Category: Philippine Star

Two Filipino seafarers were injured when Houthi rebels attacked a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel in the Red Sea, the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed yesterday.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the victims are undergoing treatment.

Cacdac said 10 other Filipino crewmembers of Minervagcht are safe.

The 12 seafarers are set to be repatriated this weekend, Cacdac said.

Based on news reports, a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set the cargo vessel on fire.

Following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu on Tuesday night, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to immediately mobilize resources for relief and rescue operations in affected areas.

Marcos is expected to arrive in Bogo City today, October 2, 2025, two days after the destructive earthquake. The President will be inspecting and have a briefing of the situation in the aftermath of the quake.

Vice President Sara Duterte however arrived in Medellin last night and was seen talking to Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon and some constituents. Duterte said to the constituents that she will be staying in Cebu until today.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to 6.9. The tremor struck at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu.

Health, relief operations

The Department of Health (DOH) quickly assessed its personnel closest to the epicenter. Staff from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) were accounted for and had started deploying medical teams to Bogo City and nearby areas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, mobilized its Quick Response Teams and prepositioned family food packs (FFPs). The Visayas Disaster Response Center in Mandaue City continues to produce FFPs daily to replenish stockpiles.

‘The Department has enough stockpiles of food and non-food relief supplies as well as standby funds to augment the resources of the affected LGUs. Our Quick Response Teams are already activated, and they are already on the ground to support the needs of the affected families,’ Gatchalian assured.

DSWD vehicles, complete with a mobile kitchen, command center, water tankers, and filtration systems have been dispatched to northern Cebu.

The Philippine Coast Guard also loaded 1,000 Ready-to-Eat Food packs onto MV Sindangan bound for Bogo City.

Church response

Cebu Archbishop Alberto ‘Abet’ Uy called on the faithful to offer both prayers and concrete acts of solidarity. Visiting the quake-damaged shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Uy expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the area but urged compassion for communities that suffered fatalities.

‘As your bishop, I appeal to everyone to work together for the safety and well-being of the earthquake survivors,’ Uy said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

The Archbishop also encouraged parishes across the Archdiocese of Cebu to heed the call of priests and parish moderators to organize fund-raising drives and in-kind assistance for affected communities.

He suggested initiatives such as an ‘Adopt-a-Parish’ program, where unaffected parishes can extend support to those badly hit by the disaster.

Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran added that all parishes in northern Cebu have been instructed to suspend Masses inside churches until structural inspections are completed. A helpdesk will be set up to assist parishes requiring technical evaluations.

Government interventions

The Office of the Vice President (OVP), through VP Sara Duterte’s Cebu Satellite Office, activated its Disaster Operations Center for immediate mobilization of relief goods.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) directed agencies to use their Quick Response Funds (QRF), while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) reported an available balance of ?8.008 billion for emergency relief and rehabilitation.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) both enforced a 60-day price freeze in Cebu, covering basic necessities, LPG, and kerosene, to prevent profiteering and protect affected families.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas Grid on yellow alert as several power plants went offline after the quake.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers in Central Visayas to follow labor advisories, allowing suspension of work during calamities without sanctions for employees who cannot report due to imminent danger.

The National Irrigation Administration-7 (NIA-7) has mobilized inspection teams to check the safety of irrigation infrastructure across Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.

Regional Manager Engr. Eusebio S. Villamanto said project engineers and field personnel were dispatched to assess dams, canals, and distribution systems serving thousands of farmers. NIA offices were also inspected to ensure safe working conditions.

The move is part of NIA-7’s disaster response strategy to detect hazards, safeguard communities, and sustain agricultural productivity despite the calamity.

Cultural Heritage at risk

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) expressed concern over heritage structures damaged by the quake and is coordinating with the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage and other agencies to craft emergency conservation protocols.

Red Cross on the ground

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Cebu Chapter deployed four ambulances, two food trucks, two payloaders, an emergency response unit, an assessment team, cadaver bags, and five Swiss tents to Bogo City.

‘Our priority is to ensure that there is a functional command center on the ground to coordinate rescue, medical response, and relief distribution,’ said PRC-Cebu administrator Atty. Vera G. De Jesus-Patel.

She added that an Incident Command Post was set up in a tent since their branch office at the Bogo City Hall compound sustained damage.

Phivolcs issues primer

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a primer on the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, warning residents of aftershocks and related hazards.

The quake hit at 9:59 p.m. with its epicenter 19 km northeast of Bogo City at a shallow depth of 5 km. As of Wednesday morning, 722 aftershocks up to magnitude 4.8 had been recorded.

