EU-Philippines digital package advances connectivity, cybersecurity
Implementing partners of the European Union-Philippines Digital Economy Package convened their first Project Steering Committee Meeting on June 4, 2026, marking a key step in coordinating a regional digital hub initiative for the Philippines. The package aims to improve bandwidth connectivity, expand access to Copernicus satellite data, support 5G regulatory development and strengthen cybersecurity capacity

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/eu-philippines-digital-package-advances-connectivity-cybersecurity?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

PDEA flags Punta Tabuc as Roxas drug hotspot
By Felipe V. Celino ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has tagged Barangay Punta Tabuc as an illegal drug hotspot in Roxas City. PDEA-Capiz Investigation Agent V and concurrent provincial officer Jury Rocamora said in a recent media interview that the assessment was based on the number of drug personalities arrested in

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/pdea-flags-punta-tabuc-as-roxas-drug-hotspot?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Ginebra outlasts TNT to capture PBA Commissioner’s Cup title
The coronation is complete. On June 17, 2026, Barangay Ginebra cleared the TNT Tropang 5G hurdle after taking them down in the do-or-die Game 7, 88-76, to bag the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship title at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The huge Game 7 win not only

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/ginebra-outlasts-tnt-to-capture-pba-commissioners-cup-title?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

False hopes in our leaders
“AAYAW-AYAW nga ako ngunit ‘yan ay di totoo,” says a line from a Tagalog song where the lady singer “resists” the suitor she loves; pakipot for short. The song reminds us of how the then mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte, initially laughed off “public clamor” for him to run for president

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/false-hopes-in-our-leaders?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Celebrate Father’s Day with Meaningful Moments at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo
Dads are often the quiet heroes of our lives. They work tirelessly, offer steady support, and constantly put their families first. This Father’s Day, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo invites you to treat him to a celebration he’ll actually enjoy—filled with great food, much-needed relaxation, and quality time together. .A Feast Fit for Dad On

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/celebrate-fathers-day-with-meaningful-moments-at-park-inn-by-radisson-iloilo?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Phillips, Baltazar rejoin Gilas for qualifier window
Mike Phillips and Justine Baltazar are set to wear the national colors anew after being named to Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man roster for the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The former De La Salle University standouts will join head coach Tim Cone’s squad as Gilas Pilipinas faces New Zealand on July

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/phillips-baltazar-rejoin-gilas-for-qualifier-window?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu ready for the big league
BASED on media accounts, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu performed so well at the recent 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore. One of the key qualities of a good leader is his or her ability to form productive connections and networks. They aren’t threatened or tantalized by their more experienced counterparts

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/mayor-raisa-trenas-chu-ready-for-the-big-league?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Iloilo’s top most-wanted man arrested in New Lucena
By Jennifer P. Rendon NEW LUCENA, Iloilo — Iloilo province’s top most-wanted person was arrested in a manhunt operation on the afternoon of June 17 in New Lucena, Iloilo. Police identified the suspect as alias “Lomer,” 47, of Barangay Bita-og Gaja, New Lucena. He was arrested in the town’s poblacion area by virtue of a

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/iloilos-top-most-wanted-man-arrested-in-new-lucena?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Iloilo City police probe viral no-parking patrol photo
The Iloilo City Police Office has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral social media post showing one of its patrol vehicles allegedly parked in a designated no-parking zone along Quezon Street in the City Proper on the morning of June 17, 2026. Police Col. Wilbert Parilla, Iloilo City police chief,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/iloilo-city-police-probe-viral-no-parking-patrol-photo?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

IPOPHL marks 10 years with new inventor patent
As it marks a decade of helping underresourced inventors through the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) celebrated the milestone on Wednesday with the grant of the program’s fourth patent. The patent was granted to mechanical engineer Arniel M. Cunahap, covering a coconut sap extraction

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/ipophl-marks-10-years-with-new-inventor-patent?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

The weight of trust
Tab Baldwin’s resignation was always going to be big news. For nearly a decade, he was one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine collegiate basketball. Four championships, countless victories, and a reputation that stretched far beyond Katipunan. So when word came Monday that he had stepped down following the deaths

