Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Buenavista infrastructure gains highlight national push for climate resilience, equitable development

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Infrastructure and development gains in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, under Mayor Joselito T. Roble reflect broader national priorities on climate resilience, agri-industrial development, and inclusive growth, as reported during the mayor’s fourth State of the Municipality Address (SOMA).

“Our programs are designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, modernize agriculture, and expand innovation-led livelihoods. By working closely with national agencies and our local partners, we ensure that every project directly benefits our communities,” Mayor Roble said.

Key completed projects include road and public facility improvements, access roads to evacuation centers, and flood and coastal protection initiatives, most notably the P150-million Buenavista Poblacion Seawall Protection Project, which has reduced the impact of recent typhoons and addresses growing risks from coastal erosion and sea-level rise, challenges faced by coastal communities nationwide.

Buenavista also launched Mindanao’s first Bamboo Textile Innovation Hub in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, supporting value-adding, sustainable industries and providing livelihood opportunities for families in Barangay Simbalan. Market access for farmers and fisherfolk was strengthened through the Buenas Agribusiness Center, funded under the DA Caraga-Enhanced Kadiwa Grant.

With additional support from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the Department of Public Works and Highways, Buenavista advanced major road networks and public infrastructure, improving mobility and regional connectivity in Northern Mindanao.

“The strong backing of Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera were crucial in completing major infrastructure projects in Buenavista, including roads, public facilities, and coastal protection works,” Mayor Roble said.

Governor Amante is committed to ensuring that provincial resources reach every municipality, and supporting Buenavista’s projects is part of a shared vision to build resilient, sustainable communities in Agusan del Norte.

“The infrastructure and livelihood initiatives in Buenavista demonstrate how coordinated efforts between local, provincial, and national governments can uplift communities and improve the quality of life,” said Rep. Corvera.

“Buenavista’s experience shows how aligned local, provincial, and national investments can build resilient communities and enhance opportunities for all residents,” Mayor Roble added.

The initiatives are in line with the national directive to strengthen disaster resilience, modernize agriculture, and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth across all local government units. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Surigao Sur under ‘state of calamity’ after Storm Basyang’s destructive onslaught

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur declared a state of calamity on February 9, after Tropical Storm Basyang made landfall in Bayabas town on February 5, causing widespread flooding and landslides that affected communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods. 

In Bayabas, five houses were reportedly washed away by floodwaters. However, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Chief Geralyn Guibao confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the town.

Initial damage assessments placed infrastructure losses at approximately P801.4 million and crop losses at over P575 million. Other affected assets were estimated at around P1.09 million, reflecting the storm’s significant impact on both public facilities and local livelihoods.

On February 9, the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, remained impassable to all types of vehicles due to a major landslide. Clearing operations are ongoing, led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur. Meanwhile, other landslide-affected road sections in the province have already been cleared through joint efforts of the DPWH, the provincial government, and the private sector.

As of 8:00 a.m. on February 10, the DPWH declared one lane passable to light vehicles along the Lanuza–Cortes road section.

In Cortes town, aerial damage assessments identified Barangay Poblacion as the ground zero of Basyang’s impact. Twenty-two houses were totally damaged, while 58 houses were partially damaged, affecting 80 households. Due to the extent of destruction, authorities noted the urgent need for construction materials to help affected families rebuild and restore safe, livable conditions.

Based on the initial consolidated situation report, Basyang affected two cities and 17 municipalities, impacting 244 barangays. A total of 73,682 families were affected, with 28,558 families or 101,324 individuals temporarily sheltered in 468 evacuation centers across the province. 

Authorities also confirmed three casualties from the storm: one injured and two fatalities in Surigao del Sur. One fatality involved a 10-year-old in Cortes due to a landslide, while another death was recorded in Carmen. Housing damage across affected areas in the province reached 37 houses totally damaged and 398 houses partially damaged, with estimated housing losses amounting to P1.83 million.

To address the widespread impact of Tropical Storm Basyang, Provincial Administrator John Vincent C. Pimentel said that the 21st Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in a Special Session presided over by Vice Governor Manuel Alameda on Monday, February 9, approved the declaration of a State of Calamity in Surigao del Sur. The declaration enables the provincial government to mobilize emergency funds and expedite response and rehabilitation efforts.

Government agencies continue relief distribution, damage validation, and rehabilitation planning as national and local authorities work together to ensure public safety, restore access roads, and support affected families in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Basyang. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

PAOCC leads coordinated crackdown on illegal mining in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr. led a strategy meeting on February 7 in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, to strengthen coordinated national and local actions against illegal mining in the province.

The meeting established a unified front between national law enforcement agencies and local government units to address unauthorized small-scale mining operations within the Caraga region, which continue to pose environmental, safety, and community welfare concerns. 

Presided over by Acorda, the session focused on improving coordination and enforcement actions against illegal small-scale mining. Technical briefings were presented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), providing an overview of mining operations and regulatory concerns in the region. 

