Philippines

Indonesia Wildfires Push Davao Air Quality Into ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ Level

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A haze linked to forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia has reached parts of Davao, prompting health and environmental authorities to warn residents to limit prolonged exposure as air quality deteriorates in some areas. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported that its Calinan air-quality monitoring station in Davao City recorded PM2.5 levels that reached the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” cat

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

Ylona Garcia Is Coming Home for Her 10th Anniversary — But the Biggest Part of Her Comeback Comes After the Concerts

Filipino-Australian singer Ylona Garcia is returning to the Philippines for two special homecoming performances celebrating a decade of music—but the anniversary shows appear to be only the beginning of a much bigger artistic reset. MANILA, Philippines — Ten years after releasing the album that formally launched her recording career, Ylona Garcia is coming home with more than nostalgia on her mind. The singer-songwriter will stage two anniversary performances in Metro Manila on September 4 and

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Western Visayas Police Seize ₱10.1 Million in Fish, Boats and Fishing Gear in 10-Day Crackdown

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Authorities in Western Visayas have intensified their campaign against illegal fishing, confiscating more than ₱10.16 million worth of fish, motorboats and fishing equipment in just 10 days. The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said its units conducted 58 anti-illegal fishing operations from July 1 to 10, 2026, resulting in the apprehension of 98 individuals for alleged violations of fisheries laws. The crackdown covered Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Aklan and Capiz, wi

September 3, 2026

Philippines

More Than 400 Filipino Seafarers Caught in Strait of Hormuz Attacks as 3 Die, 1 Remains Missing

MANILA, Philippines — The danger facing Filipino seafarers in the Middle East has escalated, with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reporting that 421 Filipino seafarers were aboard 31 international vessels involved in attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026. The latest figures come as the Philippine government works to repatriate survivors and assist the families of two Filipino seafarers killed when the Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker Sidr was struck by unident

September 3, 2026

Philippines

₱386.6 Million Aid Released for 49,879 Habagat-Hit Workers in Central Luzon — Emergency Jobs, Livelihood Support Rolled Out

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 50,000 workers in Central Luzon affected by prolonged flooding and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, are set to receive emergency employment and livelihood assistance worth ₱386.6 million, as the government shifts from immediate disaster response toward economic recovery. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the assistance will benefit 49,879 workers through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program and the DOLE

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Iloilo City Sets Road Closures Near CPU for 2026 Bar Exams — Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Motorists and commuters passing through Jaro, Iloilo City should prepare for temporary road closures and traffic rerouting as Central Philippine University (CPU) gets ready to host the 2026 Philippine Bar Examinations on September 6, 9 and 13. The Iloilo City government will implement intermittent traffic restrictions along portions of Lopez Jaena Street to help ensure the examinations proceed safely and without unnecessary disruptions. Road closures around CPU Acc

September 3, 2026

Philippines

DBM Releases ₱8.68 Billion for Salary Upgrades of 93,344 Public School Personnel

MANILA, Philippines — More than 93,000 public school personnel nationwide are set to receive salary upgrades after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of an additional ₱8.68 billion for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System. The funding will cover salary differentials for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 93,344 qualified personnel whose positions have already been reclassified under the ECP program. The announcement was made

September 3, 2026

Lifestyle

AIA Philippines Unveils Platinum Secure as Filipinos Rethink Retirement and Long-Term Financial Security

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos live longer and retirement planning becomes increasingly important, AIA Philippines has introduced AIA Platinum Secure, a participating whole-life insurance plan designed to combine long-term life protection with guaranteed cash benefits. The new product was launched alongside BPI AIA’s ADDvantage in August 2026, with both companies positioning the plans as responses to changing retirement needs, longer life expectancy and rising financial pressures on Filipin

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Tacloban School Shooting: DOJ Orders 10 More Charges vs. 15-Year-Old Suspect

TACLOBAN CITY — The legal case surrounding the deadly Tacloban school shooting has taken a new turn, with Department of Justice prosecutors ordering the filing of 10 additional murder-related charges against the 15-year-old suspect. DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said Thursday, September 3, that prosecutors found the teenager acted with discernment and allegedly acted in conspiracy with the other minor involved in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School.  The new charges con

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Cebu Tightens Security for 2026 Bar Exams as 1,300 Examinees Prepare for Three-Day Test

CEBU CITY — Security and traffic controls are being significantly tightened around the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus as Cebu prepares to host thousands of aspiring lawyers for the 2026 Bar Examinations. The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will deploy 102 police officers beginning at 4 a.m. on examination days to secure the testing venue, examinees and Bar personnel. The deployment will include personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Quick Reaction Team, Speci

September 3, 2026