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/the-weight-of-trust-2?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Trawl fishing vessel seized off Concepcion coast
CONCEPCION, Iloilo — Authorities apprehended a fishing vessel for alleged illegal trawl fishing during a maritime enforcement operation in the waters off Barangay Bagongon, Concepcion, Iloilo, on the evening of June 16. Joint operatives of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force and the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 intercepted the vessel,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/trawl-fishing-vessel-seized-off-concepcion-coast?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Guimaras low-income inflation hits 4.7% in May
Inflation for the bottom 30% income households in Guimaras rose to 4.7% in May 2026 from 4.0% in April, bringing the province’s year-to-date inflation rate to 1.1%, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. “In comparison, inflation was lower at 0.4 percent in May 2025,” Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare said. The May 2026 inflation rate

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/guimaras-low-income-inflation-hits-4-7-in-may?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Dreams start at home
There is nothing wrong with Iloilo City telling its story in Singapore. Cities learn from one another, and the World Cities Summit is not some photo-op corner. The 10th edition, held June 14 to 16 under the theme “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now!,” gathered mayors, policymakers and urban experts around the same headaches Iloilo

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/dreams-start-at-home?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

DOLE job fair delivers jobs in Western Visayas
Freedom found expression in jobs, livelihood opportunities and accessible government services as the Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas brought together jobseekers, workers and partner agencies for the Trabaho Agad Job Fair and simultaneous service delivery activities on June 12, 2026 in Iloilo City. The activity was held in celebration of the 128th

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/dole-job-fair-delivers-jobs-in-western-visayas?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

From Guimaras to Europe: A ‘Patikim’ of Philippine Mango Excellence
The Department of Trade and Industry Region VI, through DTI-Guimaras and in coordination with the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, launched a technical test shipment of fresh Guimaras mangoes to Europe during a send-off ceremony on June 11, 2026. The pilot shipment consisted of 100 kilograms of fresh Guimaras mangoes bound for Brussels, Belgium,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/from-guimaras-to-europe-a-patikim-of-philippine-mango-excellence?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Iloilo City Hall workers called out for ‘just a drill’ mindset
A lack of seriousness and a “drill-only” mindset among some employees emerged as a major concern during the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at Iloilo City Hall on Thursday, June 18. During a post-drill assessment, floor coordinators and marshals pointed to what they described as a prevailing “drill-only mindset” among employees,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/iloilo-city-hall-workers-called-out-for-just-a-drill-mindset?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Iloilo bizman tagged for dumping expired drinks in Jaro River
The Iloilo City government has identified a Chinese-Filipino resident as the businessman behind the dumping of several sacks of expired bottled beverages into the Jaro River, as authorities prepare to file cases over improper waste disposal and environmental violations. Engr. Neil Ravena, head of the General Services Office (GSO), said the

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/iloilo-bizman-tagged-for-dumping-expired-drinks-in-jaro-river?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Drilon warns Senate power struggle far from over amid impeachment
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday warned that the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president may have settled the immediate leadership question in the chamber, but not the deeper political struggle that threatens to destabilize one of the country’s most important democratic institutions. Speaking on ANC Headstart,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/drilon-warns-senate-power-struggle-far-from-over-amid-impeachment?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Nearly a third of rural WV families earn too little
About three in 10 rural households in Western Visayas earn less than half of the national median annual per capita income — more than double the national rate — according to the first wave of a 20-year study that researchers say exposes deep and persistent economic vulnerability in the countryside.

