Authorities in the Ilocos region have accounted for 155 firearms, either surrendered or seized, during a three-day anti-criminality and law enforcement operation from August 17 to 19. The operation aimed to bolster crime prevention and law enforcement across the region, with four firearms specifically seized in targeted operations.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered immediate and long-term solutions to address the persistent flooding around the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet, which has plagued the area for over two decades. Dredging and pump installation are being considered.
Department of Education (DepEd) schools in the Philippines' Region 11 are facing a significant security personnel shortage, with only 1,295 guards for nearly 2,000 schools serving over 1.1 million students. This data, revealed in a 'School Safety and Security Audit' following a recent school shooting, highlights an urgent need to bolster safety measures.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the arrest of Eli Eskandar, vice mayor of Marantao town in Lanao del Sur, on Friday for separate murder and frustrated murder charges. The arrest occurred amidst increased enforcement of the gun ban during the election period.
A vulnerable Philippine duck and a critically endangered giant golden-crowned flying fox were sighted in Masbate, highlighting the importance of mangrove and coastal habitats. The sightings occurred during a biodiversity monitoring survey in Barangay Halabangbaybay, San Pascual.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has temporarily suspended hiking activities at Mt. Pico de Loro from August 21 to September 12 due to damage from recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon, allowing for cleanup and rehabilitation.
Authorities reported the arrest of 55 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at P2.28 million during a three-day anti-crime operation in the Ilocos region from August 17 to 19. Police are intensifying their crackdown.
Only four of nine monitored dams across the Philippines recorded a slight increase in water levels in the past 24 hours. Despite generally fair weather, concerns are rising over the impact of insufficient rainfall on water resources.
Opposition is mounting against Puerto Galera's P50 Environmental User's Fee (EUF) for Mindoro residents. Local figures and stakeholders are questioning the policy's impact on tourism, fairness, and the lack of adequate public consultation.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino called for explanations from the court and corporate petitioners who halted the Metro Manila wage hike, stating that workers are always questioned while petitioners are not. He highlighted the lack of public explanation from the parties seeking the injunction.
Philippine eagle Lakpue, the country's national bird, has been rescued in Leyte after losing a talon in an encounter with a domestic dog. Wildlife specialists are assessing its ability to hunt and survive in the wild.
Three individuals, including a police civilian employee, were killed and two others injured in separate gun attacks across three contiguous provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) over a two-day period. Authorities are investigating the incidents.
Two fishermen reported missing in Batangas' Balayan Bay were found safe after nearly 20 hours, the Philippine Coast Guard announced. They were located off the coast of Lemery.
A large-scale territorial defense and crisis management exercise involving the military and multiple government agencies was held in Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Norte province in the southern Philippines. Local leaders are calling for regular implementation to raise community awareness and enhance response capabilities.
A majority of senators in the Philippines have expressed support for conducting afternoon hearings for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, starting in September. This move aims to expedite proceedings while balancing legislative duties.
Following the school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Cardinal Jose Advincula underscored the importance of listening to the youth, especially during tough times. Two high school students died in the incident.
The Philippine agriculture sector has suffered P1.79 billion (approximately $30 million USD) in damages due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), affecting over 51,000 farmers and destroying more than 41,000 hectares of farmland.
Tropical cyclone 'Saudel', to be named 'Obet' locally, is approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). While direct impact is not expected, it will enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains to Northern and Central Luzon.
Following a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged greater attention to the struggles of young people. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of care, compassion, and dialogue beyond mere prayer.
Megawide Construction CEO Edgar Saavedra highlighted the stagnation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and the need for civil servant competency development. Citing Singapore's model, he advocated for human capital enhancement through quality education and adequate compensation, emphasizing his company's commitment to nation-building.
Three individuals were arrested during a raid on an illegal mining site in Iligan City, where heavy equipment was also seized. While most workers escaped, the mayor indicated that illegal miners funded by individuals from Davao City may have relocated operations.
The southwest monsoon, or habagat, is expected to bring rains to parts of Luzon on Saturday, while generally fair weather conditions are anticipated over the Visayas and Mindanao, according to the state weather bureau.
The number of people affected by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay in the Philippines has reached 7.4 million. The disaster council reported 29 deaths, 19 injuries, and 3 missing persons, with significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
A former disbursing officer's testimony is being hailed as a "smoking gun" in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. Representative Terry Ridon stated that the witness directly implicated the Vice President in ordering the release of P125 million in confidential funds to a non-organic OVP personnel.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla ruled out any security lapse at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) following a shooting incident, stating investigators believe the perpetrator entered the campus through an emergency exit.
Three Indigenous Peoples leaders protesting a mining venture in Nueva Vizcaya have been released on bail following their arrest during negotiations. Environmental and human rights groups have condemned the arrests.
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team will comply with any schedule changes to be implemented by the Senate impeachment court, which is considering moving trial proceedings to the afternoon. The prosecution team is pushing for a faster resolution.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that workers injured due to bad weather conditions from the ongoing monsoon may be eligible for benefits and support services through the Employees' Compensation Program, aiming to ensure worker safety and economic aid.
Philippine telco giant PLDT Inc. announced it will block over 100 websites from its network that are found to be streaming or hosting footage of school shootings and other acts of extreme violence, following a second fatal campus attack in less than two months.
Former security aides of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co have denied allegations from 18 former colleagues implicating them in the delivery of suitcases filled with cash. The group is considering legal action to clear their names, amidst a scandal involving alleged cash deliveries to a former Speaker.
The Philippine government has released P27.41 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) for its medical assistance program for the poor, with a significant portion channeled through regional health offices.
President Marcos Jr. on Friday marked Ninoy Aquino Day by urging Filipinos to draw inspiration from the late senator to safeguard the nation's freedom and chart its progress, marking the fifth observance under his administration.
Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon has ordered a review of old American-era mines and a designated small-scale mining area along Kennon Road to determine their contribution to recurring landslides, citing potential geological weakening of mountain slopes.
Zambales and Bataan provinces in the Philippines have declared a state of calamity due to widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent tropical storms. This declaration enables swift release of funds and aid for disaster response.
Three people were killed and one wounded in separate shootings in Maguindanao provinces on Thursday, despite an election gun ban in effect across the Bangsamoro region, raising security concerns in the community.
Cebu's prolonged power crisis is forcing remote workers and businesses to incur higher operational costs due to frequent brownouts and grid alerts, significantly impacting economic activity in the region.