Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Crater glow, or ‘banaag,’ was observed at the summit of Kanlaon Volcano on Sunday evening, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Monday.

In a Facebook post, Phivolcs said the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory reported seeing ‘with the naked eye for the first time incandescence at the Kanlaon Volcano summit caused by superheated volcanic gas’ at around 7 p.m.

Mari Andylene Quintia, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, explained that the superheated plume consists of magmatic gas being emitted by the volcano.

Such a phenomenon, when it becomes visible to the naked eye, is called ‘crater glow’ or ‘banaag,’ a common precursor of a magmatic eruption at Mayon Volcano, the agency explained.

‘While this is a new development, monitoring parameters have persisted at approximately the same level after Kanlaon’s last moderately explosive eruption on March 15, 2026,’ it added.

The agency said that if Kanlaon’s crater glow becomes sustained and intensifies, it could indicate that magma is close to or already at the crater, warning of increased chances of magmatic unrest within days.

Phivolcs also reported that since Kanlaon’s moderate explosive eruption on March 15, seismic activity has remained steady at an average of six volcano-tectonic earthquakes per day.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,646 tons per day and slightly increased to 2,382 tons per day in the past week.

‘Ground deformation parameters have been non-steady but still indicate sustained and slow-rate inflation of the volcano edifice since 2022,’ Phivolcs noted.

Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, although Phivolcs said it may be raised to Alert Level 3 should sustained and intensifying crater glow signal a possible magmatic eruption.

Residents within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone were encouraged to evacuate, while those within Pyroclastic Density Current Hazard Zones were advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuation should volcanic unrest intensify.

Phivolcs also urged local government units and disaster risk reduction officials to prepare response measures and stay alert for ‘potential syn-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflow in channels’ during heavy rains.

The agency added that civil aviation authorities should also advise pilots to avoid flying close to Kanlaon’s summit, since ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Diesel prices are expected to post another major rollback this week following easing tensions in the Middle East and softer global oil trading.

Industry estimates showed diesel prices could drop by as much as P7 to P9 per liter on May 12, potentially pulling pump prices in Metro Manila down to as low as P70 per liter for regular diesel products.

Kerosene prices are also expected to decline sharply, while gasoline may register a slight increase.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored all Filipino mothers this Mother’s Day for their love and sacrifice that no words can ever equal.

He said Mother’s Day was especially meaningful for the three most important mothers in his life: his mother Imelda, his sister Irene, and his wife and mother of his three sons, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

‘You are the light of the home and the pillar of every Filipino family. Through your care, perseverance, and incomparable love, our homes, communities, and nation grow stronger,’ he said of every Filipino mother in his greeting on Sunday.

Notably absent from the photo greeting was his eldest sister, Senator Imee Marcos, whom President Marcos said he had not spoken to for three years due to political and personal differences.

‘This Mother’s Day, I sincerely honor and thank all mothers. Thank you very much for the love you selflessly give every day for your families and for our country,’ the president added.

President Marcos also made a special greeting for his wife with a video montage of the couple and their sons, Sandro, Simon, and Vinny, set to Apo Hiking Society’s song ‘Panalangin.’

‘Our boys could not have asked for a more loving mother, and I could not have asked for a better partner to walk through life with,’ he said in a Facebook post.

‘Thank you for holding our family together with so much love and patience through every season of our lives. We love you, always,’ he added

The First Couple had just concluded their activities at the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Meetings in Cebu province last week

The prices of diesel in Metro Manila could drop to P70 to P90 per liter next week, as local fuel retailers are seen implementing a fresh round of rollbacks amid the progress in peace talks in the Middle East.

Based on the trading at the world market, an industry source said on Saturday that diesel may have a rollback of P7 to P9 per liter on May 12. Gasoline prices, however, may go up by P1 to P3 per liter.

Estimates from the Department of Energy (DOE) also showed a potential P9 price decrease for diesel and P12 for kerosene.

Gasoline prices, according to the DOE, may inch up by just P1.60 to P1.70 per liter.

If the P9 per liter rollback will be imposed for diesel, regular diesel products will range between P70.62 and P93.16 per liter in the capital region. Premium diesel, on the other hand, will decrease to P75.76 to P98.48 per liter.

Oil firms are scheduled to make announcements for their official price adjustments on Monday.

The DOE, following the declaration of the national state of energy emergency, can now impose limits on price increases, as well as dictate the minimum rollbacks in petroleum products.

Rino Abad, DOE director of Oil Industry Management Bureau, said in a radio interview Friday that diesel prices have been bouncing back to their normal market-based prices, before the petroleum product was significantly impacted by the Middle East war that started on Feb. 28.

Significant drop

‘We are feeling the significant drop [in diesel prices],’ he said.

The upward price forecast for gasoline, meanwhile, was buoyed by a possible supply tightness due to seasonal demand.

After a series of price increases that had resulted in diesel prices skyrocketing to up to P170 per liter in Metro Manila gas stations, retailers implemented for the first time a double-digit rollback in diesel, reaching about P21 per liter last April 14. This was followed by two more consecutive weeks of rollbacks.

However, oil firms again imposed on May 5 an increase of up to P2.66 and P2.21 per liter for diesel and gasoline, respectively.