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/nearly-a-third-of-rural-wv-families-earn-too-little?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Sibulan police chief relieved over illegal gambling
BACOLOD CITY — Police Maj. Fortunato Sabio Villafuerte, chief of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station in Negros Oriental, was relieved from his post Thursday under the police force’s one-strike policy against illegal gambling. The relief order was issued June 18 by Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/sibulan-police-chief-relieved-over-illegal-gambling?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Bacolod rewards Palaro athletes with PHP 1.78 million
BACOLOD CITY — The city government released PHP 1.78 million in cash incentives Thursday to 284 delegates of this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Mayor Greg Gasataya led the payout to athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones during a recognition and awarding ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center. Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Dennis

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/bacolod-rewards-palaro-athletes-with-php-1-78-million?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Bacolod marks 88th Charter Day with unity theme
BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod marked its 88th Charter Day celebration Thursday, highlighting the city’s continued progress rooted in the collective efforts of its citizens. This year’s celebration, themed “Bacolod Stronger Together,” kicked off with a grand mobile parade featuring city officials, employees, national government agencies, barangays, civil society organizations, volunteer groups,

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/bacolod-marks-88th-charter-day-with-unity-theme?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

End of delusion
Reality finally came crashing down on Alan Peter Cayetano this week, dashing his illusion. In a special session called by the president, the Senate first settled the leadership row before tackling legislative matters. Thirteen senators attended the special session. The new majority was joined by Joel Villanueva from the Cayetano bloc.

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/end-of-delusion?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Self/Consumption: Ruminations on Krys Balmaceda’s art
By John Anthony S. Estolloso Magnet Gallery in Dumangas was abuzz with life as the artist-run space witnessed the opening of a new exhibit last June 14. Ophthalmologist-artist Krys Balmaceda’s ‘Digest’ offered the sparse crowd of artistes, writers, and poets who gathered that evening, a lean visual narrative comprised of acrylics on canvas. The exhibit

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/self-consumption-ruminations-on-krys-balmacedas-art?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Orlando Magic officially introduces Sean Sweeney as new head coach
The Sean Sweeney era will officially begin in Orlando after the Magic formally introduced him as their new chief tactician for the 2026-27 NBA season. Following a championship qualification campaign with the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach, Sweeney will immediately buckle down to work as he

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/orlando-magic-officially-introduces-sean-sweeney-as-new-head-coach?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Nine Coast Guard personnel restricted after drug test
BACOLOD CITY — Nine Coast Guard District Southern Visayas personnel assigned to the Negros Island Region were placed under restriction after initially testing positive for illegal drug use during a random drug screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday. CGDSV spokesperson

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/nine-coast-guard-personnel-restricted-after-drug-test?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Strong winds damage La Castellana homes, public buildings
BACOLOD CITY — The La Castellana Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Negros Occidental is assessing damage to houses and infrastructure caused by strong winds from a localized thunderstorm that affected parts of the Negros Island Region on Thursday. MDRRMO head John De Asis said strong winds occurred around

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/strong-winds-damage-la-castellana-homes-public-buildings?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

DOF pushes ASEAN climate finance agenda
As the Philippines leads the ASEAN chairship in 2026, the Department of Finance is taking a central role in advancing regional climate action through fiscal policy, public finance, investment solutions and resource mobilization. The DOF pushed the country’s climate finance and national resilience strategies during ASEAN Climate Week 2026, held from April 27 to May

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/dof-pushes-asean-climate-finance-agenda?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Word of the Month: Halfie
The word “halfie” may appear as a casual internet term, but behind its simple structure is a much deeper conversation about identity, race, beauty, belonging, and the Filipino imagination. Linguistically, the word comes from the English word “half” combined with the informal suffix “-ie,” creating a colloquial term used to

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/word-of-the-month-halfie?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

San Miguel taps scoring machine King for PBA Governors’ Cup
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña The San Miguel Beermen are taking a different route by tapping the offensive-minded George King for the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup, set to begin on July 10, 2026. After a disappointing campaign in the last import-laden conference with Bennie Boatwright as their reinforcement, San Miguel is looking to

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/san-miguel-taps-scoring-machine-king-for-pba-governors-cup?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

SAFE NIR 911 calls rise 30% after launch
By Glazyl M. Jopson TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Calls to the SAFE Negros Island Region 911 hotline have increased by 30% since its rollout last week, according to Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region. Cardiño disclosed the development during the provincewide launch of the program

