Wednesday, 22 April 2026

SSS offers financial relief through loan condonation amid crisis

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a whole-of-government response to the Middle East crisis, the Social Security System (SSS) encourages its members to use and take advantage of its consolidated loan with penalty condonation or the SSS conso loan.

Assistant Branch Head Jessejev Y. Tenecio of SSS Butuan shared, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 14 in Butuan City.

“Having past due loans and accumulated penalties will add to the financial burden of the members, especially with the recent economic pressure. This will also affect the total amount members will receive from SSS when needed,” Tenecio said. “This program will ensure members are worry-free from penalty accumulation on their existing loans and empower them to keep their premium contribution current and secure their pension benefit.”

Since primary and frontline services of SSS are now 95 percent digital, he added that the submission of the conso loan application shall be through the member-borrower’s My.SSS account, and enjoy the benefits of the penalty condonation program, namely:

· Upon full payment, all penalties will be condoned or waived

·  Extended repayment terms

·  No service fee

·  Easy application process

·  Restoration of good standing status with SSS

 Eligibility requirements

All member-borrowers with past due loans or loans that have an unpaid obligation consisting of principal, interest, and penalties equivalent to more than three monthly amortizations, or the loan has a remaining unpaid balance after its maturity.  The covered loans are the following:

1.    Salary Loan, including Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP)

2.    Calamity Loan

3.    Emergency Loan

4.    Restructured Loan

Payment options and penalty condonation

The condonation of consolidated penalties shall depend on whether the past due loan is paid in a one-time payment or through installment:

1.    One-time Payment Term

- The SSS conso loan must be paid in full within 30 calendar days from receipt of the notice of approval of the SSS conso loan application.

- 100 percent of the consolidated penalty shall be condoned upon full payment of the SSS conso loan within the said 30 calendar days.

- The SSS conso loan amount up to P5,000 must be paid through a one-time payment only.

2.    Installment Plan

- Down payment of at least 10 percent of the total consolidated amount within 30 calendar days from receipt of the notice of approval of the SSS conso loan application. However, a higher percentage may be elected as a down payment.

 

- The remaining balance shall be payable in equal monthly amortization based on the loan range below:

 Also, the consolidated penalty shall be condoned as follows:

* Penalty proportionate to the percentage of the down payment shall be condoned upon payment of the required down payment within 30 calendar days.

* The remaining amount of penalty shall be fully condoned after full payment of the outstanding SSS conso loan within the approved terms and conditions.

Meanwhile, SSS Butuan Branch Head Arnold O. Pepino shared the ongoing efforts of SSS in bringing its services closer to the members, especially those residing in far-flung and island areas, by capacitating local government units, including the barangays, to handle on-the-ground assistance, basic inquiries, and transactions of members about their SSS. 

“For Butuan City, we have boarded 12 barangays in this arrangement, making our services nearer, convenient and cost-efficient to our members.”

He emphasized the importance for members to keep their contributions current and updated despite the ongoing crisis. 

“Ang usa ka bulan nga kontribusyon nga P760 mas maayo kaysa walay bayad sulod sa taas nga panahon kay kining bayad nagpadayon sa proteksyon ug benepisyo sa miyembro sa SSS” (The one-month premium payment of P760 is better than no payment at all, especially for a long time, because the payment will ensure the security and benefits of the SSS member),” the officer said.  

During life’s contingencies and hard times, the state insurer remains sincere and tangible to the Filipino people by fulfilling its commitment on “Sa SSS, Sigurado ang Bukas.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 21 April 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

21 April 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.Carlito Galvez Jr. out, Mel Sarmiento in as new presidential peace adviser

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2215755/carlito-galvez-jr-out-mel-sarmiento-in-as-new-presidential-peace-adviser

2. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT:

-Senate may convene on May 4 for Duterte impeachment upon transmittal

-AMLC, Trillanes set to testify in impeach proceedings vs. VP Sara Duterte

-Financial records in focus in next VP impeachment hearing

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/content/984754/sara-duterte-impeachment-amlc-antonio-trillanes-iv/story/

3. DOJ: PH team to travel to Prague to pursue Zaldy Co’s return; Palace ensure Zaldy Co's safe return to PH

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/319264/ph-team-to-travel-to-prague-to-pursue-zaldy-cos-return-doj

