Philippines

Student Says a Cavite Cop Rammed and Assaulted Him — But What NAPOLCOM Says Happened Next May Be Even More Serious

MANILA, Philippines — What began as an alleged late-night road confrontation between a college student and a police officer in Cavite has widened into a far more serious investigation, with the National Police Commission now examining not only accusations of assault and death threats but also claims that another police officer tried to influence how the case was handled. A 20-year-old college student identified by authorities only as “Ace” filed a complaint with NAPOLCOM against Police Senior M

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Pax Silica Faces a Major Hurdle: DAR Says No Land Conversion Applications Have Been Filed — So What Happens to Tarlac’s Farmland?

The proposed Pax Silica industrial hub in New Clark City, Tarlac, has yet to receive a land-conversion application from any entity, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) told lawmakers Thursday. DAR Undersecretary Napoleon Galit made the disclosure during the House deliberations on the agency’s proposed P16.935-billion budget for 2027, amid growing scrutiny over the possible impact of the massive technology and advanced-manufacturing project on agricultural land and farmers. Gabriela Women’s

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Journalists Put on Election Security Watch as BARMM Heads Toward Its First Parliamentary Polls — And the Stakes Are Rising

The Philippine government is stepping up security measures for journalists covering the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, with authorities strengthening coordination between media organizations, police and other security agencies ahead of the Sept. 14 vote. The push comes as government officials recognize that journalists working on the ground will play a critical role in keeping voters informed while operating in an election environment wher

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Edsa Busway Faces Zero Budget In 2027 As Lawmakers Demand Answers

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed 2027 national budget is facing scrutiny after the EDSA Busway, the Service Contracting Program and transport fuel subsidies were given zero allocations in the Department of Transportation’s proposed spending plan. The issue surfaced during the House of Representatives’ deliberations on the Department of Transportation’s proposed 2027 budget, where Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña questioned why funding for the EDSA Busway and related commuter-support p

September 3, 2026

Philippines

PDEA Seizes ₱32.78 Million Worth of Illegal Drugs in Two Months — But the Bigger Story Is What Came Next

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized an estimated ₱32.78 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of operations conducted from July to August 2026, underscoring the government’s continuing crackdown on the illegal drug trade. The latest figure, reported by ABS-CBN News based on PDEA data, comes as authorities intensify anti-drug operations nationwide and step up coordination with other law-enforcement agencies. The seizures form part of a broader campaig

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Tony Yang Faces Fresh Senate Scrutiny Over Citizenship Claims — But the Sanjia Steel Connection Raises Even Bigger Questions

MANILA, Philippines — Controversial businessman Tony Yang is once again at the center of a Senate inquiry, with lawmakers examining questions surrounding his claimed Philippine citizenship and his links to the company behind the controversial Sanjia Steel operation in Misamis Oriental. The renewed scrutiny comes as authorities continue investigating the steel facility and the people connected to it, putting Yang’s disputed identity and business dealings back under the national spotlight. Yang,

September 3, 2026

Philippines

BFP Chief Sacked Over ₱14.7-M Alleged Payoffs — But the Bigger Question Is How a ₱485-M Ambulance Deal Got This Far

MANILA, Philippines — A procurement deal meant to strengthen the country’s emergency response system has instead become the center of a major corruption case, after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Bureau of Fire Protection official Jesus Fernandez from government service and filed graft and bribery charges against him over the procurement of 132 ambulances worth roughly ₱485 million. The Ombudsman said Fernandez allegedly received a total of ₱14.752 million in cash from a representative c

September 3, 2026

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