TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 28 October 2025

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 28 October 2025, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

2 1. AFP: Rido-related clash in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan now under control
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, SunStar, Rappler]

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/10/28/rido-related-clash-in-tipo-tipo-basilan-now-under-control-afp

2. ASEAN SUMMIT:

-Marcos takes a swipe at China during Asean summit

-Philippines set to take over as ASEAN chair

-Marcos meets UN Secretary-General, says PH to champion climate action

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

https://www.inquirer.net/458803/marcos-takes-a-swipe-at-china-during-asean-summit/

3. Marcos to attend APEC Summit 2025 in South Korea; No scheduled bilateral meeting for Marcos with Trump, Xi

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/963992/marcos-apec-summit-2025-south-korea/story/

4. Marcos Jr. orders price freeze on basic commodities until yearend

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2130650/president-sets-price-freeze-on-basic-goods-until-year-end

5. FLOOD CONTROL PROBE:

-ICI issues new subpoena to Zaldy Co

-ICI says no invitation sent to Bong Go

-Discayas can’t be state witnesses, says assistant ombudsman

-Lacson: Ex-DPWH chief took project 'memos' from outsiders

-DENR flags reclamation project in Laguna de Bay disguised as flood control project

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/964037/ici-zaldy-co-subpoena/story/

6. Erwin Tulfo faces quo warranto petition before Senate Electoral Tribunal

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/27/erwin-tulfo-faces-quo-warranto-petition-before-senate-electoral-tribunal-1840

7. 16 of 24 senators release SALNs

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/28/10-more-senators-give-media-access-to-their-salns-1136

8. Chavit Singson blasts Marcos Jr. over flood control scandal

[Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar]

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/10/27/chavit-singson-blasts-marcos-jr-over-flood-control-scandal

9. UNDAS EXODUS:

-PNP on heightened alert for Undas 2025

-BFP will be on alert, at least 27,500 firemen to be deployed for Undas

-CAAP: Airports on heightened alert for 'Undas' 2025

-Number coding suspended for Undas, MRT-3 on heightened alert

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/964030/pnp-on-heightened-alert-for-undas-2025

10. Cooler days ahead as PAGASA declares start of Amihan season

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar, Rappler]

https://tribune.net.ph/2025/10/27/cooler-days-ahead-as-pagasa-declares-start-of-amihan-season

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

State crop insurer releases indemnity claims to 57 rice farmers in Tubajon, Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) recently released the total amount of P194,240.70 in indemnity claims to 57 rice farmers in the town of Tubajon, Province of Dinagat Islands, who suffered income loss due to calamities.

In partnership with the local government of Tubajon through the Municipal Agriculture Office, the PCIC, through the Agricultural Insurance Program, distributed the amount.

The initiative ensures that the agricultural sector of the town remains resilient and sustainable through the provision of insurance protection to farmers against losses arising from natural calamities, pest infestations, and diseases of their crops, livestock, fisheries/aquaculture, and non-crop agricultural assets.

Matt Ernest T. Badilla of PCIC said the program is an intervention measure designed to protect the investments made by subsistence farmers and fisherfolk in agricultural production. Target farmers and fisherfolk are those listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture or RSBSA.

Tubajon Mayor Fely Palabrica said, “Kini nga programa usa ka pagtabang ug pagsalig sa atong mga mag-uuma nga adunay kompensasyon kung nay kalamidad o pagkawala sa ani. (This program is a form of assistance and assurance to our farmers that there is compensation if their harvest is affected by calamities).”

“Padayon ang suporta sa local nga panggamhanan sa Tubajon ug sa PCIC aron masiguro nga protektado ug mas-ligon ang panginabuhian sa atong mag-uuma. (The local government of Tubajon and the PCIC continue to support our farmers to ensure they are protected and their livelihood is sustainable),” Palabrica added. 

“This is a true example of unity and collaboration to achieve food security in our town,” the mayor said.

