NBI arrests suspect soliciting money from OFWs at DMW

NBI arrests suspect soliciting money from OFWs at DMW

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) has arrested an individual at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office in Mandaluyong for allegedly soliciting money from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) trying to acquire cash assistance from government agencies. According to the NBI, Mary Jocelyn Balabuyan was caught red-handed on October 10 taking solicited money from her victims whom she offered assistance to claim financial aid from the DMW and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Balabuyan, alongside another suspect, Nialmo Lovina, offered to help four OFWs in distress and eligible to claim financial aid […]... Keep on reading: NBI arrests suspect soliciting money from OFWs at DMW

P4B and counting: Cost of damages left by 6.9 quake in north Cebu schools

P4B and counting: Cost of damages left by 6.9 quake in north Cebu schools

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The deadly 6.9 earthquake that struck has left widespread devastation in schools in northern Cebu, with the total cost of damages nearing P4 billion. The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) continues to conduct damage and technical assessment to the hundreds of schools affected by the September 30 quake.  But as of October 14, they pegged the damages around P4 billion, said Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, director of DepEd-7.  READ: Earthquake in numbers: Magnitude vs Intensity  The figures include not only classrooms but also division offices. “Currently, the total damages have already reached close to P4 […]... Keep on reading: P4B and counting: Cost of damages left by 6.9 quake in north Cebu schools

Pulong’s daughter graduates master's program in Australia

Pulong’s daughter graduates master's program in Australia

Isabelle Duterte, daughter of Davao City First District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte, achieved a new milestone by graduating with a Master of International Relations degree from the prestigious University of Sydney on October 13, 2025. Rep. Duterte personally attended the solemn ceremony, celebrating Isabelle's second postgraduate degree aligned with her passion for global affairs and diplomacy.

Marcos inaugurates water impounding dam in Cagayan

Marcos inaugurates water impounding dam in Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the inauguration of the Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria, Cagayan, which will improve the province’s irrigation system, enhance its flood resilience, and boost its agricultural productivity. During the inauguration of the dam, Marcos cited the timely completion of the project, noting that construction was finished in just 14 months. “This project began under my term and was also completed during my term. This goes to show that effective flood control is possible, so long as the work is done right, the design is solid, and the implementation is carried out well. There won’t be any issues,” he said. The President noted that a weir, or a low-head dam, helps control the flow of water during heavy rain or strong river currents, effectively preventing flooding downstream. He added that sluice gates on both sides draw water for irrigation, reaching far and covering a large area. “This irrigation system covers 3,600 hectares. All of that land can be watered simultaneously, thanks to the flood control measures. You know, when we build irrigation systems like this, we always include flood control as part of the plan,” Marcos said. “More than 1,000 farmers and seven villages will benefit from this project. We understand that the life of our farmers is not easy. So, we provide all the support we can.” The National Irrigation Administration has collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Highways under the convergence program called Kalsada Tungo sa Patubigan (Katubigan) Program. The program aims to enhance irrigation service roads and provide additional support to local agriculture. A key project of the program is the construction of the Small Reservoir Impounding Project in Claveria, Cagayan, addressing critical infrastructure needs and environmental challenges. PNA

Airlines, pilots warned: Stay away from Bulusan, Kanlaon, Taal volcanoes

Airlines, pilots warned: Stay away from Bulusan, Kanlaon, Taal volcanoes

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) strongly urged airlines to steer clear of Bulusan, Kanlaon, and Taal volcanoes as these may suddenly erupt and spew ash. The agency said on Tuesday that it has extended safety advisories for flights near Bulusan, Kanlaon, and Taal volcanoes. To ensure aviation safety, the following Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued: - Bulusan Volcano: effective October 14, 2025 until October 15, 2025, at 9 a.m., with vertical limits from the surface up to 10,000 feet. -Kanlaon Volcano: effective October 14, 2025 until October 15, 2025 at 9 a.m., with vertical limits from the surface up to 11,000 feet. - Taal Volcano: effective October 14, 2025 until October 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. with vertical limits from the surface up to 11,000 feet. The agency advised all flight operators to monitor NOTAM updates. "CAAP remains vigilant and proactive in ensuring flight safety amid ongoing volcanic activity across the country," the CAAP said in a statement.

Romualdez says he's willing to publicize his SALN if ICI will require it

Romualdez says he's willing to publicize his SALN if ICI will require it

MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said he is willing to publicize his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) should the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) require it. Romualdez said this after attending an ICI hearing where he was invited to discuss his “familiarity and personal knowledge” on insertions in the national budget and flood control projects. Asked if he would be willing to publicize his SALN if needed in the investigation, the lawmaker responded in the affirmative. “I will do [so] at the [insistence] of the commission,” said Romualdez during a chance interview after […]... Keep on reading: Romualdez says he's willing to publicize his SALN if ICI will require it

Citizens, groups rally to aid Davao quake victims

Citizens, groups rally to aid Davao quake victims

As government aid reaches ₱27.3 million, citizens, online groups (like Aesthetic Furmom), and NGOs (like World Vision) are pouring help into the Davao Region, which was struck by "doublet" quakes. World Vision prioritized emergency shelter, clean water, and psychosocial support. In an act of solidarity, Cebu City, which is still recovering from its own quake, launched the "Tabang Para sa Davao Oriental" donation drive.

Romualdez on ICI investigation: 'I will be here to help in any way'

Romualdez on ICI investigation: 'I will be here to help in any way'

MANILA, Philippines—Former Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed Tuesday to share all information he knows with the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to help “speed up” its investigation into the corruption in government infrastructure projects nationwide. Romualdez made the statement on his arrival at the ICI headquarters in Taguig City. “I am ready to feed my personal […]... Keep on reading: Romualdez on ICI investigation: 'I will be here to help in any way'

Central Luzon wage earners get P50-80 daily pay hike

Central Luzon wage earners get P50-80 daily pay hike

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Luzon has approved daily minimum wage increases of P50 to P80 in two tranches beginning October 30. According to Wage Order no. RBIII-26, released on Tuesday, the board ordered the release of the first tranche of the increase, ranging from P20 to P40, to start on October 30. On the other hand, the release of the second tranche of the increase, ranging from P30 to P40, starts on April 16, 2026. The board stated that the new rates in the region’s provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, […]... Keep on reading: Central Luzon wage earners get P50-80 daily pay hike

Ex-NIA staffer’s killing in Cagayan de Oro: Persons of interest eyed

Ex-NIA staffer’s killing in Cagayan de Oro: Persons of interest eyed

MANILA, Philippines — Some persons of interest in the killing of a former National Irrigation Authority (NIA) legal researcher have been determined by the Police Regional Office Northern Mindanao (PRO 10). The identity of the persons and their number were not divulged by the police. Threat to life of victim “There was a threat to the life of the victim as early as last year, but we’re looking into all angles,” PRO 10 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said in a phone interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Tuesday. READ: Talisay killing: Car caught on CCTV led to arrest […]... Keep on reading: Ex-NIA staffer’s killing in Cagayan de Oro: Persons of interest eyed