TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)
15 May 2026, Friday, 5:00 p.m.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Friday, 15 May 2026
15 May 2026, Friday, 5:00 p.m.
-Remulla to Bato: Flight is an indication of guilt
-Ombudsman orders Senate to submit CCTV footage
during gunfire incident
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao
Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily
Journal]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987754/osaa-mao-aplasca-6-month-suspension-ombudsman-remulla-senate-bato-dela-rosa/story/
2. Persons of interest? Cayetano, Padilla, OSAA head
must explain Bato 'disappearance'—NBI chief
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer,
Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, Rappler]
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/15/cayetano-padilla-osaa-head-must-explain-bato-disappearance-nbi-chief-1307
3. Senate shooting: Probers ‘recovering’ CCTV, final
report out Wednesday
-Aplasca: No CCTV footage of OSAA, Marines’
movements during Senate shooting
-Estrada said he meant to secure CCTV footage for
possible probe
-Senators seek probe of shooting incident
-Senate majority backs Aplasca’s actions in Senate
shooting
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times,
Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2229394/senate-shooting-probers-recovering-cctv-final-report-ready-by-wednesday
4. Business groups back impeach trial of VP Sara
[BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer,
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/15/business/top-business/business-groups-back-impeach-trial-of-vp-sara/2344220
5. ADB offers PH additional $1.75B to manage impact
of Middle East conflict
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA
News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/987738/adb-offers-ph-additional-1-75b-to-manage-impact-of-middle-east-conflict/story/
6. Ex-ICI exec Hosaka back as GCG commissioner
[BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer,
Manila Times, Philstar]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987747/ex-ici-exec-hosaka-back-as-gcg-commissioner/story/
7. Japan considering missile exports to the
Philippines — NHK
[BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987728/japan-considering-missile-exports-to-the-philippines-nhk/story/
8. Luzon, Visayas back to red alert for third
straight day; PNP heightens nationwide security amid rotational brownouts
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily
Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila
Times, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Watchmen Daily Journal]
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/15/2528133/luzon-visayas-back-red-alert-third-straight-day
9. Supreme Court upholds automated polls, rejects
bid for mandatory manual vote count; COMELEC ‘jubilant’ over junking of bid
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Times, Mindanao Times, Philstar, Rappler]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/15/news/supreme-court-upholds-automated-polls-rejects-bid-for-mandatory-manual-vote-count/2344615
10. Jailed Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
honored by IWMF
[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, Rappler]
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/15/jailed-filipino-journalist-frenchie-mae-cumpio-honored-by-iwmf-0800
© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit
Friday, 15 May 2026
Agusan Sur to benefit from DOH’s health system resilience project
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — The province of Agusan del Sur is among 17 provinces across the country to benefit from the Department of Health (DOH) Health System Resilience Project (HSRP), by upgrading diagnostic laboratories, constructing Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers, and enhancing digital health systems.
Supported by the World Bank, the P27.9-billion project, which kicked off in 2025, is a five-year initiative to strengthen the Philippine healthcare system against pandemics and climate change, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr ‘s healthcare agenda.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) conference room at the Provincial Government Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, on May 11.
Dr. Jacqueline Frances F. Momville, provincial health officer II, shared the purpose and the expected benefits of the project.
“The HSRP aims to improve and ensure access to a climate-resilient provincial health system, which is very much aligned with our mission for health as a province — a quality and resilient healthcare system with healthy, empowered, and happy AgSurnons,” said Dr. Momville.
A MOA was signed by Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. and Vice Governor Patricia Anne B. Plaza, representing the PGAS, together with Dr. Sadaila K. Raki-in, officer-in-charge (OIC) – regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development – Caraga.
“We are lucky that Agusan del Sur is included, and this is a manifestation that our partnership and collaboration are truly rooted in our commitment to improve, uplift, and empower AgSur,” said Dr. Raki-in.
“Being selected as one of the 17 provinces means we are among those who completed the requirements that justified the implementation of the program in Agusan del Sur,” said Gov. Cane.
“Health programs have been one of the priorities in the province of Agusan del Sur ever since. This will never be neglected because we always believe that a healthy community starts with healthy people within the community,” he added.
The implementation of the HSRP is expected to strengthen the province’s healthcare delivery system, improve access to quality medical services, and enhance the preparedness of health facilities for future health emergencies and climate-related challenges for the benefit of all AgSurnons. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
Friday, 15 May 2026
PhilHealth strengthens healthcare advocacy in Surigao City through ‘Yakap Gamot’ Fun Run
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — More than 1,000 runners, health advocates, and residents filled the streets of Surigao City on May 10, for PhilHealth’s ‘Yakap Gamot Fun Run.’
Serving as the second leg, last Sunday’s run was a vibrant celebration of community awareness, wellness, and a reaffirmed commitment to accessible healthcare for all.
The event kicked off at dawn on Surigao City Boulevard, featuring 6K, and 12K categories. More than just a race, the ‘Yakap Gamot’, which means embrace medicine, was designed to raise awareness of PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT), ensuring that every Surigaonon feels the hug of social health insurance.
PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice President Michael Jibson C. Hernandez expressed gratitude to all participants. “Actually, our target was only 1,200 runners, but over 1,300 joined. The turnout and support from the Surigaonons here for our Yakap Gamot Fun Run have been incredibly overwhelming.”
He said the PhilHealth advocacy program does not end with the fun run, but rather a platform to inform the public that the health state insurer has programs such as YAKAP and GAMOT under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative where every Filipino can now avail of free consultation at YAKAP clinics and health facilities, especially rural health centers strategically located in the communities across the country, and the free medicines at the accredited GAMOT pharmacies.
“We promote a healthy lifestyle, primarily through walking, running, and various types of exercise. We saw that running is inclusive; both the young and the elderly can participate because you can simply walk if you can no longer run. Furthermore, we encourage every Filipino to exercise to avoid hypertension and diabetes, which are the top illnesses among Filipinos,” Hernandez added as he highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“So let us take advantage of this program with our families, so we can monitor our health status. I encourage all Surigaonons to spread the word about the ‘Yakap Gamot’ program – a service from PhilHealth that is free, more accessible, expanded, and faster. So, join us and be ’embraced’ by PhilHealth’s free medicines and free check-ups,” he told the run attendees.
The event was also supported by the city government of Surigao and various local medical providers, showcasing a unified front in the expanding awareness of the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC), as strongly mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The energy we saw today is a testament to the Surigaonon spirit,” said the PhilHealth LHIO Surigao Head Sheila M. Lisondra during the closing ceremony. “By participating in this fun run, our members are not just running for their own fitness; they are running toward a future where no Filipino is left behind when it comes to medical needs.”
Lisondra emphasizes that the Yakap Gamot theme manifested the shift from hospital-centric care to preventive care, encouraging citizens to use their benefits for consultations before illnesses become severe. This also bridges the gap between government services and the grassroots communities.. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
Friday, 15 May 2026
Integrated gov’t efforts strengthen Surigao Sur’s anti-drug campaign
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s peace and order agenda, government authorities continue to intensify the fight against illegal drugs in the province of Surigao del Sur through a whole-of-government approach.
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga, a joint buy-bust operation was recently conducted that led to the arrest of two people in Barangay Linintian, here.
The PDEA-Surigao del Sur, in coordination with the Caraga Regional Intelligence Division and the Philippine National Police Cantilan Municipal Police Station, carried out the operation, demonstrating stronger inter-agency collaboration in addressing illegal drug activities at the local level.
The report stated that the authorities confiscated approximately P150,000 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or ‘shabu,’ along with buy-bust money and a mobile phone. The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165.
Section 5 penalizes the sale, distribution, and transport of illegal drugs, while Section 11 covers unlawful possession, with penalties depending on the quantity seized.
PDEA Caraga Director Laurefel P. Gabales commended the operating units for their seamless coordination and commitment to duty.
“This successful operation reflects the strength of our collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies. Through unity and shared responsibility, we continue to make significant strides in our fight against illegal drugs,” Dir. Gabales said.
He also called on the public to actively support the government’s anti-drug campaign by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with authorities.
The operation forms part of the broader national strategy to ensure safer communities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public safety through intensified law enforcement actions and sustained partnerships with stakeholders.
PDEA Caraga assured that it will continue to strengthen coordination with partner agencies to suppress illegal drug activities and support the national government’s goal of achieving drug-cleared communities across the region. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
Friday, 15 May 2026
Agusan Norte strengthens fight against hypertension, diabetes under WHO-backed program
By Nora L. Molde
Representatives from the World Health Organization, Department of Health Caraga, and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Health Office conduct the monitoring and field visits in various municipalities in Agusan del Norte for the program on “Proteksyon Para sa Altapresyon” to strengthen prevention, early detection, and management of hypertension and diabetes in the province. (Photo courtesy of PHO Agusan del Norte)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The province of Agusan del Norte intensified its campaign against hypertension and diabetes through a four-day monitoring and field visit for the “Proteksyon Para sa Altapresyon” program, reinforcing local health initiatives and supporting the national health priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the Universal Health Care (UHC) agenda.
A key benefit of the program is its focus on early detection, prevention of complications, and timely management of hypertension and diabetes, which significantly reduce hospital admissions, prevent premature deaths, and improve the long-term quality of life of at-risk populations.
According to Provincial Health Officer Odelio Ferrer, the initiative plays a crucial role in reducing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the province.
“This initiative will further strengthen our preventive and promotive health programs, particularly in ensuring early detection, proper management, and continuous monitoring of patients with hypertension and diabetes. Through stronger collaboration and community participation, we can protect our people from complications caused by diseases,” Ferrer said.
The program was implemented in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) through the WHO representative, Doctor Rey Arturo Fernandez, and the Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, led by regional program coordinator Romelyn Esther Torralba-Santos.
Agusan del Norte was selected as a pilot implementation site due to the high number of residents at risk of hypertension and diabetes. The initiative aims to strengthen local health systems through improved risk assessment, early screening, intensified health education, and timely intervention – key strategies in reducing complications and deaths associated with NCDs.
Beyond improved health outcomes, the program also enhances the capacity of local health systems by strengthening technical competencies, improving coordination among health workers, and promoting evidence-based decision-making at the municipal level.
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the importance of aligning local efforts with national health priorities to ensure more responsive and inclusive healthcare services.
“The provincial government remains committed to supporting programs that promote healthier communities and improve access to quality healthcare services. By working closely with our partners and local stakeholders, we continue to build a stronger and more responsive health system for every Agusanon,” Gov. Amante said.
The four-day monitoring covered the municipalities of Carmen, Buenavista, Nasipit, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay, Magallanes, Remedios T. Romualdez, Las Nieves, and Cabadbaran City.
The activity reflects the sustained commitment of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Health Office, DOH-CHD Caraga, local government units, and partner agencies in advancing preventive healthcare and supporting the national government’s goal of building healthier and more resilient Filipino communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
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