Jericho Rosales in talks for Ishmael Bernal biopic by Ricky Lee

Legendary screenwriter Ricky Lee is seeing one of his passion projects begin major development – a biopic about fellow National Artist and filmmaker Ishmael Bernal.

Lee’s Kahon Collective Inc. confirmed that the writer’s long-completed screenplay for “Bernal” is entering the pre-production phase, with studio Epicmedia assisting in production.

The two National Artists worked together on the early 1980s movies “Manila By Night,” “Himala,” “Relasyon,” and “Broken Marriage,” all released within a three-year span.

Bernal also directed “Tisoy!,” “Hinugot sa Langit,” “Nagbabagang Luha,” and the second segment of the first “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” while Lee’s other famous screenplays include “Moral,” “Karnal,” “Brutal,” “Anak,” “Madrasta,” “Jose Rizal,” “Muro-Ami,” “Cain at Abel,” “Green Bones” and “Labs Kita, Okey Ka Lang?”

“Very excited ako na finally itong matagal ko nang binalak na material o script ay matutuloy na,” Lee said in a statement.

Three actors are expected to play the director, one of them being Jericho Rosales for the majority of the movie. The “Bernal” film will breathe life into the titular director by placing on the big screen the actors, collaborators, and family members who shaped his cinematic journey.

These include Nora Aunor and Spanky Manikan (both who starred in “Himala” as Elsa and Orly respectively), Rita Gomez who starred in three Bernal films, and Bernardo Bernardo who was a frequent collaborator for the director including “Manila By Night.”

Judy Ann Santos and Atom Araullo will play Nora and Spanky, the journalist appearing in just his second film ever after 2018’s “Citizen Jake.” Iza Calzado will portray Rita while John “Sweet” Lapus takes on Bernardo.

Cinema stars who worked with Bernal closely such as Vilma Santos, Eddie Garcia, Alma Moreno and Lorna Tolentino are expected to feature, with the likes of Agot Isidro, Lovi Poe, Shaina Magdayao and Chanda Romero playing some of them.

“Bernal” will also serve as a tribute to the titular filmmaker, Lee, Nora, and fellow director Marilou Diaz-Abaya (also a character in the film); the two late women are also National Artists.

Lee is currently working on a new book and scriptwriting manual “Trip to Quiapo 2,” which will launch at this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and Manila International Book Fair.

Gloc-9, Dionela headline 1st Tribal Ink fest this August

The Tribal Ink: Art and Music Fest will make its debut this August, bringing together live music, visual arts, tattoo culture and street lifestyle in a two-day event celebrating creativity.

The inaugural festival will feature performances by a diverse lineup of Filipino artists headlined by the likes of Gloc-9, Dionela, Barbie Almalbis, Shanti Dope, Loonie, Silent Sanctuary, Urbandub, Mayonnaise, Chicosci, Sandwich, Rocksteddy, Soapdish, Tubero, and Typecast.

Other artists performing on August 7 and 8 at Pasay’s World Trade Center are Greyhoundz, Valley of Chrome, Wilabaliw, Saydie, Armalite, Arcadia, Philia, Kjwan, Aia de Leon, Ron Henley, Hero, Ramdiss, Chocolate Factory, The Chongkeys, Jroa, and Rangel.

PNP: Marcoleta’s blood pressure remains unstable

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing a plunder case in connection with the P75-million undeclared campaign donations, remains under medical monitoring over unstable blood pressure and chest pains at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, according to police authorities.

PNP Health Service chief of internal medicine Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani reported on Tuesday, July 7, that Marcoleta had already undergone basic medical examinations and blood tests.

She said Marcoleta requires further evaluation, as his blood pressure continues to fluctuate to 140/90 mmHg as of 9 a.m. She further reported that Marcoleta suffers from occasional chest and nape pain. ‘As of now, we could say the condition is stable – considering his age and the symptoms observed today, and the previous day. However, we are still at the stage where the patient requires monitoring… his blood pressure is not yet stable,’ Bayani said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday, July 6, that medical checkups for Marcoleta could take up to two days, considering his age, 72.