PHIVOLCS, in a press statement, said the strongest shaking, Intensity VII (Destructive), was reported in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Tabuelan. PHIVOLCS said poorly built structures may collapse, and landslides, liquefaction, and ground fissures are possible.

PHIVOLCS noted Cebu’s history of damaging quakes, including the 2012 Negros (M6.9) and 2013 Bohol (M7.2) earthquakes. It added that hazards such as landslides, rockfalls, sinkholes, and flooding remain possible.

A tsunami information was raised and later lifted, while monitoring of nearby volcanoes continues. The agency stressed the quake was tectonic, not volcanic.

PHIVOLCS urged residents to stay vigilant, avoid damaged structures, prepare for aftershocks, and rely only on official advisories. A Quick Response Team has been deployed to Cebu for hazard assessment and public information.

Actor John Estrada expressed support for his daughter Kaila as rumors continues to go around that she is now seeing her “Incognito” co-star Daniel Padilla.

Speculations about Kaila and Daniel being an item swirled after the two were spotted in public a number of times, and showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz even claimed the actors were now dating but would leave it to them to confirm the news.

While neither Kaila nor Daniel has addressed the rumors, John told entertainment journalist and friend Dolly Anne Carvajal that he trusts Kaila’s judgment and smarts.

“Kaila is an adult… wala s’yang ginagawang masama. I’m very confident that whatever she decides to do in her life, pinag-isipan na n’ya lahat ‘yan,” John said about his daughter with ex-wife Janice de Belen.

John further pointed out that it was not his story to tell, and it would be up to Kaila to answer questions about her being linked to Daniel.

“All I do is to let her know and feel that she will always have my support and that I trust her and I will always be here for her and her siblings,” John ended.

Apart from Kaila, John and Janice are also parents to Inah, Moira and Yuan. He also has a daughter, Samantha, with Priscilla Meireles.

Many have even joked that Kaila’s name was similar to Daniel’s mother, Karla Estrada.

Daniel was previously in an 11-year relationship with former love team partner Kathryn Bernardo, who is now reportedly dating Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala.

The role of trade fairs in providing tangible opportunities for growth for entrepreneurs took center stage in the recent Taiwan Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the three-day event drew strong participation from both Taiwanese exhibitors and Philippine businesses, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through technology, sustainability and innovation.

The event drew more than 10,000 visitors and buyers, and generated $53.4 million worth of business opportunities, highlighting its strong draw among both business leaders and consumers. Organizers emphasized that the Expo was more than a showcase; it was a gateway for B2B engagement.

Organizers added that business-matching sessions were fully booked, connecting Filipino entrepreneurs with Taiwanese manufacturers, suppliers and innovators eager to establish distributorships and joint ventures.

With over 145 exhibitors spanning healthcare, green technology, agritech and ICT, the Expo provided a comprehensive snapshot of Taiwan’s capabilities. Each pavilion – from the Healthcare Pavilion to the Smart Technology and Intelligent Lifestyle Showcase – was designed not just to display products but to position Taiwanese companies as strategic partners for Philippine enterprises seeking growth in high-demand sectors.

The opening ceremony featured key figures such as Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, TAITRA Chairman James Huang and MECO Director Wilson Tecson, all of whom reinforced the importance of cooperation.

While the Expo’s backbone was business, organizers successfully widened its audience. Known artists and performer such Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, was invited as celebrity guest under the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, provided significant media traction. Her participation in activities such as the ‘Gimme Five Parade’ and meet-and-greet sessions boosted foot traffic and public engagement, drawing lifestyle media attention to an otherwise trade-centered event.

From a trade perspective, the success of Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines lies in three measurable outcomes:

Strong B2B traction – Exhibitors and Filipino companies engaged in concrete discussions on distributorships, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Expanded visibility – The mix of business sessions and celebrity-driven activities ensured that Taiwanese brands reached both industry leaders and consumers.

Strengthened positioning – Taiwan reinforced its role not only as a technology provider but as a long-term partner in the Philippines’ sustainable and digital transformation.

As the Philippines accelerates its focus on digitalization, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation, Taiwanese companies are well-positioned to play a key role.

The Expo’s success suggests that collaborations initiated at SMX will extend beyond the exhibition floor, translating into contracts, investments and shared growth.

In the words of TITA and TAITRA, the organizer of the event, Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines was ‘not the end, but the beginning of stronger cooperation.’

Judging by the turnout, the engagements, and the buzz it generated, the business community seems to agree.

At least 72 people were reported dead in Cebu after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, October 2.

The earthquake struck on Monday night, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure and leaving many casualties. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, with several localities also declaring the same. The NDRRMC said that 53 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity.

Data from the NDRRMC showed that 72 people have died, while 294 were injured.

A total of 170,959 people have been affected, with 20,000 displaced.

The NDRRMC recorded at least two incidents of landslides and two collapsed structures. There was also a reported structural fire.

Almost 600 houses have been damaged, as well as 87 other infrastructure.

The province continues to be shaken by aftershocks. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol told GMA that they have recorded around 2,329 aftershocks as of 4:00 a.m.

The magnitudes of the aftershocks have reached as high as magnitude 5.

Phivolcs warned the public of possible landslides and falling objects when they go out.

‘In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold.’ In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to avoid causing injuries,’ the agency said in a statement.

The death toll in the strong earthquake that struck Cebu Province Tuesday night has climbed to 69, and hundreds more are injured, with widespread destruction across many towns.

According to official reports from the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO), the fatalities were recorded as follows: 30 in Bogo City; 22 in San Remegio; 12 in Medellin; five in Tabogon; and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan towns.

The CPDRRMO has confirmed that the death toll may continue to rise, with more injured and missing individuals are still being accounted for.

Among the dead in San Remegio were three personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and one from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 7, who perished after the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex during the tremor.

The PCG identified its fallen personnel as Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Ert Cart Dacunes. All three were rushed to Bogo General Hospital but were declared dead despite the efforts of attending physicians.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan mourned the loss, saying, ‘We extend our sincere condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their dedication to the service and camaraderie with our fellow uniformed men and women will always be remembered. The PCG stands in full solidarity with their loved ones and will ensure that they receive the utmost support.’

The BFP, meanwhile, confirmed the death of Fire Officer 2 Allier Vincent Negro Catadman, who was also trapped when the sports complex collapsed.

In a statement, BFP Region 7 described him as a true public servant: ‘Your loved one was a true hero, selfless, valiant, and committed to serving the Filipino people until his last breath. His legacy of bravery and sacrifice will forever inspire the Bureau and the communities we serve.’

Police reports said the victims were competing in a basketball tournament for the town’s Mayor’s Cup, which had drawn crowds of hundreds of residents. One of the officiating committee members, Jude Destura, was also reported dead as a result of the earthquake.

According to police reports, a brief power outage further fueled panic among the crowd, leading to a stampede as people rushed to exit the premises. Emergency medical treatment was immediately sought for the victims, but unfortunately, they were soon pronounced dead.

Tragedy also struck in SM Cares Village, Barangay Polambato, Bogo City, where eight individuals died following the collapse of eight housing units.

DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Diana Rose M. Cajipe and DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero personally visited affected families to extend assistance. Among those mourning is Lito Catarman, who lost his son, pregnant daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in the tragedy.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured bereaved families of burial assistance, financial aid, and Family Food Packs. As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the agency will provide P10,000 in cash aid to each family of the deceased and cover funeral expenses.

‘The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas is now accounting for the number of casualties and their locations. Our social workers are coordinating with the bereaved families to inform them of the Department’s assistance,’ said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson.

The Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City was overwhelmed with casualties, as body bags lined up outside its compound. To assist bereaved families, a booth for the issuance of death certificates was set up near the hospital.

Among the fatalities was a mother and her 1-year-old daughter in Barangay Binabag, Bogo City, after a boulder rolled down and crushed the wall of their house.

Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that saving lives remains the highest priority as search, rescue, and relief operations continue. As of 3:54 p.m. yesterday, at least 293 residents suffered various injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

BFP-7 Regional Director FCSUPT Fred Linazan Trajeras Jr. has since joined the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordinating multi-agency rescue and retrieval efforts across affected areas.

The PCG District Central Visayas has also deployed six highly trained Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs with handlers to Northern Cebu to help locate possible trapped survivors and support ongoing response operations.

Shuvee Etrata marks another feat as the first female scout ambassador of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

The former ‘Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition’ housemate wrote ‘Laging Handa’ on her Instagram post where she is seen with the Boy Scout mascots.

Her talent agency, posted about Shuvee’s latest seal of approval on its official Instagram account, ‘The Nation’s Darling joins the scouting fam!’

She joins fellow Sparkle artist, David Licauco, who was named as the first-ever Scout Ambassador for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines last year.

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is the national scouting organization of the Philippines in the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

The Scout movement was introduced to the Philippines in 1910 during the American occupation period. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is said to be the second largest organization in the world with 3,344,799 members as of 2023.

