Feed

I'm trying to send $4,000 to Australia. If you know of a way to send it with reasonable fees, please let me know. BDO has a terrible exchange rate and ridiculously high fees. Thank you!

Ugnayan sa Pasig Response

Sharing a glimpse of good governance, and something that should be a given in our country.

After seeing a post on Reddit by a citizen about a garbage collection truck with worn-out tires (CTTO), I decided to report it too. It was my first time filing a report, and I got confirmation that action had been taken in less than a month.

With everything going on across the country these days, I'm really glad to be a Pasig resident.

Something that could have taken months, or maybe never happened at all, was handled right away, for the safety of not just Pasig residents but everyone who drives in Pasig.

And still, there are people who want to tear down Mayor Vico's current administration. I hope one day they'll be people who are on the side of the Philippines, not on the side of any political party.

Why is GCash so bad (when moving USD → PHP through PayPal)

Hi everyone, I've been living in the Philippines for quite a while now, and moving money from my US account to GCash is way more annoying than it should be. Pointless maintenance, transfer limits, occasional delays... it makes no sense that I have to go through this much trouble just to access my own money.

The fees add up too. Sending from PayPal to GCash can get pretty expensive once you factor in the exchange rate. (150 on 15,000 pesos??) I've been looking into alternatives like Wise or Uno, as well as other digital banks, but I haven't decided yet.

Calamba, Laguna: Tire Repairman Crushed to Death When Jack Slips Under Dump Truck

📌 At around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, at a tire repair shop (vulcanizing shop) on Yulo Avenue in Barangay Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna, a tire repairman who had gone under a dump truck to set up a jack was crushed and killed when the jack slipped and the truck came down on him. This is according to the Daily Tribune.

■ What Happened
· The truck driver and the owner brought the truck to the shop to have a punctured tire fixed.
· The repairman went under the truck to place a jack near the damaged tire, but the jack slipped and he was crushed by the body of the truck.
· Barangay public safety personnel responded and took him to JP Rizal Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at around 3:45 p.m.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The Calamba police station is investigating the incident based on witness statements. The repairman's age has not been reported.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· When you leave your vehicle at a repair shop, check that the mechanic does not crawl under the car with only a jack holding it up, and that they also use jack stands and wheel chocks.
· Do not go near a vehicle that is being serviced.

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/30)

■ Photo
· File photo · Floor jack lifting a passenger car — Daily Tribune

Visayas Grid Red and Yellow Alerts on Friday, Oct. 30 — 177MW Supply Shortfall

📌 On Friday, Oct. 30, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raised a red alert over the Visayas grid from 5 to 7 p.m., and yellow alerts from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Peak demand is projected at 2,536MW, but available capacity is 2,359MW, with 782.2MW unable to enter the grid due to plant outages and derated capacity.

■ What's Changing
· The number of power plants out of service due to outages is 23 according to GMA and 22 according to The Manila Times, and 20 more plants are running at reduced output.
· The Manila Times reported that Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2 and KEPCO SPC Unit 1 remain shut down, and power imports from Mindanao are also limited. GMA said transmission from Mindanao is limited due to the scheduled shutdowns of GNPK Unit 4 and TSI Unit 2.
· GMA explained that under a red alert, widespread or rotating power outages are expected, and under a yellow alert, the likelihood of rotating outages increases.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· If you are staying in the Visayas, including Cebu, Bohol, and Iloilo, charge your phone and power bank in advance in preparation for evening outages.
· Take care to protect refrigerated food and essential medicines, and check outage announcements from your local electric utility.

■ Sources
GMA (10/30), The Manila Times (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. NGCP building signage — The Manila Times
· 2. File photo · Transmission towers and lines, NGCP logo — GMA

Gasoline Expected to Rise ₱2.90–₱3.20 per Liter Next Week, Diesel to Drop ₱0.40–₱0.60

📌 On Friday, October 30, oil industry players projected that gasoline prices in the Philippines will go up by ₱2.90–₱3.20 per liter next week, while diesel prices will go down by ₱0.40–₱0.60. These are still industry estimates, and the Department of Energy (DOE) said the final adjustments may differ because international prices are fluctuating widely.

