TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 21 May 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

21 May 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. DELA ROSA ICC CASE:

-DOJ: PNP, NBI ‘now tasked to effect arrest’ of Dela Rosa

-Bato Dela Rosa arrest order: DILG says to follow DOJ’s lead

-OSG welcomes SC decision to deny Bato dela Rosa's TRO request

-PNP denies 'spliced' Senate shooting videos

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/21/vida-pnp-nbi-now-tasked-to-effect-arrest-of-dela-rosa-1242

2. VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial to start July 6, Erwin Tulfo says

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988421/vp-sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-to-start-july-6-erwin-tulfo-says/story/

3. SENATE SHOOTING INCIDENT:

-Lacson on Pia Cayetano’s ‘no one checked on us’ quote: They seemed to be happily eating

-Tulfo counters Cayetano claim: Minority senators checked on colleagues after shooting

-Fisherfolk slams Pia Cayetano’s ‘crocodile tears’ as distraction

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232152/lacson-on-pia-cayetanos-no-one-checked-on-us-quote-they-seemed-to-be-happily-eating

4. Tiu Laurel files Ombudsman cases over P94M ‘ghost’ farm roads in Davao

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

https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/tiu-laurel-files-ombudsman-cases-over-p94m-ghost-farm-roads-in-davao/
5. DFA brushes aside NGO’s statement of support for Duterte before Human Rights Council

[Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dfa-response-international-career-support-association-duterte-human-rights-council/

6. ‘Education is a right’: Marcos vows gov’t support for students

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

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/730168/education-is-a-right-marcos-vows-government-support-for-students

7. Rodrigo Duterte ‘under cell monitoring’ due to ‘rare occasions’ of fall – ICC registry

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Malaya, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/21/rodrigo-duterte-under-cell-monitoring-due-to-rare-occasions-of-fall-icc-registry-1435

8. Senate coup talks ongoing, says Erwin Tulfo

[GMA News, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988459/senate-coup-talks-ongoing-says-erwin-tulfo/story/

9. Marcos vows stricter monitoring after Navotas landfill fire

[Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/21/news/marcos-vows-stricter-monitoring-after-navotas-landfill-fire/2348861

10. 2 cops relieved for alleged interference in missing sabungeros case

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232087/2-cops-relieved-for-alleged-interference-in-missing-sabungeros-case

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 21 May 2026

DOLE strengthens maritime safety for Surigao-Siargao vessel owners, operators 

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a continuous effort to champion safer and fairer working conditions at sea, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga conducted a comprehensive labour education seminar to vessel owners and operators on the busy Surigao–Siargao route. 

The event, held on May 13, also marked the rollout of the second leg of its video advocacy campaign on general labor standards (GLS) and occupational safety and health (OSH) standards. 

​Hosted aboard the Sean Ferry 2 operated by Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corporation at the Philippine Ports Authority in Surigao City, the event further invited vessel crew members and maritime stakeholders.

​The morning session kicked off with an intensive labor education seminar led by the DOLE- Surigao del Norte, with topics focusing heavily on maritime occupational safety and health, general labor standards, and mental health awareness. 

The activity taught passenger shipping personnel practical tools and knowledge about workers’ rights, critical safety protocols, and the vital role mental well-being plays in high-stakes maritime operations.

​The momentum carried into the afternoon with the official launch of the video advocacy campaign, highlighted by an onboard ribbon-cutting ceremony. These new visual materials are designed to break down complex labor laws into accessible, engaging content, making it easier for both operators and crew to remain compliant.

​In his message, DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais underscored the strategic importance of the maritime industry to the region’s economy and daily life.

​“The maritime sector plays a vital role in connecting our communities and sustaining regional mobility. It is only fitting that the workers who keep this sector running are equipped not only with skills, but also with a strong understanding of their rights, safety, and welfare.’’ Dir. Balais said.

The event manifested strong representation from major passenger shipping lines and maritime institutions operating in the region, including Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corporation; Montenegro Shipping Lines Incorporated; JP Shipping Lines Inc.; M/V Vince Gabriel; Romans Road Shipping Lines, Claire Edith Sea Transport, M/V Shaun Jet; M/V Pilar Tuna Passion; SOEMCO Mariner; and the Maritime Industry Academy and the Coast Guard Station- Surigao del   Norte.

​Attending stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the initiative, pledging a shared commitment to maintaining high labour standards that protect both maritime workers and the passengers they serve. 

This productive learning engagement is part of DOLE Caraga’s broader and high-visibility strategy to elevate labor inspections and safety advocacy across the region’s waters as fulfillment of the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Unified health system makes healthcare accessible to remote barangays in Butuan 

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan, through the City Health Department (CHD), in collaboration with the Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, continues to deliver quality healthcare services to remote areas of the city through the Citywide Health System.

This initiative aligns with  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to strengthen the Universal Health Care (UHC) through the provision of accessible, coordinated, and responsive healthcare services. Through the citywide health system, the city government integrates barangay health stations, district health centers, primary care facilities, and hospitals into a unified healthcare network.

