MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police under the leadership of Acting Chief PNP, PLt.Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., reports that Traslación 2026 and the Feast of the Black Nazarene were carried out safely and in an atmosphere of deep faith, despite the procession’s extended hours, highlighting the endurance, unity, and resilience of the Filipino people. “This year’s Traslación once again showed the depth of our people’s devotion,” Nartatez said. “Sa kabila ng haba at lawak ng prusisyon, nakita natin ang pagtutulungan ng lahat. This proves that faith and public safety can move forward together.” An estimated 2.8 million devotees participated in the celebration, traversing key streets from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. Lasting approximately 30 hours and 50 minutes—one of the longest Traslación processions in recent years—the event required sustained vigilance and coordination among security, medical, and crowd management teams to ensure the safe and orderly movement of the faithful. Throughout the procession, authorities monitored more than 1,000 medical-related incidents, the vast majority of which were minor and manageable, such as fatigue, dizziness, and superficial injuries commonly associated with large-scale religious gatherings. All concerns were promptly addressed by on-site medical teams and first responders. Two fatalities were recorded, and the PNP is coordinating closely with medical authorities and the families concerned. “We prepared for every possible scenario,” Nartatez added. “Dahil sa dedikasyon ng ating mga pulis, augmentation units, at partner organizations, narespondehan agad ang lahat ng pangyayari. The safety and well-being of every devotee remained our top priority from start to finish.” The PNP commends the dedication, professionalism, and endurance of its personnel, who worked continuously for nearly a full day to manage crowds, secure routes, and assist the public. “Ipinakita ng ating mga pulis ang malasakit at propesyonalismo, kahit sa mahabang oras ng pagbabantay. This operation was truly a team effort,” Nartatez said. The cooperation of the devotees also played a crucial role in the success of the event. “Malaking pasasalamat namin sa mga deboto na sumunod sa mga panuntunan at gumalang sa mga paalala ng ating kapulisan. Their cooperation helped maintain order and ensured a safer celebration for everyone,” he noted. Traslación 2026 stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Filipino people, the strength of community cooperation, and the effectiveness of coordinated public safety efforts. It also reflects the continuing commitment of the Philippine National Police to serve with integrity, responsiveness, and compassion—living the mantra, Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman. As the celebration concludes, the PNP reminds all devotees and the general public to remain vigilant while traveling home. Observe traffic rules, watch out for personal belongings, and follow the guidance of traffic enforcers and safety personnel to ensure a safe journey.

MANILA, Philippines — As the nation welcomes 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) marked the opening hours of the new year with decisive law enforcement actions, arresting eight (Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and neutralizing illegal drugs worth ₱8.8 million in a series of operations conducted from 10:00 PM of January 1 to 9:00 AM of January 2, 2026. These accomplishments, carried out across multiple regions, reflect the PNP’s sustained focus on public safety and accountability under the PNP Focus Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), aligned with the national vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a safer and more orderly Philippines. Among those arrested were Top 2, Top 3, Top 4, Top 6, Top 9, and Top 10 Most Wanted Persons involved in serious crimes such as murder, syndicated estafa, statutory rape, and other heinous offenses, apprehended through coordinated operations by police units in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, Western Visayas, NCR, and other key areas. All arrested individuals are now under proper police custody and facing due legal processes.   In the campaign against illegal drugs, police units also recorded significant gains. In Kalinga, authorities destroyed 7,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at ₱1.4 million during a large-scale eradication operation. Meanwhile, a joint buy-bust operation in Cebu City led to the arrest of a High-Value Individual (HVI) and the seizure of 1,030 grams of shabu worth ₱7.4 million. Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the early accomplishments send a clear message as the new year begins. “We are starting 2026 with firm and focused police action. These results show that our personnel remain vigilant—even during the holidays—because public safety does not take a break,” PLTGEN Nartatez said. “This is about protecting communities, enforcing the law fairly, and making sure that criminals are held accountable.” He added that these operations underscore the PNP’s continuing transformation under the current administration. “Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue strengthening our operations through EMPO—smarter deployment, tighter coordination, and faster response. This is how we deliver police service that our people can truly feel,” he stressed. The Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Nartatez emphasized that the guiding principle of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas—Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman” will remain at the core of police operations throughout 2026. “Hindi ito pang-isang taon lang. This will continue to guide us every day—sa lansangan, sa komunidad, at sa bawat operasyon—so that the public sees and feels a police force they can trust,” PLTGEN Nartatez said. As 2026 begins, the PNP reaffirms its commitment to relentless law enforcement, respect for human rights, and responsive public service—ensuring that safety, justice, and order remain at the forefront of the nation’s new year.

