(Trigger warning: Mentions of violence and suicide) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned parents to keep children away from online games that “encourage violence.” The caution comes after seven teens in Calabarzon were turned over to social workers after engaging in online discussions involving a mass shooting. “We have to work together

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will simultaneously distribute P5,000 cash assistance to tricycle drivers in 30 identified sites across the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Tuesday, March 17. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez presented the list of payout sites during a joint press conference

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the turnover and inspection of the Learning Continuity Space (LCS) and the rollout of the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan at Marcelo B. Fernan-Polambato Elementary School in Bogo City, Cebu. These initiatives support learning continuity and provide primary healthcare services to students and teachers following the

BAGUIO CITY — Residents and tourists in this city woke up to a crisp morning on Monday as temperatures hovered around 10°C at 5 a.m., slightly warmer than the 9.4°C recorded the previous day. Locals described the cool breeze as unusually brisk for this time of year.  READ: Pagasa records coldest day so far in

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston will hold a transport strike starting Thursday, March 19. Piston National President Mody Floranda announced this in a press conference at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Tuesday. READ: Next week’s spike may push diesel to P100/L “On March 19, we will launch a protest not only in the

BACOLOD CITY—Forest fires broke out on the slopes of Kanlaon Volcano following a moderately explosive eruption at 6:07 p.m. on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. Ashfall and in some areas a strong sulfuric odor affected 54 barangays across 10 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental: Binalbagan, La Castellana, Moises

PUDTOL, Apayao — A critically endangered freshwater turtle is being rehabilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Calanasan after it was rescued in Barangay Capanikkian here Thursday. Known as the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle or frog-faced soft-shelled turtle, the rescued turtle weighs 10

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) expressed alarm over the renewed increase in the number of children aged 10 to 14 years old who are getting pregnant and giving birth, urging lawmakers to immediately pass the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention bill. “As the country observes National Women’s Month, the Philippines is facing

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte may be expedited by the House committee on justice if she does not answer the complaints by Monday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said. Duterte was given 10 days to provide a reply shortly after two impeachment complaints against her were deemed sufficient

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines  — The Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) today said it had facilitated the reunion of two girls with their families in Maguindanao del Sur after being rescued from the clutches of trafficking operators. According to Jan Michella Agata, focal person of

MANILA, Philippines — Subpoenas may be issued on the income tax returns and business records of Vice President Sara Duterte, as well as her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Sunday, to explain what he described as an alleged P50-million gap between Duterte’s cumulative government salary and her declared net

MANILA, Philippines – Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island had an moderate explosive eruption on Sunday evening, its third this year, the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (Phivolcs) said. According to Phivolcs in a statement, the eruption occurred at the summit of the volcano at exactly 06:07 p.m. READ: Kanlaon Volcano erupts anew The eruption

MANILA, Philippines – Several business and agriculture groups have welcomed the government’s intensified crackdown on illicit tobacco manufacturing and smuggling, citing the efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), and the British Chamber of Commerce

BAGUIO CITY — A regional health organization has called on authorities to respect the rights and dignity of Dr. Ana Marie Rilloraza, one of 10 individuals arrested in two separate police and military operations on March 11. The Community Health, Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region (CHESTCORE) urged authorities to ensure humane treatment

MANILA, Philippines —  Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has purchased the house in Germany where national hero Jose Rizal finished his novel, Noli Me Tangere, the lawmaker’s office said Sunday. According to Leviste’s office in a Facebook post, the lawmaker bought the house in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany to preserve the property and promote Philippine history.

TACLOBAN CITY — A 90-year-old man and his 48-year-old son, both persons with disabilities (PWDs), died when a fire razed their home Saturday afternoon, March 14, in Barangay Linao, Ormoc City, Leyte, authorities reported. The victims were identified by their aliases – “Lino,” a widower, and his son “Jojo,” both residents of the village. Ormoc

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte may be expedited by the House Committee on Justice if she does not answer the complaints by Monday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said. Duterte was given 10 days to provide a reply shortly after two impeachment complaints against her were deemed sufficient

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) or Provincial Board has called on the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to immediately suspend its advisory allowing shipping operators to raise fares by up to 20 percent on the Batangas–Calapan route. The council said the suspension should be in effect pending public consultation and review. The

MANILA, Philippines — Most of the country will experience cold weather on Sunday due to the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. “We will experience cold weather today because of the northeast monsoon. Currently, the amihan is affecting a large part of our country,” Pagasa weather specialist

MANILA, Philippines — A committee under the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) is pushing for a higher biodiesel blend that could improve vehicle mileage and cushion the impact of surging fuel prices amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. The PCAF’s National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut has approved a manifesto supporting

15 year-old Totoy (left) and the spot where he landed after jumping from the fourth floor of a school building in Quezon City. (Contributed photos) Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide MANILA, Philippines — Nene remembers her 15-year-old son, Totoy (names withheld for privacy), as a friendly, generous and studious kid who managed his seizure disorder.

