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)

Monday, 22 June 2026

DSWD’s livelihood association opens foodhouse in Surigao City 

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Tourism in the renowned “little Venice” of Surigao City gets a delicious upgrade as the Day-asan Matatag Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) recently opened its STK Hauz, funded through a P450,000 livelihood grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). 

Located at the heart of the iconic floating village at the Day-asan Pavilion Hall in Barangay Day-asan, this new culinary hub promises to elevate the local travel experience by serving fresh, authentic, and customizable seafood dishes, aiming to be the city’s premier stopover for both residents and travelers.

After a day of navigating the village’s stilt houses, crystal-clear waters, and scenic mangrove channels, visitors can wind down and indulge in a true feast with the menu of ‘sugba, tuwa, kilaw’ (STK), commonly known as either grilled (sugba), stewed in a savory broth (tuwa), or served raw in a citrus marinade (kilaw).

Surigao City Tourism Officer Roselyn Armida B. Merlin said that the menu sets the dining hub apart from other local restaurants. “STK Hauz offers an interactive experience where guests can personally select from a wide array of freshly harvested seafood, local fish, and premium meats, and have them prepared exactly to their STK liking.”

More than just a restaurant, STK Hauz represents a milestone in community-led tourism, she said. “By choosing to dine here, tourists are directly contributing to the economic resilience of the Day-asan community.”

The opening of the said STK Hauz was attended by Surigao City Mayor Paul Yves L. Dumlao II, City Councilors Arnold Go, Karl Casurra, city department heads, and barangay officials. 

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide opportunities to communities, with DSWD’s SLP providing financial and technical support to the SLPA, empowering members to manage sustainable businesses and directly translating Surigao’s booming tourism into concrete livelihoods for local families. 

SLP Day-asan President Jennifer Clor said, “The seed capital belongs to every single member of this association. It represents the government’s trust in our collective capacity to run a successful, sustainable enterprise that will uplift our families and our community. The success of the STK Hauz depends entirely on our discipline, honesty in managing the finances, and our unwavering teamwork.” (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City PIO)

Monday, 22 June 2026

TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada expands to 216 maritime transport workers in Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment-Province of Dinagat Islands Field Office (DOLE-PDIFO) expanded the program on TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada to maritime transport workers and conducted simultaneous orientations to 216 beneficiaries across the province.

The beneficiaries were composed of maritime transport workers from 20 passenger vessels operating in the seven municipalities of Dinagat Islands. The project had a total allocation of P1,539,000.

Under the program on TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers)-Tuloy Pasada, which means sustainable transport, qualified beneficiaries will receive wages equivalent to the prevailing regional minimum wage for 15 days while continuing to perform their regular duties aboard passenger boats and vessels.

Before implementation, beneficiaries attended orientations on program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and their responsibilities.

The activity was conducted with the support of local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard–Dinagat Islands Station, the Philippine Ports Authority, vessel operators, transport associations, and other stakeholders across the province.

For an island province, maritime transport plays a critical role in connecting communities and facilitating passenger movement across municipalities. Through the expansion of TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada, assistance is now being extended to workers in both the land and maritime transport sectors.

On May 27, DOLE-PDIFO, in coordination with the local government of San Jose through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), conducted the first orientation of the program on TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada to 245 tricycle drivers from the San Jose Motorized Drivers Association (SJMODA) at the covered court of San Jose town.

As part of the local implementation of the program, members of the SJMODA extended the “diskwento singko” or fare discount to passengers for 15 days to help reduce daily transportation costs for commuters in the community.

San Jose Mayor Ruben J D. Zuniega said, “The local government of San Jose expressed support for initiatives that assist transport workers and help maintain accessible transportation services for the public.”

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation, discipline, and compliance among beneficiaries to ensure the smooth and proper implementation of the program.

The successful conduct of the orientation to both inland and maritime transport workers reflected the continuing commitment of DOLE-PDIFO and its partner stakeholders in implementing programs that support transportation workers and promote accessible and reliable public transportation services in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

This initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration to strengthen social protection measures and provide timely assistance to vulnerable workers facing economic challenges. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOLE PDI)