Bangsamoro Chief Minister Oversees Destruction of Illegal Drugs Worth P87.5 Million in Maguindanao Del Norte

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Monday supervised the destruction of illegal drugs valued at approximately P87.5 million. The operation took place at a controlled waste disposal facility in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Del Norte. Macacua was accompanied by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) Regional Director Gil Cesario Castro and Police Regional Director BGen. Jaysen De Guzman during the event. The seized narcotics underwent incineration via thermal decomposition within a sealed chamber at Lamsan Incorporated, a corn starch manufacturing facility located in Barangay Simuay. This process ensures the safe and environmentally compliant destruction of illegal substances. The coordinated effort underscores the regional government and law enforcement agencies' continued commitment to combating illegal drugs and maintaining public safety in the Bangsamoro region.

Former Live-in Partners Clash Over Childcare Dispute in Cebu City

Authorities arrested a 31-year-old man in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City, following a violent confrontation with his former live-in partner over childcare issues. The incident occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The suspect, identified as "Rich," a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte currently residing in Barangay Kalunasan, was taken into custody by the Guadalupe Police Station 9. The victim, 30-year-old "Fely" from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, reported that she was physically assaulted by Rich inside their shared residence. According to the police investigation, the conflict erupted amid Fely’s discovery that the toys for their children had been purchased by Rich’s new partner. Fely expressed frustration and anger upon learning this, which triggered the altercation. Rich acknowledged the dispute and revealed that although they have separated, he has been taking care of their two children. He confirmed that Fely had returned to their apartment to look after their kids despite living primarily in Dipolog and that he himself has been involved with another partner in Cebu City for several months. Fely stated that their relationship had ended and she had no intention of reconciling with Rich but wanted to maintain a stable living arrangement for their children. Rich reportedly became enraged after realizing the gifts for their children were bought by his new companion. During the confrontation, Rich grabbed Fely’s arm, causing injury, and allegedly dragged her to the staircase, escalating the severity of the incident. Prompt action by barangay tanods led to Rich’s immediate detention and subsequent handover to police authorities for investigation and appropriate legal measures. This case underscores the complexities of co-parenting and former partnerships in shared family responsibilities, highlighting the need for peaceful resolution methods to prevent domestic violence.

Quezon City Police Clear Congested Vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced on Tuesday the successful clearance of a congested section of Commonwealth Avenue previously blocked by impounded vehicles. Acting District Director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio stated that this initiative was undertaken in response to concerns raised by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) regarding traffic disruption caused by the parked vehicles. The operation was led by the QCPD’s District Traffic Enforcement Unit, in close collaboration with the DoTr, Land Transportation Office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Meralco, and Barangay Commonwealth officials. The impounded vehicles, which had long occupied space in front of Traffic Sector 5, were systematically removed and transferred to a designated impounding site. Additionally, a firetruck from Barangay Commonwealth was deployed to clean the affected roadway. Following the clearance, two lanes on Commonwealth Avenue have been reopened to motorists, significantly improving traffic flow in the area. DoTr Assistant Secretary Dioscoro Reyes conducted an inspection of the site, commending the QCPD and its partner agencies for their swift and coordinated efforts. Col. Silvio emphasized the QCPD’s ongoing commitment to road safety and public order, stating, \"This operation highlights our dedication to swiftly addressing traffic-related challenges and ensuring the safety of our roads. We will maintain close cooperation with relevant agencies to keep the streets clear and secure for all community members.\"

Nearly 2,000 Personnel to Secure MassKara Festival 2025 in Bacolod City

BACOLod City is set to bolster security measures ahead of the MassKara Festival 2025, scheduled for October 1 to 19, with a deployment of nearly 2,000 personnel from multiple agencies. Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), announced on September 24 that the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will contribute 300 officers as part of the augmentation force. This is in addition to 600 officers from the provincial police offices of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor under the Negros Island Region (NIR), bringing the total law enforcement presence to 1,819. Highlighting the importance of crowd control and crime prevention, Coronica emphasized the need for adequate security to ensure the event proceeds without incident. "The goal is to create a secure environment so that the celebration can proceed smoothly," he stated. The 2025 festival marks the first year that BCPO operates under the PRO-NIR jurisdiction. However, manpower challenges persist as Negros Oriental also hosts its Buglasan Festival during the same period, stretching resources thin. Consequently, PRO-NIR requested additional assistance from PRO-6, which historically had jurisdiction over Bacolod City. In reciprocity, BCPO will deploy personnel to aid security operations during the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Security efforts are further supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and other government entities. Four primary festival venues have been designated: Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and The Upper East–Megaworld. The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) has submitted road closure proposals for these sites to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), pending approval, after which traffic rerouting will be enforced by BTTMD. Additionally, emergency preparedness is being coordinated by the CDRRMO with barangays, schools participating in the Electric MassKara, as well as with organizers of the arena and street dance competitions. Coronica also disclosed that he has recommended the imposition of a gun ban during the festival period to the City Mayor’s Office, which will seek authorization from higher police authorities. These comprehensive measures reflect the city’s commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the vibrant celebration.