PASAY, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that international passenger traffic during the Christmas travel period has exceeded initial projections, with more than 61,000 arrivals recorded across all international ports on December 23. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), immigration officers processed 49,176 international arrivals and 61,784 departures on the said date. Nationwide, total international passenger traffic reached 61,658 arrivals and 66,655 departures. The BI said the steady increase in passenger volume reflects heightened holiday travel, but emphasized that immigration operations remain orderly and manageable. While travelers may experience slight queues during peak hours, processing continues to move efficiently. To ensure smooth operations during the holiday rush, the BI has deployed 132 additional immigration officers nationwide, augmented by the activation of mobile immigration counters in high-traffic terminals. Immigration personnel assigned to frontline operations were also not allowed to go on leave for the duration of the holiday season to maintain adequate manpower. The BI likewise noted that the continued use of electronic gates (e-gates) has helped decongest immigration counters, contributing to faster processing times. In line with increased passenger volume, the BI reminded all international travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for airline, security, and immigration procedures. The Bureau assured the public that it remains fully prepared to handle the holiday surge and is committed to ensuring secure, efficient, and passenger-friendly immigration services throughout the Christmas and New Year period.        

Cebu Pacific is now working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify unauthorized sellers of its flights who are using fraudulent or stolen credit cards. Aside from the NBI, Cebu Pacific is also coordinating with other authorities such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to warn the public against booking flights through unauthorized channels. Cebu Pacific has cancelled bookings that were purchased using fraudulent or stolen credit cards as confirmed by their partner banks. Following an investigation, the airline determined that certain individuals used these cards to book Cebu Pacific flights, which were subsequently converted into Travel Funds. These Travel Funds were then used to illegally resell flights through unauthorized channels. Passengers affected by the cancelled bookings have been sent notifications and are advised to book new flights through www.cebupacificair.com using a valid and authorized form of payment should they wish to proceed with their travel plans. The following Facebook groups that booked flights for passengers using fraudulent credit cards have been taken down: Cebu Pacific Refund – https://www.facebook.com/groups/426610031927684 Cebu Pacific Travel Fund (For Sale) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1016560490256609 Cebu Pacific Air – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CebuPacificAirPh CEBU PACIFIC PISO FARE//PROMO TICKET//LOW FARE – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1271257087394124/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=YZUtFi8OGJ… Cebu Pacific strongly reminds all passengers to book their flights only through CEB’s official website, mobile app, or accredited travel partners to ensure access to the airline’s guaranteed lowest fares and legitimate booking services. To book your flights with CEB, you may directly visit www.cebupacificair.com or download our official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.    