4. Remulla: Romualdez barred from leaving for Singapore, freeze order looms

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2215849/remulla-romualdez-barred-from-leaving-to-singapore-freeze-order-looms

5. PUV drivers, operators stage another strike vs high fuel prices

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/984705/puv-drivers-operators-stage-another-strike-vs-high-fuel-prices/story/

6. Leni Robredo says she won’t seek national post in 2028, eyes 2nd term in Naga

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/21/leni-robredo-says-she-won-t-seek-national-post-in-2028-1207

7. PH may face first credit downgrade in decades as Fitch turns ‘negative’

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, Rappler]

https://business.inquirer.net/586269/ph-may-face-first-credit-downgrade-in-decades-as-fitch-turns-negative

8. Cabral ordered Revilla named proponent of Pandi 'ghost' project—DPWH engineer

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/21/cabral-ordered-revilla-named-proponent-of-pandi-ghost-project-dpwh-engr-1211

9. DMW assures aid, justice for 2 OFWs killed in Lebanon

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/21/news/dmw-assures-aid-justice-for-2-ofws-killed-in-lebanon/2324506

10. 'Larger than Quezon Memorial Circle': 28.6 hectares of Navotas landfill burned — PhilSA

[DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/21/larger-than-quezon-memorial-circle-286-hectares-of-navotas-landfill-burned-philsa

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Gov’t forces sustain pressure on communist groups, neutralize key leader in Surigao Sur  

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Sustained focused military operations by government troops continue to weaken the presence of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the Caraga region, as the 30th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, engaged remaining CTG members in the mountainous area of Barangay San Roque, San Miguel.

The operation on April 17 resulted in the neutralization of two New People’s Army (NPA) members, including a high-ranking leader identified as Lucy Canda, also known as alias Luis/Madi, who served as finance officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and Gia Miano, also known as alias Plender/Moning, a member of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG).

Meanwhile, the group’s team leader, Jun Requina Jr., also known as Junjun, voluntarily surrendered to government troops, signaling weakening morale among the remaining CTG members in the area.

Operations strengthen security

The recent encounter followed successive military engagements targeting the same group, including an earlier operation conducted on April 15 by the 75th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, which resulted in the neutralization of one CTG member and the recovery of several firearms.

According to Rey Vergel Annogui, commanding officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, continued attempts by CTG members to regain strength and re-establish their presence in previously influenced communities have been unsuccessful, as residents have become more vigilant and less receptive to their activities.

Annogui emphasized that the cooperation of communities, particularly through timely reporting of suspicious activities, played a vital role in the successful conduct of military operations.

Community cooperation key to peace and development

The 4th Infantry Division Commander, Michele B. Anayron Jr., commended government troops for their continued dedication and recognized the support of local communities in maintaining peace and security.

Anayron underscored that strong civilian cooperation remains critical in sustaining operational gains and achieving long-term peace in affected areas.

He also noted that the division continues to intensify focused military operations against the remaining eight armed CTG members believed to be operating within the Caraga region.

Sustaining peace gains for regional development

Military officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration among government agencies, local government units, stakeholders, and communities will encourage remaining armed CTG members to surrender or be neutralized.

Authorities emphasized that sustained peace and security efforts remain essential to enabling development initiatives, improving access to government services, and strengthening economic opportunities in communities previously affected by insurgency.

With strengthened security measures and active civilian participation, government forces remain committed to achieving lasting peace and fostering development across Surigao del Sur and the wider Caraga region. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

 

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Caraga gov’t IOs enhance public messaging through communication planning training

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Caraga, secretariat of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC), organized a communication planning training for information officers (IOs) and IO designates of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and state colleges and universities (SUCs) across the Caraga region.

The training, held on April 14-16 in Butuan City. aims to enhance the skills of government communicators in crafting effective public communication through strategic planning. To help realize such a goal, Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez, a seasoned communicator and strategist shared her expertise as the resource person of the said workshop.

“As communicators, our primary goal is behavioral change. Through our strategic communication plans, we will be able to effectively tell stories and influence the choices that our audience—the Filipino citizens—make,” said Rodriguez.

