TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 11 May 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

11 May 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. 250 lawmakers present as House prepares to vote on impeachment case vs VP Sara

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, The Freeman]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/11/news/250-lawmakers-present-as-house-prepares-to-vote-on-impeachment-case-vs-vp-sara/2340404

2. Alan Cayetano is now Senate president; Tito Sotto ousted in surprise coup

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2226585/alan-cayetano-is-now-senate-president

3. Bato dela Rosa returns to Senate after months-long absence

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/11/bato-dela-rosa-returns-to-senate-after-months-long-absence-1522

4. CIDG issues subpoena vs Bato Dela Rosa in drug war probe

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2226429/cidg-issues-subpoena-vs-bato-dela-rosa

5. Philippines, Paraguay ink diplomatic training, visa-waiver agreements; Marcos' Paraguay visit eyed

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/11/philippines-paraguay-ink-diplomatic-training-visa-waiver-agreements-marcos-paraguay-visit-eyed

6. DND: No 'destabilization' activities amid VP Sara impeachment proceedings; Groups rally outside House urging lawmakers to impeach VP Duterte

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/11/no-destabilization-activities-amid-vp-sara-impeachment-proceedings-dnd-1246

7. Filipino seafarers on hantavirus-hit ship to face 42-day quarantine in Netherlands before repatriation; PH airports, seaports tighten border screening

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/5/10/filipino-seafarers-on-hantavirus-hit-ship-face-quarantine-before-repatriation-2304

8. PGMN host CJ Hirro a no-show at NBI; lawyer says she’s out of town

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2226494/pgmn-host-cj-hirro-a-no-show-at-nbi-lawyer-says-shes-out-of-town

9. DILG confirms Interpol red notices vs Atong Ang, Bantag, Dumlao

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/11/news/dilg-confirms-interpol-red-notices-vs-atong-ang-bantag-dumlao/2340334

10. PhilSA warns vs Chinese rocket debris near Palawan

[Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/11/news/philsa-warns-vs-chinese-rocket-debris-near-palawan/2340335

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 11 May 2026

BFAR trains fisherfolk in Dinagat Islands on fiberglass boatmaking

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The fisherfolk in the Province of Dinagat Islands enhanced their livelihood opportunities after completing training on fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boat making, empowering coastal communities by strengthening fishers’ skills, and improving socio-economic conditions.

Under the ‘Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko’ initiative, the activity was spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II.

The program on SAAD Phase 2 fulfills the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve fisherfolk’s living conditions, provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, and support for poor fishing sectors, complementing the department’s banner programs and assisting beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises.

Under the SAAD Phase II, all materials, tools, and equipment were given for free, and beneficiaries are also set to receive fishing gear and accessories as part of a comprehensive livelihood support package.

Held in Barangay Bagumbayan, the training ran in two batches, with the New Mabuhay Fisherfolk Association (NMFA) completing the first 15-day session from March 17 to April 1. It was followed by the Sitio Babangnan Fisherfolk Organization (SBFO) with members who underwent the training from April 8 to April 30, both held in the municipality of Dinagat.

Participants gained practical knowledge and skills in FRP boat fabrication, repair, and maintenance, as technical experts from BFAR Caraga’s regional and provincial fisheries offices guided the fisherfolk in building their own fishing boats, strengthening their technical capacity, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Thirty units of 23-foot FRP boats were fabricated at the training, with 15 units given to each association, and each boat will be co-owned by two active members, promoting shared responsibility and resource management within the groups.

The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, through the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO), in partnership with the local government units of Dinagat and Tubajon, led the implementation of the program in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The DOLE’s program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) provided participants with short-term employment assistance to compensate for income lost while attending the training instead of engaging in fishing activities.

Meanwhile, this May, the country observes the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, honoring the vital role of the country’s food producers with the theme, ‘Pagbibigay-pugay para sa Magsasaka’t Mangingisda sa gitna ng hamon at krisis.’

BFAR Caraga Director Omnia B. Olama underscored the indispensable contribution of fisherfolk to both the fisheries industry and national development, emphasizing that progress in the sector hinges on collective effort. “To our partners in government and local communities, your role is vital. Progress in the fisheries sector is only possible through strong collaboration, shared responsibility, and unified action.”

“As we celebrate the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, may we go beyond recognition and turn our gratitude into action—by supporting local products, strengthening policies that protect our producers, and creating more opportunities so that no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind,” Dir. Olama said. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from DA-BFAR SAAD and PFO-Dinagat Islands)

Monday, 11 May 2026

PNP highlights accomplishments in Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office under the leadership of Police Colonel Warren E. Dablo, provincial director, diligently carried out their mandated duties and achieved significant and sustained success in their law enforcement operations for April 2026, resulting in the arrest of a total of 52 law offenders.

The monthly accomplishment report of the Provincial Operations Unit (POU), indicates that the Surigao del Norte Provincial Police made significant strides across various law enforcement campaigns in April 2026.

