TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 13 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

13 July 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Herbosa stepping down due to health; Pujalte is new DOH chief — Palace

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/7/13/dr-brix-pujalte-is-new-doh-chief-1328

 2. Witness to prove Sara Duterte hired hitman before her kill remark vs Marcos

-Duterte defense team to present witness to prove 'Operation Romanov' exists

-Prosecution to focus on Duterte's fitness to stay in office as it presents second witness

-Poa: Bloodbath means it's Duterte herself who will bleed

-Impeachment court defers decision on Matibag’s scheduled appearance

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2262753/witness-to-prove-sara-duterte-hired-hitman-before-her-kill-remark-vs-marcos

 3. Marcos off to Singapore for working visit from July 14-16

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/13/marcos-off-to-singapore-for-working-visit-from-july-14-16

 4. WPS ARBITRAL RULING ANNIVERSARY:

-Philippines, US, Japan, 11 other nations: Arbitral ruling final, legally binding

-Tarriela, Chinese envoy trade barbs anew 10 years after PH arbitral win

-Protest marks 10th anniversary of arbitral ruling on West PH Sea

[Bombo Radyo, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, MindaNews, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.inquirer.net/480446/tarriela-chinese-envoy-trade-barbs-anew-10-years-after-ph-arbitral-win/

5. DepEd: Cavite student’s death after deworming due to septic shock

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

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/07/13/2541838/student-dies-septic-shock-after-school-deworming-activity-says-deped

6. NBI recommends raps vs Tab Baldwin, 10 others over Ateneo cagers’ deaths

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2262596/nbi-recommends-raps-vs-tab-baldwin-10-others-over-ateneo-cagers-deaths

7. Cashless payments now available at LRT-2

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/7/13/cashless-payments-now-available-at-lrt-2-1422

8. Marcoleta ‘fit to travel,’ only needs to finish antibiotics — PNP

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/13/news/national/marcoleta-fit-to-travel-only-needs-to-finish-antibiotics-pnp/2383053

9. Mayon Volcano sheds pyroclastic density current or 'uson' anew

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/994642/mayon-volcano-sheds-pyroclastic-density-current-or-uson-anew/story/

10. Tropical depression forms east of Mindanao, may briefly enter PAR; 21 reported dead due to Typhoon Inday, habagat

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/7/13/tropical-depression-forms-east-of-mindanao-may-briefly-enter-par-1158

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 13 July 2026

DMW urges aspiring OFWs to follow ‘Apat Dapat’ slogan vs ‘labor trafficking’

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As the government intensifies its campaign against human trafficking and illegal recruitment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga is urging aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to observe the ‘Apat Dapat’ slogan to protect themselves from labor trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.

During the recent Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan on July 2, Attorney Marinelle Aycee Perral, Attorney III of DMW Caraga, emphasized that prevention begins with ensuring that every overseas job application is processed through legitimate channels.

Under the DMW’s slogan on ‘Apat Dapat,’ aspiring OFWs are reminded to:

– Apply only through DMW-licensed recruitment agencies, which may be verified through dmw.gov.ph;

– Ensure that the overseas job being applied for has an approved job order issued by the DMW;

– Personally transact with the recruitment agency at its office and avoid relying solely on online transactions; and

– Always ask for an official receipt for every payment made as proof of transaction and protection against fraudulent activities.

Perral said these simple but essential reminders help applicants verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and overseas job opportunities, significantly reducing their risk of becoming victims of illegal recruitment and labor trafficking.

“As more recruitment activities shift to digital platforms, aspiring OFWs must exercise greater caution and verify every opportunity before accepting overseas employment,” she said.

As for the prosecution of the human traffickers, Perral clarified that suspects may still be prosecuted under Philippine laws even when the crime involves foreign nationals.

“Under the territorial principle, the foreigner will still be charged regardless of their nationality. If an OFW becomes a victim of trafficking in persons (TIP) abroad, our courts can still prosecute these illegal recruiters as long as the recruiter is a Filipino and the case started in the country,” she added.

“For OFWs who have already reached their destinations abroad and unfortunately became victims of labor trafficking or exploitation, DMW advises them to seek help from the nearest Philippine Embassy if they can and avail of the repatriation services,” Perral told the audience. “If they are unable to go to the embassy, they may contact their immediate families to report to DMW regional offices.”

She emphasized that DMW, through the Repatriation and Reintegration Division, will coordinate with the Migrant Workers Office and the host country’s law enforcers to facilitate rescue operations, provide appropriate assistance, and ensure the safe repatriation of affected OFWs.

The campaign supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader strategy to combat human trafficking by strengthening preventive measures, promoting safe migration, and improving public awareness.

With trafficking syndicates increasingly using online platforms and social media to deceive job seekers, DMW Caraga underscored the importance of sustained public-private partnerships and coordinated government action to stop human trafficking in all its forms. 

