Philippines

Mikee Romero Retires From the AFP Reserve Force After Questions Over His Medals—But the Military Review Isn’t Over

Former congressman and businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero has retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force, just as controversy over the medals, badges and decorations displayed on his military uniform pushed the Philippine Air Force into a broader review of how reservists receive promotions and awards. Romero formally relinquished his position as wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve–Northern Luzon, with his retirement taking effect on August 19, 2026, accord

August 20, 2026

Philippines

PNP Moves to Erase Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting Videos Online — But Investigators Are Now Following a Digital Trail

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying efforts to remove photos and videos related to the deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s junior high school campus, as investigators widen their probe into the attack and how sensitive footage spread online. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to strengthen its cyberpatrol operations and coordinate with social media platforms to take down images, videos and other online material conn

August 20, 2026

Philippines

Mikee Romero Retires From AFP Reserve Force as Military Reviews His Awards—What Happens to His Medals Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Former lawmaker and businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero has retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force, ending his stint as commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) continues an investigation into its policies governing reservist promotions, awards and military badges. Romero formally relinquished his duties and retired from the Reserve Force effective August 19, 2026, according to a stateme

August 20, 2026

Entertainment

Claudine Barretto’s Name Is Being Used by Fake Accounts—Now the NBI Is Involved, and Her Earlier Warning Reveals a Bigger Problem

MANILA, Philippines — Claudine Barretto is taking her battle against social-media impersonators beyond Facebook warnings, with the actress saying authorities have been alerted over accounts allegedly using her identity and potentially misleading her followers. The veteran actress, widely known as the “Optimum Star,” has repeatedly warned fans to be careful with Facebook profiles and pages carrying her name, stressing that people should verify an account before believing messages or transactions

August 20, 2026

Philippines

Remulla Blames the ‘Robin Padilla Law’ for Gun Crime Surge—But One Detail About the 1997 Law Changes the Story

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reopened a decades-old debate over Philippine gun laws after blaming what he called the “Robin Padilla Law” for a rise in crimes involving loose firearms—and calling on Congress to tighten the rules following another deadly school shooting. But behind the politically explosive label is a more complicated legal history. Remulla urged lawmakers to revisit Republic Act No. 8294, a 1997 law that reduced penalties for certain illegal-firea

August 20, 2026

Entertainment

Gab Valenciano Looked Full of Energy on Stage—But Gary V Says His Son Was Fighting a Battle Few People Could See

MANILA, Philippines — Behind Gab Valenciano’s explosive dance performances, viral “Super Selfie” videos and seemingly limitless energy was a far more difficult battle that his family had been confronting away from the spotlight. Gary Valenciano and his son Gab have now opened up more deeply about that chapter of their lives, offering one of their most personal conversations yet about mental health, family, recovery and the pressures of growing up in public. Gab appeared on the June 8 episode o

August 20, 2026

Business

DEATH TOLL RISES TO 29: Luis, Maymay and Habagat Leave Widespread Destruction Across PH—And the Rains Aren’t Over Yet

The death toll from the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay and the southwest monsoon or Habagat has climbed to 29, with authorities reporting deaths from landslides, flooding, falling trees, electrocution and other weather-related incidents. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the latest tally was recorded as of 6 a.m. Thursday, August 20, underscoring the continuing danger posed by the prolonged rains across several parts of the country. Benguet records the most fatalit

August 20, 2026

Lifestyle

Poverty Sentiment Surges in the Philippines: 1.1 Million More Families Say They’re Poor—What’s Driving the Change?

MANILA, Philippines — More Filipino families are saying they are struggling to make ends meet, with both self-rated poverty and hunger rising sharply in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research. The survey found that 39% of Filipino families considered themselves poor in July, up from 35% in March. That four-percentage-point increase translates to roughly 1.1 million additional families identifying themselves as poor. OCTA estimates that about 1

August 20, 2026

Philippines

28 Witnesses Ready to Testify vs. Romualdez—Will the Flood Control Probe Finally Break Open?

The Office of the Ombudsman says its investigation involving former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is far from resting on a handful of controversial witnesses. The anti-graft agency said it has 28 witnesses prepared to provide direct and material information on transactions under investigation in cases involving Romualdez, a disclosure that comes as questions continue to swirl around the recantation of former Zaldy Co aide Orly Guteza. The development was reported by Bombo Radyo

August 20, 2026

Philippines

Kanlaon Spews 200-Meter Ash Plume as 4 Volcanic Quakes Strike—But PHIVOLCS Warns of What Could Come Next

MANILA, Philippines — Mount Kanlaon showed renewed signs of unrest Thursday morning after the volcano released a grayish ash plume that rose about 200 meters above its summit crater, while state volcanologists recorded four volcanic earthquakes during the latest 24-hour monitoring period. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the ash emission occurred at around 5:24 a.m. on August 20, based on observations from the Nature’s View Observation Station in S

August 20, 2026