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Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) in northern Palawan have been placed on alert ahead of the entry of Typhoon Tino, which is expected to hit the province on Wednesday.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Jeremias Alili said several municipalities began taking precautionary measures as early as Saturday in anticipation of the typhoon.

Based on forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), northern Palawan may be placed under Signal No. 3 or 4 as Tino moves westward.

‘For sure, coastal communities need to evacuate to safer areas and move their boats to secure locations. Seaweed farmers also need to protect their propagules, as well as their fish cages and pens,’ Alili said in a message sent to the media.

‘We’re taking advantage of the lead time. We can already announce preparations for evacuation, trimming of trees that might fall, reducing banana and coconut leaves, and harvesting crops that can be harvested,’ he added.

The MDRRMOs of El Nido, Dumaran, Taytay, and San Vicente have activated their incident management teams. Responders are monitoring coastal areas, and search and rescue equipment has been prepositioned.

Classes in all levels have been suspended starting Monday until further notice in the towns of Coron, Culion, El Nido, Linapacan, Magsaysay, and San Vicente.

The Coast Guard District Palawan has likewise issued travel advisories suspending the voyage of all vessels in the province.

In this city, Mayor Lucilo Bayron has instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City Engineering Office to prepare for the incoming typhoon and preposition equipment for any possible emergencies

Due to the effects of Typhoon Tino on Monday morning, 988 passengers, drivers and helpers were stranded across 42 ports in Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Southern Luzon and Mindanao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

From 12 midnight. to 4 a.m. on Monday, 24 vessels and 302 rolling cargos were also stranded, while 161 vessels and 21 motorbancas were taking shelter across in 42 ports, the PCG added.

The following ports in Eastern Visayas recorded 578 individuals, 248 rolling cargoes and two vessels stranded, while 10 vessels and nine motorbancas were taking shelter:

Sta.Clara Port

Dapdap Port

Looc Port

Guiuan Port

Tacloban Port

Calubian Port

San Juan Port

Benit Port

Liloan Port

Padre Burgos Port

Amandayehan Port

In Central Visayas, the PCG reported 323 people, 54 rolling cargoes, and 19 vessels stranded, while 128 vessels and 12 motorbancas taking shelter in the ports listed below:

Sitio Quasi Port

Santa Fier Port

Medellin Port

Polambato Pier

Hagnaya Port

Carmen Port

Tangil Wharf

Tolido City Port

Talisay City Anchorage

Pier 1 Cebu City

Naga Anchorage

San Fernando Anchorage

Cordova Port

Angasil Port

CGSS Miglanilla

Labonon, Mandaue

Danao Port

Dunggoan Port

Tagbilaran Port

Loon Port

Getafe Port

Talibon Port

Ubay Port

Consuelo Port

Meanwhile, in Southern Luzon, the ports listed below have 69 individuals and two vessels stranded, alongside 10 vessels taking shelter.

Rombon Port

Looc Port

Batangas Port

Balanacan Port

Buyabod Port

The PCG also recorded 18 individuals and one vessel stranded, with 13 vessels taking shelter in the following ports in Mindanao:

Zamboanga Port

Dapitan Port

Earlier, the PCG suspended sea travel in several areas due to rough sea conditions brought by Typhoon Tinio.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also warned of storm surges all over Visayas, portions of southern Luzon, and portions of northern Mindanao on Monday.

Pagasa advised to cancel all marine activities in the affected coastal areas in the next 48 hours.

Tino will traverse through Visayas, then northern Palawan from Tuesday to Wednesday after making landfall in Eastern Visayas or in Dinagat Islands at midnight or early Tuesday morning.

Small-scale fisherfolk, lodged among the poorest in society, are pleading with lawmakers to tackle a bill seeking to restore their exclusive rights to fishing grounds nearer the shore, or where they and their smaller boats can safely operate. They called on the House of Representatives to take up House Bill No. 5606, or the proposed ‘Atin ang Kinse Kilometro’ Bill, when it resumes session on Nov. 10.

The Makabayan bloc filed HB 5606 last Oct. 20 to restore the exclusive rights of small fisherfolk over municipal waters, or what is known as the 15-kilometer fishing zone from the shore. The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, which helped the Makabayan legislators craft the bill, said the measure is in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a lower court order to completely open municipal waters to commercial fishing vessels.

