Author: Jericho Zafra

MANILA, Philippines — A total of P54.26 million in partial damage to public infrastructure has been recorded following the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Enteng in the country over the past few days, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday. In a report, the DPWH stated that of the P54.26 million in partial damage to public infrastructure, over P35.58 million was mainly on roads, followed by P11.63 million on bridges, and P7.02 million on the government’s flood control systems. The DPWH also advised motorists that one road in Isabela Province is currently closed to all vehicles, while another…

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 850 persons deprived of liberty were released from prisons nationwide, the Department of Justice said Tuesday. The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) released 81 persons deprived of liberty from various penal institutions on August 30. These 81 PDLs are part of a total of 850 released between July 19 and August 30. They were freed after completing their sentences, receiving pardon or parole, or availing of Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) benefits, according to Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez in a Malacanang public briefing. Citing Justice Secretary Remulla, Gutierriez said that the congestion rate in penal…

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that the number of Filipinos affected by the tropical cyclone Enteng has now reached 303,000. This translates to over 80,000 families, and are located in the following areas: According to the latest report from the DSWD, more than 14,000 families, or around 60,000 individuals, are temporarily staying in evacuation centers in the areas mentioned above. “Yesterday, different government agencies involved in the response cluster assured that they will provide the necessary food packs, non-food items, evacuation centers, coordination with local government units, and the availability of medicines and…

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 203 China-flagged vessels are currently inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, marking the record-high deployment of Chinese vessels for this year, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday. In its latest data, AFP said between August 27 and September 2, a total of 165 Chinese maritime militia vessels, 24 China Coast Guard vessels, 12 People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, and two research vessels were spotted in the disputed West Philippine Sea. These vessels are monitored patrolling inside of the following shoals: Of the shoals monitored, AFP said most Chinese vessels are…

MANILA, Philippines — Two South Koreans, wanted by their home country for electronic financial fraud, were deported, the Bureau of Immigration said on Tuesday. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a report that Kwon Hyuckkeun, 41, and You Hyun Tea, 53, were sent to Incheon, South Korea, on a Korean Air flight on August 21. “Korean policemen apprehended them upon their arrival,” he said. Tansingco said that the two individuals had been ordered deported as early as 2021 due to their status as undesirable aliens and fugitives from justice. Interpol red notices revealed that they are subjects of criminal cases…

MANILA, Philippines — Three roads in Luzon have remained closed this time due to the onslaught of Typhoon Enteng while roads going to Bicol Region have limited access due to flooding, the Department of Public Works and Highways said. As of Tuesday, September 3, 2023, one road in Central Luzon is still closed, while two roads in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Bicol Region have limited access due to flooding. According to Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, a section of Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija remains closed. Motorists are advised to use…

MANILA, Philippines — At least four trafficking victims attempting to evade immigration clearance with fake departure stamps have been reported in a day, the Bureau of Immigrations said Tuesday. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco has reported an increase in cases involving the use of fake immigration stamps by criminal syndicates in the country. Operatives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 intercepted a 40-year-old man on August 31 attempting to board a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong with a passport bearing a suspicious immigration departure stamp. The man admitted that a female recruiter he met on Facebook had…

MANILA, Philippines — The national government was set to provide over P390 million in aid to the victims of Tropical Storm Enteng, the House of Representatives announced on Tuesday. In a news release, Speaker Martin Romualdez said that the P390 million in financial assistance for Enteng victims would come from the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). A total of 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon would each receive P10 million. This assistance translates to P10,000 per affected family. However, the financial aid will be distributed only to…

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos government is “optimistic” that a peace agreement will be reached between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). The conflict with the group dates back to the era of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the then-president and father of the current leader, who called for reforms in the national government. Now, with his son at the helm, President Marcos is determined to bring an end to the world’s longest-running communist insurgency by the end of his term. “Very, very optimistic. Yes, within the term of the President – or even…

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 people reportedly died due to Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi) that caused massive flooding in several areas in the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday. In a report, the NDRRMC said that the highest number of fatalities were reported in CALABARZON with seven deaths, two in Central Visayas and one in Western Visayas. Aside from the confirmed fatalities, Typhoon Enteng also left 10 people injured in Luzon and Visayas. Tropical Storm Enteng affected 147,024 people, with 38,058 needing to evacuate. Bicol had the most impact, with 85,856 people…