(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 15 September 2025) Easterlies continue to affect Mindanao. Severe Tropical Storm TAPAH (formerly “Lannie”) – Outside PAR as of 3:00 AM today Location: 910 km west of Extreme Northern Luzon (20.8°N, 113.1°E) Maximum Sustained Winds: 95 km/h near the center Gustiness: Up to 115 km/h Movement: North-northwestward at 15 km/h 🔹 Forecast: CARAGA Region: Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Moderate to heavy rains may cause flash floods and landslides in some areas. Rest of Mindanao: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms also due to Easterlies. Winds and Seas: Light to moderate winds from the east to northeast. Coastal waters will be slight to moderate (wave heights: 0.6 – 1.5 meters).


Friday, 25 April 2025

Smuggled cigarettes seized at Lipata Port during Holy Week

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Law enforcement authorities intercepted a van carrying 18 boxes of contraband cigarettes at the Lipata Ferry Terminal during a successful anti-smuggling operation conducted on April 19, 2025.

The joint operation, conducted was part of "Oplan Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025," involved members of the Lipata Security Composite Team composed of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Security Operatives, PNP Maritime personnel, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Substation - Lipata.

According to a composite team report, a white Toyota Hi-Ace van with plate number AAM 3840 was flagged for inspection after K9 units detected suspicious cargo. The driver, identified as Ashary Tocalo Hadji Abobacar, 34, a resident of Parañaque City, initially claimed the boxes contained ginger only or ‘talapa/luya.’

During questioning, Abobacar revealed he was paid P250 for each small box and P500 for each large box to transport the items. He collected the cargo from Barangay Baminta in Cagayan de Oro City and was instructed to deliver it to Bicol and Manila to someone known only as ‘Jalal.’

With the driver's consent, authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle, confirming the boxes contained smuggled cigarettes. The contraband and the driver were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte for proper disposition. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA Surigao del Norte)