Bayani also confirmed Vice President Sara Durterte visited the PNP General Hospital, who arrived at around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, to check the condition of Marcoleta. /das

Aid sought for 1,400 fisherfolk after Magat Dam fish kill

More than 1,400 fisherfolk affected by the recent fish kill at Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela, should receive immediate relief and livelihood assistance, a national fisherfolk group said.

In a statement released Monday, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other government agencies to assess the losses and extend aid to affected fisherfolk and fish cage operators.

‘The BFAR and other concerned agencies should closely coordinate with fisherfolk and fish cage operators to assess the extent of the losses, and eventually provide economic assistance to affected sectors. The assistance should be in the form of relief, economic aid, and other livelihood support especially to the fish workers who will bear the brunt of the losses,’ Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said.

The group said the fish kill has been attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which it said caused a rapid decline in water volume and depleted dissolved oxygen levels in the reservoir.

Pamalakaya said government agencies had ample warning about the expected effects of El Niño and should have been prepared to respond to its impact on fishing communities. ‘Maaga pa lamang ay may babala na sa paparating na El Niño kaya inaasahang sapat ang paghahanda at maagap sa pagtugon ang pamahalaan. Dapat igiit ng mga mangingisda at iba pang apektadong sektor ang agaran at konkretong aksyon mula sa mga kinauukulan,’ Hicap said.

(There had long been warnings about the approaching El Niño, so the government was expected to be adequately prepared and respond promptly. Fisherfolk and other affected sectors should press for immediate and concrete action from the concerned authorities.)

‘Kinakailangan ang sapat na suporta sa produksyon at ayuda para maibsan ang malubhang epekto ng natural na kalamidad sa mga bulnerableng sektor sa kanayunan,’ he added.

(Adequate production support and financial assistance are needed to ease the severe impact of this natural calamity on vulnerable sectors in rural communities.)

The organization also reiterated its call on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to mobilize its calamity assistance fund, saying government support is needed as the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, and El Niño continue to affect agricultural and fisheries production.

Fish kill dealt heavy losses

The appeal came after a fish kill struck fish farms at Magat Dam in late June, affecting fish cage operators in Ramon, Isabela, and causing significant losses to tilapia growers.

Previous reports said the incident affected more than 1,400 fisherfolk and around 30 fish cage operators after thousands of kilograms of tilapia died just days before they were due for harvest.

Fish cage operator Lorena Bulaay-Dacuycuy described the losses as particularly devastating because growers were only days away from harvesting their stocks.

‘The fish were supposed to be harvested next week. Now, we’ve lost our investment,’ she said.

Her sister, Krizty Purugganan-Dacuycuy, estimated their family’s losses at about 15,000 kilograms of tilapia valued at around P1 million.

Another fish cage operator, Charlie Nayona, reported losing around P170,000 after about 4,500 kilograms of tilapia died.

Some growers also resorted to selling fish that remained fit for consumption at heavily discounted prices in an effort to recover part of their investment.

‘We’re selling them almost for free just to recover some money,’ fish grower Emily Chilagan previously said.

Low oxygen, declining water levels

BFAR earlier said the fish kill was likely caused by hypoxia, or oxygen depletion, brought about by prolonged high temperatures, poor water circulation, the buildup of organic matter, algal blooms and other environmental changes.

The incident also coincided with declining water levels at Magat Dam, which government agencies have linked to prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño.

Earlier, the agriculture department announced cloud-seeding operations over the Magat watershed to help replenish the reservoir, which supplies irrigation water to about 90,000 hectares of farmland in Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao and also supports hydroelectric power generation.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) had likewise reported a continued decline in the reservoir’s elevation, warning that prolonged dry conditions could affect irrigation supply.

Provincial fisheries authorities have been validating the extent of the losses, while fisherfolk organizations, including Pamalakaya, continue to call for immediate assistance and longer-term support for affected communities. /dm

Etsu Kwali celebrates completed Gomani-Yangoji road

The Etsu Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, has described the newly constructed Gomani – Dafa – Yangoji road, in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a major milestone in the area.

