(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Thursday, 29 January 2026) Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds from the northeast to north with light to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters). Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.



Wednesday, 28 January 2026

PNP, PDEA sustain anti-drug drive in Surigao Sur; back-to-back operations yield major arrests

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), under the leadership of Police Colonel Jeffrey Lawrence D. Mauricio, continues to intensify its anti-illegal drugs campaign following a series of successful buy-bust operations conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

On January 18, joint operatives from the Cantilan Municipal Police Station and PDEA arrested three individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Linintian, Cantilan town. Authorities confiscated eight sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 8.9 grams, with an estimated street value of P60,520, along with drug paraphernalia and buy-bust money. The suspects, identified by their aliases as ‘Jun-Jun,’ ‘Yael,’ and ‘Jo-jo,’ accordingly. Both of them were informed of their constitutional rights and are facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Earlier operation nets high-value drug personality

The said operation followed an earlier high-impact anti-drug operation on January 15 when operatives of the Barobo Municipal Police Station, also in coordination with PDEA, arrested a high-value individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Dughan, Barobo town.

The suspect, identified as alias ‘Tan-Tan,’ 53, a resident of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, a nearby province, was found in possession of six sachets of suspected shabu weighing 40.95 grams, with an estimated value of P278,460, as well as an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver and live ammunition. Drug paraphernalia and personal items were likewise recovered.

The suspect is now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 and RA 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“These operations demonstrate our firm commitment to support the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms. Through strong partnerships and community support, we will continue to protect public safety and maintain peace and order across Surigao del Sur,” Police Colonel Mauricio said.

The SDSPPO urged the public to remain vigilant and actively support law enforcement efforts, reinforcing the administration’s broader agenda for peace, security, and inclusive development under Bagong Pilipinas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)



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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

DILG administers P6.6-M assistance package to 189 ‘peace advocates’ in Caraga

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As fulfillment of the government’s peace and development agenda, a total of P6.6 million assistance package was administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to 189 ‘peace advocates,’ also known as former rebels (FRs), across the Caraga region for the calendar year 2025.

This was reported by the Philippine National Police Caraga, chair of the Operation Center of the Caraga Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF), to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on January 22 during the online presentation of the annual accomplishments for CY 2025 by the 17 JRTFs and 12 national clusters.

As lead agency of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program Cluster of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC, DILG Caraga, through E-CLIP, allocated the said package assistance through the following: P2.4-million immediate assistance to 89 peace advocates; P766,945.80 for firearms remuneration to 8 beneficiaries; P3.4 million to 63 peace advocates; and 29 benefitted from reintegration assistance amounting to P609,000.

Regional Director Maria Loisella E. Lucino of DILG Caraga emphasized that the accomplishment reflected the region’s sustained commitment to the gains of Executive Order No. 70 and the continued collaboration with peace and development partners. “The accomplishment of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program Cluster for CY 2025 reflects the shared dedication of all partner agencies and stakeholders in ensuring that collective efforts continue to push forward the vision of a more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive Caraga region.”

The cluster also shared that in 2025, a total of 52 former rebels surrendered and withdrew support and membership from the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front, of which 30 were New People’s Army, and 22 were Militia ng Bayan.

Also, other cluster members provided significant assistance to the peace advocates, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, with the amount of P159, 850 to 37 beneficiaries by enrolling them in programs on Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).

DSWD Caraga under its Sustainable Livelihood Program further helped 10 peace advocates with P3 million worth of aid, and distributed family food packs to 204 peace advocates and their families, while the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga facilitated the medical assistance amounting to P155, 219.84 to 46 peace advocates under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patient (MAIFIP), including outpatient services such as medical check-up, laboratory, x-ray and free medicines,  

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in the Caraga region, on the other hand, awarded 180 peace advocates Certificates of Land Ownership and Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title, with a total land area of 180 hectares.

Meanwhile, E-CLIP is one facet of the many government strategies designed to achieve just and lasting peace, social transformation, and inclusive development by catering to individuals who surfaced and wanted to return to the folds of the law, become productive citizens of the community, and contribute to nation-building.

Since 2018, the program has encouraged reconciliation in a non-violent manner, through the provision of a DILG-administered package of assistance, including immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, reintegration assistance, and firearms remuneration to former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

DSWD’s ‘Walang Gutom program’ brings food relief to Agusan Sur

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) -  The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga’s ‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program’ reached the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur, at the Poblacion Covered Court on January 21.

‘The Walang Gutom Program’ is one of the major programs of the DSWD under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to decrease incidents of involuntary hunger experienced by low-income households,” said Jean Escoleta, project development officer of DSWD Caraga.

The program is part of the government’s initiative to reduce involuntary hunger by providing low-income households with P3,000 monthly food credits through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. These credits are intended for nutritious food and are complemented by nutrition education and livelihood training to build self-reliance rather than provide mere dole-outs.

The program is a big help not only to the beneficiaries but also to local farmers, as it creates an avenue for them to sell their products, such as fruits, vegetables, and other farm goods.

“The EBT card can only be used through tap transactions at accredited partner retailer stores of the Walang Gutom Program, where beneficiaries can redeem their food items. Each beneficiary can redeem rice, bread, noodles, protein-rich food such as chicken, beef, and pork, as well as fruits and vegetables. Through this program, it is ensured that the food brought home by beneficiaries is balanced and nutritious.”

