This week in Philippines
The Philippines faced significant weather challenges this week, with widespread flooding in Metro Manila and Luzon due to enhanced monsoon rains and Tropical Depression Maymay, which also led to four fatalities from landslides. Amidst these conditions, the Philippine Military Academy incorporated 342 new cadets, and a former New People's Army stronghold in Agusan del Sur was declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security zone. Additionally, non-Moro indigenous groups began screening nominees for the Bangsamoro parliament, and the Land Transportation Office considered blacklisting a German contractor.
About Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, captivates with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture blending Asian, Latin, and American influences, and a dynamic economy. However, its spirited press operates under significant challenges, facing violence and legal harassment that profoundly shape the national news narrative. The landmark closure of ABS-CBN in 2020 underscored the persistent threats to media freedom in the country.
Visiting Philippines
Media landscape
The Philippines boasts a vibrant media environment, yet it is one where journalists frequently contend with violence, legal harassment, and significant pressure. The 2020 closure of major broadcaster ABS-CBN stands as a stark example of the challenges to press freedom.
When consuming news from the Philippines, be aware of the diverse political leanings of outlets and the pressures journalists face, which can influence reporting.
Sources we track 2
Metro Manila roads finally clear, says MMDA
- Metro Manila roads are now clear of flooding after a week of heavy rains, according to the MMDA. - While floodwaters have subsided, a flood watch remains in effect due to the ongoing southwest monso…
LTO database maker cries foul over blacklisting
- German firm Dermalog Identification Systems GmbH is disputing calls for its blacklisting by the Philippine government. - The company claims full compliance with its contract for the Land Transportat…
La Mesa Dam breaches limit; Metro Manila waterways under watch
- La Mesa Dam has breached its limit, beginning to overflow on Monday afternoon. - Waterways in Metro Manila are now under close watch by authorities. - The dam reached above its spilling level, promp…
Flooded Metro Manila roads disrupt commutes on August 10
- Continuous rains from the southwest monsoon caused widespread flooding across Metro Manila on August 10, 2026. - Several roads became impassable to vehicles, with some areas in Quezon City experienc…
Farmers, Aeta group petition against Tarlac silica project
- Farmers and an Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac have launched a petition against the Pax Silica project. - They argue the project will negatively impact their livelihoods and homes. - The petition ai…
Electricity being restored in Baguio, Benguet amid torrential rains, strong winds
- Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) is working to restore power in Baguio City and Benguet despite ongoing heavy rains and strong winds. - As of Sunday noon, electricity has been restored to 28.96…
Flooding Reported in Metro Manila and Nearby Areas Due to Enhanced Monsoon Rains
- Several areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are experiencing flooding due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat). - Heavy rains have caused water levels to rise, particularly in low-lyin…
342 PMA cadets incorporated to AFP
- The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has incorporated 342 cadets into its Class of 2030. - These cadets were selected from 1,436 individuals who passed the PMA entrance examination last year. - The…
Non-Moro IP groups screen nominees for BARMM parliament
- Non-Moro indigenous groups in the Bangsamoro region are selecting nominees for two seats in the regional parliament. - The selection process precedes the September 14 regional parliamentary polls. -…
Four dead in landslides as Maymay drenches Luzon
- Four people died in landslides in the Philippines as Tropical Depression Maymay brought heavy rains to Luzon. - Authorities closed government offices and schools in the capital and northern province…
LTO eyes ban on digital platform operator
- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines plans to blacklist Dermalog Identification Systems GmbH, a German contractor. - The LTO alleges contractual violations and that the Land Trans…
Price Tracker: Oil, fuel monitor for August 4-10
- Oil and fuel prices are set to decrease slightly in the Philippines this week. - A rollback of a few centavos per liter is expected to take effect between August 4 and August 10. - This price adjust…
Former NPA stronghold in Agusan del Sur now a peace zone
- Loreto, Agusan del Sur, a former New People's Army (NPA) stronghold, has been declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) zone. - The declaration on July 31, 2026, followed efforts by local…
Five arrested after theft inside Philippine Senate compound
- Five people were arrested in Pasay City, Philippines, in connection with the theft of computer accessories from the Senate compound. - The suspects, including a live-in couple, allegedly cut through…
Coal plant outages put Visayas grid on yellow alert on Aug. 3
- The Visayas grid in the Philippines was placed on a yellow alert for three hours on Monday due to forced outages at three coal-fired power plants. - This alert signifies an insufficient operating ma…
14 hurt in Sulu highway accident
- Fourteen people were injured in a highway accident in Indanan, Sulu, on Friday, July 31, 2026. - An Army boom-type lifter crane truck lost control and collided with five vehicles and a house. - The …
Six rescued after boat sinks in rough seas off Maguindanao del Norte