It all began on Oct. 5, 2023, when Mercidar Fishing Corp., a commercial fishing company, filed a petition at the Malabon Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking to declare as unconstitutional certain provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and its implementing rules that limited the users of municipal waters to small fisherfolk and gave local government units (LGUs) jurisdiction over their fishing zone.

‘Preferential rights’

On Dec. 11, 2023, the Malabon RTC sided with Mercidar, emphasizing that control over natural resources belongs to the national government, not the LGUs. It also held that the Fisheries Code’s provision for ‘preferential rights’ of small fisherfolk did not expressly exclude commercial fishing in municipal waters. The Malabon RTC’s decision went unchallenged because the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which represents the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Agriculture, failed to file a timely response.

On Jan. 2, 2024, the OSG brought the case to the Supreme Court, but on Aug. 19 of the same year, the high tribunal’s first division dismissed the petition because it was filed too late. It said the deadline to appeal had passed and the RTC ruling had already become ‘final and executory.’ While motions for reconsideration are now pending at the Supreme Court, the Malabon RTC decision stands, causing fear among small fishermen.

Given the country’s vast marine resources, it makes one wonder why commercial fishing companies, with their more advanced equipment and vessels that can operate way beyond the 15-kilometer municipal waters, insist on encroaching on the traditional fishing grounds of the marginalized fisherfolk.

Frequent typhoons

HB 5606, if enacted, will ban commercial fishing vessels from operating within municipal waters. Violators face penalties, including a fine equivalent to the value of the catch or P10,000, whichever is higher, for the first offense; a fine and the confiscation of the catch and fishing gear for the second infraction, and imprisonment for six months and the automatic revocation of the fishing license for a third offense. HB 5606 asserts that the State has a constitutional duty to protect subsistence fishers and guarantee their preferential rights to marine and fishing resources. House lawmakers need to act with urgency on the Makabayan bill to right a wrong on small fisherfolk.

Senators also need to take action on Senate Bill No. 1007, filed last Aug. 6, on the establishment of fisherfolk resettlement areas. Nearly three decades since the enactment of Republic Act No. 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the proposed bill noted that the establishment of such settlement areas remains delayed. Reliant on coastal resources for their subsistence and livelihood, the frequent typhoons and natural disasters that hit the Philippines every year expose them to risks that endanger their lives and income sources.

Bleak future

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations estimated that as of 2020, there were nearly 2 million active fishers operating an estimated 476,000 fishing vessels, around 60 percent of which did not have engines and used sails or oars. It added that more than 80 percent of fishers in the Philippines can be characterized as small-scale fishers.

Alice Ferrer, executive director of Too Big To Ignore Philippines, the local unit of the Bangkok-based nongovernmental organization championing the rights of marginalized fishers, has lamented that small-scale fisherfolk now face a bleak future under the Malabon RTC ruling permitting commercial fishing in the municipal waters.

In truth, the two bills in the House and in the Senate will not be enough to lift out of poverty the families dependent on municipal waters. However, passing them will ease their burden and anxiety. As Ferrer pointed out: ‘Justice demands that [small fisherfolk] receive more under the law. Laws and policies must recognize their disadvantaged position and must support to uplift them. This is about fairness.’

Most of the new employees of the Office of the Ombudsman who were asked to file courtesy resignations have already complied, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.

This comes after the anti-graft body asked its newly hired personnel last July to submit their courtesy resignations – a move that, according to Clavano, aims to show their loyalty to the institution rather than to any individual.

‘We’re very happy to announce that almost all of the employees who were asked to file a courtesy resignation actually filed courtesy resignations with our HR department here in the Office of the Ombudsman. We see this as a show of good faith from everybody and a sign of trust in the new Ombudsman and his administration,’ he said in a press briefing on Monday.

‘So what we will do now is evaluate all the courtesy resignations. We will also review the process each hiree or employee went through to receive the promotion, ensuring it followed the proper procedure. That will be the basis of the Ombudsman’s decision,’ he added.

Asked how long the evaluation process will take, Clavano said, ‘as soon as possible.’

‘This is something that we feel is very important to get the institution running at full force. We really want to make sure this will be resolved quickly. Those who tendered their courtesy resignations can expect an answer very soon,’ he added.

Last October 21, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he would ask the 204 new employees hired last July – appointments made by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires shortly before his retirement – to reapply so they would not be considered ‘midnight appointees.’

A day later, Remulla revealed that 99 of the 204 new hires were ‘questionable,’ as they held high-ranking positions with salary grades of 25 and above. Government employees with a salary grade of 25 earn around P111,000 a month.

Clavano earlier pointed out that if the appointees have nothing to hide and were hired based on merit, they should not be afraid to reapply.

Martires, who retired on July 27, was appointed as the head of the anti-graft body in 2018 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. Remulla, on the other hand, was a former justice secretary. He was appointed by President Marcos as his successor on October 7.

La Lola, everyone’s favorite home-grown churrería, is back! So is its signature crunchy Spanish-style churros and other sweet snacks, bites, coffee, fruit-based beverages, and soft-serve ice cream (served with two pieces of churros). Standing proudly at the heart of Evia Lifestyle Mall, Daang Hari Road, Las Piñas, La Lola’s red and green kiosk exudes a playful spirit, a friendlier vibe to signal its sweet comeback.

La Lola debuted in Rockwell, Makati in 2014 and immediately became a cult favorite whose growth and expansion across Metro Manila was welcomed by foodies who loved the extra-long and crunchy churros. Just like most businesses during the pandemic, its stores slowly closed down. With its long-awaited return, La Lola has been met with excitement from loyal fans who have eagerly awaited its comeback.

La Lola also introduces its updated menu that’s crafted for all ages-from kids discovering churros for the first time to grown-ups who never outgrew them. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a shareable treat, La Lola has something for everyone. Its freshly cooked Churros come in different sizes: 30cm Regular Churros, 40cm Long sticks, the bite-sized La Lola Bites, and the iconic Mini Churro Cone which are all perfect whether you want to sit down and enjoy them with La Lola’s hot or iced coffee or boba drinks, fruit-based juices, or its popular Yakult Iced Tea, or if you simply need a snack to go while wandering around the mall.

The concept also launches 9 indulgent dips including chocolate, mocha, ube, matcha, salted caramel, Belgian chocolate, and the Auro dark chocolate, giving fans more options on how best to indulge in their churros. To complete the list is the savory salted egg dip. And if you are looking for a churro bite with a bit of a bark, La Lola’s new Churro Dog, a playful spin on a corn dog, is definitely a fun and delicious choice.

What makes La Lola’s churros different from its counterparts is the fact that they are deep-fried in 100% olive oil, made to order, and are allowed to sit on a tray for two to three minutes so they remain hot, crisp, and fresh when served. ‘La Lola has always been about more than just churros; it’s about fun, indulgence, and creating joyful little moments, especially now that it’s friendlier and more shareable,’ said The Bistro Group which now proudly carries La Lola as part of its portfolio of restaurant concepts. ‘We’re excited to bring this comeback to life and reintroduce a brand that so many Filipinos have loved and missed.’

One bite of the most craved and crunchy Churros is comforting, nostalgic, and festive even, proving that with La Lola’s return, it will bring back the sense of indulgence and fun, only this time, it’s sweeter and more impossible to resist.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged local government units (LGUs) to implement evacuations for residents who might be affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) ahead of the cyclone’s landfall.

Tino is forecast to move westward and make landfall over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte or Dinagat Islands on either Monday night or Tuesday early morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

‘The DILG urges all LGUs, especially those in vulnerable areas, to ensure that minimum critical preparedness actions are already in place, including the evacuation of residents not later than today,’ the department said in a statement.

‘Likewise, local disaster risk reduction and management councils must be convened to conduct pre-disaster risk assessment meetings, closely monitor river water levels, and enforce the no-sailing policy, prohibiting sea travel and small-scale fishing when gale warnings are issued,’ it added.

Tino was last spotted 235 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 1 p.m. on Nov. 3, Pagasa noted.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 120 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 150 kph while moving westward at 25 kph.

A police investigator was gunned down near a fast-food restaurant along Emilio Vergara Highway in Barangay Sta. Arcadia here at around 9 p.m. on Sunday, All Souls’ Day.

The victim was identified as Police Corporal Joseph Toribio, a member of the Cabanatuan City Police Station’s Drug Enforcement Unit and a resident of Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

Police said the assailant remains unidentified.

Police mobile patrollers immediately responded to the scene and found the bloodied and lifeless body of the victim lying face down, the report said Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and gathering statements from possible witnesses to identify the gunman, police added

The local government of Iligan City has suspended classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, on Monday as Typhoon Tino maintained its strength as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea.

Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao on Monday signed Executive Order No. 151 series of 2025 declaring the suspension of classes due to incoming tropical cyclone Tino that might hit some areas of Eastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas.

Siao also ordered the different departments and other national line agencies to remain alert as he expressed concern over the security and safety of the public, including students and teachers.

Also directed to remain on standby to prepare for eventualities are the Iligan City Risk Reduction Management Office, the City Welfare and Development Office, the City Health Office, the City Engineer’s Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

In Lanao del Sur, Shamenoden Sambitory, chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), said the PDRRMO Council convened on Monday to prepare the province against the incoming tropical cyclone that could affect Mindanao.

The province’s ‘Operation Tabang’ team had just arrived the previous week from Manay, Tarragona, and Caraga of Davao Oriental, where they distributed relief and humanitarian assistance to the victims of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake and its 6.9 magnitude doublet

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas reported that 1,639 families, or 6,284 individuals, are now taking shelter in various evacuation centers across the region as Typhoon Tino continues to threaten parts of the region.

Based on the PNP-8’s situation report released Monday afternoon (as of 12:51 p.m.), the majority of evacuees are from the province of Biliran, where 1,448 families, composed of 5,289 individuals, have sought temporary refuge. These evacuees come from the towns of Maripipi, Cabucgayan, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, and the provincial capital, Naval.

In Southern Leyte, particularly in Padre Burgos town, 103 families or 347 individuals are staying in evacuation centers, while in Eastern Samar, 88 families composed of 648 persons from the town of Guiuan have likewise been evacuated.

According to the PNP-8, a total of 2,757 evacuation centers have been prepared across Eastern Visayas in anticipation of the typhoon’s impact.

As of Monday afternoon, 14 of these facilities are currently occupied – eight in Biliran, three in Southern Leyte, and three in Eastern Samar.

Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said that 1,867 police personnel have been deployed as part of the PNP’s reactionary standby support force. These personnel are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to assist in evacuation, search and rescue, and relief operations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) has prepositioned 18,473 ready-to-eat food packs, 139,631 family food packs, and 20,664 non-food items such as family kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits.

These supplies are ready for distribution to families affected by Tino, which comes just days before the 12th anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan), the 2013 disaster that devastated Tacloban and other parts of the region

San Miguel Beer overcame another stern test that extended its turnaround from a 0-2 start in the PBA Philippine Cup by defeating the upstart Converge squad on Sunday in this city.

Despite sickness and ailments that hounded the Beermen following their trip to Dubai, San Miguel carved out a 96-90 victory over the game FiberXers at Ynares Center for a third straight win to be in the upper half of the standings.

‘We respect Converge a lot because they’re a powerhouse team and everyone needed to step up,’ said coach Leo Austria, who after spending most of the Middle East sojourn with a bum stomach, dealt with hoarseness in his voice.

June Mar Fajardo had his usual stellar numbers for San Miguel with 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. But he was somewhat playing a complementary role for the Beermen.

Juami Tiongson dropped all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter that allowed San Miguel to create a huge cushion over Converge, while the second unit came in and made most of their playing time, regardless if it was sparse or heavy minutes.

Kris Rosales picked up where he left off from his role in Dubai with six points and three assists, while Rodney Brondial, Jeron Teng, JM Calma and rookie guard Chris Miller also provided the spark the Beermen needed in taking down the FiberXers.

San Miguel’s defense also limited super rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño to a conference-low eight points on 2-of-10 shooting with four rebounds and six assists, before Converge opted to sit him out in the final minutes of the fourth.

‘That was what I was expecting from them because the bench really contributed a lot in the previous game,’ said Austria.

The Beermen tied the FiberXers for fifth with the win after hurdling the middle part of a crucial three-game stretch against contenders.

Up next for San Miguel is Magnolia on Friday at the other Ynares Center in Rodriguez, the result of which could solidify its status of completely shaking off the cobwebs of a slow start in its title defense.

CJ Perez added 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals for San Miguel.

Fajardo came through yet again after being cleared to play despite an injured toe, while Jericho Cruz played 15 minutes and had six points and two rebounds after being given the go-signal to play at the last minute due to a hamstring injury and being under the weather.

Schonny Winston scored 20 points, Justin Arana had 19 points and 10 rebounds even as Justine Baltazar posted 14 points, 19 rebounds and five steals for the FiberXers in the defeat