It continues to encourage aspiring OFWs to remain vigilant, verify all overseas job offers through official channels, and immediately report suspicious recruitment activities, reaffirming that preventing human trafficking is a shared responsibility of government, the private sector, communities, and every Filipino seeking opportunities abroad. (MFC, PIA Caraga) 

Monday, 13 July 2026

Agusan Sur town’s Gulayan sa Barangay secures nutrition for grassroots communities

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A community-driven initiative continues to take root in the barangays of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, as the Barangay SIGLA (Strengthening Integrated Growth through Livelihood and Agriculture) program advances in its mission to ensure inclusive and sustainable nutrition.

Formerly known as the GRACE (Growing Resilient Agriculture through Community Engagement) Project, launched in August 2025, the initiative has evolved into Barangay SIGLA, maximizing barangay-level agriculture to eradicate malnutrition and open livelihood opportunities for grassroots communities.

On August 20, 2025, participating barangays were capacitated through a Technology Training on Vegetable Production and Seedling Management, led by the Municipal Agriculture Office in partnership with Mike Paragozo, president of the Unified InterBarangay Vegetable Growers Association (UNIINBAVEGA).

The training equipped barangay representatives and community volunteers with essential skills in soil preparation, seedling care, crop selection, pest management, and sustainable gardening practices—ensuring that communities were prepared to establish and sustain their gardens beyond the initial implementation phase.

Barangay SIGLA has since brought a three-fold solution to malnutrition in San Francisco:

· Products of community gardens are distributed to households, encouraging families to consume nutritious food for free.

· Some barangays use their harvests as a source of livelihood, selling fruits and vegetables at lower costs compared to market prices.

· Starting in the second semester of this year, barangay nutrition councils plan to utilize garden produce in cooking meals for supplementary feeding activities led by Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs).

As the first line of defense against malnutrition, BNSs implement nutrition laws and programs in their communities with the support of barangay nutrition councils (BNCs) and city/municipal nutrition offices. However, limited resources have often been a challenge in their work. For many, the GRACE project—and now Barangay SIGLA—has been a welcome relief.

“In my tenure as a BNS, there were many instances wherein resources seemed to be a challenge for us, especially with the limited budget. But through the support of our barangay nutrition council and parents, and now, the Barangay SIGLA, our job has become a lot lighter,” said Merly Cedeño, BNS of Barangay Karaos.

Jonalyn Pablo, BNS of Barangay Pisaan, also shared her experience when the GRACE project began. “At first, I found it stressful to start our own community garden as it entailed a lot of work in planting, growing, and maintaining it. But as I saw how each member of the community worked hand-in-hand, and the impact it made in the decreasing malnutrition prevalence in our barangay, I really thought to myself that every inch of land that we toiled was definitely worth it,” she said.

To reinforce sustainability and recognize excellence, the municipality, led by Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo, implemented a structured incentive system, evaluating barangays based on productivity, sustainability, environmental sanitation, health integration, innovation, and community participation.

The awarding scheme reflected both recognition and encouragement:

95–100 percent performance: P20,000 each;

90–94 percent performance: P10,000 each;

85–89 percent performance: P5,000 each;

84 percent and below: P3,000 each.

All awardees also received vegetable seeds—symbolizing continuity and reinforcing the project’s long-term vision.

Barangay SIGLA stands as a testament to how collective action, strengthened by training, innovation, and community participation, can transform challenges into opportunities. By linking nutrition, livelihood, and sustainability, the program ensures that every household in San Francisco has a chance to thrive—making inclusive, sustainable nutrition not just a goal, but a reality. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from the Municipal Nutrition Office of San Francisco, ADS) 

Thursday, 9 July 2026

LGSF makes healthcare affordable, accessible for Dinagat Islands residents

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. shared that the government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) has made the province’s healthcare services affordable and accessible to the residents.

The governor made the statement during the Kapihan sa PIA on June 29 at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol compound, Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

He recalled that before the implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) programs, the LGSF was already helping the provincial government with the hospital and medical needs of the Dinagatnons.

He said, “Kung LGSF ang hisgutan, ang probinsya sa Dinagat Islands ang usa sa nakabenepisyo og dako sa programa” (If we talk about LGSF, the province of Dinagat Islands is one of the LGUs that have greatly benefited from the program).

“The province received a budget from the national government under the LGSF, and it was used to take care of the hospitalization and medication expenses of the Dinagatnons,” he added. “This fund supported the zero billing requests of our hospitals to qualified patients, including medicines and services from medical practitioners, and in purchasing hospital equipment to improve our healthcare services in the province.”

The governor also shared his previous engagement with the Office of the President in February of this year, as one of the 29 governors across the country invited to discuss the enhancements of the LGSF to support LGU projects and programs.

“I am grateful that the Office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. considered the equal allocation of the LGSF to the LGUs to benefit more communities,” the governor told the audience.

