US, Japan and South Korea launch economic-security talks before Xi summit

MANILA, Philippines—The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday lauded the peaceful conduct of rallies commemorating the 54th anniversary of Martial Law, crediting cops and organizers for maintaining order while respecting protesters’ constitutional right to assembly. More than 17,000 police officers have been deployed since Saturday night as multisectoral groups took to the streets

Jessica Jung, formerly of Girls’ Generation, made her first appearance on Korea’s local stage after 12 years as she performed alongside comedian Park Myung-soo. Jung uploaded a picture of her and Park together on stage on her social media account on Sunday, Sept. 20. The duo performed their 2009 hit “Naengmyeon.” “‘Naengmyeon,’ it’s been a

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Monday said he no longer intends to join the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing constitutional concerns over the proceedings. Marcoleta, who has been unable to attend a single day of Duterte’s trial, also reiterated his opposition to the designation of Sen. Francis Escudero as

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Artist and novelist Levy Balgos dela Cruz spoke about the abuses of Martial Law and the continuing culture of impunity during an open forum in Balanga on Monday afternoon, Sept. 21. Speaking in Filipino before about 50 young people, Dela Cruz said the culture of impunity “remains in our midst,” as

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Eagle nest in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, was razed by a forest fire this month, highlighting the “clear and present danger” posed by fires to the country’s critically endangered national bird, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said. The nest, which was used in December 2025, was reached by the fire

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — The police arrested six individuals during an anti-illegal gambling operation in Narvacan town Sunday afternoon. Personnel of the Narvacan Municipal Police Station conducted the operation at about 4:50 p.m. The suspects were allegedly caught playing card games with bets on two tables. Seized from the arrested suspects were two sets

LEGAZPI CITY — A 27-year-old man died after being struck by lightning while fishing in this city on Monday afternoon. The Albay police reported that the victim was fishing with friends in the vicinity of an old port in Barangay Bigaa at around 3:30 p.m. when the tragedy struck. Authorities responded to the area and

MARAMAG, Bukidnon — The Maramag Municipal Police Station clarified on Monday that a 10-year-old elementary student who died three weeks ago was not beaten by his classmates, contrary to a local broadcast report. READ: DOJ tasks prosecutors to handle bullying cases Lt. Col. Evary Bacunawa, Maramag police chief, said school-related bullying was not the cause

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Water employees from its East Zone and Non-East Zone operations joined thousands of volunteers at the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026 held at Manila Bay’s Dolomite Beach on Sept. 19, 2026. Organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), the annual cleanup mobilized 36,897 volunteers from private companies,

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Batanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. died on Monday, Sept. 21, due to cardiac arrest. He was 66. Gato’s relatives and friends confirmed his death, saying he died while being taken to a hospital in Manila. READ: Batanes solon disputes Chinese claim: Ivatans are Filipinos Fr. Rolando Berber Manabat, rector parish

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture (DA) is supporting a proposal from hog industry stakeholders to set a P210-per-kilo floor price for live hogs as farmgate prices in some areas fall to P120 to P160 per kilo. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., however, said the agency cannot impose the proposed rate because no existing law