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.

Quezon City, Philippines — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and emphasized by Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go with the Social Security Commission, the Social Security System (SSS) has successfully credited its annual cash gift to pensioners – the 13th month pension – in two batches on the first week of December 2025, ensuring additional financial support during the holiday season. The first batch, released on 1 December 2025, covered around 2.13 million pensioners with a total amount of P10.5-B credited to their accounts. The second batch, credited on 4 December 2025, covered around 1.53 million pensioners, amounting to P8.3-B. In total, P18.8-B was distributed to around 3.66 million pensioners. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the annual cash gift is part of SSS’ commitment to support its pensioners during the holiday season. “This is our way of giving back to our pensioners who have contributed to the System during their productive years. We hope this additional benefit brings joy and relief to them and their families this Christmas,” de Claro said. This year’s 13th month pension is higher for pensioners as of 31 August 2025 following the implementation of the Pension Reform Program starting September 2025. Under this reform program, retirement and disability pensioners received a 10% increase, while survivorship pensioners received a 5% increase, ensuring greater financial security for beneficiaries. The 13th month pension is automatically credited to the accounts of all SSS pensioners receiving retirement, disability, and survivorship pensions. SSS reminds pensioners to ensure their bank account details are updated to avoid delays in crediting. SSS assures the public of its continuous commitment to prudent stewardship of members’ funds. For 2024, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued an unmodified opinion, affirming the System’s fund integrity, overall financial soundness and adherence to good financial governance, even as specific audit observations are being addressed through established corrective measures.

  Manila, Philippines  – Leading Philippine fiber internet and technology services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is pushing forward in its evolution into a technology company as its corporate and large enterprise unit, Converge Global Business Group (GBG), relocates its operations from the Reliance IT Center in Pasig City, to a world-class, state-of-the-art facility in Asian Century Center in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. This strategic move is a pivotal step in the company’s continuous growth, signifying an accelerated transition from a purely telco provider to a future-forward techco. The relocation strengthens the company’s position in the highly competitive local large enterprise market and formalizes its serious commitment to aggressively expand its services across the broader Southeast Asia technology landscape. “BGC was strategically chosen for its strong advantages – including its reputation as a central business hub, close to where potential clients may be located – and at the same time, for its environment of growth and competition. BGC is where the young, talented workforce of multinational companies are congregating and exchanging ideas.  We want to expose our own tech-savvy employees to that habitat and imbibe a ‘global’ mindset when dealing with partners,” said Converge Co-Founder and President Maria Grace Uy. The decision to place the Global Business Group’s headquarters in this premier business district firmly positions Converge at the very heart of commerce. This central location will significantly enhance collaboration, driving faster innovation and comprehensive digital enablement for enterprise partners. “This is an exciting new chapter in the transformation of Converge,” added Grace Jarin-Castillo, Converge Global Business Group’s newly minted Sales & Marketing Head. “By moving closer to the center of business in BGC, we are strategically positioned to better serve and connect with our clients in showcasing digital infrastructure and technology solutions, deepening engagements with our ecosystem of customers and partners. This modern, innovative hub also serves to empower our employees by providing a highly-connected professional environment conducive to growth and excellence.” The move to BGC is more than a change of address; it is a clear declaration of the company’s commitment to the country’s digital future. Converge stands at the cusp of a new era, dedicated to setting global standards for client service and delivering transformative solutions. This relocation powerfully underscores the company’s readiness to propel the nation’s infrastructure and innovation forward, moving boldly from fiber to future. ABOUT CONVERGE GLOBAL BUSINESS GROUP Converge Global Business is the international & enterprise business unit of  Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE: CNVRG). Converge is the fastest-growing broadband service and technology provider in the Philippines. It is the first to operate an end-to-end pure fiber internet network in the country, delivering simple, fast, and reliable connectivity to Filipinos across all major islands. In addition to connectivity services, Converge offers integrated data center, enterprise and network solutions. With more than 889,000 kilometers of fiber optic assets nationwide, Converge operates one of the most extensive fiber networks in the Philippines. Strengthening its global reach, Converge is a key partner in international subsea cable systems such as the Bifrost and SEA-H2X, enhancing transpacific and intra-Asia connectivity. These strategic investments fortify the Philippines’ position as a digital hub, providing businesses and consumers with faster, more resilient, and low-latency connections to the world. Through its world-class infrastructure, Converge delivers amazing digital experiences for residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers.