TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 23 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 23 February 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. ICC begins confirmation hearing on Rodrigo Duterte case today

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, MindaNews, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, OneNews, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.inquirer.net/468075/live-updates-dutertes-confirmation-of-charges-hearing-at-icc

2. Makabayan bloc solons seek PH's return to ICC

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal, Rappler] https://globalnation.inquirer.net/310020/fwd-makabayan-seeks-phs-return-to-icc-to-show-respect-for-rights

3. Marcos meets with mayors, governors at Palace to discuss stronger LGU support

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/marcos-meets-with-mayors-governors-at-palace-to-discuss-stronger-lgu-support-1246

4. Impeachment initiated: Raps vs Duterte sent to House justice panel

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2186319/impeachment-initiated-raps-vs-duterte-sent-to-house-justice-panel

5. EDSA ANNIVERSARY:

-Akbayan pushes EDSA People Power Day as regular holiday

-Quezon City backs peaceful EDSA Anniversary rallies

-AFP maintains non-partisan stance ahead of EDSA protests

-NCRPO: Over 13,400 cops deployed for EDSA rites, 3rd Trillion Peso March

-NCRPO to protesters: ‘Marcos resign’ calls OK but avoid ‘red flags’ in EDSA

[ABS-CBN News, Bombo Radyo, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/akbayan-pushes-edsa-people-power-day-as-regular-holiday

6. PH officials hold dialogue with Chinese envoy

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977550/look-ph-officials-hold-dialogue-with-chinese-envoy/story/

7. PCG accuses China of signal jamming near Bajo de Masinloc

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/pcg-accuses-china-of-signal-jamming-near-bajo-de-masinloc-1432

8. Lito Magno turns over NBI leadership to Melvin Matibag

[ABS-CBN News, Abante Radyo, Daily Tribune, DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977518/lito-magno-turns-over-nbi-leadership-to-melvin-matibag/story/

9. Body recovered from Rodriguez, Rizal landfill collapse —mayor; Rizal gov't seeks probe into landfill trash slide

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/977503/body-recovered-from-rodriguez-rizal-landfill-collapse-mayor/story/

10. One more body recovered in MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking; death toll rises to 65

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, Philstar, SunStar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/23/news/one-more-body-recovered-in-mv-trisha-kerstin-3-sinking-death-toll-rises-to-65/2282658

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 23 February 2026

DTI, foundation enhance skills of mud crab farmers in Siargao town

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte, through the Negosyo Center San Benito, in partnership with the Surigao Economic Development-Micro Finance Foundation, Inc. (SEDMFI), conducted a workshop on the mud crab value chain and capacity needs assessment, strengthening the livelihood of mud crab farmers in Siargao Island. 

The activity, held on February 9 in Barangay Maribojoc, San Benito, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, gathered 50 members of the Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc, Inc. (NAGAMAMA) to enhance their understanding of livelihood viability and value chain opportunities within the mud crab industry. 

DTI Surigao del Norte Director Arnold Faelnar said the participants received technical guidance on production, processing, marketing, and enterprise development to support sustainable, community-based income generation for local fisherfolk. “The association is currently implementing a community-based livelihood and conservation initiative under the United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme Phase 7 (UNDP-GEF SGP-7).”#

“The workshop formed part of efforts to strengthen the organization’s enterprise development component by assessing members’ capacities, identifying skills gaps, evaluating readiness for enterprise activities, and determining priority value chains that will guide future livelihood interventions.” Dir. Faelnar said.

Olimar Sulapas, trade and industry development specialist, served as the resource person for the Mud Crab Value Chain Analysis Workshop, with facilitation support from Negosyo Center Business Counselors AJ Angelou C. Balagon (NC San Benito) and Jay Michael Navarro (NC Del Carmen).

This initiative underscored DTI’s continuing commitment to empowering grassroots organizations, enhancing livelihood resilience, and promoting inclusive economic growth in coastal communities.

Mang Leonardo, a mud crab farmer and member of NAGAMAMA,  thanked the government and partners for equipping them with knowledge on mud crab farming that will boost their production and income. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI Surigao del Norte)

Monday, 23 February 2026

HSAC strengthens homebuyers’ protection, resolves housing disputes in Caraga

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) Caraga Regional Adjudication Branch (RAB) continues to strengthen protection for homebuyers and property owners in the region as refund cases remain among the most commonly filed complaints before the office.

HSAC is the quasi-judicial body mandated to resolve disputes involving real estate development, housing projects, and homeowners’ associations. It encourages affected buyers and homeowners to assert their rights and seek proper legal remedies to ensure fairness and compliance within the real estate sector. 

Among the cases handled by HSAC-RAB Caraga are complaints against developers involving refund claims and breaches of contractual obligations; violations of Presidential Decree No. 957, particularly fraudulent practices or failure to comply with development standards for subdivision and condominium projects; disputes over open spaces and common areas in subdivisions; unsound real estate business practices; easement-related disputes; and other housing-related concerns cemeteries and memorial parks.

“Most of the complaints we receive involve claims for full refund of payments made and payment of damages arising from the sale of subdivided lots or sale of subdivision lots or house and lots, when these subdivisions have either not been developed or been late in their completion or turn-over based on the agreed timelines,” said by Attorney Carlo Franco Thomas C. Limjoco, officer-in-charge of the regional adjudicator of HSAC Caraga. 

