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Delta Police foil kidnap plot, arrest two, recover guns, ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested two suspects in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other exhibits.

The command said one of the suspects was allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap a pastor and a retired school principal in the Ughelli area of the state.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Benjamin Haruna, during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4.

He said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

Edafe said a search of a bag in the suspects’ possession led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrelled guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a military camouflage polo.

The spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were conveying the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.

He added that Haruna remained in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He added that in a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane.

Edafe asserted that Kwane attempted to recruit another person into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, noting that a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrelled gun and two live cartridges.

He said the suspect was undergoing further investigation.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance security across Delta State.

Edi festival: How Ile-Ife keeps the spirit of Moremi alive

IN the ancient city of Ile-Ife, regarded by the Yoruba as the cradle of their civilisation, history, spirituality and communal memory converge annually in the celebration of the Edi Festival, a ritual observance dedicated to the legendary heroine, Moremi Ajasoro.

Far more than a cultural spectacle, the festival is a profound spiritual exercise through which the people of Ile-Ife reaffirm their connection with their ancestors, seek divine blessings and commemorate the courage of a woman whose sacrifice is credited with saving the community from a devastating enemy.

Traditional custodians in Ile-Ife believe that Moremi’s spirit remains active in the invisible realm. Consequently, the Edi Festival serves as a bridge linking three dimensions of existence – the world of the living, the world of the departed ancestors and the world of the unborn. Through prayers, rituals and symbolic performances, the community seeks to maintain harmony among these realms.

The festival’s significance lies largely in its ritual content rather than entertainment. It is a period during which the people express gratitude for protection received during the previous year and petition for continued blessings, including good health, prosperity, abundant harvests, fertility and longevity. Throughout the celebrations, traditional chiefs and custodians of sacred shrines interpret spiritual messages believed to emanate from Moremi and the ancestral world.

The observance begins with Ferekete, a vigil that marks the formal commencement of the festival. During this stage, Chief Obalayan proceeds to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, setting in motion a sequence of sacred events that have been preserved across generations.

The next stage, Ofanran, also known as Idana-Olori, is devoted to prayer. On this day, the Igare chiefs, representing the Igbo in the festival’s historical narrative, dance ceremonially to the rhythm of the abebe, a traditional fan fashioned from elephant skin, as they make their way to the Ooni’s palace.

A major highlight follows when the Ooni emerges in simple ceremonial attire and leads a procession carrying a smouldering piece of firewood. Together with assembled chiefs, he invokes protection for the community through chants symbolically aimed at destroying death, disease and evil influences.

The festival continues with Omolarere, a quieter observance conducted mainly by the Ilari-Emese, the junior palace messengers. Although less elaborate than other stages, it forms an important preparatory link within the larger ritual sequence.

One of the most dramatic moments comes during Inasan, also known as Ina-Osan. This ceremony recreates the legendary defeat of the invading Igbo warriors through whom the people of Ife once suffered. Palace warriors known as Ogungbes emerge carrying blazing torches made from highly combustible palm materials. The fiery procession symbolises the strategy through which the enemies were eventually overcome and driven away.

The ritual is accompanied by strict taboos. Descendants of the legendary invaders, represented by the Oluyare, are forbidden from witnessing the torches. Only after the flames have been removed can they emerge to perform their own ceremonial obligations before the Ooni and his chiefs.

The Oluyare are distinguished by elaborate knitted raffia costumes known as iko, which tradition associates with the frightening appearance of the warriors described in the Moremi legend. While wearing the costume, participants remain silent, communicating only through gestures, thereby preserving the sacred character of the ritual.

The festival reaches its climax with Igbarubi-Edi, the final and most significant day of celebration. This concluding phase features the most important rites and centres on Chief Tele, the custodian entrusted with carrying the spiritual burden associated with the community’s collective purification.