Under the anti-illegal drug campaign, the police conducted 16 operations, resulting in the apprehension of 17 individuals and the confiscation of 83.94 grams of illegal drugs and 45 grams of marijuana, with an estimated market value of P576,160.72.

Efforts to neutralize wanted persons yielded positive results, with a total of 24 fugitives apprehended, including fourteen Most Wanted Persons at the regional and provincial levels. Specifically, two wanted persons at the regional level, and two at the provincial level were successfully arrested.

On the campaign against loose firearms, one operation resulted in the confiscation of one small firearm.

Meanwhile, the persistent anti-illegal fishing operations led to the arrest of 8 violators in 4 operations and the confiscation of 64 kilograms of assorted fish valued at P17,000.

In the anti-illegal gambling campaign, two operations led to the arrest of one individual and the confiscation of illegal gambling paraphernalia valued at P4,300.

Director Col. Dablo said, “As part of the comprehensive campaign on special laws, one individual was arrested for violating Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law. In two related operations, one suspect was apprehended for similar violations, with police seizing cigarettes valued at an estimated P444,500.”

He shared that local police conducted 179 operations, sanctioned 1,135 violators and collected a total of P262,050 in fines.

“The accomplishments of this month reflected the unwavering dedication and relentless hard work of the Surigao del Norte Police Force, in response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Our commitment will remain steadfast as we continue to enforce the law in pursuit of a peaceful and secure province,” Dablo added. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from SDN-PPO)

Friday, 08 May 2026

Farmers in Surigao Norte’s town train on organic carabao propagation

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In an effort to boost livestock production and meet the demand for carabeef, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), through its National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga and the local government of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, trained 50 farmers of the town on organic carabao propagation.

The two-day training, held from  April 21 to 22 in the municipality of Tagana-an, is part of NOAP’s project on Organic Carabao Production, strengthening the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bolster and fully support all areas of the agricultural sector and make food security feasible.

Dr. Tomas Austral Jr., from Caraga State University (CSU), Butuan City, served as the resource speaker for the training. He emphasized the importance of organic methods in livestock raising, proper animal care and management, and value-added techniques.

The activity also included a hands-on demonstration, and the farmer-participants learned the following:

• Proper way to take care of beef carabao
• Organic feeding and the use of natural resources
• Carabao health and disease prevention
• Weight estimation
• Sustainable herd and breeding management
• Farm planning and record-keeping
• Organic agriculture standards and certification

Meanwhile, BAI Engineer Gisell Iglesias shared the current challenge in the livestock industry, where local carabao production is low compared to the demand.  “Capacitating farmers to strengthen organic carabao farming will help increase production and stabilize the demand.”

She also announced that the activity includes the distribution of organic carabaos.

“The farmers joining this training serve as beneficiaries of the organic carabao under the said project. Each beneficiary received one 24-month-old carabao with a price of P80, 000.”

For the Bureau of Animal Industry, the National Organic Agriculture Program aims to strengthen the livestock sector through organic and sustainable approaches and initiatives for better and reliable income to farmers and their families, safe and healthy food for the Filipino people, and for improved communities – all supporting the government’s thrust on lively, eco-friendly, and inclusive agriculture. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with reports from BAI-NOAP and DA Caraga)

Friday, 08 May 2026

Multi-agency send-off ceremony powers up ‘Palaro tu AgSur 2026’

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — A multi-agency send-off ceremony formally deployed personnel from key local and national government units in a unified push to ensure the safe and successful staging of Palaro tu AgSur 2026 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Gov. D.O. Plaza Government Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on May 4.

It gathered forces from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force (PAF), Department of Health (DOH), Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS), together with their provincial directors, regional directors, heads, and other partner agencies, signaling full operational readiness for the much-anticipated national sports event on May 24-31, 2026.

A eucharistic celebration was offered early in the morning at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish as part of the ceremony to ensure that all deployed personnel are prepared to perform their oath as public servants, along with the blessing of all the personnel and equipment to be used in their posts before, during, and after Palaro tu AgSur 2026.

Steering Committee Chairperson and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Avalota Cejas welcomed the participating agencies and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in hosting the event.

“The success of this national event does not rest on one office alone, but on the shared readiness of everyone involved,” Cejas said.

Vice Governor Patricia Anne B. Plaza, meanwhile, urged all personnel and government workers to remain committed to implementing their plans.

“My brothers and sisters, let us give this our best. We have prepared, and now it is time to implement and execute our plans. Let us give this our heart and soul,” Vice Governor Plaza said.

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. also expressed confidence in the deployed personnel, underscoring their crucial role in ensuring the event’s success.

“Today, I am sending all of you off to your respective responsibilities and assignments to ensure that the 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be safe, successful, and above all, peaceful,” Governor Cane said.

The send-off ceremony marked a significant step in the province’s preparations for hosting Palaro tu AgSur 2026, reinforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to establish solid coordination among government agencies and strengthen preparedness for the national sporting event. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)