■ What's Changing
· Jetti Petroleum President Leo Bellas, based on the first four trading days of Singapore benchmark prices (MOPS), forecast a gasoline increase of ₱2.90–₱3.20 and a diesel rollback of ₱0.40–₱0.60.
· Based on the four-day average, diesel fell by ₱0.62 per liter and kerosene by ₱1.00, while gasoline rose by ₱2.90 (ABS-CBN).
· The DOE gave a similar outlook, but Director Rino Abad said prices all rose in the first two days and then fell sharply on Wednesday and Thursday, so the four-day average alone should not be relied on.
· ABS-CBN reported that diesel prices fell on hopes for Middle East peace diplomacy and expectations of ample diesel supply from China, Russia, and South Korea.
· For cooking LPG, Saudi Aramco's November contract price rose by $46 per ton, creating pressure for an increase of about ₱3 per kg, but Regasco said prices may stay the same because of ample domestic stocks.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· If you drive a gasoline vehicle, it may be better to fill up before prices go up.
· The actual adjustments will be confirmed by oil company announcements, so check the notices at gas stations.

■ Sources
ABS-CBN (10/30), Daily Tribune (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · A worker fueling a car at a gas station — ABS-CBN
· 2. File photo · Gas station pump and price board — Daily Tribune

Early-morning shooting in Sariaya, Quezon — unidentified man killed, suspect flees on motorcycle

📌 At around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, an unidentified man was shot multiple times and killed on a village road in Purok 7, Barangay Sto. Cristo, Sariaya, Quezon, in Southern Luzon. According to the Daily Tribune, the suspect has not yet been arrested.

■ What happened
· A resident heard three gunshots in quick succession. Afterward, an unidentified woman ran to the resident's house, shouted that her husband had been shot, and then left in a panic.
· A witness saw a motorcycle with its headlights off heading toward Maharlika Highway.
· Police received a report at around 2 a.m. and responded, finding a man lying on the road with multiple gunshot wounds on his body.

■ Investigation and current status
· The Sariaya police station is conducting follow-up operations to identify the victim and the suspect, and has requested a dragnet and support from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).

■ Advice for residents and travelers
· It is best to avoid secluded village roads late at night.
· If you hear gunshots, keep low, take cover in a safe place, and then call the police (911).

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/28)

■ Photo
· Map showing the location of Sariaya, Quezon — Daily Tribune

Rain across the country over the Undas long weekend — Amihan, shear line and low pressure area at work; Typhoon "In-fa" stays far out at sea

📌 On Friday, October 30, the Philippine weather bureau (PAGASA) said that over the Undas long weekend (October 31 to November 2), the Amihan (northeast monsoon), the shear line and a low pressure area (LPA) will bring rain to parts of eastern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Metro Manila will be hot and humid, with possible afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Even if the typhoon with the international name "In-fa" enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) next week, it is expected to stay far from land and curve away.

■ What's changing
· Saturday, 31st to Sunday, November 1: Cloudy skies with scattered rain over Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon and Bicol due to the shear line, and over Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao and the Zamboanga Peninsula due to the LPA trough and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
· Batanes, Apayao and Ilocos Norte will be cool with light rain due to the Amihan.
· Monday, November 2: The Amihan strengthens and affects Central Luzon, where Pampanga is located, and Northern Luzon, with light rain over Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora.
· As of 3 p.m. on the 30th, the LPA was 475 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and is unlikely to develop into a tropical depression.
· As of 3 p.m. on the 30th, Typhoon "In-fa" was 2,560 km east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (gusts up to 230 km/h). When it enters PAR on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, it will be called "Samuel".

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Bring an umbrella or raincoat when visiting cemeteries or traveling to your home province, and be prepared for afternoon and evening thunderstorms in Metro Manila.
· Forecasts may change, so keep checking PAGASA's announcements.

■ Source
ABS-CBN (10/30)

■ Photo
· File photo · A person holding an umbrella walks past a cemetery — ABS-CBN

Baguio Bakakeng North pawnshop robbery by two men — jewelry stolen in getaway

📌 At around 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, two men dressed in black entered a pawnshop and remittance center branch in Barangay Bakakeng North, Baguio City, robbed it, and fled with jewelry. According to the Daily Tribune, police are pursuing them.

■ What happened
· The two men wore black clothing, jackets, and beanies, and one of them wore a helmet. One of them was carrying a weapon (the type was not reported).
· While one man subdued the security guard, the other, who was armed, made a female employee open the display case and took the jewelry.
· The two fled to an unknown location, and police received a report about 5 minutes later.

■ Investigation and current status
· The amount of cash and jewelry taken has not yet been confirmed.
· Police who responded to the scene are conducting a pursuit operation, and there is no word of an arrest yet. No injuries were reported.

