Subic Bay Freeport – This premier Freeport is set to be the staging area for the United States Marine Corps humanitarian aid and disaster relief as it opens a warehouse facility at the Naval Supply Depot here on Tuesday. US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson and officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the warehouse that will be used by the US Marine Corps for storage. Watson, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, said that the site will enable them to preposition equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief that will be utilized for its Indo-Pacific region operations. “This is one of our ashore sites for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network, there will be no ammunition, just motor transportation, communication, and engineering,” Watson explained. Blount Island Command plans to stage humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment for the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his full support for the ingress of the equipment to Subic Bay Freeport. “This is a great stride for the Subic Bay Freeport in assisting foreign allies in their thrust to provide humanitarian aid and relief assistance in the Indo-Pacific Region.” He added that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the most strategic areas to deploy aid to other areas around the Indo-Pacific Region, as the area has become the logistics hub for maritime and aviation industry in the country. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Blount Island Command is the hub for US Marine Corps prepositioning programs, including afloat squadrons and ashore sites.

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – In a decisive blow against illegal firearms and contraband, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) successfully carried out a high-impact operation leading to the arrest of a notorious suspect and the seizure of deadly weapons, ammunition, and illegal drugs in Barangay Sumandig, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, on February 3. Joint operatives from the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and the Bulacan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit executed a search warrant that resulted in the capture of a suspect identified only as alias “Ed,” a 47-year-old resident of the area. Authorities discovered an arsenal of illegal weapons inside the suspect’s residence, including a pistol equipped with a laser sight, two suspected converted rifles with scopes, magazines, and a stockpile of ammunition. The operatives also found a fragmentation grenade, further highlighting the potential threat posed by the suspect. In addition to the illegal firearms, police confiscated a quantity of dried marijuana leaves, a weighing scale, and drug paraphernalia, reinforcing suspicions of the suspect’s involvement in illicit drug activities. PRO3 Regional Director Brig.Gen. Jean Fajardo commended the operatives for their dedication, stating, “This operation sends a clear and strong message—there is no place for lawlessness in Central Luzon. We will continue to hunt down those who possess illegal firearms and peddle dangerous substances. Our duty is to protect our communities, and we will not waver in this mission.” The suspect is now in police custody and faces multiple charges related to illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and illegal drugs. PRO3 remains steadfast in its mission to rid the region of criminal elements and calls on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.                    

Generating 30,000 new jobs, spurring inclusive growth   The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), partnered with Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI), to embark on a transformative project developing a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, which is seen to create 30,000 new jobs and generate more revenue for the national government. BCDA on Thursday, 23 January 2025 signed a 50-year lease agreement with SPPI to develop the industrial park within the rising metropolis, with a total investment commitment of P30 billion from the industrial estate leader and its locators. SPPI is renowned for its innovative and sustainable industrial parks, with six premier sites across Central Luzon and Southern Luzon and Central Visayas that serve both local and multinational enterprises. “At the heart of this partnership is a common goal: to create jobs and empower the local economy. By developing this industrial park, the project is set to open up thousands of job opportunities, not just in construction and manufacturing but across a variety of industries,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. This ambitious project is expected to create approximately 30,000 new jobs, spanning various sectors such as food production, textiles, automotive parts, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data centers, contributing significantly to the area’s sustained economic development. The project is also poised to generate an estimated P1.9 billion in income tax revenues for the national government, contributing substantially to the national economy by supporting public funds for nation-building projects. SPPI Chairperson Guillermo D. Luchangco expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in SPPI by the BCDA in awarding the project. With a clear commitment to surpassing expectations, Luchangco reaffirmed his firm’s goal of delivering a development that would not only meet, but ideally exceed, the standards set forth. “We feel that in our own modest way, we have been able to contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines by putting up world-class industrial estates which enable us to attract manufacturing and technology companies to set up shop in our country,” Luchangco said. The signing event was also graced by SPPI President and CEO Richard Albert I. Osmond, SPPI executive Vice President Noel Neric, BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Conversion and Development Group Mark P. Torres, BCDA Vice President for Business Development Mary Grace C. Perez, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Department Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta.      

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has intensified its crackdown on illegal firearms in a relentless push for a safe and peaceful May midterm elections. From January 12 to January 28, PRO3 seized 101 firearms—including revolvers, caliber .45, and caliber 9mm pistols—and arrested 103 individuals for violating the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Regional Director BGen/. Jean S. Fajardo reaffirmed PRO3’s unwavering commitment to security, stating “This is more than just enforcement—this is about protecting lives and ensuring that every voter feels safe. Every illegal firearm we confiscate is one less threat to public safety. We will not relent in our efforts to keep Central Luzon secure during this critical election period.” Of the 101 firearms seized, 38 were confiscated at checkpoints, 21 recovered through police responses, 39 seized in buy-bust operations, and three from other law enforcement actions. Among the 103 arrested, 98 were civilians, four were security guards, and one was a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Fajardo stressed that public cooperation is a game-changer in ensuring peaceful elections: “We are calling on everyone—follow the rules, report violations, and work with us. A single tip-off could prevent violence and save lives. This is our shared responsibility.” Under COMELEC Resolution No. 10918, carrying firearms and deadly weapons in public is strictly prohibited unless covered by a COMELEC-issued Certificate of Authority. Even licensed gun holders, including law enforcement personnel, must comply with this regulation. As election day approaches, Fajardo assured that PRO3 will further intensify security measures, ramping up operations and checkpoints across the region: “We are stepping up. Expect more checkpoints, more police visibility, and swift action against those who defy the law. The safety of our people is non-negotiable.” PRO3 urges the public to report any violations of the gun ban or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official hotlines. Your vigilance and cooperation are key to keeping Central Luzon safe.    

Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has pegged its 2024 workforce at 164,400 showing a minimal but steady increase with 4.8 percent. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño attributed the increase in the workforce to the number of orders in the manufacturing sector that drove the workforce from 2023’s 156,811 workers to this year’s 164,400. He said that the manufacturing sector of the Subic economic zone recorded 27,484 workers employed by 110 companies here in 2024, compared to 21,433 workers in 2023. “And we are anticipating more employment opportunities in Subic Freeport because of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aggressive efforts to bring more foreign companies to invest in the country since it has been his administration’s thrust to create more jobs for Filipinos through foreign direct investments,” he said. The manufacturing sector of Subic Bay Freeport has employed workers from Olongapo City (13,738), Bataan (3,843), Zambales (8,154), Pampanga (188), National Capital Region (140), Tarlac (79), and other areas (1,342). Aliño added that the services sector of Subic’s workforce still has the biggest number of workers with 116,776 employees employed by 4,014 companies in 2024. It recorded an increase of 1,134 workers from 2024’s 116,776 employees, compared to 2023’s 115,642 employees. The companies in the services sector employed workers from Olongapo City (46,857), Bataan (14,984), Zambales (17,999), Pampanga (4,419), National Capital Region (5,441), Tarlac (1,727), and other areas (25,349). The shipbuilding/marine-related services with 153 companies recorded an increase of 309 workers for 2024’s 6,187 employees compared to 2023’s 5,878 employees. The male-dominated sector recorded 5,512 male workers and 675 female workers. It employed workers from Olongapo City (2,742), Bataan (693), Zambales (1,543), Pampanga (59), National Capital Region (347), Tarlac (11), and other areas (792). Meanwhile, the number of employees in the construction sector reached 13,953 and employed by 320 companies. Another male-dominated industry, these 320 construction companies employed 13,357 male workers and 596 female workers coming from Olongapo City (4,749), Bataan (1,747), Zambales (2,214), Pampanga (603), National Capital Region (916), Tarlac (296), and other areas (3,428). Aliño said that an increase of 95 workers was recorded in the construction sector, with 13,953 workers recorded in 2024, and 13,858 workers recorded in 2023. The SBMA chief said that with the current trend the Subic Bay Freeport workforce is experiencing, any fluctuation in the country’s unemployment rate would not adversely affect the number of workers here since the steady increase is a good sign of a constant upward pace in the employment sector.

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – A mother and son, both listed as High-Value Individuals (HVI), were arrested in a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted by joint operatives from the Gapan City Police Station and the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU) of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO). The operation, which took place at around 4:15 a.m on January 16, in Barangay Mahipon, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, resulted in the apprehension of 44-year-old mother alias “Osel” and her 22-year-old son alias “Chao.” Following weeks of intensive surveillance, the buy-bust operation led to the confiscation of 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of  P408,000. The suspects, along with the seized illegal drugs, were promptly transported to the Gapan City Police Station for proper documentation and further legal processing. Police Regional Office 3 Regional Director Brig.Gen Jean Fajardo commended the operatives for their diligence and commitment to the fight against illegal drugs. “This operation demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering resolve to rid our communities of the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Let this be a strong message to those involved in the drug trade – the law will catch up with you,” she stated. Fajardo emphasized PRO3’s continued dedication to strengthening anti-drug operations and ensuring that individuals violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) face the full force of the law. “Under my leadership, we will relentlessly strengthen our collaboration with the community to eradicate illegal drugs and confront all forms of criminality head-on,” she added.      

