LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) reaffirmed their collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province as members of the police force paid a courtesy call to Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega at Vista La Vita, City of San Fernando, La Union, on January 7. LUPPO Director PCol Redentor Ulsano, led the police officials and personnel in a dialogue with the Governor, assuring their full support in safeguarding the constituents and upholding peace and order across the province. Among the key agenda discussed focused on plans and initiatives of LUPPO that will boost public safety, reduce crimes, and enhance the capability of the police force to respond swiftly to security concerns and emergencies. Governor Mario likewise expressed his gratitude to the police force for their full cooperation in implementing significant programs that promote public safety and preserve orderliness in the municipalities. In a show of solidarity and support, also in attendance were First District Representative Congressman Francisco Paolo Ortega V, First District Board Member Chary Nisce, Liga ng mga Barangay President and Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Guio Ortega Jr., and the municipal officials of San Gabriel led by Mayor Lany Carbonell and Vice Mayor Ramolito Guinomma. This strong partnership between the PGLU and LUPPO marks a firm step toward the delivery of quality public service in realization of La Union Agkaysa, underscoring that safety and well-being of Elyucanos and visitors are essential foundations for the province’s progress.

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Albay has ordered the immediate termination of all district leaders and members of Task Force Quarry following a review of the task force’s functions and current operational setup. The directive was issued through Memorandum Order No. 01, Series of 2026, signed by Provincial Administrator Engr. Raul E. Rosal on January 9. The memorandum cited the need to either restructure or completely discontinue the existing composition of Task Force Quarry to ensure more effective implementation of the provincial quarry ordinance and other relevant laws and policies. Task Force Quarry was created under the present administration to monitor, regulate, and apprehend violators of Provincial Ordinance No. 003-2016, as amended. Pending the reorganization of a new task force, the Environment and Natural Resources Office has been directed to assume the duties and functions of Task Force Quarry. The Environment and Natural Resources Office was also instructed to coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure uninterrupted enforcement of quarry-related laws and regulations. The memorandum order takes effect immediately and supersedes all previous issuances inconsistent with its provisions. (LJLorejo, Albay PIO)  

Globe is enhancing its network resiliency in typhoon-prone South Luzon and Bicol regions through the adoption of sustainable Battery Charging Hubs.  These regions, once hit by typhoons, would normally lose mobile signal and internet services due to prolonged commercial power outages. With the new battery charging facilities, Globe can ensure that the backup batteries powering its cell sites remain in optimal condition. By enabling quick testing, recharging, and replacement of units, the hubs minimize downtime and help maintain reliable mobile service even during emergencies and extended power interruptions. This initiative is especially critical in South Luzon and Bicol, where communities are often exposed to severe weather disturbances that disrupt communication lines. By keeping vital systems running, the hubs help ensure that residents can continue working, studying, and staying in touch with loved ones without interruption. “Connectivity is a vital part of people’s everyday lives. That is why we strive to keep our cell sites operational, especially when disasters strike. We’re making sure that communities can count on Globe to stay connected no matter the situation,” said Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering at Globe. Battery Charging Hubs are now operational in San Pablo, Laguna, and Batangas, with deployment also underway in Pili, Camarines Sur. Additional facilities are being prepared in Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, and Romblon. Each hub can refresh multiple batteries per week, ensuring a steady supply of fully charged units ready for deployment. Personnel across all locations have been trained to manage battery recovery and maintenance, detect issues early, and help prevent service interruptions. From a broader perspective, this initiative supports Globe’s commitment to sustainability practices. As the company increases the use of renewable energy in its operations, the hubs further contribute to building a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible network.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines—A regional trial court in Nueva Vizcaya province has ordered protesters to immediately remove the barricades along the Keon Barangay Road in Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya leading to the exploration area of mining firm Woogle Corp. This is contained in the consolidated resolution issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 30 presiding judge Paul Attolba Jr. on Jan. 6, 2026, upholding a preliminary injunction in a civil action brought by Woggle Corp. against Florentino Daynos and other defendants. The court’s resolution addressed a series of interrelated motions in SCA Case No 139-25-J. It also asked the Philippine National Police provincial director to assist the court sheriffs in the implementation of the writ of preliminary injunction. It said the police are authorized to take action against any individuals who defy the writ. The court denied several defense pleadings, including motions to dissolve the injunction. It emphasized the binding nature of judicial orders and warned that the defendants and their supporters should obey the injunction within a specified period or face potential contempt charges. Attolba noted that officers of the court are expected to uphold respect for judicial orders rather than erode them. The legal dispute involves the application of the Philippine Mining Act and the propriety of injunctive relief. The court reached its decision based on existing pleadings and records without the need for a trial on disputed facts. Woggle Corp. general-manager Lorne Harvey said the company respects and accepts the consolidated resolution issued by the court. “We recognize it as part of the proper functioning of the judicial process,” said Harvey. “We appreciate the Court’s careful consideration of the issues raised by all parties and its effort to resolve the related matters in a clear, orderly, and principled manner, consistent with established law and procedure,” he said. “Our company has always maintained that disputes of this nature are best addressed within the framework of the law,” Harvey added. “We remain fully committed to complying with all court orders and to conducting our operations responsibly, transparently, and in a manner that respects both the rule of law and the communities affected by our work.” The ruling took effect immediately upon its Jan. 6 promulgation. While the court resolution did not specify a monetary value for the dispute, any future fines or bonds related to the case would be denominated in pesos. The dispute over Woggle Corporation’s exploration project in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte began with community concerns about possible impacts on land and livelihoods, but escalated into a court case after protest actions led to road barricades and questions over the limits of lawful protest and public access. PR

  Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gathered stakeholders to hold its 2nd Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) Prayer Breakfast with leaders of various religious sectors from surrounding localities at the Mini Golf Course on January 6, 2026. “This Prayer Breakfast is our humble acknowledgement that every plan, every decision, and every success must begin with faith and surrender to His will,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. “Amid our responsibilities and challenges, we pause to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. We come together as one community, different in roles and beliefs, yet united in our trust in the One who leads, protects, and provides,” he added. San Roque Chaplain Father Emmanuel Montes, Saalam Advocacy Group Chapter President Ustadz Sam Maharum, and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Evangelical Church were among the religious leaders who led the ecumenical mass during the said Prayer Breakfast. The SBF Prayer Breakfast is patterned after the Philippine National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event where leaders from government, business, and faith communities gather at the Malacañang Palace grounds to pray for the nation, emphasizing faith, unity, integrity, and service. Inspired by the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and founded by Gil Puyat and Francisco Ortigas Jr. in 1975, the most recent event was held on November 18, 2024, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The SBF Prayer Breakfast serves as a platform for leaders and local governments to set aside political and ideological differences and come together in prayer, and seek guidance for the nation’s progress. Chairman Aliño further said, “As we move forward into the year ahead, may God bless the work in our hands, guide the leaders of this Freeport Zone, and grant us clarity in every decision we make. May this time of prayer renew our commitment to the greater good; not only for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, but for the people and communities we are called to serve.” The 1st SBF Prayer Breakfast was held last January 13, 2025, and will continue to be held annually in Subic Bay Freeport, as a time out from political and ideological differences, and come together in prayer to seek guidance for the nation’s progress