■ Advice for residents and travelers
· If you encounter a robbery, don't resist—put your physical safety first.
· When withdrawing a large amount of money at a pawnshop or remittance center, don't go alone, and be aware of your surroundings.
· If you see anyone suspicious, notify the police or call 911.

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/29)

■ Photo
· File photo · Silhouette of a hooded intruder (staged photo) — Daily Tribune

100-year-old mango trees fall in heavy rain and strong winds in Catalunan Grande, Davao City, killing 2

📌 On the night of Thursday, October 29, in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Catalunan Grande (Catalunan Grande), Davao City, Mindanao, giant 100-year-old mango trees fell onto houses in heavy rain and strong winds, killing a 29-year-old security guard and a 38-year-old delivery worker. This is according to Manila Bulletin.

■ What happened
· In Purok 31, a 29-year-old security guard was crushed by two mango trees that fell beside his lodging, suffering a head injury and dying at the scene. Police received a report through the emergency hotline (Central 911) at around 10:45 p.m., and a family member who was with him was also injured and taken to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
· In Purok 32, a 38-year-old delivery worker from a water refilling station was inside his house when a fallen tree crushed him, causing severe head injuries; he died at SPMC at 12:09 a.m. on Friday the 30th.
· His 23-year-old housemate said that at around 8:30 p.m., when heavy rain and strong winds struck, they had decided to evacuate, but he remained inside the house.

■ Investigation and current status
· Search and rescue teams and barangay personnel carried out rescue operations, and police conducted a follow-up investigation.
· Authorities urged residents to stay alert and move to safe places when heavy rain and strong winds hit.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If you are staying in a house or lodging right next to a large tree, move elsewhere in advance when heavy rain or strong winds are coming.
· When strong winds are blowing, do not stand or park under trees or utility poles.
· In an emergency in Davao City, you can call 911.

■ Source
Manila Bulletin (10/30)

■ Photo
· File photo · Mango tree with fruit — Manila Bulletin

Missing 11-Year-Old Girl in Sagñay, Camarines Sur Found Dead — Police Investigating

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, an 11-year-old girl, a Grade 6 elementary school student who had been reported missing, was found dead in a nipa palm swamp in Barangay Turague, Sagñay, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol region. According to the Daily Tribune, police are treating the case as a homicide and have formed a special investigation team.

■ Timeline of Events
· Her family reported her missing, and she was found three days later in a swamp in Zone 2, Barangay Turague.
· The day before she was found, police posted a missing person notice with her photo on Facebook.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· On Thursday, the 29th, Sagñay police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and requested a Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team.
· The body was taken to a funeral home in neighboring Tigaon, where an autopsy will determine the cause of death. Police have not disclosed the condition of the body.
· There are no suspects or arrests yet.
· Police urged the public not to spread unverified information, hasty accusations, or sensitive material about the child victim, and to share any information they have with authorities.

■ Advisory for Residents and Travelers
· If you can't reach your child, notify the barangay and police without delay.
· Make it a habit for children to tell you where they are going and who they will be with whenever they go out.
· Do not spread photos or rumors related to the case on social media (police request).

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/29)

■ Photo
· The 11-year-old girl who died, as she looked in life — Daily Tribune

Flights to and from Manila canceled or rescheduled Nov. 14–18 — ASEAN Summit impact

📌 Because of the 49th ASEAN Summit being held in Manila Nov. 16–18, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Friday, Oct. 30 that it has canceled or rescheduled some domestic and international flights to and from Manila on Nov. 14–18. Cebu Pacific has also adjusted its schedule in advance, and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) projected that more than 100 flights could be canceled during this period.

■ What's changing
· To coincide with the arrival of summit delegations, PAL has canceled or retimed some flights departing from and arriving in Manila on Nov. 14–18.
· Domestic routes on the list include Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and Dumaguete.
· International flights include Hong Kong (14th, 16th, 17th), Melbourne (14th), Sydney (16th, 18th), Singapore (17th), Jinjiang, Xiamen, Bali Denpasar (18th), and Riyadh (daily, 14th–18th) (GMA).
· Cebu Pacific did not disclose the number of canceled flights, but said several domestic and international flights were affected and that all affected passengers have been moved to other flights. AirAsia Philippines said it has no cancellations (PNA).
· In its Oct. 26 advisory, the CAB said there may be temporary flight and airport adjustments and tighter security depending on delegation arrivals.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you have a booking departing from or arriving in Manila on Nov. 14–18, check airline emails and text messages and the PAL "Flight Status" page.
· Passengers on canceled PAL flights can choose among free rebooking, a full refund, or conversion to travel credit under "Manage my Booking." The CAB said other expenses, such as hotels, are not the airline's responsibility.
· PAL advised passengers to arrive at the airport early and check in online in preparation for road closures and stepped-up security screening.