October is Scouting Month in the Philippines, established by Presidential Proclamation No. 1326, s.1974, to honor the founding of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in 1936.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide burial assistance as well as a P10,000 cash aid to families of victims of Tuesday’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

‘The DSWD’s Field Office Central Visayas is now counting the number of casualties and their location. Our social workers will also talk to the concerned families to inform them that the DSWD will shoulder the burial expenses of their loved ones,’ DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a statement.

The death toll from the powerful quake that rocked Central Visayas continues to rise, along with the number of injured and missing individuals based on reports by Cebu’s Provincial Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management Office.

Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity to give the provincial government the ability to respond quickly and mobilize resources.

From Masbate where he assisted President Marcos in distributing cash aid to 600 Opong-affected families, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian was directed by the Chief Executive to proceed to Cebu to check on the condition of the families severely affected by the earthquake.

According to the Department of Education, the earthquake in Central Visayas is projected to affect more than 16,000 schools across 73 divisions of DepEd in varying intensities.

In Masbate City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other state officials accompanied President Marcos in the distribution of aid at Nursery Elementary School on Oct. 1.

These include the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation of P10,000 each for 600 families and two checks totaling over P34.8 million from the Department of Labor and Employment Region V to the Provincial Government of Masbate for Livelihood Assistance and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers for 6,455 beneficiaries in 11 municipalities.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the Department of Health will tap its P500-million quick response fund to assist earthquake victims.

In another development, the Department of Trade and Industry has imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in Cebu following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the province.

In Iloilo, retired Col. Cornelio Salinas, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, complained about the lack of local earthquake monitoring station in the area.

The Archdiocese of Cebu yesterday ordered the structural assessment of churches and rectories in its jurisdiction.

World champion Carlo Biado and reigning Hanoi Open titlist Johann Chua will carry the flag high and proud as the World Nineball Tour, in partnership with Puyat Sports, brings the Philippine Open Pool Championship from Oct. 21 to 26 at Gateway Mall, Quezon City.

The top Filipino cue artists will take their rightful place in the spotlight as the Philippines hosts a brand new Matchroom Major, with Manila joining an elite list of global host cities such as London, Orlando, and Hanoi.

Cignal, as the official broadcaster, will show the event live on One Sports, One Sports+, and on the Pilipinas Live app together with the usual telecast on WNT TV.

Aside from the top Filipino players, expected to be part of the field are former world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain and seven-time Mosconi Cup winner Jayson Shaw of United Kingdom among others.

For the past 35 years, “Disney On Ice” has always held its Philippine shows in Metro Manila.

But the possibility of Cebu experiencing Disney’s spectacular ice skating concert is becoming more likely.

The Seaside Arena has been in construction across the SM Seaside City mall since the pandemic, and upon completion, the 16,000-seater will be the largest indoor arena in Cebu.

Arnel Gonzales, the vice president and general manager of the Mall of Asia Arena, told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview after the press conference for this year’s “Disney On Ice” show in the Philippines that the Cebu Arena is already 70% complete.

Both the mall and arena will make up the planned Seaside City Complex, which will also include a convention center and two bayfront hotels.

Having another major arena is, according to Gonzales, part of SM’s goal to “deliver the highest quality of live entertainment like no other to every Filipino nationwide.”

Counted among them is “Disney On Ice,” which has been staging shows in the Philippines since 1990. The shows have been handled by Feld Entertainment at the Mall of Asia Arena since 2016.

New characters debut

A question that emerges is once the Seaside Arena is open, would “Disney On Ice” consider heading to Cebu?

Feld Entertainment’s vice president for Asia-Pacific Matthew Garrick explained to Philstar.com that the “Disney On Ice” show that comes to the Philippines is part of a regional tour that also goes to nearby countries like Japan, China, and Australia.

“That tour will continue each year. So, as new markets come on board, whether that’s Cebu or whether that’s another country, they’re going to fit into the tour,” Garrick teased.

Garrick pointed out that “Disney On Ice” was a staple holiday tradition now in the Philippines, so scheduling will be even more concentrated if there are other venues to be considered.

“We’re working together. We’re working together towards achieving that,” Gonzales upon being asked if Cebu could one day host “Disney On Ice.”

The new show debuting this December is “Magic in the Stars,” a concept that has been touring for three years and will feature more than 55 Disney characters, the biggest yet for a Philippine show.

These include fan favorites like Aladdin, Cinderella, Moana, Rapunzel from “Tangled,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” the Madrigals of “Encanto,” Anna, Elsa, and Olaf of “Frozen 2,” and, of course, Mickey Mouse.

Also debuting in the upcoming show are Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” Asha from “Wish,” and the titular character of “Raya and the Last Dragon.”