By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026)— A House joint resolution introduced during the House of Delegates’ Fifth Regular Session is calling on President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. to direct the Palau Public Lands Authority (PPLA) to designate portions of public land for agricultural use and to accelerate the return of excess public […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Launches National Anti-Drug Task Force for 2026 “Just Say No” Campaign
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 498 establishing a National Working Group on the Fight Against Illegal Drugs, launching a coordinated national response for 2026, declared the Year to “Just Say No” to Illegal Drugs. President Surangel Whipps jr. signed an Executive […]
Posted inTop Stories
Ngchesar Inaugurates 12th Government, Sets Priorities on Roads, Housing, Education and Tourism
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Ngchesar State officially inaugurated its 12th government Thursday, with newly elected leaders pledging to focus on infrastructure, housing, education and tourism development for the community. Ngchesar State inaugurates its 12th Government, with new Governor Jackson Doktok, Floor Leader Felicia Watanabe and witnessed by President Whipps Jr. […]
Posted inTop Stories
Tonga Customs intercept firearms, ammunition and restricted goods in latest border seizures
NUKU’ALOFA, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA) — Tonga Customs officers have intercepted multiple consignments containing undeclared firearms, ammunition, alcohol and fireworks during inspections between December 2025 and January 2026, authorities say. The items, arriving from countries including New Zealand and the United States, were detected through x-ray scanning and physical examination as part of strengthened border […]
Posted inTop Stories
Angaur Interim Governor Halts Japan’s WWII Remains Recovery Citing Land Review
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 2026) — Angaur Interim Governor Steven R. Salii has ordered a temporary suspension of World War II human remains recovery work being conducted by Japan, citing unresolved land ownership issues and the need for proper authorization under Palau and state law. In a formal letter to Palau’s Ministry of […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Senate Rejects Key Whipps Appointments, Deepening Executive-Legislative Rift
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — The Senate has again declined to advance three key nominations by President Surangel Whipps Jr., deepening tensions between the executive and legislative branches over Cabinet appointments and confirmation procedures. The Senate took action on the president’s nominees for minister of finance, minister of education and ambassador to the Republic […]