacks and air defense int

MANILA, March 16 ------ The Kanlaon Volcano has once again erupted, marking its third recorded eruption this year, according to Phivolcs. The eruption was described as "moderately explosive," and lasted for about a minute. The height of its plume reached 5,000 meters, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in DZMM TeleRadyo's Story Outlook. "In a span of one month, pangatlo na ito but ineexpect natin itong ganitong klaseng activities sa Alert Level 2 status ng Kanlaon Volca

MANILA, Philippines, March 16 ------ Rice prices have increased and may continue to do so as market speculations swirl over supply disruptions and fuel price surges driven by the escalating war in the Middle East. Industry sources told that rice prices have increased by about P2 per kilo following the first wave of fuel price hikes last week. Prices may increase again this week as fuel firms are set to raise pump prices by almost P20 per liter. Department of Agriculture (DA)

MANILA, Philippines, March 16 ------ The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved the fare increases of provincial buses and other public utility vehicles (PUV) amid ongoing oil price hikes. The LTFRB granted a provisional fare hike on provincial public utility buses (PUBs) effective March 14. Provincial PUBs, deluxe and super deluxe buses went up to P0.35 per kilometer, while luxury buses were bumped to P0.45 per kilometer. The base fare of ordinary

March 15 ------ The Philippine Navy said 30 Chinese ships were spotted near some features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in early March. According to the Navy, Chinese ships were seen from March 1 to March 8 in the following areas: - Bajo de Masinloc - 11 Chinese vessels (four People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, seven China Coast Guard vessels) - Ayungin Shoal - eight vessels (one PLAN, seven CCGs) - Escoda Shoal - seven vessels (three PLANs, four CCGs) - Pagasa Island -

MANILA, March 15 ------ The Philippines is exploring ways to further expand its bilateral defense cooperation with Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Department of National Defense (DND) said. The subject was discussed during a meeting between the DND and the three states’ defense agencies on the sidelines of the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD). The DND said the Philippine delegation, led by Defense Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita Yoro, al

March 14 ------ Motorists will have to brace for another round of oil price hikes next week, with diesel rising to up to P15 per liter and gasoline up to P12 per liter. According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” industry sources said that based on the fuel prices in the global market in the past two days, diesel may climb by P13 to P15 per liter, gasoline by P10 to P12, and kerosene by P6. However, the prices may change depending on the market price in the following days

MANILA, March 14 ------ Singapore has helped evacuate 24 Filipinos from the Middle East, an ambassador said as Iran continued attacks on oil-rich Gulf countries in response to US-Israeli strikes. Singapore deployed a refueling aircraft to bring its citizens home from Jeddah on March 12, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See said. “After prioritizing Singaporeans and their families, we were glad that available seats could be extended to nationals from other co