The local government unit of Barobo also presented a detailed situation report outlining the history of small-scale mining in the municipality and the current challenges authorities faced in regulating mining activities. 

Acorda said the discussion was aimed at helping national agencies gain a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground and identify appropriate interventions.

“We are very eager to look at this at the national level so we can figure out what the real problems are,” Acorda said.

To strengthen coordination and reporting, Acorda shared direct hotline numbers: 0917-130-0792 and 0917-102-9906, and emphasized the importance of collective action. “Para sa ikauunlad ng ating bayan, pagkakaisa ang kailangan,” he added.

Governor Johnny T. Pimentel welcomed the PAOCC chief’s visit, describing it as timely as the province intensifies its campaign against illegal mining. 

“Matagal na po naming problema ito, pero ngayon malinaw na at nakuha na natin ang commitment ng national government at ng kapulisan,” Pimentel said. 

The governor said the provincial government is prepared to issue an executive order identifying member agencies and defining their respective roles to operationalize enforcement plans against illegal mining. 

“With the support of the national government and the Philippine National Police, we can now proceed with coordinated operations and start apprehending illegal miners,” Pimentel added. 

The provincial government reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, promoting sustainable and responsible natural resource management. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 9 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 09 February 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. PBBM IMPEACHMENT BID:

-House panel approves report throwing out Marcos impeachment bid

-PBBM confident House will weigh evidence, not politics, on impeachment

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/09/pbbm-confident-house-will-weigh-evidence-not-politics-on-impeachment

2. Marcos off to US for working visit in March, to speak in a UN session

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/308427/fwd-marcos-working-visit-to-us

3. Sara Duterte hit with third impeachment complaint

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/9/sara-duterte-hit-with-third-impeachment-complaint-1237

4. Marcos: Stable electricity key to productivity as CBK complex bolsters Luzon grid stability

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, Philstar, RMN News, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975875/marcos-touts-energy-upgrades-to-stabilize-power-lower-costs/story/

5. Veloso pleads for freedom anew; Palace advises Mary Jane Veloso to write letter to Marcos

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/09/palace-advises-mary-jane-veloso-to-write-letter-to-marcos

6. Palace set to review ICI’s 125-day accomplishment report

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975891/flood-control-scandal-malaca-ang-to-review-ici-report/story/

7. WEST PHILIPPINE SEA:

-Give up Kalayaan Islands? Malacañang rejects surrender of territory

-AFP reiterates won't cede 'one square inch' of territory after Marcoleta's 'give up' remark

-PNP reaffirms support for Pag-asa Island amid Senate row over WPS

-'It's ours': Zubiri rejects idea of giving up Kalayaan islands

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

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/02/09/2506828/give-kalayaan-islands-malacaang-rejects-surrender-territory

8. Mayon belches 1-kilometer ash plume; More than 20 Albay villages affected by ashfall

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/9/mayon-belches-1-kilometer-ash-plume-1433

9. Seventh straight hike pushes diesel prices up P6.40 since start of 2026

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

https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/02/09/2506800/seventh-straight-hike-pushes-diesel-prices-p640-start-2026

10. ‘Basyang’ death toll rises to 12

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Times, Panay News, Philstar, SunStar]

https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/basyang-affects-131k-families-leaves-12-dead/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 9 February 2026

Civilian cooperation, military vigilance in Surigao Sur advance nat’l peace agenda

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The strong partnership between civilians and government security forces continues to reinforce the national government’s peace and security agenda, as shown by the successful combat operation of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion of the Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur.

In early January 2026, troops of the 36IB, led by Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., carried out a focused security operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Cayale, Tago, Surigao del Sur. Timely reports by concerned residents regarding the presence of an armed group prompted the operation, highlighting the crucial role of community participation under the whole-of-nation approach to ending local armed conflict.

The operation resulted in an encounter with remaining members of a terrorist group linked to the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). No casualties were reported on the side of government troops. At the same time, various firearms, ammunition, and logistical supplies were recovered, significantly disrupting the armed group’s capacity to operate, according to military reports.

Among the items seized were an AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, magazines and ammunition, a rifle grenade, medical paraphernalia, and other provisions. Authorities said the recovery of these materials dealt a major blow to the group’s operational and logistical network.

Following the encounter, the 36IB immediately conducted clearing and security operations to safeguard nearby communities and prevent the regrouping of armed elements. The military stressed that sustained presence, coordination with local government units, and active civilian cooperation remain key to maintaining peace and stability in the area.

Lt. Col. Ante reiterated the call for residents to support government peace initiatives by withholding assistance from terrorist groups and promptly reporting suspicious activities. He also encouraged remaining members of armed groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides livelihood, education, and reintegration support in line with the government’s peace, development, and reconciliation thrust.

The successful operation reflects the effective implementation of the national peace and security framework, where security efforts are complemented by community engagement and development interventions. As Surigao del Sur continues to move forward, the collaboration between civilians and security forces remains vital in building safer communities and sustaining peace for present and future generations of Surigaonons. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)