For the people of Ile-Ife, the Edi Festival remains a living testimony to the enduring legacy of Moremi Ajasoro. Through its rich symbolism, sacred performances and communal participation, the festival continues to preserve Yoruba history while reinforcing the spiritual values that have shaped the ancient kingdom for centuries.

In an era of rapid modernisation, Edi stands as a reminder that cultural heritage is not merely remembered through stories but sustained through rituals, ceremonies and the collective commitment of a people determined to keep their history alive.

Owojori is Principal Assistant Museums Education Officer 1, Education Department, National Museum, Ile Ife.

Marcos follows up on tax relief, restructuring bill

President Marcos wants Congress to act on a measure that seeks to recalibrate personal income taxes and provide relief to microenterprises, which he highlighted in his State of the Nation Address (Sona).

‘The president wants the Progress bill to be passed this year, if possible,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday, referring to the proposed ‘Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity toward Socio-economic Sustainability’ (Progress) bill.

In his July 27 Sona, Marcos drew applause when he pushed for the passage of the tax reform measure to ease the financial burden on middle-class workers as well as micro and small enterprises.

The Department of Finance (DOF) is proposing to expand the so-called sin and wealth taxes, while revisiting its earlier plans to tax plastic products and update the motor vehicle road user tax (MVRUT), in a bid to offset the estimated loss of P326.92 billion from the expansion of personal income tax exemptions and exemption of small businesses from the minimum corporate income tax.

The President’s proposed measure is expected to generate P518.71 billion in revenues between 2027 and 2030 to achieve a net fiscal gain of nearly P192 billion.

Exemptions, reduced base

As outlined by the President in his penultimate Sona, the DOF is proposing to raise the minimum annual income tax subject to tax to P350,000 from the current P250,000.

The second and third brackets would also see adjustments, with individuals earning between P350,000 and P450,000 paying 15 percent of the excess over P350,000.

Those earning between P450,000 and P800,000 would also face a reduced fixed base tax of P15,000 plus 20 percent of the excess over P450,000.

Should Congress approve the rationalized tax brackets, income earners above the P350,000 threshold can expect a fixed annual tax saving of P17,500. Meanwhile, earners under the P250,000 to P350,000 bracket can save as much as P15,000 a year.

According to the DOF, raising the annual personal income tax exemption threshold would slash government revenues by P300.33 billion from 2027 and 2030.

Other tax adjustments

On the other hand, exempting micro and small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax would trim another P26.6 billion in revenues.

The DOF and the Department of Health seek to raise the excise on sweetened beverages to P20 per liter for sugar-sweetened drinks, and P40 per liter for beverages made with high-fructose corn syrup.

The government is also proposing a unified P72.90 excise on e-cigarettes beginning next year, with 5-percent indexation starting 2028.

Vape devices would face a new P150-per-unit excise, while novel tobacco products, such as oral nicotine pouches, would be taxed P72.90 per 2 grams or 2 milliliters.

Excise on distilled spirits would also be increased, with annual indexation of 6 percent beginning in 2031.

The proposal would also remove tax exemptions for soy milk and 100-percent natural fruit and vegetable juices, while extending the levy to products such as ice cream and yogurt.

The DOF also revived its proposal to tax plastic products, including ‘sando’ bags, ‘labo’ bags and sachets, at P150 per kilogram, with annual indexation of 5 percent.

To address unequal taxation, the DOF is pushing for a higher tier for excise on automobiles, which will now include a 75-percent tax rate for vehicles worth more than P8 million and include private jets among nonessential goods subject to excise.

The MVRUT will also be adjusted based on cumulative inflation to fund road maintenance, as rates have not been updated for over two decades.

ýýOndo launches SUBEB website, digital attendance portal to deepen basic education reforms

ýThe Ondo State government, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has launched the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Website and the Ondo SUBEB EduSuite Digital Attendance Monitoring Portal.

ýSpeaking at the official launch of the ODSUBEB website, held at the Royal Birds Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, said the initiative reflects the Ondo State Government’s unwavering commitment to building a transparent, accountable, technology-driven, and data-informed education system capable of delivering quality basic education and improved learning outcomes for every child in the state.

ýProfessor Ajibefun noted that the digital platforms align with the vision of Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa under the OUR EASE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on Revolutionary Technological Advancement and Education, Human Capital Development and Entrepreneurship.

ýHe added that the initiative also supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital innovation, public sector reforms, transparency and human capital development.

ýAccording to the Commissioner, the newly launched SUBEB website would serve as the Board’s official online platform, providing easy access to information on policies, programmes, educational resources, publications, procurement opportunities, and other activities of the board.

ýProfessor Ajibefun explained that the platform would strengthen transparency, improve stakeholder engagement, and enhance institutional visibility.

ýHe further described the Ondo SUBEB EduSuite Digital Attendance Monitoring Portal as an innovative solution designed to digitally monitor the attendance of teachers and learners across public primary schools in the state.

ýThe portal, he said, would generate reliable real-time data to support effective supervision, educational planning, evidence-based decision-making, and improved service delivery.

ý’The EduSuite Digital Attendance Monitoring Portal is not intended as a punitive tool for teachers. Rather, it is designed to strengthen school management, reinforce professional responsibility, improve supervision and protect valuable instructional time so that every child receives the quality education they deserve,’ the Commissioner stated.

ýHe emphasised that technology should be viewed as an instrument for improving governance and learning outcomes, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend largely on the commitment of school heads, teachers, Education Secretaries, Education Officers and other stakeholders responsible for implementing the platforms.

ýThe Commissioner commended the management of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board for its visionary leadership in embracing digital transformation.

ýHe expressed the appreciation of the Ondo State Government to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its sustained partnership and support through intervention programmes, policy guidance, capacity building and innovation initiatives aimed at strengthening basic education in the state.

ýHe urged school administrators, teachers and all users of the platforms to embrace the innovations and maximise their benefits in building a more efficient, transparent and data-driven basic education system.

ýIn her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, described the launch of the website as a significant milestone in the state’s digital transformation agenda.

ýPrincess Bayo-Ilawole noted that effective education management depends on timely access to information, efficient communication, and reliable data, adding that the initiative would enhance transparency, strengthen administrative efficiency, and improve service delivery across the basic education sector.

ýShe explained that the SUBEB website would serve as the Board’s official communication platform, providing stakeholders with easy access to policies, programmes, publications, procurement notices, educational resources and other official information.

ýThe Permanent Secretary said the Ondo SUBEB EduSuite Digital School Management Portal would provide a robust digital framework for monitoring teachers’ and learners’ attendance while creating a reliable database to support educational planning, supervision, policy implementation, and evidence-based decision-making.

ýAccording to her, the platform would improve accountability, institutional memory, data integrity and administrative efficiency across the basic education sector.

ýPrincess Bayo-Ilawole disclosed that, within the next few weeks, the Board would commence the training of teachers and distribute tablet devices to educators in sixty public primary schools across the state as part of its commitment to promoting the integration of technology into basic education.

ýShe explained that the initiative would mark the first phase of the programme, noting that the Board had adopted a phased implementation strategy to ensure its successful execution.

ýThe Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that subsequent phases would extend the distribution to more public primary schools across the state, with the ultimate goal of expanding access to digital learning tools and ensuring that a greater number of pupils and teachers benefit from the initiative.

ýPrincess Bayo-Ilawole expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to transforming education in Ondo State, particularly for approving and releasing the state counterpart funds that made the implementation of the project possible.

ýThe Permanent Secretary equally acknowledged the sustained support of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), describing the Commission as a dependable partner in advancing quality, equitable and technology-driven basic education through its intervention programmes, technical guidance and collaboration with the state government.

ýShe urged head teachers, education secretaries, and other education managers across the state to fully embrace the new platforms, expressing confidence that the innovations would significantly improve school management, transparency, accountability and the overall quality of educational governance in Ondo State.

ýDelivering a goodwill message on behalf of the State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr. Aremo Ayodeji described the occasion as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s continued efforts to strengthen and transform the basic education sector through the adoption of digital innovations, improved systems, and enhanced institutional capacity.

ýAccording to him, the event underscores UBEC’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of basic education delivery and ensure that education management systems are more responsive to the needs of learners, teachers, and other stakeholders.

ýMr Ayodeji emphasised that the integration of technology into the administration of basic education is essential for achieving greater efficiency in service delivery, improving data management, enhancing planning processes, and ensuring accountability within the education system.

ý’UBEC deeply appreciates the continued support of the Ondo State Government in prioritising education as a catalyst for sustainable development. This partnership has continued to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of programmes and policies designed to improve access to quality basic education across the state,’ he said.

ýHe reaffirmed the Commission’s continued support and working closely with state governments and relevant stakeholders to advance the objectives of the Universal Basic Education Programme, leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to deliver inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every Nigerian child.

ýGoodwill messages were delivered by the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Ayodele Samuel-Leke, the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Health Officers of Nigeria (AUPSHON), Comrade Olakunle Akintoroye, and the representative of the education secretaries in the state, Barrister Oyebanji Bada.

ýIn their separate remarks, they commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would enhance the administration of basic education and promote the effective integration of technology into the teaching and learning process.

ýThe speakers lauded the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) for its commitment to educational development and expressed confidence that the initiative would improve efficiency in school management, strengthen teachers’ capacity, and ultimately enhance learning outcomes for pupils across the state.

ýThe event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Akindele Ige; education secretaries from the 18 Local Government Education Authorities LGEAs); headteachers; officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT); the Association of Primary School Health Officers of Nigeria (AUPSHON); development partners; ICT professionals; and other key stakeholders in the education sector.

ýThe newly launched ODSUBEB website is expected to serve as a central digital platform for effective communication, transparency, and access to information. It will provide teachers, parents, pupils, education administrators, policymakers, development partners, and the general public with timely updates on policies, programmes, school activities, educational resources, and other Board initiatives, thereby strengthening the administration and development of basic education across Ondo State.

Tinubu reacts as Troops rescue 308 abductees in historic security operation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

The President also directed security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, improve community intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks across the country.

The rescued victims comprised 163 residents abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others kidnapped in Niger State.

They were freed during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out in the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Presidency, in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the operation represents the largest single-day rescue mission ever conducted by the joint security team.

Commending the security agencies, Tinubu praised their courage, professionalism and seamless collaboration, saying the success of the mission reflected the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture.

‘The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,’ the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the Wawa Cantonment Medical Facility before being handed over to the governments of their respective states for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.

While celebrating the successful rescue, Tinubu stressed the need to prevent similar incidents, directing security agencies and relevant stakeholders to reinforce intelligence-sharing, strengthen community-based surveillance and improve emergency response systems nationwide.

He reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to eliminating security threats, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring lasting peace across the country.

Abuja Earth Tremor: FG directs hourly updates, assures residents of safety

The Federal Government has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to remain calm and go about their daily routines following a mild earth tremor that shook parts of Abuja on Tuesday.

To closely track the situation, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to issue hourly updates on seismic developments across the FCT for continuous review and potential inter-agency coordination.

The minister’s directive followed an alert by the NGSA reporting that tremors shook several structures in the capital city at exactly 11:23:27 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4.

According to data captured by the NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, the event originated at a depth of 1 kilometer and traveled across a four-kilometer radius within five seconds.

Speaking from Washington D.C., United States-where he is currently holding investment talks with American joint-venture partners- Alake reassured the public that comprehensive safety protocols are in place. He urged citizens to stay composed while experts monitor the earth movements.

‘Residents of the Federal Capital should go about their normal routines without anxiety. Proactive measures have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and properties,’ Minister Alake stated, through a press statement issued on Wednesday night by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise.

Downplaying fears of structural damage or casualties, the NGSA classified the tremor as a minor geological event, assessing it at a magnitude of I to II on the Mercalli scale.

‘This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,’ the agency clarified in its assessment report.

The ministry affirmed that the NGSA will maintain round-the-clock surveillance over the area, with further safety updates to be released if necessary.

WALANG PASOK: Baguio, other towns suspend classes again due to rains

Baguio City and several towns in Benguet province suspended face-to-face classes on Wednesday as local officials braced for heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area.

The suspensions, announced in the afternoon of Aug. 5, covered public and private schools in areas at risk of flooding, soil erosion and landslides amid persistent inclement weather.

In Baguio, in-person classes from preschool to Grade 12 were suspended in all public and private schools.

In Benguet, the municipalities of Tuba, Tublay, Kapangan and Kibungan suspended classes from preschool and day care to senior high school. The towns of La Trinidad, Sablan and Atok ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools.

La Trinidad, the capital town, cited reports of ongoing soil erosion and landslides along critical access routes near school properties in Executive Order No. 114.

Local governments said the measures were intended to protect students, teachers and school personnel from weather-related hazards.

School administrators were authorized to shift to alternative classes, including modular distance learning where it would be feasible, to minimize school period disruptions.

Disaster response offices across Benguet remained on alert and continued to monitor areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides, while residents were urged to exercise caution

Ministry, DTI To Build Industry- Ready Workforce

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) to train young Ghanaians with skills that match what industry actually needs.

The Minister, George Opare Addo, and DTI President, Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, signed the agreement yesterday in Accra.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between what young people learn and what employers demand, by expanding practical training, internships, entrepreneurship support, and workplace readiness programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Opare Addo said Ghana’s youthful population is the country’s biggest asset, and investing in their skills is key to industrialisation.

‘Too many young people face limited job opportunities, skills mismatch, poor access to information, weak start-up support, and other challenges,’ he said. ‘This collaboration brings government together with an institution that has proven expertise in skills and innovation to fix that.’

What the deal covers

Under the MoU, the Ministry will provide policy direction and coordinate through national youth platforms while DTI will lead on competency-based training, curriculum design, workforce development, and industry partnerships.

The focus areas include technical and vocational education, structured internships, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

A major part of the programme is the rollout of DTI’s Precision Quality framework. It trains students not just in technical skills, but in professionalism, productivity, discipline, quality, and safety – the soft skills employers keep asking for.

The partnership will also build training in communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, customer service, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. For those who want to start businesses, there will be mentorship, coaching, and business incubation to help more youth become job creators, not just job seekers.

Mr. Opare Addo said the initiative will complement existing youth programmes rather than repeat them.

To sustain it, both the Ministry and DTI will mobilise support from government, development partners, the private sector, and international organisations.

‘I’m confident this will translate into real programmes and measurable results,’ the Minister added. ‘We need a skilled, innovative and resilient workforce to drive Ghana’s long-term transformation.’

The three-year collaboration takes effect immediately, with pilot programmes expected to roll out through DTI and partner institutions nationwide.

Lawyer clarifies divorce in PH after Barbie Forteza’s Las Vegas wedding joke

Lawyer Joji Alonso took to social media to explain how Philippine law treats foreign divorces after actress Barbie Forteza jokingly said she wanted to get married in Las Vegas “para may divorce.”

Barbie made the remark during the grand mediacon of Regal Entertainment’s upcoming film “Saving Cherry,” where she was asked about her dream wedding.

“Dream wedding ko? I wanna get married in Vegas. In Vera Wang. Para may divorce,” the actress quipped, drawing laughter from members of the media.

Following the interview, Alonso shared a post on social media clarifying that obtaining a divorce abroad would not automatically dissolve the marriage under Philippine law if both spouses remain Filipino citizens.