“In the last few years, the office received a total of 74 cases and successfully resolved 55 of these, reflecting its commitment to ensuring accountability and consumer protection in the housing sector,” he added.

Attorney Limjoco explained that although HSAC does not exercise regulatory authority, its adjudicatory authority to resolve cases will provide an avenue to settle violations of rules and laws in the housing sector. Cases are resolved based on the documents, pleadings, and evidence submitted by both the complainant and the respondent, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. 

In addition, HSAC Caraga continues to intensify its information and advocacy campaigns to ensure that the public is fully aware of the services available to them. The office actively collaborates with concerned government agencies and partners with radio stations to reach communities across the region, strengthening public awareness on the housing sector. 

To file a complaint, homeowners or buyers may download the necessary forms from HSAC’s official website and submit them, along with supporting documents and evidence, to the HSAC Caraga office located at the Arellano Real Estate Lessor Building, P-2, Barangay Doongan, Butuan City. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Monday, 23 February 2026

PH Army educates learners from 20 schools in Caraga on WPS

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Army (PA), through the 4th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) ‘Kasaligan’ Battalion, has already reached 20 schools across the Caraga region, teaching the youth and learners accurate and relevant information on the West Philippine Sea issue.

This is the statement of Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol.) Regie H. Go, executive director of the 4th CMO ‘Kasaligan’ Battalion, PA, during the Kapihan sa PIA on February 11. 

An example is the engagement at Bolhoon National High School, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on Nov. 18, 2025, where 223 high school students from Grades 7-12 joined and gained essential knowledge about WPS concerns.

The students had the opportunity to watch a film viewing that highlighted the importance of WPS to national security. They also participated in a QR code scanning activity to access additional information about the WPS. Information leaflets were also distributed to reinforce key messages and encourage proactive citizenship.

LtCol. Go also shared that the CMO is mandated to conduct education and awareness campaigns not only in schools, but also in the communities and barangays, so that more Filipinos can understand why the country has the right and has sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. “Our efforts are significant because we bring the narrative of the government on WPS down to the grassroots communities, especially to the vulnerable sectors.”

“More Filipinos are now helping the country correct disinformation and misinformation on WPS, especially in social media, where there is a battle of the narratives,” LtCol. Go added. “More Caraganons are inspired to support the country in this endeavor.”

For the 4th CMO ‘Kasaligan’ Battalion, the education and awareness campaigns on WPS are carefully conducted to address the vulnerabilities of the communities by empowering them with essential knowledge, fostering dialogue, and strengthening resilience. 

The ongoing efforts also strengthen the country’s defense against emerging threats of foreign interference and malign influence, while supporting the broader mission of promoting peace, security, and national unity. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Monday, 23 February 2026

Multi-sectoral response accelerates post-Basyang recovery in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Government agencies, the provincial government, and private partners continue to strengthen coordinated relief and recovery efforts in Surigao del Sur following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Basyang, in alignment with the national government’s whole-of-nation approach to disaster response and resilient recovery. Despite hazardous terrain and challenging road conditions, government responders pushed through to ensure that even geographically isolated communities were not left behind.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga dispatched 20,700 additional family food packs (FFPs) as augmentation support, bringing the total assistance delivered to 91,719 FFPs as of February 12. Non-food items, including 1,251 family clothing kits, 1,251 sleeping kits, and 1,251 kitchen kits, were also provided. The continued augmentation follows the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian after the declaration of a state of calamity in the province, the hardest-hit area in the region. DSWD Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga personally visited affected communities and coordinated with provincial and local government units to ensure the timely and targeted distribution of assistance.

Demonstrating inter-local government solidarity, the local government unit (LGU) of Carrascal also extended assistance to the municipality of Lanuza by delivering hygiene kits and food packs to families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang. The Carrascal Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council further approved a motion to provide financial assistance to the heavily affected municipalities to support ongoing recovery efforts.

At the provincial level, Governor Johnny Pimentel reaffirmed the commitment of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur to deliver swift and transparent aid. Financial and relief assistance for families with damaged homes is being processed in close coordination with the PDRRMO and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

To restore agricultural productivity, the province coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, securing 272 bags of inbred rice seeds and 400 kilograms of rodenticides for distribution across 19 local government units. These interventions aim to help farmers immediately resume planting and protect crops from further losses.

Complementing government efforts, the GMA Kapuso Foundation conducted “Relief Operation Bayanihan” in partnership with the 36th Infantry ‘Valor’ Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Coast Guard. The operation ensured the organized and secure delivery of relief supplies to affected communities in the municipalities of Cortes and Lanuza, while the 36IB’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Team supported clearing operations and area assessments. Lieutenant Colonel Ante Jr. emphasized that the collaboration reflects the enduring Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or community unity, and called on more sectors to extend assistance as recovery continues.

The sustained collaboration among national agencies, local governments, uniformed services, and private organizations underscores a unified commitment to help Surigao del Sur rebuild stronger, restore livelihoods, and enhance disaster resilience in line with the administration’s agenda for inclusive and sustainable development. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)