One of the key mechanisms of this system is the Primary Care Provider Networks (PCPNs), wherein individuals from the barangays are linked to the nearest healthcare provider. PCPNs enable patients, especially those from far-flung areas or sitios, to access immediate primary healthcare services from the nearest healthcare facility without having to go directly to hospitals.

“Patients in the barangays will first go to the barangay health center. Based on the assessment of barangay healthcare workers, if further medical attention is needed, they will be referred to the main health center. The main health center may likewise refer patients to a higher level of care if necessary,” said Doctor Teresita Helen V. Makiling, head of the CHD.

Currently, the city government operates six existing main health centers located in the barangays of Bilay, Dulag, Ampayon, Obrero, Libertad, and Baan. These centers provide primary medical care, maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention, family planning, dental services, diagnostic services, and pharmacy support. The centers will also provide transportation support for the patients.

“We aim to establish 14 main health centers across the city to ensure that all constituents are adequately served. We will be opening our seventh main health center later this year,” Makiling added.

Meanwhile, based on the 2024 census of population by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the population of Butuan City, being a highly urbanized city, is 385,530, hence, the need for a more community-based healthcare system and stronger referral linkages under the PCPNs. 

The CHD has partnered with private hospitals in the city, including Manuel J. Santos Hospital and ACE Medical Center, as well as hospitals outside the region, such as Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). This initiative also ensures that Butuanons have more healthcare options beyond Butuan Medical Center and greater access to quality and specialized healthcare services.

Makiling further shared that the initiative is supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). 

Patients are also being registered under YAKAP to help them sustain their healthcare needs and provide them with continued support. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

9,836 families of Veruela, Agusan Sur receive PBBM’s rice aid

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The residents from the municipality of Veruela in the province of Agusan del Sur received rice assistance from the Office of the President (OP) through its Socio-Civic Fund Program, benefiting thousands of families across the town’s 20 barangays. 

As mandated by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., a total of 9,836 bags of rice weighing 25 kilograms each were distributed to households in the municipality through the P15-million worth of assistance granted to the local government unit (LGU) of Veruela on May 11.

The assistance was formally turned over through a Deed of Donation between the Office of the President and the municipal government led by Mayor Salimar T. Mondejar.

According to the LGU, the distribution aimed to provide immediate support and food assistance to families, ensuring that every household in Veruela received aid from the national government.

Beneficiaries from Veruela, Agusan del Sur, expressed their gratitude to the Office of the President and the LGU of Veruela for initiating the distribution of the rice incentive.

”I am very thankful to all who initiated the program due to rising prices of needs now in the market. It will help us to lessen our burden for the meantime and expend the rest of the income to other needs. They distributed the rice to everyone without choosing anyone that shows equal service to everyone,” said Mary Grace Tolentino, 30 years old and a resident from Barangay  La Fortuna.

Aside from the rice distribution, P500,000 from the total assistance fund was allocated for the procurement of construction materials for the new classroom building at Katipunan Elementary School. The initiative seeks to strengthen educational facilities and support community development in the municipality.

The municipal government said the program reflects the continued partnership between the national government and the LGU in delivering responsive and people-centered public service to the residents of Veruela. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from LGU Veruela)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Surigao Sur insurgents embrace gov’t peace agenda

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The national government’s intensified peace and development campaign in Surigao del Sur continues to gain momentum as members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered following the recent neutralization of a top rebel leader during a military operation in the province.

The 4th Infantry Division, through the 401st Infantry Brigade and its operating battalions, facilitated the surrender of CTG members in separate operations conducted in Surigao del Sur on May 15 and 16.

According to military reports, two CTG members affiliated with the Regional Operations Command of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered following joint efforts of the 4ID intelligence unit and the 75th Infantry Battalion. The surrenderers turned over one AK47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three rifle magazines. 

Another CTG member also yielded to troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, and surrendered an R4 rifle along with ammunition. 

The surrender took place days after the armed encounter in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, on May 11, which resulted in the neutralization of Edilberto Daval, also known by his aliases “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” who was identified as a commanding officer of the CTG operating in the region.

According to the 401st IB, the recent surrender indicates declining morale and operational capability among the remaining insurgents, as more rebel members begin to realize the futility of armed struggle.

In a press statement, Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the surrenderers decided to return to the fold of the law after experiencing continuous setbacks within their organization. 

“We welcome their decision to abandon armed violence and choose the path of peace. This only shows that the government’s sincere efforts in addressing insurgency and helping former rebels start anew are working,” Aynera said.

He also encouraged remaining CTG members to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reunite with their families and communities.

Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that the continuing surrender of CTG members demonstrates the effectiveness of the national government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency while advancing peace and development in conflict-affected communities.

He assured the public that the government remains committed to sustaining focused security operations alongside development interventions to end local communist armed conflict and achieve lasting peace in Surigao del Sur.

The government, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,  continues to strengthen reintegration programs for former rebels through livelihood assistance, social support services, and community-based development initiatives anchored on peace, security, and inclusive growth under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)