TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 2 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

02 July 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos arrives in Vancouver as PH-Canada eye deeper ties

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/993456/marcos-arrives-in-vancouver-as-ph-canada-eye-deeper-ties/story/

2. Marcos: PH upper-middle income status 'a vote of confidence in our country’s future'

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/02/news/marcos-ph-upper-middle-income-status-a-vote-of-confidence-in-our-countrys-future/2377219

3. From Edsa to Liwasang Bonifacio: INC rally enters 3rd day

No threats monitored so far in INC rally at Liwasang Bonifacio — NCRPO

-Manila DRRM dep’t on red alert for July 2 INC rally; Classes in Manila suspended

-PNP: Full alert remains over NCR, rest of PH under heightened alert

-Raffy Tulfo slams cop who failed to protect rider in INC-led rally

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2256286/from-edsa-to-liwasang-bonifacio-inc-rally-enters-3rd-day

4. Prosecution seeks 'divine intervention' ahead of impeachment trial; Luistro asks Filipinos to ‘pray for VP’s conviction’

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/02/news/prosecution-seeks-divine-intervention-ahead-of-duterte-impeachment-trial/2377242

5. SCHOOL SECURITY THREATS:

-'Shooting threat' disrupts classes at Cebu school

-Fake stabbing reports disrupt classes at Quezon City high school 

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114649/shooting-threat-disrupts-classes-at-cebu-school/story/

6. Hontiveros opposes lowering age of criminal responsibility, backs review of Juvenile Justice Law

[Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/07/02/2539334/hontiveros-backs-review-juvenile-justice-act-keeping-minimum-age-liability-15

7. Sara Duterte’s office gets COA unmodified opinion for 2025 spending

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

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/2/sara-duterte-ovp-coa-unmodified-opinion-2025-1126

8. No evidence links Romualdez to flood control scandal, lawyer says

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

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/07/02/no-evidence-links-romualdez-to-flood-control-scandal-lawyer-says

9. Marcos honors Imelda Marcos’ ‘extraordinary life’ at 97

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2256455/marcos-birthday-message-for-imelda

10. CIDG NCR says ready to arrest gov’t execs as Marcoleta case looms

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2256507/cidg-ncr-says-ready-to-arrest-govt-execs-as-marcoleta-case-looms

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 1 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

01 July 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. INC RALLY:

-QC gov’t: INC sought 4-day rally permit, approved only for July 1 so far; Warns permit may be revoked if terms are breached

-AFP declares red alert in NCR amid Iglesia Ni Cristo rally at EDSA-White Plains

-NCRPO: 4 nabbed at INC rally now freed

-Leviste supporters call for scrapping VAT, fuel excise taxes at INC rally

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2255832/qc-govt-inc-asked-for-permit-til-july-3-but-only-given-til-july-1-for-now

2. Palace to INC: Beware of those seeking to use you to oust Marcos

[ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/01/palace-to-inc-beware-of-those-seeking-to-use-you-to-oust-marcos

3. Palace: No basis for Imee to call government useless, accuse brother of drug use

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/1/palace-no-basis-for-imee-to-call-government-useless-accuse-brother-of-drug-use-1509

4. Marcos to PAF: Remain loyal to constitutional duty, safeguard freedom

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2255882/fwd-marcos-on-philippine-air-force-anniversary

5. Marcos extends over P1-M aid to Tacloban school shooting victims, vows justice

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/01/marcos-extends-over-p1-m-aid-to-tacloban-school-shooting-victims-vows-justice

6. Suspected ‘groomer’ of Tacloban school shooters tagged in Senate hearing

-Tacloban shooting: Victim’s mom wants separate detention for suspects; Calls for lower age of criminal liability

-Cop says Tacloban school shooter ‘unlawfully’ entered her house, ‘forcibly damaged’ locker to get gun

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2255895/suspected-groomer-of-tacloban-school-shooters-tagged-in-senate-hearing

7. DepEd reiterates ban on students' gadget use during class hours

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/993318/deped-reiterates-ban-on-students-gadget-use-during-class-hours/story/

8. PH extends visa-free entry to Taiwan passport holders

[BusinessMirror, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/travel/135129/ph-extends-visa-free-privilege-for-taiwan-passport-holders/story

9. 3 surrender, confess to murder of ex-Leyte vice mayor, son

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/7/1/3-suspects-in-ex-abuyog-vice-mayor-son-s-slay-surrender-1302

10. LPA turns Tropical Depression Henry; Signal 1 up over 3 Luzon areas

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/01/news/lpa-turns-to-tropical-depression-henry-signal-1-up-over-3-luzon-areas/2376325

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

DepEd Caraga brings relief to earthquake-stricken Sarangani schools, community

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — ‘CaraCares: Mission Compassion’– an initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga, under the leadership of Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion – has extended assistance to hundreds of beneficiaries affected by previous natural disasters. 

This time, the mission expands to Malapatan in Sarangani province – a municipality roughly an hour and a half away from the epicenter of the devastating magnitude-7.8 earthquake on June 8. 

A convoy of 11 vehicles loaded with relief goods and school supplies endured an eight-hour journey from Butuan City to Malapatan, Sarangani, bringing much-needed aid to teachers, learners, and local communities.

Director Asuncion, together with DepEd Caraga regional office division chiefs and schools division superintendents, personally led the distribution to embody the Caraganons’ values of hospitality and genuine care, especially for those most affected by the recent earthquake. 

A total of 200 teachers and 600 learners from Malapatan Central Elementary School (MCES) and Malapatan National High School (MNHS) received food packs, rice, hygiene kits, and school supplies—critical sustenance for families displaced and homes destroyed by the disaster.

Beyond the schools, 80 residents from the Muslim community of Napu Sapu Masla were also given rice, groceries, household items, and cash assistance amounting to ₱85,000.

DepEd’s strengthened partnership with private stakeholders further amplified relief efforts, with contributions (in cash and kind) augmenting the agency’s resources.

“In times of crisis, education extends beyond the classroom. Through CaraCares, we bring not only relief goods but also hope, healing, and reassurance that our learners, teachers, and communities are not alone,” said Asuncion, striving to bring comfort to the beneficiaries as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 

Recognizing the importance of holistic recovery, CaraCares also deployed mental health professionals to provide psycho-social support to students, ensuring that both physical and emotional wellness were addressed after the trauma brought by the quake. 

As the convoy departed Malapatan, it left behind more than supplies—it left a renewed sense of hope. In the faces of children clutching their new school supplies, in the gratitude of teachers who felt seen and supported, and in the quiet relief of families who received food and care, the journey became more than just eight hours on the road. It became a powerful reminder that compassion travels any distance, and that in the heart of every crisis, solidarity lights the way forward. (NJGD, PIA Caraga; Photo courtesy of Dr. Violeta Nuñez of DepEd Caraga)

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Caraga reactivates El Niño team to strengthen frontline defenses

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The members of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) convened for a special coordination meeting on June 22 to strengthen unified preparedness and response to feared impacts of the El Niño phenomenon across the region.

The meeting focused on streamlining inter-agency coordination, assessing the current El Niño situation, identifying high-risk areas, and discussing proactive measures to mitigate its effects on water resources, agriculture, food security, public health, energy supply, and other critical sectors. Participating agencies also reviewed contingency plans, resource mobilization strategies, and coordinated interventions to ensure a timely and effective government response.

Lorene Sia-Catedral, officer-in-charge of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga and acting Caraga RDRRMC chairperson, announced during the meeting that the Regional El Niño Team has officially been reactivated to strengthen the region’s preparedness and response efforts, in adherence to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“The Regional El Niño Team is officially reactivated through the RDRRMC resolution dated May 20, 2026, to ensure the timely coordination and implementation of preparedness and response measures across the region,” said Sia-Catedral.

“We are optimistic that this coordination meeting will serve as our starting point in crafting a comprehensive regional action plan that outlines strategic interventions to mitigate and address the anticipated effects of El Niño,” she added.

Catedral emphasized that the reactivation aims to facilitate the timely monitoring of El Niño-related updates and ensure the effective implementation of mitigation and response measures to minimize the impacts of prolonged dry conditions on agriculture, water resources, public health, and other critical sectors across the Caraga region.

Engr. Ver Lancer D. Galanida, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Caraga, presented a comparative discussion on the 2023–2024 El Niño and the feared impacts of the same weather phenomenon hitting late 2026 and early 2027.

“The previous El Niño phenomenon started in July 2023 and ended in June 2024. Another El Niño event has now developed in the Pacific Ocean and began in June 2026. This is expected to affect the country by causing a significant reduction in rainfall, which means we may experience below-normal precipitation and prolonged dry conditions that could severely impact our water sources,” he said.

He reported that the developing 2026–2027 El Niño is expected to begin as a weak event and gradually intensify into a strong El Niño, with sea surface temperature anomalies ranging from 1.5°C to 1.9°C above normal during the September–October–November 2026 season.

According to PAGASA’s climate outlook, the probability of the phenomenon reaching the very strong El Niño category, characterized by sea surface temperature anomalies of 2.0°C or higher, is expected to increase during the October–November–December 2026 season, with a greater than 30% probability. The likelihood of a very strong El Niño is projected to persist through the November–December–January season.

Galanida emphasized that while a stronger El Niño increases the likelihood of significant impacts such as prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall, water shortages, agricultural losses, and heightened risks to public health and other climate-sensitive sectors, a stronger El Niño does not always translate to more severe weather and climate impacts. Instead, it increases the probability that these impacts may occur, underscoring the importance of early preparedness, continuous monitoring, and coordinated mitigation efforts among government agencies and local government units.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, as the lead of the Regional El Niño Team, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga serving as co-lead for preparedness actions, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga as co-lead for response actions.

It also outlined the team’s five key sectors – Food Security, Water Security, Energy Security, Health Security, and Public Safety – each with members from concerned national government agencies responsible for implementing coordinated interventions.

In addition, the Strategic Management Unit led by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Caraga, and the Strategic Communication Unit led by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga were presented to ensure effective planning, coordination, and public information dissemination throughout the implementation of the Regional El Niño Action Plan.

The special coordination meeting highlighted the roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure of the Regional El Niño Team, emphasizing different key sectors and support units tasked to strengthen Caraga region’s preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts against the anticipated impacts of the 2026–2027 El Niño phenomenon. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

President Marcos supports final school year of SCPF scholar

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) —  A ray of hope appeared before Chrizzel Mae Golez, a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) student at North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)-Cantilan campus, Surigao del Sur, after her family received P20,000 from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s educational assistance under the Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF). 

The program dubbed Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (BBM) supports underprivileged youth and ensures they complete college despite financial challenges. 

Golez is a resident of Barangay San Pablo in the municipality of Sison, Surigao del Norte, and is the eldest of four siblings.  She shared that her mother is currently undergoing life-threatening and costly regular dialysis treatments, while her father works long hours as a security guard to keep and meet the household’s basic needs. 

As a beneficiary, she has long felt the pressure of balancing her academic goals with the present realities at home. “Her father’s salary is rarely enough to cover necessities at home, let alone the specialized medical care required for her mother, who has chronic kidney illness, and the educational needs of four growing siblings.”

“The educational aid comes at a critical time for my family. Balancing the heavy expenses of my final year in college, while dealing with our family’s financial struggle, has been incredibly challenging. My mother is currently undergoing regular dialysis treatments, and a huge portion of our family’s income goes directly toward her lifesaving medical expenses,” she said. 

“Because of this assistance, the burden of my upcoming school fees, graduation expenses, and daily allowance are significantly lifted. It ensures that I can focus entirely on finishing my degree without burdening my parents,” she added.

“Thank you, Mr President, and to the offices involved, for providing this lifeline to students like me. This is not just a financial grant; it is a major boost that helps secure my future and supports my family during a very tough time,” Golez said during an interview.  

San Pablo Punong Barangay Danilo Maylon, on the other hand,  expressed gratitude to the national government for choosing his barangay as a beneficiary of the SCPF’s scholarship assistance for five college students in his barangay. 

“Our barangay received a total of P200,000 under the SCPF. On May 27, out of the said fund, P100,000 was given as a cash grant to five deserving fourth-year college students who each received the amount of P20,000,” he said. 

Maylon shared that the remaining P100,000 will be used to purchase new tables and chairs for barangay meetings and events, eliminating the cost of renting these items in the future. 

“The cash grant will be a massive relief for the family’s daily living and medical requirements. While the funds are designated as an educational scholarship to cover school-related expenses, graduation fees, and projects for her final year, it effectively frees up the family’s tightly strained budget,” he added. 

The Socio-Civic Projects Fund is a direct financial assistance program administered by the Office of the President. It bridges the gap between the national government and local communities by funding grassroots initiatives like educational scholarships, public service digitalization, and disaster relief. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)