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/safe-nir-911-calls-rise-30-after-launch?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Guimaras food inflation hits 3% in May
Food inflation in Guimaras accelerated in May 2026 as prices rose across major commodity groups, particularly fish and other seafood, vegetables, and cereals, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The increase came as Guimaras’ headline inflation rose to 4.7% in May from 4.4% in April, based on PSA price data reported this month. “Food inflation

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/guimaras-food-inflation-hits-3-in-may?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Two cities, one strait, one beat
I have lived in Iloilo City for five decades, but Bacolod has never been a stranger. I spent two long childhood summers with my relatives there, took my civil engineering board review at UNO-R in 1998, and today I shuttle as a graduate student of the University of St. La Salle—crossing

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/two-cities-one-strait-one-beat?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

BSP extends salary loan repayment to seven years
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has extended the maximum repayment period for salary-based general-purpose consumption loans to seven years, a move aimed at making amortizations more manageable for borrowers while keeping guardrails against excessive debt. The policy applies to all borrowers, including teachers and other employees, the BSP said in a press release dated June

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/bsp-extends-salary-loan-repayment-to-seven-years?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

‘Iloilo City for Everyone’ faces test at the market
By Francis Allan L. Angelo Go to the La Paz market early, before the heat. The floor is still wet from the hosing and the batchoy stalls are just getting their cauldrons going. I have spent a lot of mornings there over the years, and that is where you actually learn what Iloilo is –

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/iloilo-city-for-everyone-faces-test-at-the-market?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Hog production rises in Western Visayas in early 2026
Hog production in Western Visayas grew by 20.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026 even as output for most other livestock and poultry commodities in the region declined, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported. In its special release dated June 11, 2026, the PSA Regional Statistical Services Office VI said

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/hog-production-rises-in-western-visayas-in-early-2026?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Nobody wants to admit they got scammed
A retired teacher in Iloilo spent weeks trying to talk her own daughter — a lawyer — into something called Joy Music Tech. Play short audio clips, collect a little cash each day, pull in a few friends, climb the tiers. The daughter went looking for a registered company by that name and found nothing.

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/nobody-wants-to-admit-they-got-scammed?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

BSP raises key rate to 4.75%
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent on June 18, 2026, as inflation pressures remained strong and the central bank projected inflation to stay above target in the coming years. The Monetary Board adjusted the interest rate on the overnight deposit facility to 4.25 percent.

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/bsp-raises-key-rate-to-4-75?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

MGEN reshuffles leadership for energy transition
Meralco PowerGen Corp. is putting outgoing MGEN Thermal chief Felino M. Bernardo in charge of strategic energy transition projects, including Atimonan One Energy, the Toledo expansion, LNG, indigenous gas and nuclear studies, as the company balances baseload reliability with long-term diversification. MGEN said Arnel L. Santos will become president and chief executive officer of MGEN

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/mgen-reshuffles-leadership-for-energy-transition?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

AWOL cop, 2 others nabbed in Iloilo drug bust
A police officer who went absent without official leave and two other individuals were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of June 18 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Police identified the suspects only as alias To Pepit, the 60-year-old former police officer from Navais village; alias Mark, 37, a mechanic

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/awol-cop-2-others-nabbed-in-iloilo-drug-bust?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

Lemery bridge boosts access to Iloilo, Capiz
By Mariela Angella Oladive LEМERY, Iloilo — Residents of Barangay Alcantara in Lemery no longer have to contend with flooded crossings and disrupted travel following the completion of a new bridge linking communities along the Iloilo-Capiz boundary. Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration of the 105-meter haunch bridge in Barangay Alcantara on June

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/lemery-bridge-boosts-access-to-iloilo-capiz?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni

ICPO welcomes 4 new police officers
The Iloilo City Police Office has welcomed four new police officers to its roster. The four police commissioned officers were relieved and reassigned as part of the regular movement of personnel within the Philippine National Police. The order was signed by Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, and took

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https://dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/icpo-welcomes-4-new-police-officers?utm_source=rappler&utm_medium=muni