Flammable Cargo Blamed for June Aster Fire
The Maritime Industry Authority in the Philippines has identified flammable cargo as the likely cause of the fire that engulfed the motor vessel June Aster, with investigations ongoing.
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The Maritime Industry Authority in the Philippines has identified flammable cargo as the likely cause of the fire that engulfed the motor vessel June Aster, with investigations ongoing.
A 2026 study reveals that over 80% of the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) is vulnerable to landslides, with slope identified as the biggest contributing factor. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures, following a recent landslide in Baras, Rizal, that temporarily blocked a major highway.
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who had been imprisoned abroad, has returned to her home country to reunite with her family and grandchildren. Her return has been a moment of significant public interest in the Philippines.
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has activated a "code white" alert due to the potential impact of Severe Tropical Storm Queenie. This measure ensures the DOH operations center is on 24/7 alert for timely response in affected areas.
Information regarding Jaime T. Cruz, identified as a business partner of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, has been reported by Rappler Business. Details about his background and business activities are currently limited.
African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in Agutaya town, Palawan, raising concerns for the province's and the nation's pork industry. Authorities are urgently implementing containment measures.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has strongly criticized the Land Transportation Office (LTO) over alleged fraudulent practices concerning third-party liability insurance, stating that accident victims are unable to claim benefits. He accused the LTO of neglecting assistance for insurance claims and focusing solely on financial aspects.
Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines, has received international recognition for its environmental and sustainability initiatives, including coastal resource protection, solid waste management, and renewable energy programs. The municipality secured four awards at The Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2026.
A three-day avian survey in Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Sorsogon, has confirmed the thriving presence of diverse bird species, including endemic ones. The assessment highlights the park's ecological richness and importance for conservation efforts.
The Visayas grid in the Philippines will be placed on yellow alert on Saturday afternoon, September 26, due to insufficient power supply. This indicates a tight reserve margin and raises the risk of rotating brownouts.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched SkillPass, a skills certification program for beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, aiming to enhance their future employment prospects by formalizing their temporary work experience into certifiable skills.
The El Niño phenomenon has caused significant damage to agriculture in the Bicol region of the Philippines. Prolonged dry conditions and below-normal rainfall have resulted in over P97 million in losses, affecting more than 2,700 farmers.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that Severe Tropical Storm Queenie has intensified and is nearing typhoon category. It is located east-northeast of the Batanes Islands, prompting increased vigilance.
President Marcos emphasized the critical need for advanced technology adoption and robust domestic supply chains to enhance the international competitiveness of local manufacturing. During a visit to Laguna Technopark, he highlighted the importance of innovation through private sector collaboration.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro remains "undecided" on a potential run for the 2028 presidential elections. He emphasized the importance of asserting Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, linking it to future generations' quality of life and sustainability.
A flash flood in Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, has resulted in the death of one high school student and left four others missing. The students were reportedly swimming in a river when the incident occurred.
Mary Jane Veloso, a former overseas Filipino worker, returned to her home province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines after serving 16 years in prison in Indonesia for drug trafficking. Granted an absolute pardon by the president, she has reunited with her family and expressed gratitude for her freedom.
Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday denied knowledge of an alleged former security officer of ex-Speaker Lord Allan Velasco who supposedly delivered money to her and other family members. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is reportedly investigating these claims.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into "nefarious" foreign activities within the Philippines. This comes amid concerns over illegal activities allegedly involving Chinese nationals, including the case of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and substandard steel plants.
Wage Order No. 28, raising the minimum wage in Metro Manila (NCR) by P60, took effect on September 26. The daily minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is now P755, and for agricultural workers, P718.
The Philippines has unveiled a national roadmap targeting an 85 percent reduction in plastic pollution by 2040. The plan aims to prevent plastic waste at its source and improve collection and recycling rates nationwide, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Severe Tropical Storm Queenie maintained its strength on Saturday morning as it continued to move northwestward over the Philippine Sea. The state weather bureau reported its last known location was approximately 600 kilometers east northeast of Ibtayat.
A 50-year-old man was fatally shot by motorcycle-riding assailants in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, treating the incident as a murder case.
The Philippine President has ordered full integration aid for Maria Jesus Veloso, who has received a presidential pardon. This move aims to facilitate her reintegration into society.
A new two-classroom building has been inaugurated at Burgos Elementary School in Daraga town, Albay, benefiting 61 learners. This development significantly improves the learning environment for students who previously held classes outdoors or in covered courts. The project cost approximately P9.65 million.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing a proposal to utilize excess yellow corn for bioethanol production, aiming to support farmers in the Cagayan Valley region, one of the country's primary corn-growing areas.
An official of the defunct New People's Army (NPA) in southern Philippines, shot by a companion, is now under military and police protection as she seeks to avail of the government's surrender program and return to mainstream society.
The Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to launch the 'Integrity Chain' portal, allowing civil society to monitor public works projects, by the end of 2026 or early 2027, aiming to prevent massive anomalies and enhance transparency.
Five Grade 11 students drowned in a river in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, after being swept away by floodwaters. Six classmates were rescued. Reports suggest the students may have skipped classes for an outing.
Philippine President Marcos has signed into law a bill postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from their scheduled 2026 date to November 2028, extending the terms of incumbent officials by two years. The decision faces criticism for disenfranchising voters and concerns about perpetuating political control.
The minimum wage for workers in Metro Manila, Philippines, will increase by P60 daily starting September 26. This brings the daily wage for non-agricultural workers to P755 and for agricultural workers to P718, under a new wage order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to limit prosecution evidence to 10,000 items, down from over 62,000, citing volume and quality issues that impede adequate defense preparation.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has vehemently denied allegations from a former congressman's aide that she received over P2 billion in cash. Duterte dismissed the claims as a "media stunt" and accused the administration of trying to oust her.
Cebu City has honored 43 scouts at the National Court of Honor for their contributions to the community. The recognition aims to foster youth leadership and civic consciousness.
A court in Iligan City has issued arrest warrants for the mayor of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, and 11 others for their alleged involvement in a January ambush that targeted the mayor of Shariff Aguak. The charges include violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, raising concerns in a region historically linked to the Ampatuan clan.
Following the cancellation of Baguio City's annual Halloween parade due to religious backlash, an online petition has emerged demanding the revocation of its UNESCO Creative City title, citing suppression of creativity. Young professionals are lobbying the city council.