TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 10 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

10 June 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to assess the extent of the damage caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake and ensure immediate medical response for affected residents. Photo: Presidential Communications Office

1. Marcos pledges P50K aid for families of Mindanao earthquake fatalities; Sara Duterte visits quake-hit areas

-[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990951/marcos-families-mindanao-earthquake-fatalities/story/

2. Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 45 — OCD

-Phivolcs logs over 2,000 aftershocks

-Sarangani province placed under state of calamity

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/10/mindanao-quake-death-toll-climbs-to-45-disaster-agency-0842

3. Marcos inspects new SFHS school buildings, says he’s not AI

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2243906/marcos-on-school-buildings

4. Senate security threat may be connected to Co's ex-bagmen; Gatchalian says Senate not on lockdown

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2243945/18-ex-bagmen-may-be-linked-to-senate-security-threat-gatchalian

 

5. Gatchalian: 16 votes still needed to convict Sara Duterte

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Rappler, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2244038/gatchalian-16-votes-still-needed-to-convict-sara-duterte

6. SC cites ‘lack of standing’ in junking teacher’s Senate session petition

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2244105/sc-cites-lack-of-standing-in-junking-teachers-senate-session-petition

7. Ombudsman dismisses raps vs. Recto over PhilHealth fund transfer

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/9/ombudsman-dismisses-raps-vs-recto-over-philhealth-fund-transfer-1857

8. Alleged Chinese floating structure spotted in Bajo de Masinloc; Philippines urges China to remove new structure

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990926/look-alleged-chinese-floating-structure-spotted-in-bajo-de-masinloc/story/

9. NBI to probe death of 2 Ateneo basketball players; House probe into sports programs sought

-PNP: Ateneo group 300 meters from resort, ‘asked to be alone’

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/10/house-probe-sought-into-safety-accountability-in-school-sports-programs-1101

10. Red alert hoisted over Visayas grid; Mindanao under yellow alert on June 10, 2026

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/990931/red-alert-visayas-grid-yellow-alert-mindanao-grid-june-10-2026/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit 

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

NICA leads citizen mobilization amid energy crisis

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Caraga recently spearheaded the launching of the government’s initiative on ‘Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na!’ 

The ‘Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na!’ which means rise as one nation, is a national citizen mobilization initiative designed to help the country respond to the energy crisis and economic challenges, and strengthen collaborative mechanisms with vulnerable sectors across the Caraga region.

Held at Camp Romualdo Rubi, Barangay Bancasi in Butuan City on May 26 with the theme, ’Bangon Bayan: Sama-samang Paglilingkod,’ the patriotic convergence was attended by nearly 150 participants coming from the youth, fisherfolk, farmers, indigenous peoples (IP), former rebels, Muslim community, private sector, reservist group composed of retired military officers and Butuan City’s Sanggniang Kabataan presidents. 

In line with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a whole-of-nation movement, the agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and the Philippine Information Agency, all gave their support and called on every Filipino to work together to recover, adapt, and move forward.

According to NICA Caraga Director Bonifacio R. Pulgo, the Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na! initiative aims for a united, resilient, and empowered Filipino nation. 

“Because of the economic and energy crisis resulting in rising fuel prices and increase in the cost of living that affect families, workers, and businesses, through this movement, the government wishes to mobilize all sectors of society, especially the youth; help communities cope with economic hardships; promote practical and sustainable practices; and encourage active citizenship and volunteerism.”

“In short, national recovery is faster and more sustainable when citizens actively participate, and not just rely on the government,” he said.

Mark John B. Benolirao, vice chairperson of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), Inc., a youth organization, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the engagement and manifest their commitment to support the government amid the crisis.

He also benefited from the service caravan during the activity from the supporting agencies, including the free Bangon-Bayan shirt from NICA Caraga. “I availed of the services from the caravan, such as the free radio from the OCD, which is helpful for communication, especially during emergencies. I also received free vegetable seedlings from DA.”

For the rest of the participants, Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na! is not just a program – it is a powerful advocacy to inspire Filipinos to act together and turn crisis into an opportunity for unity, resilience, and national progress. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from NICA Caraga)

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Agusan Norte achieves SIPS status, sustains peace gains through whole-of-nation approach

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The province of Agusan del Norte has officially achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, marking a major milestone in its sustained peace-building efforts and reflecting the successful collaboration of local government units (LGUs), security forces, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities across the province.

The declaration was made during the special Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on June 4, where the province’s SIPS status was formally recognized following the successful attainment of Stable Internal Peace and Security across its city and municipalities. These LGU-level declarations, anchored on sustained peace and development initiatives and compliance with the Department of National Defense (DND)-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Revised Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations (JIRR) of Executive Order No. 546, served as the foundation for the provincial-level declaration. The initiative likewise supports the national government’s mandate to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

The milestone aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to strengthen the whole-of-nation approach in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development, particularly in former conflict-affected communities. Under Executive Order No. 70, the administration continues to emphasize convergence among government agencies, local governments, and stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency while expanding access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive development programs.

Alongside the SIPS declaration, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Agusan del Norte, distributed P528,653.57 worth of assistance to seven former rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The assistance package includes immediate financial aid, livelihood support, firearms remuneration, and reintegration assistance to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the importance of sustaining peace gains and ensuring that former rebels are continuously guided toward productive civilian life.

“We must strive to ensure that they will no longer return to the armed struggle. We should help them,” Governor Amante said.

She also emphasized the importance of strong local governance and accountability in delivering government services at the community level. “Local chief executives should know the status of projects implemented in their communities so they can identify the needs of the people and determine the impact of these programs. They should feel and know that the government is working for them.”

Governor Amante added that the assistance reflects the government’s commitment to restoring dignity, promoting reconciliation, and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for former rebels and their families.

DILG-Agusan del Norte Director and PPOC Head Secretariat Ellen Vee P. Chua emphasized that E-CLIP remains a key component of the government’s peace-building and reintegration efforts, in line with national directives on sustaining peace gains under the whole-of-nation approach.

“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program reminds us that peace-building is not measured merely by tactical victories, but by the lives we successfully rebuild and welcome back into our communities,” Dir. Chua said.

One of the program’s notable reintegration success stories is in the municipality of Buenavista, where former rebels have been successfully integrated into community and local government work.

Representing Mayor Jose T. Roble, Municipal Administrator  Juselle Tricia S. Roble reported that 25 former rebels are currently employed by the Municipal Government of Buenavista as members of the Mayor’s Action Team, serving as force multipliers in maintaining peace and order in the community.

“Before, they were running away from authorities. Now, they are part of the team working to achieve peace in the community,” Roble said.

Provincial officials said that the SIPS declaration reflects the culmination of sustained LGU-led peace-building initiatives, strengthened governance, and effective delivery of basic services at the grassroots level, all of which contributed significantly to the province’s attainment of SIPS status.

With its SIPS declaration, Agusan del Norte is now better positioned to accelerate socio-economic development, attract investments, and expand livelihood opportunities while sustaining the peace gains achieved through sustained LGU action and convergence efforts under the whole-of-nation approach and PBBM’s peace and development directives.

As the province entered a new phase of peace and progress, local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these gains through responsive governance, inclusive development programs, and continued collaboration with communities and stakeholders in building a peaceful, resilient, and progressive Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Caraga mobilizes regional support for earthquake-hit areas in SOCKSARGEN

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga deployed personnel to General Santos City on June 8, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani.

The personnel, who left in the evening on June 8, will serve as an augmentation team for the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. Their deployment aims to help accelerate the assessment of the earthquake’s impact and identify the immediate relief, rehabilitation, and early recovery needs of affected communities.

During an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, Ronald Anthony P. Briol, information officer II of OCD Caraga, said that the region is also prepared to provide additional humanitarian assistance as needed.

“Aside from the augmentation team, we have prepositioned relief non-food items that are ready for deployment to affected areas, depending on the results of the RDANA and needs of the communities,” Briol said.

Briol also noted that OCD Caraga has not recorded any major damage or casualties in the region despite the strong earthquake that was felt across several areas. With Caraga largely spared from significant impacts, the regional office immediately mobilized personnel to assist affected communities in SOCCSKSARGEN, reflecting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and solidarity during times of disaster.

DSWD Caraga

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has also dispatched two Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) to support ongoing disaster response operations in the affected region.

MSUs are large, rapidly deployable temporary warehouse facilities designed to serve as logistics hubs and multi-purpose operational spaces for receiving local government units. These structures help ensure the efficient storage, management, and distribution of relief goods and emergency supplies during disaster response efforts.

The deployment of personnel and resources underscores the Caraga region’s commitment to inter-regional cooperation and swift humanitarian action, reinforcing the government’s efforts, per the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to provide immediate assistance and support recovery initiatives in communities affected by the powerful earthquake. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 9 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

09 June 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.    Unemployment eases to 4.7% but underemployment continues to rise in April 2026

-       [ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.rappler.com/business/unemployment-rate-philippines-april-2026/

2. MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE:

-Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 37; 479 injured – NDRRMC

-Over 1,000 aftershocks recorded after powerful Mindanao earthquake

-General Santos City under State of Calamity following strong earthquake

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, MindaNews, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2243306/death-toll-from-mindanao-quake-rises-to-37-479-injured-ndrrmc

3. MINDANAO QUAKE RESPONSE:

-Marcos holds situation briefing after magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake; Marcos to visit Mindanao earthquake victims

-World leaders offer aid, support after Mindanao quake; UN assessing quake damage, ready to back recovery efforts

-New Senate majority to donate one month’s salary to quake victims

-DPWH surveys damage, to repair infrastructure after deadly Mindanao quake

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990765/marcos-holds-situation-briefing-after-magnitude-7-8-mindanao-earthquake/story/

4. House gets ready for SONA 2026, holds 1st inter-agency coordination meeting

-Gatchalian bloc's Bantug recognized as Senate Secretary during SONA 2026 preps

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990772/house-gets-ready-for-sona-2026-holds-1st-inter-agency-coordination-meeting/story/

5. Marcos to Navy: Boost capabilities, PH will never be intimidated

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

https://www.inquirer.net/477256/marcos-on-maritime-security/

6. Senate mulls stricter security measures amid 'very serious' threat

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/09/senate-mulls-stricter-security-measures-amid-very-serious-threat

7. DFA takes diplomatic action over 'illegal' floating structure

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/09/dfa-takes-diplomatic-action-over-illegal-floating-structure-in-bajo-de-masinloc

8. Ex-cop tagged in Korean trader’s slay in 2016 arrested

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/326717/ex-cop-tagged-in-korean-traders-slay-in-2016-arrested

9. Abante files libel, cyber libel raps vs Co’s 18 ex- bodyguards, Baligod

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2243329/abante-files-libel-cyber-libel-raps-vs-18-bodyguards-baligod

10. PNP rules out foul play in Ateneo athletes drowning incident

-PSC forms multi-stakeholder body after death of Ateneo student-athletes

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/9/pnp-aurora-says-no-foul-play-in-drowning-of-ateneo-s-adili-baterbonia-1238

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit