Windows26: Southern California braces for extreme fire threat as Santa Ana winds return

January 14, 2024

Hi, reader! Today, we're covering the PH-Japan-US pledge to deepen trilateral ties, lower SRP for imported rice, and Southern California's wildfire threats amid returning Santa Ana winds.

Southern California braces for extreme fire threat as Santa Ana winds return

As the death toll from the Los Angeles County wildfires continues climbing — currently at 24 — firefighters were bracing Monday for the return of dangerous Santa Ana winds that could test containment lines around the Palisades and Eaton fires and potentially spark new blazes.

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PH, Japan, US confident of growing trilateral ties

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday during a video call to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters.

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PhilHealth benefits now cover outpatient emergency services

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will now pay for emergency procedures and other services for patients who do not need to be confined in hospitals.

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Lower retail prices of imported rice seen

The government may cut the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for imported rice if the "sharp decline" in global prices continues, an agriculture official said on Monday.

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'Show of force': 1.8M join INC peace rally

The Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has flexed its muscles, mustering a mammoth crowd of almost 2 million for its peace rally on Monday, and an apparent forewarning of what numbers the religious group could gather for those seeking posts in the upcoming midterm elections.

For law enforcers to effectively secure the elections, it's imperative that they move beyond performative actions and focus on real solutions that strike at the core of poll violence... These steps will take time, energy, and resources, but by adopting a smart, targeted approach, the government can genuinely improve public safety during the elections, while demonstrating that its law enforcers are capable of more than just "security theater."

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