- Six passengers were rescued after their small wooden boat capsized in rough seas off the coast of Datu Blah Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines. - The Philippine Coast Guard and local…
BARMM, GCash embark on online public cash assistance scheme
- The Bangsamoro social services ministry (MSSD-BARMM) and GCash have launched a new online system for distributing cash assistance. - The Financial Assistance System Transformation (FAST) program aim…
Marcos assures readiness for landmark BARMM polls
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that the Philippines is fully prepared for the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).…
Lawmaker seeks P1 billion more for SUCs
- A lawmaker is requesting an additional P1 billion in funding for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the upcoming budget. - The proposed funds are intended to accelerate the development of med…
Metro Manila subway construction 60 percent complete – DOTr
- The Metro Manila Subway Project is approximately 60 percent complete, according to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. - The project aims to improve public transportation in the capital region.…
Airport worker nabbed over bomb joke
- An airport worker in Cauayan, Isabela, was arrested on Friday for making a bomb joke. - The joke caused panic among passengers and staff, prompting a swift response from security personnel. - The in…
Quezon City government strengthens Unesco commitments
- Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte established a multisectoral body to coordinate UNESCO commitments. - The new body will oversee the city's efforts to fulfill its obligations with the United Nations Ed…
Repair of collapsed Davao-Bukidnon road starts today
- Repairs on a collapsed section of the Davao-Bukidnon Road in Davao City are scheduled to begin today. - The announcement was made by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. - The repair work aims to res…
Marikina villagers buck plan to cut trees
- Residents of Marikina's Provident Villages are petitioning against proposed tree-cutting activities. - The trees are slated for removal to make way for a bridge project. - Villagers cite environment…
Reroutes, road closures in Manila starting July 26 for SONA 2026
- Manila Police District to implement road closures and rerouting starting July 26 for President Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address. - Key roads like Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Ayala Brid…
Soldiers from Region 11 to help secure BARMM polls
- Soldiers from the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division are being deployed to secure the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. - The 28th Infantry Battalion will support joint election sec…
Fixed TNVS fare revived
- A fixed pick-up fare system for ride-hailing services has been reinstated. - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board revived the system. - This move addresses concerns over rising o…
MMDA Official Barred From Clearing Ops After Teacher-Shaming Video
- MMDA official Gabriel Go is under investigation and barred from clearing operations after shaming a teacher in a viral video. - This is Go's second shaming incident, following a similar case last ye…
Journalist's home targeted in alleged arson attempt
- A 21-year-old man allegedly attempted to set fire to the home of journalist Marlon Ramos in Laguna, Philippines. - The suspect, identified as "Juber," reportedly used gasoline to start the fire in t…
DOJ opens action centers vs bullying
- The Department of Justice is launching action centers to combat bullying and prevent crimes against minors. - These centers will operate through public prosecutor's offices, expanding services to ad…
DPWH: All NCR pumping stations working
- All pumping stations in the National Capital Region (NCR) are operational, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways. - This ensures that floodwaters receded quickly across the NCR de…
Thousands in BARMM provinces displaced by floods
- Thousands of villagers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been displaced by severe flooding. - Heavy rains since Thursday, July 9, have caused widespread inundation …
Four outlaws linked to Dawlah Islamiya killed in Philippine clash
- Four suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya criminal gang were killed in separate police-Army operations in Banisilan, Cotabato, Philippines. - The operations targeted followers of gang leader Med…
Visayas grid under red alert as plant outages persist
- The Visayas power grid in the Philippines will be under a red alert for two hours on Thursday due to persistent power plant outages. - Several generating units are unavailable, causing the available…
2 cops killed in Sultan Kudarat ambush
- Two police officers were killed in an ambush in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat province, Philippines. - The officers were on their way to their detachment after a public service mission when they were at…
Soldiers Build Shelters for Earthquake Victims in Sarangani
- Soldiers and militiamen are building core shelters for villagers in Glan, Sarangani, whose homes were destroyed by a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8, 2026. - The construction project, involving m…
Price Tracker: Oil, fuel monitor for July 7–13, 2026
- Fuel prices in Metro Manila are set to increase starting July 7, 2026. - Diesel and kerosene will see hikes of over P1.50 per liter, while gasoline prices may fluctuate slightly. - The Department of…
DOE: Diesel, kerosene prices may rise by over P1 per liter
- Diesel and kerosene prices in the Philippines are projected to increase by over P1 per liter this week, while gasoline prices may fluctuate. - The Department of Energy forecasts a P1.57 to P3.57 per…
