TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 25 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

25 June 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos condoles with victims of Venezuela earthquakes;

- No Filipinos reported hurt after twin earthquakes
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/328734/marcos-condoles-with-victims-of-venezuela-earthquakes

2. TACLOBAN SCHOOL SHOOTING:

-Palace: Marcos ‘heartbroken’ over Tacloban school shooting, orders probe into root causes of youth violence

-DILG wants stronger gun law, permanent GoreBox ban after fatal Tacloban school shooting

-Cops in schools? PNP seeks collab with DepEd for strong police-student relations

-Akbayan seeks House probe into Tacloban school shooting

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/palace-marcos-heartbroken-over-tacloban-school-shooting-orders-probe-into-root-causes-of-youth-violence

3. DILG says potential school shooting, stabbing foiled in Leyte

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/6/25/dilg-says-another-potential-school-attack-foiled-1051

4. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT CASE:

-'Mary Grace Piattos' as impeachment trial witness? Palace says that's prosecution's strategy

-Poa open to taking witness stand as Sara trial nears

-Senate races to keep VP Sara impeachment trial on track for July 6

-Defense ‘optimistic’ pretrial ends on June 25

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/992668/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-mary-grace-piattos/story/

5. Marcos opens dam in Sultan Kudarat, gives aid in South Cotabato

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2252600/marcos-opens-dam-in-sultan-kudarat-gives-aid-in-south-cotabato

6. BIR wins DOJ nod to file P1.7-billion criminal cases against 'BGC boys'

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/25/bir-wins-doj-nod-to-file-17-billion-criminal-cases-against-bgc-boys

7. Sandiganbayan denies Jinggoy Estrada motion to consolidate plunder, graft cases

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, News5PH, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/25/sandiganbayan-denies-jinggoy-estrada-motion-to-consolidate-plunder-graft-cases-1242

8. Trillanes files cyberlibel complaint vs Cayetano, Marcoleta, 18 ‘ex-Co bodyguards’

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/25/2537750/trillanes-adds-complaints-vs-18-ex-soldiers-cayetano-marcoleta-also-sued

9. Japanese Embassy: Tourist visa for Filipinos remains free despite fee hike

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/25/japanese-embassy-tourist-visa-for-filipinos-remains-free-despite-fee-hike

10. Francisco downgraded to severe tropical storm; Typhoon Gardo enters PAR

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/severe-tropical-storm-francisco-higos-southwest-monsoon-update-pagasa-forecast-june-25-2026-5am/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 25 June 2026

DOLE-led convergence program strengthens national drive vs child labor, aids 100 children in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A total of 100 profiled child laborers from Surigao del Sur were given access to government services and renewed hope during the national celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) held on June 18 in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga through the DOLE-Surigao del Sur Field Office, in partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO)-Canada project on Strengthening Freedom of Association and Action against Child Labor in the Philippines (FOA-CL), the activity is part of the government’s efforts to eliminate child labor through a whole-of-government convergence approach anchored on the national agenda of strengthening social protection, reducing poverty, and ensuring children’s access to education and development opportunities.

Dubbed ‘Laya at Laro: Information and Service Caravan on Child Labor Prevention and Elimination,’ the celebration featured the ‘Batang Malaya’ activity and Kids Town service caravan, where children participated in interactive learning sessions, traditional ‘laro ng lahi’ games, and the dream wall activity that encouraged them to express their aspirations. The initiative aimed to provide psychosocial support while reinforcing children’s right to education, play, and protection.

Aside from recreational and learning activities, the beneficiaries received essential assistance, including school supplies, hygiene kits, nutritional packs, and healthcare services, through the convergence of national government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, and civil society organizations under the Regional Council Against Child Labor.

Parents and guardians were also provided with access to government services and information sessions on child labor prevention and livelihood opportunities.

DOLE reported that based on profiling and validation under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), cases of child labor in the area are largely driven by household financial distress, education-related expenses, and parental abandonment, with some children left under the care of grandparents.

To help address these vulnerabilities, 100 parents and guardians were enrolled in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, each receiving ₱513,600 in wages for 10 days of community work. In addition, beneficiaries were awarded Certificates of Entitlement under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to support income-generating activities at the household level.