“Sadly @barbaraforteza, IF you marry (even in Vegas) a fellow Filipino citizen who remains Filipino all throughout your marriage, any divorce you obtain won’t be recognized under Philippine law,” Alonso wrote on Instagram.

She explained that this is because the Philippines follows the “nationality principle,” meaning Filipino citizens remain subject to Philippine family laws regardless of where they marry or obtain a divorce.

“Your marriage continues to subsist due to what is known as the ‘nationality’ principle. Your nationality follows you wherever you are. And since divorce is not recognized under Philippine law, you remain married to him.”

Alonso noted, however, that there is an important exception recognized under Philippine law.

According to the lawyer, a divorce obtained by a foreign spouse may be recognized by Philippine courts under certain circumstances.

“It would be different IF you married a foreign national and your husband divorced you. That divorce may be recognized under Philippine law since it would be sheer absurdity for you to continue being married to a foreigner who is no longer married to you.”

Under Article 26 of the Family Code, as amended through jurisprudence, a Filipino spouse may seek judicial recognition of a valid foreign divorce obtained by a foreign spouse, allowing the Filipino to remarry under Philippine law.

While Barbie’s comment was made in jest, Alonso’s post sparked discussion online about the country’s divorce laws, with the Philippines remaining one of the few countries in the world where divorce is generally unavailable to Filipino citizens, except for Muslims covered by the Code of Muslim Personal Laws and in cases involving recognized foreign divorces.

The exchange comes as divorce continues to be a topic of public debate in the Philippines, where lawmakers have repeatedly filed bills seeking to legalize absolute divorce.

Mayon Volcano’s status lowered to Alert Level 2

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lowered the status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.

The volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 last January 6 due to its increasing seismic activities.

In a bulletin on Wednesday, the Phivolcs said that Mayon’s alert status was lowered due to a ‘general decline in unrest since 23 July 2026’ as indicated by the following parameters: decline of eruptive activity at the volcano’s summit crater; diminishing volcanic earthquakes daily; and decreasing emission of sulfur dioxide.

‘In view thereof, DOST-PHIVOLCS is lowering the Alert Level of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest/increased tendency towards hazardous eruption) to Alert Level 2 (moderate level of unrest),’ Phivolcs said.

Eruptive activity decline

It noted that the eruptive activity at the volcano’s summit crater declined based on the decreasing number of Strombolian events, lava effusion, lava collapse-fed rockfall, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) after its peak between July 11 and 18, 2026.

It also said that lava-collapse-fed rockfall decreased from an average of 278 events per day since January 6 to just 12 events per day from July 23 ‘as lava flows began stabilizing in place and shedding less and less material onto the volcano slopes.’

It recorded approximately 89 million cubic meters of erupted lava volume, including rockfall and PDCs.

In addition, Phivolcs also cited the decreasing volcanic earthquakes from a monthly average of 57 events per day since January 6 to 13 events daily since July 23.

It also reported the return of real-time seismic energy releases from the volcano to its pre-eruption levels.

It then pointed out that the sulfur dioxide emission from the onset of eruption last January averaged 2,163 tonnes per day, and has averaged 2,163 tonnes per day since July 23, or after the cessation of magma supply.

Phivolcs also reported that the overall ground deformation and microgravity parameters ‘suggest that while the edifice has been depressurized due to shallow magmatic eruption processes, the Mayon edifice remains generally pressurized with respect to background conditions.’

Danger still lurks

However, despite the status adjustment, Phivolcs advised that ‘it should not be interpreted to mean that the volcano’s unrest has ceased, considering that the edifice is still pressurized and SO2 emission remains high relative to baseline levels.’

With this, it still prohibits entry into a six-kilometer radius or permanent danger zone and flying of aircraft close to the volcano’s summit.

It then warned of possible hazards such as short-range PDCs, rockfall, ballistic projectiles, and landslides. It also said that thin ashfall and post-eruption lahars due to heavy rains can be experienced.