MANILA, Philippines – Exposure to bullying affects the test scores of learners, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) reported on Monday. During the Senate Commission on Basic Education hearing on the Anti-Bullying Act, Edcom II Technical Specialist for Basic Education Riz Comia presented the effects of bullying on learning. “[Bullying] is a direct

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday recorded the highest number of volcanic earthquakes since the latest unrest of Mayon Volcano began on Jan. 6, prompting authorities to maintain Alert Level 3 over the volcano. In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs reported 539 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours,

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Eastern Samar will begin implementing a compressed four-day on-site workweek in provincial offices starting Monday, following an executive order issued by Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone. The directive, contained in Executive Order No. RVE-2026-03-014, adopts energy conservation measures and introduces a revised work schedule for provincial government employees while

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston will hold a transport strike starting Thursday, March 19. Piston National President Mody Floranda announced this in a press conference at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Tuesday. READ: Next week’s spike may push diesel to P100/L “On March 19, we will launch a protest not only in the

MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is expected to last in the country until Wednesday, March 18, the state weather bureau reported on Monday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the effects of the amihan are already decreasing and may dissipate by Thursday. “By Thursday, we

MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to protect consumers from hoarding and profiteering, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its monitoring of gas stations that abruptly stopped operating as fuel prices continue to surge. “We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the

MANILA, Philippines — Biodiesel producers said they are ready to pump up the biodiesel blend to 7 percent to help shield Filipinos from further spikes in imported fuel prices due to the Middle East war. The Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) said Republic Act No. 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006 “remains the country’s most

SAN PABLO, ISABELA, Philippines — Farmers across Cagayan Valley are grappling with the early onset of the dry season, as prolonged lack of rainfall since last month c Manuel Dayag, 50, a farmer from Cabagan town, said his cornfields are already drying up despite not yet reaching harvest. READ: DA allots P300M for climate-resilient crop

MANILA, Philippines — No bettor won the jackpot prizes for Ultra Lotto 6/58 and Super Lotto 6/49 in Sunday’s draw, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. PCSO said the winning combination for Ultra Lotto 6/58 was 51-54-37-36-42-57, with the jackpot reaching P96.53 million. No ticket matched all six numbers. Super Lotto 6/49 yielded 23-09-25-32-22-24

MANILA, Philippines —  The House of Representatives is on track to pass priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) Common Legislative Agenda with 4 out of 52 bills set for approval in the coming days. House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, in a statement, said a total of 17 measures, are targeted to become

COTABATO CITY – The Office of Settler Communities (OSC) in the Bangsamoro on Sunday issued an urgent call to all settler communities’ organizations to immediately secure their mandatory sectoral certification to participate in this year’s parliamentary elections. Dr. Susana Anayatin, executive director of OSC, an agency under the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) of

TACLOBAN CITY — A police corporal from the Can-avid, Eastern Samar police station has been relieved from his post after he reportedly displayed his service firearm before a cashier of a local resort Saturday night. The Can-avid municipal police station (MPS) issued a statement on Sunday, March 15, saying it started investigating the incident circulating

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its monitoring of gas stations that suddenly halted operations amid soaring oil prices, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict. This move follows complaints from motorists and netizens about unannounced closures. Police chiefs have been instructed to coordinate with local government units and the Department of Energy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday rejected the allegations of Kamanggagawa party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando and some train employees, who had said that the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) is operating under risky conditions. “The DOTr assures the public that MRT-3 remains safe for all passengers, contrary to their claim

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it has undertaken a “more aggressive stance” against crimes in the streets following the killing of three mobile phone technicians in Cagayan. The PNP released a statement after reporting that two suspects in the slay had been apprehended. READ: 2 suspects in killing of

LUCENA CITY — Police are conducting an investigation into the fire that swept through Barangay Mambugan in Antipolo City, Rizal, on Saturday, March 14. The blaze destroyed six houses. According to a report from Police Region 4A released on Sunday, the incident broke out around 3:45 p.m. and was brought under control by firefighters approximately

MANILA, Philippines — Philip Conrad Acop was proclaimed on Sunday as the new second district representative of Antipolo, Rizal, succeeding his late father, Romeo Acop. The younger Acop obtained 60,051 of 82,796 votes during the district’s special polls on Saturday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported. Romeo Acop, the former congressman of the same district,

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no break from soaring fuel prices this coming week. An industry source told the Inquirer that the per-liter price of diesel may surge by P19.30 to P22.30 starting March 17 while gasoline prices may also rise by P14 to P17 a liter. Fuel prices monitored by the Department of

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands — Eyes at the public gallery of the International Criminal Court (ICC) immediately turned to Filipino photojournalist Raffy Lerma. It was the first day of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing at the ICC. In his opening statement, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang flashed the image of a male

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly half of Filipinos expressed disapproval and distrust in the performance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while Vice President Sara Duterte enjoyed better approval and trust ratings in Pulse Asia Research’s 1st Quarter Ulat ng Bayan Survey released on Monday. However, Marcos’ disapproval rating went down by three percentage points in the new