Nizassan told journalists on the sideline of the inauguration of the project, at Dafa that the road was a long-awaited answer to the prayers of his people.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for responding to the cries and prayers of his people.

‘We feel delighted that this part of the area council is benefiting from government intervention. There is nothing happier than having you make demands and the demands have been met.’ he stated.

He said the road holds deep historical and economic significance for the region.

The Etsu said that it is one of the oldest routes in the old Abuja Emirate, now Suleja Emirate, dating back to the colonial era when it was used by emissaries for tax collection.

He said that despite its contribution to Nigeria’s development, the corridor has suffered decades of total neglect.

He said that the new road will not only revitalise the economy of the area but also enhance security.

He disclosed that before the construction, the road deteriorated to a level that severely hindered law enforcement and crippled economic activities.

Nizassan pointed out that Kwali, being predominantly an agrarian, would benefit immensely from the road that directly links four vital political wards-connecting Yangoji on the main express to Dafa, Gomani, and Pai.

Vote buying weakens democracy, it should be stopped

As Nigeria prepares for another round of elections, many citizens are hoping for a free, fair, and credible electoral process. However, one issue that continues to threaten democracy is vote buying and vote selling.

Recently, on 20 June, 2026 Ekiti State held its governorship election. During the election, it was reported that a 68-year-old man, Ade, clutched a bag of rice and a few thousand naira after casting his vote. For him, the gifts meant food for his family for a few days. For democracy, however, it represented the growing problem of vote buying, where poverty is exploited in exchange for political support.

For instance, election observers alleged that some voters received cash, gifts, and food items in exchange for political support during the Ekiti governorship election. Although many accepted the gifts because of economic hardship, the practice raised concerns about the fairness and credibility of the election.

Furthermore, vote buying has serious effects on elections and democracy. When people sell their votes for money, food, or gifts, they may not choose the best candidate. As a result, this can lead to poor leadership and bad governance. In addition, many election observers and civil society groups have condemned the practice, saying it is unfair and against democratic values. They believe elections should be based on the free choice of voters, not on gifts or cash.

Therefore, reducing vote buying and vote selling requires the efforts of everyone. Voters should refuse money, food, or gifts in exchange for their votes and choose candidates based on their ability to lead. Likewise, the police and other security agencies should arrest and prosecute anyone caught buying or selling votes. At the same time, the government should reduce poverty by creating jobs and improving people’s living conditions so that voters are less likely to be influenced by cash or gifts. Finally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should strengthen election monitoring, educate voters on the dangers of vote buying, and work closely with security agencies to ensure free and fair elections. When all these groups play their part, elections will become more transparent and credible.

Fed Govt trains 400 civil servants on AI, Cybersecurity

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital skills have become essential for Nigerian civil servants to meet global standards and improve productivity.

Tijani, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nadungu Gagare, spoke at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, while declaring open a training programme for over 400 civil servants drawn from federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), weekend.

The training, organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), covered three sessions: institutional leadership and governance in the AI era; opening digital public services to private platforms and cybersecurity; and building leadership skills for the digital era.

The sessions were handled by Professor Jaeshin Park of Kookmin University, South Korea; Dr Williams Scheffers of Botswana; and Mr Minju No, an ICT expert from Korea. Participants received certificates at the end of the exercise.

Tijani said the training, held under the ‘Devs in Government’ initiative, was designed to equip civil servants who drive government policy with the technological skills needed for their assignments.

He described the July 2026 edition of the Digitalisation in Government Community Engagement as timely, adding that digital transformation succeeds only when capable people are backed by effective institutions and visionary leadership.

‘Around the world, artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping how governments design policies, deliver services and engage citizens,’ he said. ‘Technology alone does not transform institutions. Sustainable transformation happens when capable people are empowered by visionary leadership and effective systems.’

