Philippines

Western Visayas Police Put Youth at the Center of School Safety Drive

PRO-6 urges students to speak up, reject misinformation and help build safer campuses as schools strengthen preparedness against bullying, drugs and violent threats ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Young people are being urged to become active partners in keeping schools safe as police in Western Visayas intensify efforts to prevent crime, respond to emergencies and address problems that can threaten students and school communities. Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño

September 4, 2026

Entertainment

Miss World 2026 Finale Is Almost Here—But Will Asia Rose Simpson Make the Final Cut?

The Miss World 2026 finale is set to take place on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where 111 national delegates will battle for the coveted blue crown in what is also a landmark celebration of Miss World’s 75th anniversary. But this year's coronation night will be different from a conventional pageant. Instead of simply watching contestants progress through familiar elimination rounds, viewers will see a revamped competition format that takes the field from Top 40 to Top 20, Top 12 and fina

September 4, 2026

Philippines

PNP Seeks Tougher SIM Registration Law as Cybercrimes Continue to Rise

Proposed changes could tighten identity verification, SIM ownership and transfers as police warn criminals are still exploiting registered numbers MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is pushing for amendments to the country’s SIM Card Registration Act, saying stronger safeguards are needed as criminals continue to use mobile numbers in scams, identity exploitation and other cybercrimes. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force is prepared to provid

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Alex Eala Gets Her US Open Rematch—But the Opponent She’ll Face Has Beaten Her Twice Before

NEW YORK — Alex Eala's historic US Open campaign has taken another dramatic turn. After powering into the third round for the first time in her career, the 21-year-old Filipina will now face a familiar—and particularly difficult—opponent: American rising star Iva Jovic. Jovic booked the highly anticipated showdown by defeating Britain's Francesca Jones, 6-4, 6-4, in the second round. That means Eala and Jovic will meet again, but this time with a place in the US Open Round of 16 on the line.

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Steel Plant Raids Leave Hundreds Without Jobs—Now Labor Leaders Want DOLE to Step In

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s expanding crackdown on steel manufacturers accused of violating safety, labor and product regulations is now facing a new question: Who will protect the workers left behind when the factories shut down? Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula is urging the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to take a more active role in government operations involving steel plants, particularly when raids result in workers being displaced. Matula sa

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Prosecution Drops Lachica, Nolasco and Madriaga as Witnesses—So What Happens to the P612.5-M Confidential Funds Case?

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel has decided not to call three controversial figures—former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former VPSPG deputy commander Col. Dennis Nolasco, and former Duterte aide Ramil Madriaga—as witnesses in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying the evidence already presented is sufficient to support its allegations involving confidential funds. The decision marks a significant shi

September 4, 2026

Entertainment

6cyclemind Turns 25 With a Free OPM Rock Celebration—But the Biggest Surprise Is Who’s Joining Them

Twenty-five years after helping shape the sound of Filipino pop-rock, 6cyclemind is celebrating a major milestone with a free anniversary concert that brings together multiple generations of OPM artists. The veteran band will headline its 25th Anniversary Concert on September 12, 2026, at Eton Centris in Quezon City, with doors opening at 4 p.m. and the show beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is free. And while the celebration is built around 6cyclemind's quarter-century journey, the lineup makes t

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Bonoan Faces Arraignment in Remaining Flood Control Graft Case—But His Legal Battle Is Far From Over

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Friday for arraignment in the remaining graft case tied to the alleged flood control kickback scandal, even as a separate court ruling has already removed him as an accused in two other cases. The development comes just days after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division granted the Office of the Ombudsman’s request to drop Bonoan from the plunder and graft cases involving former S

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Metro Cebu Air Quality Eases—But Experts Warn Residents Not to Let Their Guard Down

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu’s air quality has shown signs of easing, but residents are being urged not to become complacent as haze linked to wildfires in Indonesia continues to affect the region. The latest development comes after several days of deteriorating air quality that pushed Metro Cebu into the “Acutely Unhealthy” category, prompting class suspensions and heightened preparations by health authorities. The situation is now being closely watched by environmental and health offi

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Bacolod Dengue Cases Drop 40.6%—But 3 Children Have Died. What’s Behind the Warning?

BACOLOD CITY — Dengue cases in Bacolod City have dropped sharply compared with last year, but health officials are warning residents not to let the improvement create a false sense of security after three children have died from dengue-related complications this year. The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) recorded 448 dengue cases and three deaths from January 1 through August 22, 2026, according to city surveillance data. That represents a 40.6% decline from the 754 cases recorded during the sa

September 4, 2026