Accordingly, P57.88 billion from the 2026 national budget was allocated to the provincies, cities, municipalities and barangays across the country through the LGSF to directly support local projects and programs in food security, health, education, infrastructure and development initiatives that will strengthen nation-building.

Meanwhile, recognizing the geographic challenges of the province with scattered islands and remote barangays, Demerey strategically created the Remedy Aksyon Center (RAC), his flagship program to ensure that no resident is left unattended in times of need and medical assistance supported by LGSF and other provincial programs reach even the most distant communities.

Through the Remedy Aksyon Center (RAC), medical assistance can be availed in the following hospitals in the province: Dinagat District Hospital, Albor District Hospital and Loreto District Hospital.

With the LGSF, the program has expanded its partner health institutions and laboratories in:

Surigao City

1.  Caraga Regional Hospital

2.  Surigao Doctors

3.  St. Paul Hospital

4.  Surigao Medical Center

Butuan City

1.  Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital

2.  ACE Medical Hospital

3.  Butuan Medical Center

4.  Butuan Doctors Hospital

5.  Butuan Puericulture Hospital

6.  Clínica Jesús Nazareno

7.  Manuel J Santos Hospital

Davao City

1.  Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

Cebu City

1.  Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Centers for dialysis patients in:

Butuan City

1.  Vida Dialysis Center Phils

2.  Nephrology Center of Caraga Inc.

Pharmacies in:

Dinagat Islands

1.  Palahang Pharmacy

In Surigao City:

1.  Surigao Health Specialists

2.  Aquarian Pharmacy

3.  iHeart Pharmacy

Butuan City

1.  BG’s Family Aid Pharmacy

2.  C&C Pharmacy

3.  Health Savers Pharmacy

4.  Mercury Drug Store

Meljie Rose M. Sayson, a resident of San Vicente, Tubajon, in her Facebook post, expressed gratitude to the provincial government through the Office of the Dinagat Islands Governor’s RAC for the medical assistance on June 29 that zeroed out her hospital bill balance amounting to P196, 634. 20 at the SPMC, Davao City. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Caraga Youth Congress empowers next generation of agri leaders, advances food security efforts

Participants from across Caraga attend the DUYOG: 1st Caraga Agri-Fishery Youth Congress in Butuan City, equipping themselves with knowledge and skills in leadership, agribusiness, and innovation to become the next generation of farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs, supporting the government’s goal of creating a future where no child goes hungry. (Photo courtesy of DA Caraga)

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Young leaders from across Caraga are taking a greater role in transforming the agriculture and fisheries sector through the DUYOG: 1st Caraga Agri-Fishery Youth Congress, supporting the government’s vision of creating a future where no child goes hungry by preparing the next generation of farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs to help strengthen the country’s food security.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), in partnership with the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, convened representatives from the 4H Club, Caraga Young Agripreneurs, and Young Farmers Challenge during the three-day congress that opened on July 6 in Butuan City.

The congress also marked the launch of the Caraga Regional Agri-Fishery Youth Network, a platform designed to foster collaboration among young agricultural leaders, amplify their voices in policy discussions, and encourage active participation in agricultural planning, innovation, and program implementation across the region.

“We want to unite all young people engaged in agriculture so we can strengthen the youth’s voice in the formulation of plans and policies for the agriculture sector,” said Juveriel D. Tenio, overall chairperson of the DUYOG Congress.

Highlighting the importance of sustained youth representation in the sector, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Caraga Chairperson Christopher H. Lindo said that the region has already established a sectoral committee on youth in agriculture under the regional council.

“Here in Caraga, we already have a Sectoral Committee on Youth in Agriculture under the RAFC. We will also work to establish similar committees at the provincial and municipal levels so that more young people can actively participate in shaping the future of agriculture,” Lindo said.

In a message delivered by DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. on behalf of DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro, the Department emphasized that the youth are indispensable partners in building a resilient and prosperous agriculture sector.

“The youth are the key to a resilient and prosperous future. I encourage you to take advantage of the government’s agriculture and fisheries programs to develop your skills and expand the opportunities available to you,” Navarro said.

Participants also attended learning sessions on agribusiness, leadership, innovation, and government support programs, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills to improve productivity, develop sustainable enterprises, and generate livelihood opportunities in their communities.

The congress is expected to produce long-term gains for both the youth and the agriculture sector by cultivating a new generation of capable agricultural leaders, strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship, and encouraging greater participation in agricultural governance. These efforts are expected to enhance Caraga’s agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ competitiveness, create more rural employment opportunities, and help ensure a stable and nutritious food supply for Filipino families.

The initiative complements the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to modernize Philippine agriculture, empower the youth, and achieve lasting food security through stronger collaboration among government, stakeholders, and the next generation of agricultural leaders. By investing in young farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs today, the government moves closer to its shared vision of creating a future where no child goes hungry. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)