Bacolod Gugma Foundation Proposes Road Closures for MassKara Festival 2025

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc., through its inter-agency department, has put forward a proposal for a series of road closures in preparation for the upcoming MassKara Festival 2025. The proposed restrictions primarily target areas surrounding the Bacolod Public Plaza to accommodate festival installations and major activities. According to the plan, full road closures are expected to be enforced from October 1 to October 19. Traffic restrictions will apply on critical streets such as Rizal Street (from Gatuslao to San Juan, in front of Bacolod Cathedral), Gonzaga Street (from San Juan to Gatuslao), San Juan Street (adjacent to the BAYS Center, from Rizal to Gonzaga), Gatuslao Street (in front of Jollibee, between Gonzaga and Rizal), and the Araneta Street area (stretching from PNB Luzuriaga to Gonzaga). Closure times will differ depending on the day, with weekend restrictions scheduled from 3 p.m. until 3 a.m., and weekday closures set from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. Prior to the full closures, a partial road shutdown will occur between September 28 and 30 during the ingress phase for the setup of festival kiosks and infrastructure. This phase involves half-road closures daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The dismantling, or egress, phase is planned for October 20. The proposal has been coordinated with key agencies, including the Bacolod City Police Office, Traffic Enforcement Unit, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Office. Final approval of the road closure schedule is still pending from the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod, which will formalize the plan prior to the festival kickoff.

Severe Tropical Storm Opong Forces Evacuation of 590 Families in Antique

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Approximately 590 families, totaling around 650 individuals, have evacuated from coastal communities in Antique as Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, continues to bring intense rainfall and strong winds. Michael Tolentino, Antique’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III, confirmed Friday that the evacuees come from northern municipalities including Barbaza, Culasi, Libertad, Valderrama, Tibiao, and the capital town San Jose de Buenavista. "We are maintaining close surveillance of evacuees in other municipalities," Tolentino stated. The evacuations, both voluntary and mandatory, were carried out as precautionary measures against the coastal wind surges associated with the storm. Of the evacuees, 256 families are housed in barangay halls and gymnasiums designated as evacuation centers, while others have sought refuge with relatives. Tolentino urged residents to avoid leaving their homes unless necessary, emphasizing public safety during the ongoing severe weather conditions. The provincial disaster office is actively monitoring river levels, noting that the Ypayo River in Patnongon has reached critical levels, and the Tibiao River has surpassed normal water heights. In response to the storm, port activities have been suspended in several areas, including San Jose de Buenavista, Libertad, Culasi, Caluya, and the Pinagpala port in Semirara, Caluya, as well as the route from Culasi Poblacion to Mararison Island. Air travel remains unaffected as the only commercial flights serving Evelio B. Javier Airport operate only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Local officials continue to prioritize safety measures as the storm progresses.

Iloilo Provincial Board Moves to Shield Western Visayas Medical Center from Political Interference