■ Sources
ABS-CBN (10/30), Philippine News Agency (10/29), GMA (10/30)

■ Photo
· File photo · Philippine Airlines planes parked at Manila airport — GMA

2 Chinese Nationals Arrested at Cebu Pier 4 — Accused of Transporting 47 Tons of Raw Copper Ore With Forged Permits

📌 At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, two Chinese nationals (aged 55 and 45) were arrested at Pier 4 in Barangay Tejero, Cebu, on suspicion of trying to transport about 47 tons of raw copper ore using forged permits. According to the Daily Tribune, the ore is worth 1.5 million pesos.

■ What Happened
· Enforcement agents seized 47,040 kg of unprocessed raw copper ore loaded on 2 ten-wheeler wing van trucks.
· Authorities said the Ore Transport Permits the two men presented were found to be forged after verification with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 7 office.
· The 55-year-old man reportedly lives in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and the 45-year-old man in Makati City.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The operation was carried out at the request of the MGB Region 7 office by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue field unit and Region 7 unit, the Cebu Port Authority's port police, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and others.
· The legal basis is the Philippine Mining Act (Republic Act No. 7942), Section 53 of which requires a permit when transporting ore. The specific charges have not been reported, and the allegations are the authorities' claims.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· If you plan to get involved in transporting or trading minerals or ore in the Philippines, check for an MGB permit first. If the documents are fake, the person transporting the goods can also be punished.
· Foreigners who are arrested may also face action from the Bureau of Immigration, so avoid business proposals from unclear sources.

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/29)

■ Photo
· Sacks of ore loaded on a truck at the pier and enforcement agents — Daily Tribune

62-Year-Old American Caught Bringing 17.4 kg of Cannabis "Kush" Through NAIA Terminal 3

📌 At around 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, a 62-year-old American man arriving on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, was caught at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Manila bringing in about 17.4 kg of suspected cannabis "kush." According to a Daily Tribune report, the estimated street value is 17.46 million pesos, and the man is facing charges for violating the Dangerous Drugs Act.

■ How It Happened
· In the Customs secondary inspection area, 15 vacuum-sealed pouches hidden in aluminum packaging and other materials inside two suitcases were found.
· The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced this on Friday, the 30th, putting the estimated value at 17.46 million pesos (P17.46 million).
· The operation involved the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, the PDEA National Capital Region office, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) drug enforcement unit, the police Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The man is set to be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165 (the Dangerous Drugs Act). The charges are the authorities' allegations and will be determined at trial.
· The seized items will be sent to a PDEA laboratory to confirm their composition.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· The Philippines punishes bringing in or possessing cannabis severely. Even if it is legal in another country, you must not bring it with you.
· Do not carry someone else's luggage for them or take custody of packages when you don't know what is inside.
· Pack your own bags and don't take your eyes off them at the airport.

■ Source
Daily Tribune (10/30)

■ Photo
· Enforcement agents and officials (faces blurred) at the PDEA office — Daily Tribune

Yesterday's Top Philippine News (10/30)

📌 We picked six important stories from the news out of the Philippines on October 30 and gathered them in one place. Click a headline to go to the full article.

1. Drug Sting in Angeles, Pampanga; Wanted Suspect Arrested in Clark — October 29
On the 29th, one person was arrested in a drug sting in Angeles, Pampanga, and one person wanted on a charge of falsifying public documents was arrested at the Pampanga Provincial Hospital in Clark.

2. Mayon Volcano 'Moderate Explosive' Eruption — Alert Raised to Level 3, Evacuation of 6 km Danger Zone
On the 30th, Mayon Volcano erupted, sending ash up to 3 km high. The alert was raised to Level 3, and residents of the 6 km danger zone were ordered to evacuate and flight restrictions were imposed.

3. NBI Identifies 60 Online 'Grooming' Suspects Linked to Tacloban School Shooting
In connection with the June school shooting in Tacloban, the NBI has identified 60 suspects accused of inciting minors online, and is investigating 200 more.

