Lawmakers, JICA join inspection of North-South Commuter railway

MANILA, Philippines — As the water sector prepares for the anticipated strong El Niño, which may extend to the first half of 2027, Manila Water continues to fortify its portfolio of additional raw water sources through major infrastructure investments designed to enhance supply reliability and reduce dependence on traditional water sources. These initiatives form part of

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Two high-value drug suspects were arrested after yielding around 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at P3.4 million in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lunzuran, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday afternoon, October 13. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Region 9 (PDEA-9) identified the suspects through their aliases as “Abdurahman,”

TACLOBAN CITY — Amid concerns over rising electricity bills in the country, a bill filed by Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez seeks to prevent power consumers from paying for losses caused by electricity theft, illegal connections, faulty meters and inefficiencies of distribution utilities. House Bill No. 11675, filed on Oct. 12, proposes to limit system-loss charges

TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested Eastern Visayas’ No. 1 drug suspect, two other high-value individuals, and five others in separate anti-drug operations on Oct. 12 and 13. The Police Regional Office 8 said the operations yielded suspected shabu worth P1,035,844, based on Dangerous Drugs Board valuations, along with firearms and ammunition, as part of the

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A solemn blessing and candle-lighting ceremony in Barangay Guinoyoran marked the 35th death anniversary of Rev. Fr. Neri Lito Satur on Wednesday. The priest being honored was slain due to his fierce defense of Bukidnon’s environmental preservation. Fr. Teting Tumapon of the Guinoyoran Parish Church led the blessing of the spot

ILOILO CITY — Police operatives arrested a high-value individual and seized about 140 grams of suspected illegal drugs valued at P952,000 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cogon, Panitan, Capiz, on Tuesday night, Oct. 13. The suspect was identified by authorities through the alias “Boss,” 30, a resident of Panitan. According to police reports, the

BACOLOD CITY — Tiny shrimps have turned the beachfront in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, pink for four days now. The shrimps have blanketed about half a kilometer of shoreline, from Barangay 2 to Barangay 5, every morning since Sunday, with the largest volume seen on Wednesday, Oct. 14, said Dionilo Bogtae, coordinator of the Sipalay

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A total of 28 firearms were surrendered to various police units across Caraga (Region 13), as authorities ramped up operations against unregistered weapons. Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) director, reported that 21 loose guns were voluntarily surrendered, while seven others with expired licenses were

MANILA, Philippines —San Juan City, in cooperation with the Caring Keri Foundation, launched its Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebration on Oct. 5 at the Makabagong San Juan Theater inside the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center. The event, with the theme “Wellness and Wisdom: A Journey of Strength and Survivorship,” brought together 236 breast cancer

KORONADAL CITY — Farmers in upland communities in Tupi, South Cotabato, are finding it easier to travel and bring their agricultural products to market following improvements along the P3.9-billion Banga-Tupi-Malungon Road. The road project, which connects parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces, has improved access to farming communities where residents previously had to walk

CEBU CITY — At least 41 women, including 10 minors, who were allegedly prostituted by a syndicate, were rescued during two simultaneous operations conducted in Barangays Pajac and Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday, October 10, that led to the arrest of five suspects. The said operations were jointly conducted by the National Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the guidelines for the 2026 National Literacy Awards (NLA), reaffirming its commitment to recognize partners helping advance literacy in communities nationwide. DepEd issued Memorandum No. 062, s. 2026, which contains the guidelines, through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC). According to a DepEd statement issued on