UNIQLO, BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and the Department of Education join forces to provide LifeWear for public school teachers nationwide   Education is one of the strongest pillars of nation-building. Guided by this belief, UNIQLO collaborated with BDO Network Bank (BDONB) and BDO Foundation for the global Heart of LifeWear Project, which aims to provide LifeWear clothing to people in need around the world. Since its launch in 2024, UNIQLO has donated more than one million clothing items to partner communities worldwide. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the local iteration of the Heart of LifeWear aims to distribute 10,000 AIRism T-shirts to public school teachers nationwide, providing them with comfortable apparel while supporting and uplifting them in their everyday lives. A ceremonial turnover was held recently at the Department of Education Office in Makati, where representatives from the three organizations formally handed over 10,000 AIRism T-shirts for distribution to teachers nationwide. Present at the event were UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue, and BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito, along with DepEd regional officials, BDO officers, and members of UNIQLO’s Sustainability team. Empowering Communities Beyond Banking The partnership with UNIQLO Philippines demonstrates BDO Network Bank’s continuing advocacy to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but also through holistic support. BDONB has long collaborated with DepEd on programs such as the Teacher’s Loan, financial literacy training, and community engagement initiatives, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner of the education sector. The partnership also connects local impact with global purpose. The activity is a part of UNIQLO’s Heart of LifeWear Project, a global movement that champions the Power of Clothing—the idea that clothing can go beyond function to deliver comfort, dignity, and hope. This global initiative has reached over 28 regions worldwide, and through the collaboration with BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and DepEd, its philosophy finds a meaningful local expression for Filipino teachers. “Every time we lift our teachers, we strengthen the communities that depend on them.  This collaboration shows how even a simple gesture can carry a meaningful message of gratitude and shared purpose.  These shirts offer comfort, but more importantly, they honor the people who guide our learners with steady dedication every day.  When we invest in teachers, we invest in the country’s future,” added Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “Our Heart of LifeWear encapsulates the essence of what our philosophy is all about – clothing made for all, with the purpose of empowering people and making their everyday lives better. Through this initiative, we show our gratitude to our public school teachers that serve us well, and we hope this small gift provides them the comfort that they need to power them through their everyday lives,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia. BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito said, “We remain committed to working with DepEd in uplifting our education community especially our teachers. We look forward to partnering with DepEd for more projects in the future for the benefit of Filipino educators and learners.” “For BDO Network Bank, this initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but through holistic support that truly makes a difference in their daily lives,” said BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue.              

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, closed the year with recognition for its people-first workplace culture, earning Silver at the 2025 Business World Best Places to Work Awards. CEB received two Silver distinctions: one for overall performance and another for strong results across key workplace areas, including inclusion, support for persons with disabilities, age diversity, and employee wellbeing. It was the only local carrier recognized in this year’s awards. “At Cebu Pacific, we focus on building systems and practices that allow our people to perform at their best—safely, inclusively, and with the support they need. Aviation is a demanding environment, so we invest in policies, leadership, and workplace initiatives that enable our teams to do their jobs well and sustainably. This recognition affirms that our approach is working, and we will continue strengthening it as the company grows,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. The recognition is based on an independent employee engagement survey conducted by BusinessWorld in partnership with global employee experience platform WorkL. Organizations are assessed across six key drivers of engagement: Reward and Recognition, Instilling Pride, Information Sharing, Empowerment, Wellbeing, and Job Satisfaction. This latest honor builds on CEB’s growing list of workplace milestones. In 2024, the airline earned the Great Place To Work® Certification, becoming the first carrier in Southeast Asia to receive the distinction. This year, it was also included in Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and named among the Philippines’ Best Employers by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. As CEB continues to expand its network to over 60 domestic and international destinations, the airline remains focused on strengthening a workplace culture that supports its people.                  

Contains Mescaline, a Hallucinogenic Substance   MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is warning the public about the proliferation of “Peyote” (Lophophora williamsii), a spineless cactus that contains “Mescaline”, a dangerous hallucinogenic substance. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez issued the advisory following reports that Peyote cacti are commercially available on local online shopping platforms. “Mescaline” is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, and is listed as a controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances. “Mescaline” produces powerful hallucinogenic effects that can severely impair judgment and perception. Users may experience intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of pupils, headaches, muscle weakness and loss of motor coordination. It can be taken mainly by oral ingestion of fresh or dried cacti. It may also be grounded into powder then placed in gelatin capsules, or smoked with cannabis or tobacco. “When abused, “Mescaline” can cause varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, distorted sense of body, and altered perception of space and time — effects that can lead to accidents, self-harm and unpredictable behavior”, Undersecretary Nerez explained. Historically, the “Peyote” cactus has been used for centuries in indigenous practices by Native Americans and Mexicans. “The public must understand that “Peyote” is not an ornamental plant but a source of dangerous drug. Being sold online either as smuggled contraband or cultivated locally, these cacti are deliberately pushed into online markets to evade detection. We urge the public to immediately report any sightings or suspected sale of this deadly plant in their localities”, DG Nerez said. “Our foremost objective is to protect the Filipino people from substances that threaten their health, safety and future. “Peyote” containing “Mescaline” poses real danger. We will not allow it to take root in our communities”, the PDEA Chief added.