Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
DFA confirms third Filipino fatality in Israel-Hamas conflict
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday confirmed the death of another Filipino in the armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in a briefing in Malacañang that the victim was a 49-year old Filipino woman from Negros Occidental who worked as a caregiver.
DFA says 92 Filipinos in Gaza Strip now want to go back to PH
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said that the number of Filipinos seeking repatriation from the Gaza Strip increased to 92 amid a raging skirmish between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“Out of the 131 [Filipinos in Gaza] up to 92 now are asking for repatriation, and that’s as of several hours ago,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said in a Palace briefing.
February 25, Edsa People Power Anniversary, not a holiday in 2024
The Edsa People Power Anniversary, which the nation celebrates on February 25, is no longer a holiday in 2024, based on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 368 released Friday.
Proclamation No. 368 signed by Marcos on October 11 enumerated next year’s official national holidays, non-working days, and special non-working days.
DND’s Teodoro scorns China’s ‘propaganda’ on West PH Sea: ‘Katawa-tawa’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. scoffed at China’s recent “propaganda” to insist on its ownership of the West Philippine Sea.
The Department of National Defense (DND) chief rejected China’s claim that the Philippines is doing provocative actions, firmly asserting that it is Beijing that is intruding into Manila’s water.
‘Duterte didn’t mean murder: Meron ba siyang pinatay na tao?’ – Dela Rosa
Former President Rodrigo Duterte “did not mean murder” when he unleashed his scathing remarks against a Makabayan bloc lawmaker, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said on Friday.
It was just another “figure of speech,” Dela Rosa said in a phone interview with Senate reporters.
Gold remains with Gilas despite Brownlee’s failed doping test, says POC
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) assured Gilas Pilipinas will retain its 19th Asian Games basketball gold medal despite the failed doping test of Justin Brownlee.
“The gold remains with us,” said POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a statement on Friday.