4. Two Children, Ages 3 and 5, Drown in Irrigation Canal in Banga, South Cotabato
On the afternoon of the 29th, two children aged 3 and 5, who were playing outside their home in Banga, South Cotabato, fell into an irrigation canal and drowned.

5. Undas Exodus Begins — 430,000 Passengers at NAIA Over Three Days, NLEX Contraflow Ready
Ahead of the Undas holiday, NAIA passenger numbers have topped 430,000 over three days, and with passenger traffic at transport hubs tripling from normal, NLEX has prepared a contraflow lane.

6. Pampanga Police Warn of Pickpockets for Undas — Officers Deployed to Angeles Cemeteries and Major Roads
For Undas, the Pampanga Provincial Police Office urged people to beware of pickpockets in cemeteries, Angeles police deployed officers to cemeteries and major roads, and the fire bureau deployed personnel under Code Red.

4 Pampanga Restaurants Make the Michelin Guide for the First Time — 'Tito Boy' in Clark, 'Mila's' in Angeles

📌 Four Pampanga restaurants were named for the first time in the 'Michelin Guide Philippines 2027,' announced on the night of Thursday, October 29. Tito Boy in Clark Freeport and Apag Marangle in Guagua were picked for the Bib Gourmand, while Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in Angeles and SOUQ Pampanga in San Fernando were chosen for the Michelin Selection.

■ What's changing
· The awards ceremony was held on the night of the 29th at the Marriott Hotel Manila (Newport World Resorts), and 127 establishments nationwide were named, of which 31 are Bib Gourmand (GMA).
· The news of the Pampanga restaurant selections was announced on Facebook by the Department of Tourism Region 3 (Central Luzon) office (GMA).
· Mila's began in 1986 as a small neighborhood shop (sari-sari store) run by Milagros "Mila" Gomez and her husband in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles. Starting with just 4 customers, it built its name by word of mouth over 40 years, The Voice reported.
· Signature dishes are tokwa't baboy (fried tofu and pig's ears tossed in an onion, celery, and calamansi soy sauce dressing), sisig, pako salad, and barbecue tosino.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· The main Mila's branch is on San Andres Street in Angeles and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (The Voice).
· SOUQ is on Lazatin Avenue in San Fernando (GMA).
· Crowds may surge after the selections, so going outside busy mealtimes means a shorter wait.

■ Sources
The Voice (10/30), GMA (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. Pampanga restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide — GMA News
· 2. Notice of Angeles restaurant's Michelin Selection — The Voice Newsweekly

Transport Secretary Slams 2-Year Delay in Transferring NAIA Terminal 1 CCTV — 'Finish It by November'

📌 On Friday, October 30, Transport Secretary Vince Dizon made a surprise inspection of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Manila and sharply criticized the CCTV operations handover, which has been delayed for nearly two years. Amid a recent string of passenger thefts at the terminal, the secretary warned that officials in charge will be dismissed if the transfer is not completed by November.

■ What's Changing
· The transfer of CCTV operations from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to NAIA's private operator, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), has dragged on for nearly two years (The Manila Times).
· Recently, a French passenger had a luxury watch worth 18 million pesos stolen at the Terminal 1 Grab pickup area, and it turned out the area had broken or missing cameras, so there was no footage at all (The Manila Times).
· The secretary ordered NNIC to install more CCTV cameras to eliminate blind spots, and publicly apologized to the passengers who were victims of theft.
· MIAA said it has completed the final takeover of the CCTV project and will finish the transfer within the deadline set by the secretary (GMA).

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· In places that have had CCTV blind spots, such as pickup areas, keep valuables on your person and never take your eyes off your luggage.
· The airport is crowded with the All Saints' Day holiday, so take extra care of your belongings.
· If you are robbed, notify airport police or security personnel right away.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/30), GMA (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · Exterior of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal — GMA News
· 2. File photo · The Transport Secretary answering reporters' questions — The Manila Times

Central Bank: "October Inflation Likely to Hit 7.1–8.1%" — Possibly the Highest in Over 3 Years

📌 On Friday, October 30, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projected October inflation at 7.1–8.1%. Energy prices remain high because of the Middle East crisis, pushing up fuel, electricity, and transport fares, and if this continues, inflation could reach its highest level in over three years.