Susan, one of the beneficiaries who received the indemnity claim on Oct. 22, thanked PCIC and the LGU for taking good care of the farmers and fisherfolk, especially during challenging times. “This is a testament that we have a caring government. Thank you for not leaving us behind. This assistance is a big help for us to recover from the losses in our rice farm.”

The PCIC is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1467 (June 11, 1978), later on amended by Presidential Decree No. 1733 (Oct. 21, 1980), and further amended by Republic Act No. 8175 (Dec. 29, 1995), as the implementing agency of the government’s agricultural insurance program. It currently operates under the supervision of, and as an attached agency to, the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Aside from rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture, the state crop insurer also protects against damage to/loss of non-crop agricultural assets, including machinery, equipment, transport facilities, and other related infrastructures. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from MIO Tubajon)

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

DA launches ‘Benteng Bigas’ for Butuan City farmers

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In its continuing effort to make rice more affordable to all, especially for the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) launched on October 27 the program ‘Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka’ at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Libertad, here.

Under the program, the farmers may purchase up to 50 kilograms of rice at P20 per kilo, while senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, and indigent families can each buy up to 30 kilograms at the same affordable price.

In her message, NFA Agusan Branch Manager Benilda Fidel emphasized that the program is a vital step in providing accessible, high-quality rice while supporting the livelihood of local farmers.

“The Benteng Bigas symbolizes hope that no Filipino will go hungry,” Fidel said. “This rice is freshly milled and comes directly from our local farmers, ensuring that consumers get quality rice while our farmers benefit from a stable market.”

Fidel further noted that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges.

“Through this program, we are not only making rice affordable, we are also empowering our farmers to continue producing. It’s a win-win [scenario] for both producers and consumers,” she added.

The launching in Butuan City forms part of a simultaneous nationwide rollout of the program designed to enhance rice accessibility for both farmers and marginalized sectors. Similar events were held in Bayugan City,  Barangay Quezon in Surigao City, and in Barangay Mabua, Tandag City, while the program is set to launch in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands on Oct. 28.

The Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka initiative is spearheaded by the National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). The outlets are open from Monday to Friday and will be open to serve until Dec. 2025.

Meanwhile, Janjan, a jeepney driver in Butuan City, during an interview with PIA Agusan del Norte expressed his appreciation for the program upon learning that an outlet is now open in Libertad.

The Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka initiative is spearheaded by the National Food Authority (NFA),Department of Agriculture (DA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). The outlets will be open from Monday to Friday and are operational until December 2025.

Meanwhile, Janjan, a jeepney driver in Butuan City, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Agusan del Norte, expressed his appreciation for the program upon learning that an outlet is now open in Libertad.

“I’m really happy that we now have a place where we can buy affordable rice,” he said. “With prices of basic goods going up, this is a big help for drivers like me and our families.”

Similarly, Winfred, a farmer from RTR, Agusan del Norte, said he is thankful that even farmers are given the opportunity to buy affordable rice, especially during low harvest seasons.

“I’m grateful that we’re also given the chance to buy low-priced rice, especially when our harvests are not enough,” he said. “As a tenant farmer, this really helps ease our household expenses.”

With the launching of Benteng Bigas, the DA and NFA reaffirm their shared goal of ensuring that every Filipino family has access to affordable, good-quality rice, while continuing to uplift the welfare of the country’s farmers. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)

 

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Surigao Norte coast guard personnel train on water search, rescue

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a continuous effort to enhance disaster response and ensure public safety, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Surigao del Norte, through the Coast Guard Sub-Station Mainit, conducted a training on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) in the municipality of Mainit.

Held October 16–17, the training equipped the participants with essential knowledge and skills in water rescue operations, including basic lifesaving, rescue swimming, victim approach, boat handling and first aid administration to effectively respond during any water-related emergency situations.

Also, the WASAR is a training program for professionals and volunteers in water-related emergencies, such as floods, drowning, or maritime incidents, the PCG said.