He said the Digitalisation in Government Community, established in February 2024, now brings together technologists from more than 100 MDAs, helping break institutional silos and accelerate digital transformation. He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and apply lessons from the training to their work.

‘We are not merely users of technology; we are architects of public value,’ he said, adding that every digital solution designed ultimately affects the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The Minister commended KOICA and the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) for their sustained partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s digital capacity, and called for continued collaboration to build an inclusive, resilient and digitally enabled public service.

KOICA’s Senior Deputy Director, Bayi Kiyong, who represented Country Director Kim Eunsub, said technology does not automatically transform institutions, people do, adding that capacity building and leadership training remain essential for navigating the fast-evolving digital space. He praised the government for sustaining the programme.

Uzodimma woos investors over Imo’s gas resources

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering investors to harness the state’s gas resources for economic development, job creation and improved living standards.

The governor stated this yesterday at the Government House, Owerri, while hosting the Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), James Makinde, the company’s General Manager, Technical Operations, Ameachi Nwogbe, and the Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum, Godswill Chukwuemeka Mgbudem, during a meeting on gas development initiatives.

Uzodimma said his administration would continue to collaborate with credible investors to unlock the economic potential of the state’s hydrocarbon resources.

‘Our administration remains committed to partnerships and collaborations that align with our objective of sharing prosperity across the state,’ he said.

The governor said the meeting focused on expanding local content, increasing state revenue and ensuring that gas exploration benefits translated into tangible gains for Imo residents.

‘Our goal is to ensure that the enormous potential of Imo’s gas reserves does not remain abstract but is transformed into direct economic benefits through job creation, industrial growth and critical infrastructure development,’ he said.

Responding, Makinde assured the governor of AGPC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the state government.

He said the company was prepared to expand its operations to boost industrialisation while maintaining high environmental and community standards, adding that AGPC looked forward to mutually beneficial collaboration with the Imo State Government.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 07/07/2026 UNTIL 0600 08/07/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure and unstable weather conditions are affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased low cloud coverage at times, mainly during the night and the morning.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 27°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

Southwest to West 3 to 4, later locally 4

Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5

Slight

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally Northwest to North 3

Slight

South Coast

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, later South to Southwest 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 5, at times locally 6

Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night

Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually 3 to 4

Slight, gradually Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, later South to Southwest 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times 5 to 6

Smooth to Slight, at times Slight

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally at first Southwest 4 to 5

Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

North Coast

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, gradually locally 4

Smooth to Slight, gradually locally Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, locally 4 to 5

Slight, locally Smooth to Slight

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3

Slight, locally near the coast Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 0530

Date: 07/07/2026

CNA/ME/EPH/2026

Mob lynches man over alleged motorcycle theft in Kano

A mob in Balare town, Ajingi Local Government Area of Kano State, on Sunday, lynched a young man identified as Ahmad Dankoli after accusing him of attempting to steal a motorcycle.

The mob later set his corpse ablaze, despite efforts by security operatives to intervene.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust, the councillor representing Balare ward, Malam Shu’aibu Abdulmumin Yalo, said the incident occurred shortly after 9 pm on Sunday, which coincided with the town’s market day.

According to Yalo, the deceased was accused of trying to steal a motorcycle belonging to a trader who had come to the market.

‘A man saw him attempting to take his friend’s motorcycle and held him. People gathered, started beating him, and he eventually died,’ the councillor explained.

He added that security personnel arrived at the scene to restore order but were overwhelmed by the sheer number of residents.

‘The officers managed to take the corpse away, but the angry youths overpowered them, seized the body, and set it on fire,’ Yalo said.

The councillor noted that the community had been grappling with frequent motorcycle thefts in recent months.

He disclosed that over 32 motorcycles had been reported stolen in the market within the past few months, fueling public anger and frustration.

He said the incident left the community in shock, forcing traders to abandon the market on Sunday night.

Normal activities only resumed on Monday, according to him.

When contacted, the Kano Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the case has not been reported to the police yet.

He, however, promised that they will check and investigate.