■ What's Changing
· The BSP cited rising domestic fuel, electricity, and transport costs as factors pushing inflation up.
· On the other hand, it expects good supply to bring down prices of rice, vegetables, meat, and fish, partly offsetting the upward pressure.
· In April, inflation hit 7.2%, the highest in three years, as fuel prices jumped due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It then eased, but rose back to the same level in September (Philippine Statistics Authority data).
· The BSP has raised interest rates four times in a row since April, and last week it raised its benchmark rate (the reverse repurchase rate) by 0.5 percentage points. The BSP said it will continue to monitor how the Middle East situation affects prices.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Fuel, electricity, and transport costs keep climbing, so it's wise to set aside a generous budget for transportation and electricity bills.
· Prices of rice, vegetables, meat, and fish are trending down, so grocery shopping may be relatively less burdensome.
· These figures are the BSP's forecast; the actual October inflation rate will be confirmed by the Philippine Statistics Authority's release.

■ Source
News5 (10/30)

Pampanga Police Warn of "Pickpockets" During Undas — Police Deployed at Angeles Cemeteries and Major Roads

📌 On Friday, October 30, the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (Pampanga PPO) urged cemetery visitors to watch out for pickpockets during Undas (All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2) in a post on its official Facebook page. On the same day, the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) deployed police at cemeteries and major roads in the city, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Luzon regional office placed all units on "Code Red" emergency alert.

■ Police and Fire Response
· The Angeles City Police Office said that on the 30th it deployed police at cemeteries and major roads to handle traffic management, crime prevention, and immediate assistance.
· The Pampanga provincial police director inspected some cemeteries in the province on Thursday the 29th to check police deployment and security conditions.
· Starting on the 30th, the BFP Central Luzon regional office placed all units on Code Red (full alert) under "OPLAN KALULUWA 2026" and stationed personnel at key points (The Voice).
· The Angeles City Information Office reported that families were tidying up graves ahead of time at Holy Mary Memorial Park and La Pieta Memorial Park, and urged people to keep a close eye on children and the elderly and follow instructions from authorities.

■ Advice for Residents and Travelers
· Pampanga PPO advised keeping bags closed and worn in front of your body, keeping valuables such as phones and wallets secure, and being especially careful in crowded places.
· If someone follows or bothers you, go straight to the police or a Police Assistance Desk, and report emergencies by calling 911.
· The Angeles City Police Office asked people to keep a close watch on their belongings and obey traffic rules.

■ Sources
Pampanga PPO (official Facebook, 10/29, 10/30), Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook, 10/30), Angeles City Information Office (official Facebook, 10/30), The Voice (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. Pampanga PPO Undas pickpocket warning notice — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)
· 2. Police deployed at Angeles cemeteries and roads — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)

Undas Homecoming Rush Begins — 430,000 Passengers at NAIA in Three Days, NLEX Preparing Counterflow Lanes

📌 Ahead of the Undas long weekend on Friday, October 30 (All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2), crowds of people heading to their home provinces are packing airports, seaports, and expressways. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila handled more than 436,000 passengers over the three days from October 27 to 29, and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has prepared to operate counterflow lanes in anticipation of heavy congestion from the afternoon of the 30th through Saturday the 31st.

■ What's Changing
· The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said the number of passengers at transport hubs such as airports and seaports has nearly tripled compared to normal, and it has suspended leave for security screening officers nationwide. It has also sent security inspection personnel to seaports, bus terminals, and train stations (ABS-CBN).
· Police have gone on heightened alert at NAIA (GMA).
· The NLEX operator said that with more vehicles heading north, it is ready to open counterflow lanes if necessary (Inquirer).
· The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) projected about 1.93 million passengers at ports nationwide from October 27 to November 5. As of the October 30 report, Manila North Harbor was still quiet (PNA).

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Liquids, aerosols, and gels carried onto the plane are limited to 100 ml per container; anything over that must go in checked baggage. The OTS also urged travelers not to pack sharp or pointed objects in their bags.
· Packing only the essentials will speed up security screening. The list of prohibited items is available on the OTS website.
· If you're traveling to or from Angeles or Clark by vehicle, adjust your departure time to account for NLEX congestion on the 30th and 31st.

■ Sources
GMA (10/30), ABS-CBN (10/30), Inquirer (10/30), PNA (10/30)

■ Photos
· 1. Homecoming travelers and their luggage in a terminal waiting area — Daily Tribune
· 2. Passengers at the NAIA check-in counters — GMA News