TACLOBAN CITY — Government troops discovered the decomposing body of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader following an armed encounter in Hinabangan, Samar, last Friday, March 14. Soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion found the remains between Barangays Cabalagnan and Tabay while pursuing two fleeing members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, according to

(First of two parts) MANILA, Philippines — For generations, Filipino fishers measured abundance by instinct: the weight of a net, the distance they had to travel, the hours it took before a boat came home full. Long before scientists put numbers to it, many already knew something was wrong. Now, data is catching up. A

MANILA, Philippines — Cases should be filed against all lawmakers who are contractors and are involved in controversial flood control projects for possible graft and conflict of interest violations, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. Clavano said the issue involves a growing number of contractors entering party-list positions in Congress, noting that the law prohibits contractors

CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro — A 14-year-old girl from Puerto Galera has been reported missing after failing to return home on Sunday morning, authorities said. According to the municipal government, Kate Nicole Visaya, a Grade 9 student and resident of Barangay Balatero, was last seen on Sunday at around 8 a.m. after leaving home to

Motorists are seen to experience a new round of major oil price increases this week because of the impact of the Middle East war. Industry estimates indicate that the adjustments can reach up to P22.30 per liter.  The Inquirer team gathered prevailing oil prices in Metro Manila and other parts of the country as of

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday disputed claims that the Metro Manila Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) has become unsafe, as alleged by the train line’s employees’ association and the freshman party list congressman who is championing the union’s claims. “Now that the price of crude oil is rising, commuters and

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved fare increases for passenger jeepneys and buses in Metro Manila to provide a lifeline to drivers reeling from the ever-rising price of diesel, which is expected to breach the P100 per liter mark this week. In an interview with dzRH on Sunday,

OPOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Rising fuel costs triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East are beginning to hit the small fishing village of Luyongbonbon here, where local fishers are now forced to keep their boats anchored and rethink how to support their families. Village chief Jerry Jacalan and fishing boat owner Cecilia Baculio

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 9 (PDEA-9) and local police units arrested eight suspects and confiscated around P13.6 million worth of suspected shabu in three separate operations in Zamboanga City and Lanao del Norte on Saturday. In Zamboanga City, the operatives arrested a male suspect

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced the implementation of a provisional fare increase for provincial buses beginning this Saturday, March 14. In a statement on Saturday, the agency said it has released an updated fare guide for provincial public utility buses (PUBs) after a provisional fare increase was approved through

TACLOBAN CITY — Local and provincial officials are looking into the complaints of residents over the quality of patient care at a district hospital in Laoang, Northern Samar. Mayor Charlene Ongchuan said that while the district hospital Dr. Gregorio B. Tan Memorial Hospital (GBTMH) was not directly under the municipal government’s jurisdiction, she could not

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – The local government unit (LGU) of Bacnotan in La Union has defended a cement plant in the town following an allegation that it was dumping hazardous waste in the mountainous areas of the villages of Ubbog and Paagan. In a statement posted on social media early this week, the LGU said a

MANILA, Philippines – The 5.8 percent unemployment rate for January 2026 was due to workers transitioning out of holiday-related jobs, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said. This came after the employment dropped by 1.489 million from December 2025 to January 2026. Annually, employment declined from 48.89 million in 2025 to 47.94 million in

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Two men allegedly involved in the killing of three Maranaos during a botched P1.2-million gold sale were arrested in a police pursuit operation in Barangay San Juan, Buguey, Cagayan, on Friday, March 13, at around 3 p.m. Police Captain Sheila Joy Fronda, spokesperson for Cagayan police, identified the suspects as alias Fred,

LUCENA CITY — A bird of prey called Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) that was nursed back to health by church workers and a parish priest has seemingly chosen a Catholic church in Pagbilao, Quezon, as its permanent sanctuary. “We released it and watched it fly away, but it returned and refused to leave,” said parish

BAGUIO CITY — The cool spell goes on in Baguio over the weekend, with temperatures registering at 9.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday (March 15) after hitting 9°C on Saturday. The weather information comes from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). The weekend cold was driven by the northeast monsoon, bringing chilly winds

MANILA, Philippines—The national government has begun work on a P534.7-million fishing hub in Marawi City, a project officials say could help unlock the economic potential of Lake Lanao while supporting the city’s long-term recovery. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it has begun developing an Integrated Cold Hub Complex to strengthen aquaculture

MANILA, Philippines — The government on Saturday flew 442 Filipinos—about half of them migrant workers—out of the Middle East, where more than a week of bombardments of Iran by Israel and the United States and retaliatory strikes by Tehran have killed more than 2,100 people. More than 700 Filipinos who sought assistance to leave the

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The temperature in this city dropped to 9 degrees Celsius at 5 a.m. on Saturday, the lowest temperature recorded in the country so far this year. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the unusually low temperature was caused by prevailing cold winds and seasonal weather patterns, especially