Subic Bay Freeport – Recognizing their contribution to the waste segregation efforts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), 91 utility workers received proceeds from the 14th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE). During the opening program of the SBMA’s week-long celebration of Zero Waste Month at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on Monday, these utility workers were given grocery packs as a simple token worth a total of P56,987 from the recyclable materials turned over by Freeport stakeholders. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the recyclable materials were collected from the recyclables generated from Subic Bay Freeport companies, SBMA departments and residents of the Freeport. He added that the SBMA Ecology Center spearheaded the event, kicking off the month of January as Zero Waste Month Celebration in the SBFZ program that commenced on January 13 and will run until January 17. “This is a part of our Race to Carbon Neutrality Program and a continuing action for the Agency’s ISO 14001:2015 Recertification,” Aliño added. Ecology Center Manager and OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana said that the 91 beneficiaries were from Omniworx, the cleaning services provider tasked with cleaning and maintaining SBMA buildings throughout Subic Bay Freeport. “Why Omniworx? Because they are our waste heroes. Omniworx is our partner in the segregation of wastes at source. They ensure that recyclables are segregated properly, which allowed for the efficient delivery of segregated wastes during the bi-annual RCE for proper disposal through our recyclers,” Dela Llana explained. SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez, representing Chairman Aliño, along with Dela Llana and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad, were present during the turnover ceremony of the tokens for the 91 Omniworx employees. Tacbad said that materials such as foil from 3-in-1 coffee sachets or juices in tetra packs are being repurposed to make items such as handbags, wallets, and other fashionable knickknacks that can be sold to consumers. He added that one example is the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) business that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is currently conducting with the help of the inmates, citing that these fashionable items were made by them using recycled materials. Proclamation No. 760 series of 2014 declared the month of January as Zero Waste Month celebration. This year’s celebration, themed “Food Waste No More and Break Free from Plastics,” aims to usher consumers to consider changing their lifestyles and practices, and emulate sustainable natural cycles where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.      

Subic Bay Freeport – A new firing range inside this premier Freeport providing a place for gun enthusiasts and law enforcers to practice their shooting skills was opened on January 7. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed that the new Subic Freeport Shooting Range Inc., located at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, has a committed investment of P25 million. The commercial shooting and target range aims to promote target shooting as a sport inside this premier Freeport, while also developing target shooting or shooters at par with the world’s best target shooters. Aliño and the SBMA Board of Directors led the opening of the firing range, together with the country’s best shooters, Jethro Dionisio and Khalil Viray. The 3,000 square meter facility is a former US naval building (Bldg. 2027) with an indoor range measuring 100 square meters. The company leased the area for 25 years and has 15 employees. A special provision was accorded to SBMA Law Enforcement personnel to utilize the facility free of charge for training purposes.          

By: Dante Salvaña   San Miguel Corporation (SMC) recorded another win in its ambitious effort to help mitigate flooding throughout Luzon, as it recently completed its extensive Pampanga River cleanup effort, with the removal of close to 700,000 tons of silt and solid wastes. From mid-August to December, SMC removed some 694,372 cubic meters of silt and solid waste from 26.3 kilometers of the Pampanga River, as part of its long-running “Better Rivers Ph” initiative. The project, led by SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and done at no cost to government and taxpayers, also effectively deepened the river’s channels and improved water flow out to Manila Bay. “Flooding is a major issue for our cities and provinces, with many contributing factors. For our part, we’re committed to do what we can to clean up our river systems and help government and our communities,” said Ang. He emphasized the importance of cleaning up the Pampanga River: “The Pampanga River is a major waterway in Central Luzon. Waters from here go to many other provinces, including Bulacan, which is downstream.” “Since the river was already quite shallow due to siltation and pollution, during heavy rain, water would easily overflow in many areas, affecting farmlands and communities and even contributing to flooding in other areas. So, it was imperative for us to come here and help clean up the river,” said Ang. In Macabebe, a riverside fishing town in Pampanga, Vice Mayor Vince Flores says the dredging of the Pampanga River represents more than just a cleanup. “It’s a lifeline for a town burdened by its role as a natural catch basin,” Flores said in an interview last November. “Floodwaters from Nueva Ecija and San Fernando end up here. Before this (river cleanup), it took days, even weeks, for water to recede. Now, with deeper channels, the flood subsides faster.” The effort, he said, is crucial not only for mitigating floods but also for reviving the local economy, citing how silt extracted from the river has been used to fortify their dikes and coastal roads. The vice mayor said some of the silt is used as paving materials to elevate critical public infrastructure in Macabebe, like schools. The Pampanga River cleanup adds to SMC’s list of completed river initiatives, following its massive cleanup of Bulacan River systems last year, where it extracted over 4.31 million metric tons (M/T) of silt and waste from 74.5 km of rivers. These include major waterways such as the Taliptip-Maycapiz-Bambang, Meycauayan, Marilao, Mailad-Sta. Maria, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Pamarawan, Kalero, and Labangan-Angat Rivers.Overall, Better Rivers PH, launched in 2020, has already covered a total of 156.42 km of waterways, extracting a total of 8,348,440 M/T of silt and solid wastes as of January 2, 2025. This includes 1.12 M/T removed from 10.9 km of Tullahan River; 1.18 M/T from 26 km of Pasig River; 322,739 M/T from 7.61 km of San Juan River; and 417,044 M/T from 5.3 km of San Pedro River — on top of its Bulacan and Pampanga cleanups and other ongoing efforts in Metro Manila and south Luzon. Ang underscored how SMC’s commitment to cleaning up major rivers bears the company’s time-honored value of “malasakit,” recognizing how Filipinos living in coastal communities would be protected in terms of economic and safety risks. “As an added benefit, our Better Rivers PH cleanup enables safer operations of water ferries like along Pasig River, and even improves water quality — and people say it reduces foul odors, and, of course, it restores marine ecosystems,” Ang said. “So, it really makes us happy to continue providing this service to the Filipino people.”     PHOTO CAPTION: