Philippines

UP Visayas Dog Death Renews Poisoning Fears as University Probes Possible Repeat of 2025 Incidents

ILOILO, Philippines — A suspected poisoning incident involving campus dogs at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has sparked renewed concern over animal safety after one dog was found dead and another disappeared under circumstances that the university is now investigating. The latest case occurred at UPV’s Miagao campus in Iloilo and has drawn particular attention because it follows the deaths of three dogs reported in the area in 2025, when the animals were also found with sympto

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Cebu City Threatens Legal Action as 61 of 65 Developers Miss Flood-Mitigation Deadline

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City officials are preparing to escalate the fight against urban flooding after only four of 65 property developers submitted the flood-mitigation documents required by the city government, leaving 61 developers potentially facing further action. The city had given the developers a deadline of August 17, 2026 to submit plans and documents detailing their existing flood-control measures, including detention ponds and other facilities designed to manage stormwater ru

August 25, 2026

Entertainment

Iloilo City Turns 89 After Decades of Remarkable Growth — But Its Biggest Test May Still Be Ahead

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Iloilo City marked its 89th Charter Day on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, celebrating nearly nine decades of transformation while putting a renewed spotlight on a bigger challenge: making sure the city’s progress is felt not only in new infrastructure and economic growth, but in the everyday lives of Ilonggos. This year’s celebration carries the theme “89 Years of Progress Towards a Better Iloilo City For All,” with Mayor Raisa S. Treñas framing the anniversary as both a t

August 25, 2026

Philippines

GOV. MARIO ORTEGA TAKES HELM OF ILOCOS PEACE COUNCIL — THEN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA ISSUE TAKES CENTER STAGE

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION — La Union Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega has formally assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Region 1, placing him at the center of efforts to strengthen peace, public safety and security coordination across the Ilocos Region. Ortega took his oath on August 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City, La Union. The oath was administered by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 Director Jonatha

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Former Criminology Student Nabbed in Bacolod Drug Sting; Police Seize P353,600 in Suspected Shabu

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A 19-year-old former criminology student was arrested in a police buy-bust operation in Bacolod City after authorities said they recovered about 52 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱353,600, raising fresh concerns over the continued movement of illegal drugs in the city. The suspect, identified by police only as alias “Tata,” was arrested on August 19, 2026, along San Juan Street in Purok San Sebastian, Barangay Sum-ag. He is a resident of Barangay 1, according to the

August 25, 2026

Philippines

CAVITE FAMILIES ARE BORROWING TO PAY FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS — AND THE NUMBERS REVEAL A DEEPER HEALTHCARE CRISIS

MANILA, Philippines — For many low-income families in Cavite, having a chronic illness is becoming more than a health problem—it is a financial struggle that can force households to borrow money, dip into savings and even choose cheaper treatment just to make ends meet. A University of the Philippines study of 200 households in Ternate, Cavite found that 61% turned to cheaper or alternative treatments, while 39.5% borrowed money to cover medicines and other healthcare expenses. Another 29% reli

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Olongapo Water Levels Rise Again as Habagat Keeps Flood Threat Alive

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — Water levels beneath three major bridges in Olongapo City climbed again Tuesday morning, August 25, renewing concerns over flooding after days of relentless southwest monsoon rains repeatedly pushed waterways toward dangerous levels. City monitoring data showed that as of 8:47 a.m. Tuesday, the water beneath Sta. Rita Bridge had risen to 2.5 meters, putting it at the city's critical level. Meanwhile, Del Rosario Bridge registered 2.3 meters and Kalaklan Bridge reac

August 25, 2026

Philippines

REMULLA WANTS LOOSE GUNS TO MEAN 20 YEARS IN JAIL—BUT HIS BIGGEST PUSH IS TO TAKE BAIL OFF THE TABLE

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla is urging Congress to substantially toughen the penalties for people caught possessing loose or illegally held firearms, including making the offense non-bailable and imposing a prison term of up to 20 years. The proposal, reported by the Manila Bulletin on August 25, comes as authorities continue to confront the proliferation of unregistered and illegally possessed firearms, which can be used in violent crimes and other off

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Typhoon Obet Leaves PAR — But the Weather Threat to the Philippines Is Not Over Yet

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Obet has officially left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but its departure does not mean the country is done with dangerous weather. PAGASA confirmed that Obet, internationally known as Saudel, exited PAR at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, after briefly passing through the country's monitoring zone. At the time, the powerful cyclone remained far east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon and was still packing typhoon-force winds. But the bigger concern

August 25, 2026

Philippines

PNP, DepEd Rework School Safety Drill as Experts Raise Concerns Over Student Welfare

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to refine the procedures for the country’s nationwide school safety drill after concerns were raised that highly realistic active-shooter simulations could cause unnecessary fear or psychological distress among students and teachers. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said local police units are working with school division heads and regional directors to determine what adjustments are needed be

August 25, 2026