A total of 19 responders and rescue volunteers underwent the comprehensive water search and rescue training spearheaded by the Mainit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and facilitated by Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao Operational Control Unit, including Coast Guard Special Operations Group (CGSOG-NEM), Coast Guard Medical Station-Northeastern Mindanao (CGMEDS-NEM) and Coast Guard Nursing Service-Northeastern Mindanao (CGNS-NEM).

PCG Surigao del Norte Station Commander Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda said, “The training featured a hands-on body conditioning prior to the training proper to enhance the participants’ physical strength, endurance and swimming capability and followed by a week-long water evolutions focused on the WASAR proper which included practical exercises on rescue techniques, victim and carry approaches, underwater search patterns, Basic Life Support, and one  mile swimming activity.”

He added, “This intensive program ensured that every participant gained both the physical preparedness and technical competence needed to effectively respond during water-related emergencies, embodying the readiness and dedication of every rescuer in safeguarding lives and promoting maritime safety.”

“Through this endeavor, the PCG highlighted its shared commitment to maritime safety by promoting a culture of humanitarian service and disaster preparedness and embodying the true spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in protecting lives and communities.” Orillaneda emphasized. 

One of the participants, Noel, expressed his strong feeling of being more prepared  and equipped to handle water-related emergencies, recognizing the practical and life-saving nature of the   learned, such as basic life support, different swimming and rescue methods, and water safety. “I felt a renewed sense of duty and commitment to applying the new skills to protect our communities and save lives.” (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)

Monday, 27 October 2025

Dinagat Islands’ LGUs receive PTVs from PCSO, thank PBBM  

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has fulfilled promise on inclusive improvement of healthcare access across the country as all local government units in the Province of Dinagat Islands are among the recipients of the 71 units of patient transport vehicles (PTVs), mayors of the province have said.

The municipal mayors from Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon, all in Dinagat Islands, signed the Deed of Donation and each received one unit of the PTV from PCSO during the ceremonial turnover held today, October 24, in Butuan City.

Under the PCSO’s program on Medical Transport Vehicle Donation, this marked as a significant milestone in public health service and proof to the administration’s strong commitment toward the delivery of basic health services, especially in emergency situations where timeliness of response is vital.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. personally led the ceremonial turnover of the PTVs to the local chief executives, including other provinces in Caraga region and in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

President Marcos highlighted the inclusive implementation of the program and giving priority to local government units that ever since have not received this type of vehicle, saying, “Meron tayong mga LGU dito na sa ngayon ay first timer, eka nga ngayon lang nagkaroon ng ganitong klaseng vehicle [PTVs]. At sila yong inuna namin.”

Accordingly, 76 percent of LGUs nationwide have already received their PTVs that were conveniently delivered by PCSO to the recipient LGUs.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles said, “Previously, we asked the LGUs for counterpart in the transport and delivery of the PTVs, but now the PCSO has taken care of it and delivered the units closer to the LGU and removing the burden and cost on freight.”

He also disclosed that PCSO is targeting a 100-percent distribution of all the PTVs by the end of this year. “We hope that we will be able to provide all the LGUs with PTV which is a reflection of PBBM’s vision for improved healthcare services.”

Libjo Mayor Melody L. Compasivo thanked the President and the PCSO for the new vehicle that will help strengthen local health services and emergency response for communities.

“I thank the President and PCSO for this new vehicle because this will make healthcare services more efficient for the Libjoanons,” Mayor Compasivo said. “Referral and transport of patients will be faster with this new PTV.”

For Loreto Mayor Doandre Bill A. Ladaga, being in the farthest place of the island province, the new PTV will greatly support emergency response and patient transport, ensuring faster and safer medical assistance even for the most remote communities.

The program on Medical Transport Vehicle Donation embodies PCSO’s commitment to its “Panata sa Bayan, Biyaya sa Mamamayan”—a pledge for compassion and to serve the Filipinos, especially those in far-flung and underserved communities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)