Among those who shared their experiences was Mylen Potenciando, a grandmother who has been caring for her grandson since kindergarten after the child’s mother left to work in Manila, and the father abandoned the family. She said she continues to fulfill both parental roles despite poverty.

“Badihay pagpasalamat ko sa pag apil sine na program tungod kay badihay na ine na tabang,” she said, expressing gratitude for the government assistance, which she said helps sustain their daily needs and motivates her grandson to pursue his education.

Another beneficiary, Grade 7 student Henessy Vengco, shared his determination to finish his studies despite financial challenges. He expressed his dream of taking an engineering course in the future, saying education remains his pathway out of poverty.

Aligned with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the campaign against child labor, the event was attended by DOLE officials led by Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Workers’ Welfare and Protection Cluster, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Leilani M. Reynoso, and DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, together with representatives from the International Labour Organization, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, the local government of Hinatuan led by Mayor Tito Cañedo, and other partner agencies.

This year’s celebration carried the theme “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo: Sama-samang Pagkilos para sa Batang Malaya,” underscoring the shared responsibility of government and stakeholders in ending child labor and ensuring that every child is free to learn, play, and dream. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 23 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

23 June 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. TACLOBAN SCHOOL SHOOTING:

-Tacloban school shooting injuries rise to 20; 3 dead, 1 critical

-Sara Duterte: Tacloban school shooting exposes failure in threat detection

-Hontiveros sets July 1 Senate inquiry into school shooting

-Tacloban school shooting planned, says Angara; Police: Suspect played ‘violent’ game

-Cop who owns gun used in Tacloban school shooting may face summary dismissal

-DSWD assures adherence to juvenile justice law in shooting case

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/tacloban-school-shooting-injuries-rise-to-20-3-dead-1-critical

2. PNP backs lowering age of criminal liability to 12

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/992428/pnp-backs-lowering-age-of-criminal-liability-to-12/story/

3. Duterte impeachment: Pretrial Day 3 to mark evidence on funds, wealth

-Sara Duterte camp rejects claim of 'mirroring' prosecution's witnesses

-Luistro, Poa admit: Pre-trial not yet near its ending

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2250658/duterte-impeachment-pretrial-day-3-to-mark-evidence-on-funds-wealth

4. Liza Marcos leads rice aid initiative for Tondo families

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2251095/liza-marcos-leads-rice-aid-initiative-for-tondo-families

5. Duterte to skip ICC status conference again

[DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/23/2537144/duterte-skip-icc-status-conference-again

6. Speaker Dy eyes party-list system overhaul, files bill alongside quest for Anti-Political Dynasty Law

[Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/23/speaker-dy-eyes-party-list-system-overhaul-files-bill-alongside-quest-for-anti-political-dynasty-law

7. DFA rejects Beijing's claims anew over arbitral ruling

[DZRH, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Rappler, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314756493/dfa-rejects-beijings-claims-anew-over-arbitral-ruling.html

8. Dela Rosa camp surrenders 6 more firearms to PNP in Cavite

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/dela-rosa-camp-surrenders-6-more-firearms-to-pnp-in-cavite/

9. Tab Baldwin appears before NBI in Ateneo athletes death probe; PNP-CIDG reconstructs ‘crime scene’ in Aurora

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2251186/tab-baldwin-appears-before-nbi-in-ateneo-athletes-death-probe

10. Francisco weakens into typhoon, another storm approaches

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/6/23/super-typhoon-francisco-may-weaken-tuesday-another-storm-approaches-0729

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Restored sanctuary: Marine turtles return to Carmen’s protected shores

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — For the second time in just over two weeks, a marine turtle emerged from the waters of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, and nested along the protected shoreline of the town’s critical habitat, offering a rare and encouraging sign that years of conservation efforts are helping restore one of nature’s most important sanctuaries.

The first nesting was recorded on May 25 along the coast of Barangay Tagcatong, followed by another on June 10. The back-to-back nesting events, occurring within only 16 days, have energized conservation workers and local communities who view the turtles’ return as evidence of a thriving coastal ecosystem and the success of sustained environmental protection measures.

The development also supports the national government’s environmental agenda under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the protection and rehabilitation of critical ecosystems as part of broader sustainable development efforts.

For decades, marine turtles have faced increasing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. Across the globe, many nesting sites have disappeared or become unsafe, making every successful nesting event a significant milestone for conservationists.

