National

No Filipino involved in New Jersey train mishap

QUEZON City, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that no Filipino was injured or killed in the train accident in New Jersey station in the United States.  A woman was killed in the accident, while hundreds more were injured. https://youtu.be/4OrG5aCpzGE

Duterte orders release of Vietnamese poachers

(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday (September 30) gave directives to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to speed up the release of Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching in Philippine waters last year. According to Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes, the President wanted the release to be as soon as possible at government’s expense. The vessels used by Vietnamese will also be returned to Vietnam. No further details were given on Duterte’s sudden commands. Vietnamese fishermen were […]

Justice Secretary Aguirre willing to talk to Jaybee Sebastian

QUEZON City, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre is open to the possibility of talking with the camp of high-profile Jaybee Sebastian on the latter’s testimony on the alleged illegal drug trade in the New Blibid Prison but also added that President Rodrigo Duterte will not personally meet Sebastian.

Yasay: Joint military exercises with US will not be ended

When asked if President Rodrigo R. Duterte was serious about ending military exercises with the United States, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said he was misunderstood and his remarks taken out of context. The only thing Duterte had ruled out was joint patrols beyond the Philippines’ 12-nautical mile territorial waters.

Vietnam to share drug intel data with Phl

(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday (September 30) revealed that Vietnam will share intelligence data with the Philippines on narcotics trade. “They will share intelligence data. I’ll be sending military and police, sort of an envoy for this specific purpose,” Duterte said. According to Duterte, combating illegal drugs was a common interest between Philippines and Vietnam. “They have agreed it should be a concern not only of the two nations, but the entire region,” […]

US-PHL military alliance ‘ironclad’ — US defense chief

  SAN DIEGO, United States (AFP)– US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday that America’s alliance with the Philippines was “ironclad,” despite that country’s president vowing a day earlier to end joint military exercises. “As it has been for decades, our alliance with the Philippines is ironclad,” Carter said, addressing troops aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, docked in San Diego. On Wednesday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said he would soon end joint military […]

PAGASA: “Chaba” to enter PAR on Saturday

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Luzon this weekend will likely take a breather from onslaught of downpour and strong winds despite a new tropical cyclone’s expected entry into the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday (October 1). The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that even if ‘Chaba’ enters PAR this Saturday as expected, it won’t enhance the rain-driving southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ in the country. Pagasa also said “Helen” is over china and […]

Palace remembers Miriam as ‘shining light in Philippine politics’

  (Eagle News)– Malacañang paid tribute to former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who died early Thursday morning due to lung cancer. “She was a shining light in Philippine political annals, for her sharp legal mind, uncompromising stand and acid humor,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. “Her passing also signals the passing of an era of politicians with wide-ranging intelligence and the courage to express their true conviction,” he added. Supporters of the late senator […]

AFP: ASG bandits use ‘shabu’

(Eagle News)– The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has revealed that some members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were using illegal drugs, particularly shabu. “Former Indonesian hostage Herman Bin Manggak revealed in his debriefing that five to seven ASG are always guarding him and were personally seen by him taking shabu,” Joint Task Force Sulu spokesman Col. Rodrigo Gregorio said. “This is also the revelation of several former hostages of the group. Those guarding […]

PNP’s Bato says he still trusts SAF at NBP

(Eagle News)– Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said he still has complete trust in the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) commandos deployed in New Bilibid Prison (NBP) despite the stabbing incident that left one dead and four others injured. “They are still the best sa mga tao ko, yung SAF na yan. I stand by them. Kung sila ay nagkakamali, I am willing to put my neck on the line kapag […]