Quezon City logs spike in COVID-19 cases in 3 weeks
- Quezon City, Philippines, has recorded a significant increase in COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks, rising from 23 to 84. - Children aged 14 and below constitute 30% of the new confirmed case…
Filipino-Chinese business groups demand sustained government anti-crime push after kidnapping conviction
- Filipino-Chinese business groups urged the government to maintain its anti-crime initiatives. - The call follows the conviction of seven individuals for the kidnapping of an elderly Chinese business…
117 more Mindanao scholars graduate tuition-free
- A private mining firm, Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI), has enabled 117 more scholars to graduate from college tuition-free in South Cotabato, Philippines. - Since 2018, SMI's scholarship progr…
Closed roads, police deployment set for Sara Duterte's impeachment trial
- Pasay City will implement temporary road closures near the Senate starting July 6 for Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. - Approximately 6,000 police personnel will be deployed to secu…
Army firefighters lauded for Davao de Oro emergency mission
- Army firefighters from the 10th Infantry Division in the Philippines used a firetruck to extinguish a bus fire in Mawab, Davao de Oro. - The soldiers, along with Bureau of Fire Protection personnel,…
Iglesia ni Cristo rally blocks major Manila routes; authorities cite lack of notice
- Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members held an unannounced rally at the People Power Monument in Manila, blocking major routes. - The rally supported Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who faces a plunder c…
Mother, 3 children hacked, stabbed to death inside Zamboanga del Sur house
- A mother and her three children were found dead in their home in Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. - All victims sustained multiple hack and stab wounds. - Police are investigating the brutal killings…
LPA east of Samar likely to become tropical depression
- A low-pressure area located east of the Philippines is expected to develop into a tropical depression within 24 hours. - The weather system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of th…
DILG mulls bounty for Bato’s arrest
- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering offering a bounty for the arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa. - Dela Rosa has reportedly been evading authorities, prompting…
PRC suspends Badoy’s license for 6 months
- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) suspended Lorraine Marie Badoy's medical license for six months. - Badoy, former spokesperson for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Co…
Comelec Holds Mock Election in BARMM
- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted a mock election in various areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). - This exercise is a preparatory step for the upcomin…
Visayas LGUs Ban Hogs, Pork From ASF-Hit Areas
- Several local government units in the Visayas have banned the entry of live pigs and pork products from areas affected by African swine fever. - The ban aims to prevent the spread of the highly cont…
Tricycle driver hurt in Lanao del Sur grenade explosion
- A tricycle driver was seriously injured in a grenade explosion in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. - Authorities suspect remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya group may be responsible, possibly to extort "protect…
Space agency maps quake-triggered landslides in Mindanao
- Qantas is launching the world's longest non-stop passenger flight route between Sydney and London. - The flight, part of 'Project Sunrise,' will cover over 16,000 kilometers and take approximately 2…
Kidlat Tahimik renounces National Artist title over CHED curriculum plan
- National Artist Kidlat Tahimik renounced his title in protest of the CHED curriculum plan. - The artist expressed concerns over the future of general education in the Philippines. - His action highl…
First Tawi-Tawi maritime school proposed in Bangsamoro parliament
- Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are considering a proposal to establish the region's first maritime school in Tawi-Tawi province. - The proposed law requires the reg…
Pre-war rates likely: Diesel, kerosene prices seen down on June 16
- Pump prices for diesel and kerosene in the Philippines are expected to decrease on June 16, while gasoline prices may fluctuate. - These adjustments are influenced by global oil supply chain movemen…
Bato dela Rosa surrenders 20 firearms in Davao
- Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa surrendered 20 registered firearms in Davao City on June 15. - The firearms were turned over by his legal representative to the Philippine National Police. - The surr…
Plantation worker killed by lightning bolt in Bukidnon
- A plantation worker in Bukidnon, Philippines, died instantly after being struck by lightning on Thursday, June 11. - The victim was piling pineapples on a truck during a drizzle when the lightning b…
P590-million infra in South Cotabato damaged by earthquake
- Infrastructure damage in South Cotabato, Philippines, from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake is estimated at P590 million. - The earthquake, which struck on June 8, 2026, caused widespread devastation in t…
2 dead, 3 hurt in Maguindanao Sur clash of rival groups
- Two men died and three were injured in a gunfight between two rival Moro groups in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. - The clash occurred in Barangay Panadtaban, Radjah Buayan town, and involved the…
BARMM, Peace Agency Launch Relief Drive in Quake-Hit GenSan, Sarangani