In Carmen, however, the turtles found what they needed: a protected coastline, a healthy ecosystem, and a community committed to safeguarding nature.

CENRO Nelson B. Caranzo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CENRO Nasipit said the nesting incidents demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing conservation measures in the area.

“These back-to-back nesting events show that our conservation efforts are working and that the Carmen Critical Habitat continues to provide a safe nesting ground for marine turtles,” Caranzo said.

He added that the development highlights the importance of sustained environmental protection and community participation in conserving biodiversity and supporting the national government’s environmental agenda.

The success did not happen overnight.

Years of collaboration among DENR, the Carmen Critical Habitat Management Council, and the local government unit of Carmen have focused on habitat protection, environmental monitoring, community engagement, and wildlife conservation. Together, these efforts have helped preserve the ecological integrity of the coastline and create favorable conditions for endangered species.

The return of marine turtles is more than a conservation achievement. It is a reminder that protecting nature produces tangible benefits. Healthy coastal ecosystems support marine life, strengthen fisheries, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to food security and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

For residents, the nesting events have reinforced a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

Every protected shoreline, every reported wildlife sighting, and every effort to reduce human disturbance contribute to the survival of species that depend on these habitats. Community members are encouraged to report turtle sightings and nesting activities to authorities so appropriate protection measures can be implemented.

Today, beneath the sands of Carmen lie two nests carrying the next generation of marine turtles. If conditions remain favorable, dozens of hatchlings will soon make their journey to the sea, continuing a cycle of life that has endured for millions of years.

Their presence serves as a testament to what can be achieved when government agencies, local leaders, and communities work together to protect the environment.

As the Philippines observes Philippine Environment Month and advances its goals of biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, per mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the nesting events in Carmen stand as living proof that conservation works, and that the collective efforts of people can help ensure a safer future for wildlife and generations yet to come. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Monday, 22 June 2026

Vaping as harmful as tobacco use, says DOH

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga is urging the public, particularly the youth, to avoid vaping, stressing that electronic cigarettes are not a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products and pose serious health risks as well.

During the DOH Media Forum on June 17 in Butuan City, Doctor Amethyst Kathleen G. Alicante, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, debunked the common misconception that vaping is less harmful than smoking.

“Now, we have seen that e-vaping actually has more damaging effects. We’ve seen reports of vape explosions and the harmful substances produced by the chemicals found in these products,” Alicante said.

She emphasized that while vaping devices are often marketed with sleek designs, attractive flavors, and modern features, these characteristics do not make them safer. “Just because vaping looks more modern and sophisticated does not mean it is safer. We have seen that it still has many harmful effects on the body.”

The warning comes as the country observes National No Smoking Month every June, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 183 signed in 1993. The annual campaign aims to raise public awareness on the harmful effects of smoking and encourage Filipinos to adopt healthier, smoke-free lifestyles.

According to Phoebie Rhanie Demata-Boque, health education and promotion officer III of DOH-CHD Caraga, tobacco use remains a major public health concern in the Philippines.

“The DOH-World Health Organization 2023 report shows more than 117,000 Filipinos die annually from tobacco-related diseases. Both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing more than 12 types of cancer,” Demata-Boque said.

She noted that while the government continues to strengthen tobacco control measures nationwide, they also noticed the increasing popularity of vaping among young Filipinos, with users aged 13 to 15.

“There are around 1.21 million vapers in the country, which highlights the growing challenge of nicotine addiction among the younger population,” she said.

Demata-Boque emphasized that despite differences in appearance and method of use, both cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance negatively affecting brain development, especially among adolescents.

“Despite the differences between tobacco and vape, both contain nicotine, which is very addictive. Nicotine addiction is a disease that can have long-term health risks,” she added as she emphasized the efforts of the agency to advocate for stronger public awareness, stricter regulation of tobacco and vape products, and greater community participation in promoting a smoke-free and vape-free Philippines in support of the government’s broader public health agenda as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

As the country observes the National No Smoking Month, DOH-CHD Caraga encourages Caraganons not to try or quit smoking and vaping, seek cessation support, and help protect their families and loved ones from the harmful effects of nicotine and tobacco-related products. (MFC, PIA Caraga)