She added, “As of now, there are 480 active beneficiaries of the program in the municipality of Rosario. The redemption program started in December 2025, initially benefiting 286 residents, with an additional 143 beneficiaries expected to be included in the next registration and validation process scheduled for the last week of January 2026.”

“I am thankful to receive this opportunity because it helps me and my husband, who is a person with disability (PWD). For 20 years of his disability, I have carried the burden of providing for our daily necessities,” said Enriqueta Batisting, beneficiary of the Walang Gutom Program.

“I am very grateful to the DSWD, especially to those who lead the program, because our income as farmers is just enough for our daily needs,” said Rodulfo Dumaplin, another beneficiary of the said program.

The selection of beneficiaries is based on the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data, which identifies families in need of food assistance and those with low income for daily sustenance. The program was launched in 2023 and, through its implementation, has helped reduce hunger in many households by providing access to nutritious food that supports their daily lives. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

DA releases P26M in grants for Caraga farmers, LGUs

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security and empower farmers and fisherfolk, six farmer cooperatives and local government units (LGUs) in Caraga received financial assistance totaling P26 million under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Kadiwa Program, Agri-Entrepreneurship Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA), and the program on Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED).

The intervention aims to boost agri-enterprise development through the acquisition of facilities and equipment, enhanced production, processing, and marketing, and increased capital support for cooperatives and LGUs, consistent with the President’s push to modernize agriculture and reduce post-harvest losses.

Among the beneficiaries are the Southern Agusan Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMPCO) in Trento, Agusan del Sur (P5 million); Mainit Upland Agriculture Cooperative (MUACO) in Mainit, Surigao del Norte (P3 million); Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SUTAFACO) in Butuan City (P5 million); Bayugan Achievers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAMPCO) (P3.5 million); LGU Mainit (P2.5 million); and Surigao City LGU (P5 million under Kadiwa and P2 million under LEED).

The program also supports the administration’s food sufficiency agenda by preparing beneficiaries to serve as reliable food suppliers for the Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur, expected to draw around 20,000 athletes, officials, and delegates nationwide.

SUTAFACO General Manager Lydia Aparre said, “The grant will be used to construct a warehouse and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables, ensuring freshness, stable supply, and direct benefits to its 105 cooperative members by improving income security and market access.”

DA Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to implementing President Marcos Jr.’s directive on strengthening farmer-led enterprises and ensuring sustainable agri-business and food production across the region. (Nora L. Molde, PIA Agusan del Norte)

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TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 26 January 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 26 January 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Makabayan refiles Marcos impeachment complaint; Sandro recuses self from House impeachment proceedings

[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/2026/1/26/makabayan-refiles-marcos-impeachment-complaint-1052

2. Passenger ship sinks off Basilan; at least 18 dead, 24 missing, over 300 rescued

[DZRH, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/01/26/mv-trisha-kerstin-3-sinks-death-toll/

3. Marcos in good health, surgery rumors false – Palace

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2173227/marcos-back-to-normal-schedule-after-bout-with-diverticulitis-palace

4. WEST PHILIPPINE SEA DISPUTE:

-PH protests aggressive Chinese attacks vs Filipino officials

-Marcos stands by Filipino officials amid China embassy row on West PH Sea

-PCG’s Tarriela slams ‘Pinoy trolls’ amid dispute with Chinese Embassy

-Chinese Embassy hits back at Sen. Erwin Tulfo

-Stratbase rejects China’s portrayal of PH as ‘provoker’ in WPS

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/974167/philippines-china-diplomatic-protest-west-philippine-sea/story/

5. SHARIFF AGUAK AMBUSH:

-PBBM condemns ambush on Shariff Aguak mayor, orders swift action to protect officials

-PNP to form task force to probe Shariff Aguak mayor ambush

-MILF’s Commander Bravo condemns ambush that killed 4 soldiers in Lanao

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, MindaNews, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/26/pbbm-condemns-ambush-on-shariff-aguak-mayor-orders-swift-action-to-protect-officials

6. Marcos approves PH's first nationwide digital connectivity master plan

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/26/marcos-approves-phs-first-nationwide-digital-connectivity-master-plan

7. Marcos wants probe into Russian vlogger's prison corruption claims; BI sacks 3 more personnel over alleged favors [Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/26/2503636/marcos-wants-probe-russian-vloggers-prison-corruption-claims

8. Survivors, victims of ill-fated M/V Devon Bay arrive in Manila

[ABS-CBN News, Abante Radyo, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/974125/survivors-victims-of-ill-fated-m-v-devon-bay-arrive-in-manila/story/

9. Makabayan eye fresh impeachment complaint vs Sara Duterte in February

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/26/makabayan-eye-fresh-impeachment-complaint-vs-sara-duterte-in-february-1247

10. House to hear proposed anti-dynasty bills on Tuesday, January 27

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Standard]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/974177/house-to-hear-proposed-anti-dynasty-bills-on-tuesday-january-27/story/

11. Gasoline prices up for 3rd straight week Tuesday; diesel and kerosene for 5th

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/974136/oil-prike-hike-january-27-2026/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

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