Try GOLD - Free

AROUND THE ISLAND Pinoys in Taiwan already used to China presence

The Freeman

|

April 05, 2025

MANILA The Philippines' cultural and economic office in Taiwan reassured the public on Thursday, April 3, that Filipinos in Taiwan remain safe despite China's routine military exercises around the island, saying workers there are "used to reports of China's presence."

- Cristina Chi

"There is no cause for alarm because everyone here in Taiwan is conducting business as usual," Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson and Resident Representative Cheloy Garafil said in a statement. "Filipinos here in Taiwan are used to reports of China's presence around the territory."

This statement comes after AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. instructed troops to begin planning for actions "in case there is an invasion of Taiwan" during his speech at Tuesday's Northern Luzon Command's (NOĹCOM) 38th anniversary program.

NOLCOM, the military command responsible for the northern Philippine region closest to Taiwan, was told that the country would be "inevitably" involved in any Taiwan conflict scenario due to geographic proximity.

MORE STORIES FROM The Freeman

The Freeman

DSWD extends P200M cash assistance to quake victims in north

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released P200 million in cash assistance under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program for families affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu as part of the agency's ongoing recovery support operations.

time to read

1 min

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Phl among world's largest ecommerce markets – NIQ

The Philippines is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing e-commerce markets, helping drive Southeast Asia's rapid expansion in online spending, according to new data from consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ (NIQ).

time to read

1 min

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

NK: Sub deal will trigger 'nuclear domino' effect

North Korea denounced an agreement between Seoul and Washington to build nuclear-powered submarines, saying in a state media commentary on Tuesday that the deal would cause a “nuclear domino” effect.

time to read

2 mins

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

The Freeman

Marcos will not resign

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not step down, said Malacañang on Tuesday, November 18.

time to read

1 mins

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Province now on high alert against rising leptospirosis

The Cebu Provincial Government has ordered all district and provincial hospitals to intensify their monitoring for early detection and preparedness following a spike in leptospirosis cases in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.

time to read

2 mins

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

'Sins of the Father' ends with strong note on scam awareness

Aralar and Marissa Kalaw, creative head Dindo Perez, head writer Cenon Palomares, and writers Jann Mendoza and Shania Vonzel.

time to read

1 min

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Filipino athletes conquer Dubai T100 Triathlon

Three Filipino triathletes led by Jonathan Pagaura made their fellow countrymen proud on the global stage.

time to read

1 min

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Philippines, Palestine sign landmark deal

The Philippines and Palestine took a major step in their decades-old ties on Tuesday, November 18, signing a memorandum of understanding to hold regular political consultations and launching talks on a visa waiver for diplomats.

time to read

2 mins

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Cebu water crisis worsens as power outages persist

Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) warned that Cebu Province is facing an intensifying water shortage as prolonged and uneven power restoration continues to cripple pumping stations outside Metro Cebu.

time to read

1 mins

November 19, 2025

The Freeman

Only one way to find out

Accusations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is using drugs are nothing new, but they have always come from his detractors and opponents.

time to read

1 mins

November 19, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size