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A total of 6,163 police personnel were deployed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to respond to the onslaught of Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen).

In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the PNP deployed 427 of its officers in Central Luzon; 413 in Western Visayas; 195 in Calabarzon; 74 in Cagayan Valley; 41 in Eastern Visayas; and six in Mimaropa in response to the tropical cyclone.

He added that the PNP’s Reserve Standby Support Force also deployed 5,007 personnel to assist with the recovery efforts across the six regions as well as Ilocos Region.

According to Tuaño, 58 uniformed and five non-uniformed PNP personnel in Western Visayas were affected by the storm.

Meanwhile, 10 search and rescue operations were conducted and 105 occupied evacuation centers were monitored by police during the onslaught of the tropical cyclone.

In a statement earlier on Monday, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. activated the police force’s disaster response teams in the wake of Ramil.

The tropical storm left the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday morning.

Ramil left seven people dead, according to the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Two individuals supposedly hired by a foreign national were arrested for an alleged phishing scam, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Monday.

The phishing scam involved the suspects sending out text messages pretending to be banks or telecommunications companies, asking receivers to click a suspicious link to ‘claim a reward,’ according to PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang in a press briefing.

The suspects were arrested in simultaneous operations in Mandaluyong and Makati City last Thursday, stemming from intelligence from the Philippine Navy and a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data, Yang noted.

‘They go around Mandaluyong and Makati City to get the different numbers in that particular area. Sometimes, they go near malls, wherever they can get many numbers that they can process and send text messages to also,’ Yang explained in Filipino.

‘The main suspect we are looking into is a foreign national who is hiring Filipinos to drive these devices all over the different cities here in Manila,’ he added, without expounding on the foreigner’s profile.

In a statement later on Monday, the PNP ACG identified the arrested suspects as ‘Ayong,’ 24, and ‘Ramil,’ 39. It did not specify which suspect was arrested in which city.

A total of four international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers – bearing ‘non-English’ markings – were confiscated from the suspects, the PNP ACG added.

Yang explained that Ayong and Ramil did not know each other but were both part of the same group hired by the ‘main suspect.’

The ACG director further said they filed a case against the suspects last Thursday for violating Republic Act No. 3846 or the Radio Control Law, RA No. 8484 or the Access Devices Act, and RA No. 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Act in relation to RA No. 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Act.

Although he did not name the businesses that the suspects pretended to be, Yang added that the telecommunications companies and banks involved will file a case against the arrested individuals.

Tindig Pilipinas, a coalition of pro-democracy groups and civil society organizations, has urged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to conduct a thorough investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds in her office and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure.

Tindig Pilipinas spokesperson Kiko Aquino Dee, along with members of the coalition, submitted a letter to the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday.

‘The Vice President must also fully explain how the confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education were used – just as we demand accountability from those involved in the ghost flood control projects that plundered the nation’s coffers,’ the group said in a statement distributed to the media.

With these, the group claimed that Duterte committed betrayal of public trust, malversation, as well as graft and corruption.

The coalition also cited Duterte’s supposed ‘admission’ of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Tindig Pilipinas claimed that Duterte committed culpable violations of the Constitution and/or committed high crimes in contracting an assassin and plotting to assassinate the President and his relatives.

‘Such reckless words from the country’s second-highest official echo the violence and impunity that have stained our nation’s past,’ the group said.

‘The threat she made is not far removed from the bloody legacy of her father’s so-called war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives from the poorest sectors of our society,’ it added.

On July 25, the Supreme Court (SC) unanimously ruled that the impeachment complaint against Duterte is unconstitutional for ‘lack of merit,’ effectively halting the Senate’s scheduled trial.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the high court ruled that the impeachment complaint against the Vice President ‘is barred by the one-year rule and that due process or fairness applies during all stages of the impeachment.’

‘Therefore, the Senate could not acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings,’ Ting, at that time, said.

Over a week later, the House of Representatives filed a motion for reconsideration (MR), which seeks to overturn the SC decision, which is still pending.

On the other hand, Duterte has asked the SC to reject the MR. In a 27-page comment, the vice president argued that the SC’s ruling on the impeachment complaint required no factual corrections, contrary to the claims made in the MR.

On February 5 this year, Duterte was impeached after 215 members of the lower chamber from the 19th Congress filed and signed a fourth complaint.

The complaint was based on allegations of misuse of confidential funds in her offices, threats against ranking officials, and other possible violations of the Constitution.

The articles of impeachment were immediately transmitted to the Senate on the same day, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that a trial must begin promptly if at least one-third of all House members-or 102 out of 306-endorse the complaint.

From dance challenges to the studio, we’re finally getting our Le Sserafim and J-Hope collab-Fearnots and Armys, it’s a good time to be alive.

Hybe Labels recently unveiled a teaser for ‘Spaghetti’ from Le Sserafim’s upcoming 1st Single Album.

The teaser begins with a man standing before a light, his silhouette highlighted as the camera slowly moves closer. Clad in black leather pants and jacket, his hair slicked back, and wearing sunglasses, J-Hope was revealed through what can be interpreted as moving pictures. The lights continued to flicker throughout until it ended with J-Hope’s unmistakable voice fusing with Chaewon’s as they sang the words ‘eat it up’ before the video ended.

Now that’s a teaser.

Aside from sharing a building, the connection between the two artists began in March 2024, when Le Sserafim member Heo Yunjin was featured on J-Hope’s ‘I Don’t Know’ from ‘Hope On The Street Vol.1.’

Prior to this collaboration, most of their interactions could be seen through TikTok dance challenges, making this their first official musical collaboration and an especially anticipated one among fans.

This release also comes at an exciting time for both artists. J-Hope has been riding an intense solo wave this year with ‘Sweet Dreams,’ which was released in March, and ‘Killin’ It Girl’ this past June. Meanwhile, Le Sserafim released the viral ‘Hot’ in March and is now gearing up for their next hit with ‘Spaghetti.’

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday condemned the shooting of radio broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Guinobatan, Albay, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Samar, 54, who is affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ in Legazpi City, was shot at around 9 a.m. along Maharlika Highway in Morera village.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and is undergoing critical medical treatment at a local hospital.

The Philippine National Police launched a nationwide manhunt for the assailant and has activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG ‘Samar’) to lead the probe and gather evidence.

‘More than just hunting down the gunman or gunmen, it is crucial that we uncover the motive behind this heinous attack and bring the masterminds to justice,’ Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., PTFoMS executive director said in a statement.

‘This act of violence is not only an attack on Mr. Samar but also an assault on press freedom in the country. We must send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated,’ he added.

Torres said PTFoMS has deployed a team on the ground and is closely monitoring the investigation to ensure it is ‘thorough, impartial, and swift.’

The country’s most awaited band competition is back! Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 is once again giving local musicians the stage to showcase their talent, prove their skills, and stake their claim as the next great Filipino band.

For over two decades, Pambansang Muziklaban has been a launchpad for aspiring artists, providing a platform for original Filipino music, and helping shape some of the most recognized names in the industry including Mayonnaise, who was crowned Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion in 2004. This year, the search continues as new groups bring their unique sound and energy to the spotlight. Recruitment is now officially open through online registration at

Participants will not only gain exposure and experience but also the chance to play in front of passionate crowds and alongside established artists who once stood where they are now, fueled by the same dream, driven by the same fire. Red Horse Beer, the No.1 Extra Strong Beer in the World, through Pambansang Muziklaban, celebrates the spirit of winners: bold and unstoppable. Every performance is a test of courage and talent, and only the most driven will rise to the top.

The competition will unfold across several stages, from online screening to live eliminations, and semi-finals, and culminating in the Grand Finals, where the best of the best will battle it out for the ultimate title of Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 Champion. Winners will take home prizes, performance opportunities, and a place in Pambansang Muziklaban’s legendary roster of champions.

For more details, updates, and announcements, check out the official Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Facebook page www.facebook.com/redhorsebeermuziklaban.

The stage is waiting. Will your band be the next Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 champion?

San Miguel Beer certainly felt a sense of relief that it finally got a first win in the PBA Philippine Cup, pulling it out against a side that was certainly capable of extending the Beermen’s woeful start to their title defense.

Entering the game, the losers of their first two games, the Beermen’s 111-93 rout of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday also came in handy for coach Leo Austria, not in the sense of not putting to waste the long road trip to Ynares Center in Rodriguez, Rizal, but also the team’s next destination.

‘It (would have been) a disaster going to Dubai if we went 0-3,’ Austria said as San Miguel now puts its focus on the big battle with Barangay Ginebra the following Sunday in the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city, where a significant number of Filipinos are based.

CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter headlined the win that atoned for San Miguel’s losses to NLEx and Phoenix, while getting some momentum against a Ginebra team that has also gone 1-2 thus far in the season-opening conference.

Perez had 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Lassiter shrugged off being elbowed in the nose inadvertently by Rain or Shine’s Santi Santillan midway in the second quarter to knock down all of his 18 points in the second half.

Austria could only laud his team for what he has emphasized almost after each loss-the players showing their pride-being the defending champions.

‘With this win, I think it will give us a lot of confidence and we have something in our pockets going to Dubai,’ said Austria. ‘But if we (had) lost, it would be hard to motivate the players.’

June Mar Fajardo and Juami Tiongson plus Jericho Cruz also came through for San Miguel, which will now spend the next five days preparing for the Ginebra showdown before leaving on Friday.

‘We have to prepare hard because Ginebra lost their last game,’ Austria said. ‘We have to play harder in order for us to win the game against Ginebra,’ said Austria.

Ginebra blew out TNT, 92-77, before losing to Meralco, 89-75, after squandering a 16-point third quarter lead.

Meralco and Magnolia were playing at press time, with the Bolts out to win their third in a row after going 0-2 and deal the Hotshots their first loss after a 2-0 start.

The Bolts are also set to board a flight on Monday, albeit in Japan for the start of their East Asia Super League campaign against the B.League’s Ryukyu Golden Kings at midweek. INQ

‘I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.’ A phrase embodied by much wisdom and truth. Many thanks to Manuel L. Quezon III for the excellent article (see ‘That most famous phrase,’ 10/15/25), which often made me smile while reading it.

Couldn’t this sentence still be applied today to citizens of Canada or Greenland? According to United States President Donald Trump, both are set to become the 51st and 52nd states of the US, respectively.

Unfortunately, there’s just one problem: according to current polls, an overwhelming majority of citizens of these countries want to remain independent and under no circumstances join the US as a federal state. Trump’s dream is over. The only option would be the violent military occupation of Canada and Greenland and their annexation to the US.

I no longer see myself as French or German, but primarily as a European, and I value our cultural diversity. There’s no need to be afraid of foreigners if you know them. Freedom of speech is slowly being restricted in the US. You can see it in the struggle of elite universities like Harvard and Princeton; they don’t want to be dictated by the government as to what they should and shouldn’t teach. Every opinion is legal.

The feminist Rosa Luxemburg once said in 1917, during World War I: ‘Freedom is always the freedom of those who think differently.’ What arguments can be offered against this? A German folk song that was banned under Hitler went like this: ‘Thoughts are free! Who can guess them? I think what I want and as is fitting. And if they lock me up in a dark dungeon, all that is purely futile. For my thoughts tear the barriers and walls apart.’

Thoughts are free! You can’t ban an idea, and you can’t imprison thoughts. A quote from Fidel Castro says, ‘Only a free person can think freely. But no one is free as long as they are enslaved by hunger, ignorance, or exploitation. Colonialism plundered our peoples, degraded our cultures, and stole our history.’ Today, we live in a world where the old colonial masters wear new masks, yet we shouldn’t fall for them. The Philippines for the Filipinos.

Taal Volcano in Batangas province recorded a minor phreatomagmatic eruption on Monday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Phivolcs said the event at the summit crater occurred at 6:13 a.m. and lasted only one minute.

The eruption produced a 500-meter-high plume, captured by the main crater IP camera, a digital video surveillance device.

A phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when magma interacts with water, causing explosive activity that produces a mixture of steam, ash, and fragmented volcanic materials.

After 14 days of continuous seismic activity, Taal Volcano showed signs of calm. Phivolcs reported in its Monday bulletin that no volcanic earthquakes or tremors were detected over the past 24 hours.

The volcano had been recording daily volcanic earthquakes from Oct. 6 to 19, with no seismic activity observed on Oct. 1, 5, and 20. From Oct. 1 to 20, it registered 193 volcanic earthquakes and 10 tremor episodes, compared with 189 earthquakes and 129 tremors in September.

Volcanic earthquakes are generated by magmatic processes beneath or near an active volcano. Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave patterns and low frequencies (0.5-5 Hz), Phivolcs explained.

In its latest update, the agency reported 312 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emissions, rising 300 meters.

During the observation period, no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was detected in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano Island, located at the center of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog, or ‘vog,’ was observed

Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Suansing has justified the need to put unprogrammed allocations (UA) in two separate sections for foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) under the proposed 2026 budget, noting that the government cannot just renege on its obligations for these programs.

Suansing, chairperson of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations, said in a press briefing on Monday that in the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), the UA for FAPs gets the biggest chunk – at P133.1 billion out of the total P243.2 billion.

This is a combination of purpose three and purpose four of the 11 UA purposes that Suansing mentioned. Purpose three is entitled Support to FAPs, or loan proceeds that would be approved and declared effective, while Purpose four is the Government of the Philippines counterpart of FAPs that are still undergoing negotiation.

‘I think both the House and the Senate were very clear on this, that we would need to retain the funding for foreign assisted projects under unprogrammed appropriations. And why is that so? Infrastructure projects lodged under DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and DOTR (Department of Transportation) will only be allowed if these are foreign assisted projects or FAPs,’ Suansing said.

‘FAPS are projects funded by partner countries such as JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), the French ODA (official development assistance), multilateral bodies or other international entities such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and we need to retain the funding for FAPS because we cannot renege on our obligations and agreements to our development and international partners,’ she added.

Suansing said that the P133 billion UA for FAPs can be divided into three – 36.7 percent or P48.89 billion under FAPs that are still under negotiation; 28.8 percent or P38.33 billion that are newly-approved loans; and 34.5 percent or P45.85 billion that are additional tier two requirements of DOTr FAPs.

‘Second, the newly approved loans. I put that separate because when the NEP was finalized in July, these two projects under DSWD and DOH were still not finalized. And as of October 7, these two projects already have perfected agreements, that’s why we put it separate and the total for that would be P38 billion,’ she said.

‘And lastly, this is very interesting, P45 billion under FAPs are additional Tier Two requirements of ongoing foreign assisted projects under DOTR. What does that mean? This is P45.8 billion, they have a counterpart under the programmed appropriations of DOTR, but because the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) believes that the DOTr cannot spend the bulk of the fund (it was broken down),’ she added.

As to why there is a need for two separate items on FAPs, Suansing explained that there are two components to foreign projects – the loans that are granted to the country, and the funds that the Philippine government has to shell out.

‘Each foreign assisted project has two components, the first would be the loan proceeds, for projects whose funding come from our international partner. So that’s from JICA, from KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), from ADB, World Bank. These are loan proceeds which are under (Purpose) number three,’ Suansing noted.

‘The second branch of the foreign assisted projects would be what you call GOP counterpart, this means that under the agreement, there is a part shouldered by our international development partner, there is a portion that our country will fund, that is just like counterpart projects of local government units in the country,’ she added.

While several groups hailed the current budget process for being more transparent than previous years, there were also concerns regarding the presence of unprogrammed appropriations in the proposed2026 national budget even if these are believed to have been used as an instrument for corruption inside flood control projects.

Last October 9, Minority member Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña called out the transfer of UA for infrastructure projects in the proposed 2026 national budget to Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAP) – noting that it is just another form of unprogrammed funds.

Cendaña said that while allocations for the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP) were transferred to FAP, there is still a need to clarify where the funds would go because both are considered UA.

‘That is what we have observed, the reduction of the SAGIP projects, but when we saw it, it seems it was just transferred to the FAP, the Foreign Assisted Project,’ he said. ‘So we really need to scrutinize the allocations under UA.’

According to Cendaña, while there are reforms initiated for the budget process, it should be clarified how the UA will be appropriated.

‘Because while we have mentioned improvements, reforms, a lot still has to be explained, like the basic issues, like why are these items placed under the UA, if these are obligations that we should pay for our healthcare workers, if these are obligations under foreign loans when we implement foreign assisted projects,’ he said.

Last Monday, the House approved the GAB contained under House Bill (HB) No. 4058 with 287 lawmakers voting in favor, 12 against it, and two abstentions – despite concerns that it is allegedly still filled with UA and other ‘pork’ projects.

In his speech, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said HB No. 4058 might not be perfect, but ‘we made sure nothing was hidden, nothing was concealed, with the goal to ensure that every penny of the tax paid by our citizens is given back to them in the form of opportunities, services, and hope.’