She added that the mandate of all government communicators should be aligned with that of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), which is to deliver timely, accurate, and relevant information thereby contributing to the public’s capability to make informed decisions based on transparency and truth.

The participants of the communication planning training were not limited to information officers but included personnel holding varied positions and assignments. All were designated to support their respective organizations in strengthening public messaging by applying the theories and techniques gained during the workshop.

Krizza Mae Orejas, planning officer and IO designate of the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) shared to her co-participants how the training has helped her appreciate the interconnectedness of the roles among IOs and planning officers in providing vital information to their clientele.

“This training has brought me clarity especially with regards to my functions as a newly designated planning and information officer of our university. The duties of both positions, though they are usually handled by different personnel, are directly related as both of them go through the process of strategizing and planning to help realize the endeavors of the agency or institution,” she explained.

DEPDev Caraga, with the support of the Caraga RDC, continues to build the capacity of government communicators by designing more trainings focused on meeting the demand for timely and effective communication. This sustained effort reflects the region’s commitment to empowering public servants with the skills needed to deliver clear, responsive, and impactful messaging down to the grassroots. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

DENR intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga intensified its enforcement efforts against environmental violations following the successful shutdown of illegal mining operations along the Carac-an River in Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

DENR’s heightened enforcement effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to strengthen environmental protection, uphold the rule of law, and promote sustainable management of the country’s natural resources under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda.

The joint anti-illegal mining operation, on April 9-10, resulted in the arrest of nine Chinese nationals and one Filipino, along with the confiscation of heavy equipment and gold ore materials valued at approximately ₱50.5 million, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and preserving environmental sustainability.

Strengthening inter-agency enforcement

The operation was conducted through coordinated efforts among multiple government agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII, Philippine National Police (PNP) units, Philippine Air Force (PAF), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and enforcement teams from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cantilan and the DENR Regional Enforcement Division.

According to DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, the enforcement activity commenced at around 9:00 p.m. on April 9 and concluded successfully at approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 10.

Authorities seized several pieces of heavy equipment used in illegal mining operations, including dump trucks, excavators, payloaders, and a pick-up truck. Other confiscated materials included generator sets, fuel containers, steel frames, and fine sand containing traces of gold.

The arrested individuals are currently detained at the Cantilan Municipal Police Station pending documentation and inquest proceedings.

Upholding environmental laws and accountability

Authorities confirmed that the arrested individuals will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as well as provisions under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (E-NIPAS Act) and the Chainsaw Act of 2002.

These violations include illegal exploration, theft of mineral resources, unauthorized timber cutting within protected areas, and possession of unregistered chainsaws.

Ocampo emphasized that the enforcement action highlights the DENR’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and preventing illegal exploitation of natural resources.

“This operation demonstrates the DENR’s unwavering commitment to enforce environmental laws and protect our natural resources from illegal exploitation,” Ocampo said.

She added that the agency continues to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding the custody and legal processing of the foreign nationals involved.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and intelligence units are assisting in tracing the ownership of an abandoned dump truck recovered during the operation, which has been placed under “red alert” status.

Protecting ecosystems and community safety

Illegal mining activities pose significant risks to the environment, particularly to river ecosystems and surrounding communities.

The Carac-an River, where the illegal operation was discovered, serves as an important natural resource supporting local livelihoods, agriculture, and biodiversity. Unregulated mining activities in river systems can lead to soil erosion, water contamination, and habitat destruction, potentially affecting both downstream communities and aquatic ecosystems.

Through strengthened enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, the government aims to mitigate environmental degradation while ensuring accountability among violators.

Sustaining environmental protection efforts

The DENR underscored the importance of public participation in reporting environmental violations and supporting conservation initiatives.

By promoting stronger compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, government authorities continue to reinforce national efforts toward sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

The agency encouraged communities to remain vigilant and to cooperate with authorities in safeguarding natural resources, emphasizing that collective action plays a vital role in preventing illegal activities that threaten ecological balance and public safety.

As enforcement operations continue nationwide, initiatives like the recent crackdown in Surigao del Sur demonstrate how government agencies are working together to uphold environmental laws, protect ecosystems, and promote responsible resource use in support of long-term national development. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)