- The Bangsamoro government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity launched disaster response operations in General Santos City and Sarangani province. - These a…
Price Tracker: Oil, fuel monitor for June 9
- The Department of Energy announced an oil price hike for diesel and kerosene effective June 9 to 15. - Gasoline prices may either decrease by P1.70 per liter or increase by P0.30 per liter. - The ad…
2 dead, buildings damaged in Central Mindanao tremor
- A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Central Mindanao on June 8, 2026, causing damage to buildings and resulting in two fatalities. - The strongest tremors were felt in General Santos City, with damage…
15 OFWs repatriated from Israel
- Fifteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have safely returned to the Philippines. - The repatriation occurred on Friday following a recent ceasefire. - Ben Gurion International Airport has reopened,…
2,026 facilities to provide free meds
- Over 2,000 facilities will provide essential free medicines nationwide. - This initiative is part of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) GAMOT package. - Members will receive …
39 areas to be under ‘danger’ heat index
- Thirty-nine areas in the Philippines are expected to experience dangerous heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 45°C on Sunday, May 31. - PAGASA reported that Borongan, Eastern Samar recorded a hea…
Villagers Displaced as Gunmen Attack Cotabato Enclave
- Gunmen attacked houses with assault rifles in Kadayangan, Cotabato, Philippines, displacing hundreds of families. - The attack is believed to be part of a "rido," or clan war, between two local grou…
Leviste Offers Rice Assistance to Families Yet to Receive Government Aid
- Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste pledged to distribute one million sacks of rice to families in his district who have not yet received government aid. - Leviste expressed concern over alleged discrimin…
P526.2M Worth of Cigarettes Seized in Mindanao Navy Operations
- Philippine Navy seized smuggled cigarettes worth P526.2 million in two separate operations off the Bangsamoro region. - The contraband, originating from Indonesia, was destined for coastal areas in …
Motorcycle thief nabbed in Cotabato City faces charges
- A 33-year-old man was arrested in Cotabato City for motorcycle theft. - He is accused of stealing at least ten motorcycles since 2025 and was found with a .45 caliber pistol. - Police have filed the…
Rotating Brownouts Expose Deep Grid Dependence Risks in Philippines
- Rotating brownouts in Luzon and the Visayas revealed significant structural weaknesses in the Philippines' power system. - These weaknesses include heavy reliance on a few major power plants, shared…
Highway patrol cop hurt in Cotabato gun attack
- A police officer in Matalam, Cotabato, was shot and wounded by two men on a motorcycle during a vehicle inspection operation. - The officer sustained superficial wounds and was immediately released …
Philippines Fuel Prices Mixed as Economy Feels Oil Shock
- Fuel prices in Metro Manila show a mixed trend, with gasoline prices increasing while diesel prices are decreasing. - The Philippines' GDP growth slowed to 2.8% in the first quarter, attributed part…
Philippines Fuel Prices Rise Amidst 7.2% Inflation Surge
- Fuel prices in Metro Manila increased on May 5, 2026, with diesel rising by P2.66/liter and gasoline by P2.21/L. - The price hikes follow a period of rollbacks and coincide with rapid inflation in A…
P6.6 Million Worth of Marijuana Shrubs Destroyed in Kalinga Operation
- Authorities in Kalinga, Philippines, destroyed approximately P6.6 million worth of marijuana shrubs. - The eradication operation took place over two days in Tinglayan, Kalinga, covering a 3,000-squa…
Priest Declines Bishop Appointment in Tagbilaran Diocese
- A priest, Fr. Gerardo Saco, has declined his appointment as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. - Saco cited a
Price Tracker: Oil, Fuel Monitor for Apr. 28
- Fuel prices in Metro Manila are shifting again on Tuesday, April 28, with diesel and kerosene decreasing and gasoline increasing. - Diesel prices are estimated to decrease by P12.94 per liter, and k…
Price Cuts Extend for Diesel, Kerosene; Gasoline Up
- Fuel prices in the Philippines will see adjustments on Tuesday, April 28, with diesel and kerosene prices decreasing. - Diesel will be rolled back by P12.94 per liter, and kerosene by P15.71 per lit…
Task Force GenSan Now Under Army’s 10th Infantry Division Control
- Task Force GenSan, responsible for counter-terrorism operations in General Santos City, has been placed under the control of the Army's 10th Infantry Division. - The transfer of command occurred dur…
Metro Manila Fuel Prices to Drop Again on April 21
- Fuel prices in Metro Manila are set for another rollback on Tuesday, April 21, following last week's reduction. - Shell Pilipinas announced significant price cuts for diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.…
Cargo vehicle driver killed in grenade, gun attack in Cotabato
- A multicab driver was killed in a grenade and gun attack in Pikit, Cotabato province. - The victim, Nano Guiambalanan Salimenang, was on his way to deliver fruits when he was ambushed. - Attackers o…
13 Former Militants from Dawlah Islamiya, BIFF Surrender to Troops
- Thirteen former militants from Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to government troops. - The militants pledged allegiance to the government during a ceremony in…
Two Killed in Maguindanao Del Sur Ambush; 12th Such Incident Since December
- Two men were killed in an ambush in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines on Tuesday. - The victims were riding a motorcycle when gunmen attacked them; the perpetrators escaped before author…