Tag: National Security
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Philippine Customs Seizes P85.1 Billion in Smuggled Goods in 2024
In a significant crackdown on smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines announced the seizure of smuggled goods valued at over PHP85 billion throughout 2024. The announcement was made by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, who detailed that the haul was the result of over 2,100 operations conducted last year. The confiscated items included a…
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President Marcos Appoints Oscar Valenzuela as New Head of Dangerous Drugs Board
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Oscar Valenzuela, a former Undersecretary for Peace and Order at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, as the new chairperson of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). The announcement was made through a Friday post on the Presidential Communications Office’s Facebook page. Valenzuela steps into the role…
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Philippine Defense Secretary Optimistic About Unchanged US Ties Under Trump’s Second Term
MANILA – Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed confidence that the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States will remain steady during President Donald J. Trump’s second term. Speaking at New Zealand’s Waitangi Day Reception in Makati City, Teodoro dismissed concerns about the US pausing foreign assistance, stating, ‘No, I think it…
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Philippine Military Keeps Watch on Chinese AI Model DeepSeek Amid Security Concerns
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that it is closely observing the progress of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence platform, due to security issues highlighted by global organizations. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that this surveillance is integral to the military’s efforts to protect the nation’s security. She stressed…
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Senate Report Highlights Persistent Threat of POGO-Linked Crimes Despite Ban
In a recent Senate committee report, it was revealed that criminal syndicates associated with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are still active, adapting their operations to new sectors despite the ban. On January 15, 2025, a raid in Silang, Cavite, led to the arrest of 29 foreign nationals, highlighting the ongoing issue. Senate Deputy Minority…
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Commission on Appointments Confirms 36 AFP Officers and 19 Foreign Service Officials
In Manila, the Commission on Appointments (CA) has officially confirmed the interim appointments of 36 senior officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 19 officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who leads the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs, praised the diplomatic appointees for their…
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Commission on Appointments Confirms 36 AFP Officers and 19 DFA Officials
In a significant move, the Commission on Appointments (CA) in Manila has given the green light to the ad interim appointments of 36 senior officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 19 officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This decision was made during a session held on Tuesday. Senate President…
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Senator Dela Rosa Urges Closure of ROTC Bill Debates
Senator Ronald dela Rosa has pushed for the termination of discussions on Senate Bill No. 2034, known as the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Bill, following extensive debates. Addressing the Senate on Monday night, dela Rosa argued that the bill, which has been under scrutiny since its passage by the House of Representatives in December…
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Philippine Authorities Warn Public to Watch for Foreign Spies
The Bureau of Immigration in Manila has issued a public alert following the arrests of several individuals suspected of espionage, believed to be operating on behalf of China. These suspects had successfully integrated into Philippine society, with some having resided in the country since as early as 2002. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that…
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Government Urges Public to Watch for Foreign Spies After Recent Arrests
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a warning to the public to be on the lookout for foreign spies following the arrests of several individuals suspected of espionage. These suspects had successfully integrated into Philippine society, with some having resided in the country since as early as 2002. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed…
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