ILOILO — In response to growing concerns over political interference in the operations of the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo, a resolution has been introduced in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan aimed at barring government officials from meddling with the hospital’s management and infrastructure projects. Provincial Board member Rolex Suplico emphasized that such interference, particularly involving bids and contractors, may violate the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. He stated, \"The management of the hospital should be in the hands of those who are professionally equipped to handle it.\" This development came amid controversy surrounding Dr. Joseph Dean Nicolo, WVMC’s Medical Center Chief, whose reassignment to Zamboanga City by the Department of Health (DOH) was reversed after accusations suggested the transfer was politically motivated. Earlier, another board member, Rolando Distura, backed Dr. Nicolo’s continuance through Resolution No. 2025-09-05, praising his dedication, integrity, and service to public health. Suplico clarified that his resolution goes beyond supporting Dr. Nicolo, addressing the broader need to protect WVMC from external political pressures. He remarked, \"Public officials should refrain from interfering in the management of WVMC, including the bidding process of its projects. Such acts amount to graft.\" Highlighting the importance of institutional independence, Suplico added, \"Our priority must be ensuring the hospital operates free from political biases and remains focused exclusively on delivering quality healthcare to the community.\" The proposal is currently under review by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and is seen by observers as a crucial test of the province’s commitment to safeguarding WVMC’s autonomy. Meanwhile, the DOH Central Office has confirmed that Dr. Nicolo remains the Medical Center Chief. Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated, \"Dr. Joseph Dean L. Nicolo continues to serve as the Medical Center Chief of the DOH Western Visayas Medical Center. Due process remains paramount as reports of multiple cases against him are under review by appropriate authorities.\" The controversy escalated following unsubstantiated claims that a female official sought Dr. Nicolo’s transfer to Zamboanga City, a claim swiftly denied by Iloilo’s women legislators. Reports linked the attempted transfer to Dr. Nicolo’s refusal to participate in alleged kickback schemes related to two significant WVMC projects. Hospital employees have expressed outrage over the transfer order, perceiving it as retaliation for Dr. Nicolo’s firm stance against corruption. According to sources, Dr. Nicolo openly stated to contractors that he has never solicited commissions or any form of payment in relation to hospital projects. Having served WVMC for over 15 years, Dr. Nicolo has led the hospital to national acclaim, including recognition through the DOH’s Gold Trailblazer Award and pioneering procedures such as the region’s first awake craniotomy. This resolution and ongoing developments underscore the imperative to maintain the integrity and independence of public healthcare institutions in the region.

US Captain Keegan Bradley Relies on Scheffler and DeChambeau for Crucial Saturday Foursomes

United States captain Keegan Bradley is placing his confidence in world number one Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau to lead his team in the Saturday morning foursomes matches, despite both players suffering two defeats on Friday. After Europe took a commanding 5.5-2.5 lead at the conclusion of day one, pairings were unveiled on Friday showing DeChambeau in the opening match and Scheffler anchoring the final match of the morning session. DeChambeau will partner with Cam Young, a local talent who secured a victory alongside Justin Thomas in four-ball during his debut in the Cup. Together, they face Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in the first match, which tees off at 7:10 a.m. (1110 GMT). Notably, Aberg and Fitzpatrick triumphed over Scheffler and the third-ranked Russell Henley with a 5&3 margin in Friday’s foursomes. Scheffler and Henley are reunited for the fourth and final morning foursomes match where they will compete against Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and Norway’s Viktor Hovland. MacIntyre and Hovland fell 2-up in their previous foursomes encounter against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The second match will feature world number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland paired with England’s Tommy Fleetwood facing American duo Collin Morikawa and Harris English in a rematch of Friday’s contest, where Europe won 5&4. The third match pairs Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay against Spain’s Jon Rahm and England’s Tyrrell Hatton, who previously secured a 4&3 victory over DeChambeau and Justin Thomas. With Europe holding a solid lead, the US team’s strategy will hinge on leveraging its top players in these crucial early matches to regain momentum.

Fifty-Two Marching Bands to Compete at Musiko 2025 in Bacoor City

BACOOR CITY, Cavite — Musiko 2025, the Philippines’ premier marching arts competition, will bring together 52 marching bands from across the nation to showcase their skills on September 28. The event will take place along General Evangelista Road and is organized by the Bacoor City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Department. This competition forms part of Bacoor City’s 19th Bakood Festival celebrations, coinciding with the city’s 354th founding anniversary. Bands from various provinces, including Cavite and Nueva Ecija, will vie for the top prize through synchronized movements, complex formations, and musical excellence. The competition holds significant prestige, being officially sanctioned by both the Asian Marching Band Confederation and the World Marching Band Organization, granting it international recognition and raising its competitive standard. In the lead-up to the main event, a drumline and color guard showdown was held on September 27 at the Strike Gym, setting the stage for the grand contest. Organizers expect an impressive display of talent and teamwork as bands compete to claim the coveted crown.

Honest Tricycle Driver in Coron Praised for Returning Tourist's Lost Bag

Coron Councilor Rica Reyes publicly recognized a local tricycle driver for his commendable honesty after returning a bag left behind by a tourist in his vehicle. In a recent social media post, Reyes expressed admiration for the driver's simple yet meaningful act, emphasizing how it reflects the genuine kindness and integrity of Coron residents. "Let's salute our honest tricycle driver who returned the tourist's left-behind bag. A simple act but a powerful inspiration demonstrating that #IAMCORON is home to compassionate and trustworthy people," Reyes shared. This gesture, according to the councilor, not only brings pride to the driver but also enhances the positive reputation of Coron as a community grounded in care and uprightness.