Diesel products are used by buses, trucks, jeepneys and fishing boats. Machines used in agriculture also rely on that fuel. Gasoline, meanwhile, is used for private cars, motorcycles, tricycles and light utility vehicles. INQ

After receiving a baptism of fire in her first UAAP women’s volleyball Finals, Sam Cantada charged National University’s loss to experience, vowing to bounce back in the following seasons to come.

Cantada, this year’s top rookie, couldn’t help NU keep its three-peat dream going as La Salle ended their dynasty by completing a 16-0 sweep of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

‘Of course, we’ll carry this experience with us because we really fought hard. We went through so much as a team,’ said Cantada in Filipino after NU was crushed in Game 2, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, before a packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

‘We know in ourselves that we’re capable, and considering everything we went through, just reaching the finals was already a big achievement for us.’

‘Next season, of course, we’ll work even harder,’ she added.

The 19-year-old Cantada debuted in the Finals with two points, followed by an 8-point effort in Game 2.

She still relished the lessons she got in facing experienced La Salle stars Angel Canino and Shevana Laput.

‘I’m really grateful to compete against players like them who already have a lot of experience. I can learn a lot from them-especially their toughness and how badly they want the game,’ she said.

‘Thank you to the Lord because He gave me the talent to earn this award. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates for trusting me and helping me achieve this recognition,’ she said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 9 has temporarily closed Lake Maragang Rainforest Park in the Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape in Tigbao town following a minor landslide along the park’s access road and trail.

In an advisory posted on the park’s official social media page, DENR 9 said the closure took effect on May 10 and will remain until further notice while assessment and clearing operations are being conducted.

Authorities said the temporary shutdown is necessary to ensure visitor safety.

‘We ask for your understanding and cooperation, as safety remains our top priority,’ the advisory stated.

Lake Maragang, known for its lush rainforest and rich biodiversity, is among Zamboanga del Sur’s popular ecotourism destinations.

Officials urged residents and tourists to avoid the area until rehabilitation work is completed.

A Malolos City police officer was relieved from duty and placed under custody on Sunday while under investigation following viral CCTV footage showing him assaulting his wife.

Authorities also confiscated his firearm and Philippine National Police (PNP) identification to ensure these are not used for any form of intimidation or abuse during the investigation.

In a statement on Sunday, the Malolos police said it strongly condemns any form of violence against anyone, especially women.

‘Our office does not condone any violation of the law and the existing regulations of the Philippine National Police,’ it added.

At present, the Malolos police continue to investigate the incident and are taking appropriate steps to obtain statements from both parties to ensure a fair and comprehensive clarification of the case.

The Malolos PNP earlier reported that the victim went to the Malolos City Police Station to formally file the appropriate complaint against the police officer involved.

‘The public can expect that the Malolos PNP will be fair, transparent, and in accordance with the law in handling the case facing the said police officer,’ the Malolos police said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission said it will be ‘taking cognizance of the administrative aspect of this case.’

‘From what I have gathered, the PNP is already aware of this matter, and they should pursue the criminal aspect of this case,’ said Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan.

‘We will not allow any form of violence against any woman, or any person for that matter. We will make sure that justice is served. This is an open-and-shut case,’ Calinisan sai

The August Twenty-One Movement (Atom) on Saturday called for an impartial probe into the deaths of 19 individuals killed by Army troops in Negros Occidental last month after autopsies of five bodies raised questions regarding the controversial clash.

The group, which was formed in condemnation of Benigno Aquino Jr.’s murder in 1983, said it shares the questions of forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun regarding the clash between Army soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on April 19.

‘While we support the military’s campaign of peace and order in the country, we do not condone or tolerate unnecessary violence or violations of human rights and humanitarian laws,’ said Atom.

‘It is not enough to say that the victims in Negros were armed rebels and declare it ‘case closed.’ Human rights are not suspended even in an instance of an armed clash or war,’ the group said.

The military said that the 19 people who died during the encounter were NPA guerrillas, but the rebel group claimed only 10 of the individuals, while the other nine were civilians.

Among those who died were community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma, University of the Philippines students Alyssa Alano and Maureen Keil Santuyo, community researcher Errol Wendel, and Filipino American activists Kai Dana-Rene Sorem and Lyle Prijoles.

At the request of the families, Fortun performed autopsies on the bodies of two females and three males as an independent nongovernment forensic examiner.

‘Why were the victims shot in the back, if it was an ‘encounter’? Why the supposed mishandling of the victims’ clothes and other pieces of evidence, including the process of retrieving their bodies?’ Atom asked.

The group also questioned if those who died were truly in any position to fight back, raising concerns that the case may be reminiscent of the drug war-era narrative of ‘nanlaban’ or when alleged drug suspects were killed for supposedly fighting back.

La Salle wrote a perfect ending to finish its redemption tour in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament that took three years to make.

The Lady Spikers completed their unbeaten march to championship No. 13, dethroning National University with ease, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in Game 2 of the Finals on Saturday in front of 22,509 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, as La Salle returned the favor, so to speak, after being swept by the Lady Bulldogs last year.

La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus had a modest goal of reaching NU’s level after the group of former stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon won three of the last four seasons for the Bulldogs.

‘For me, you always have to chase the level of the champion. Whoever wins the title becomes the standard you need to prepare for and try to reach,’ said De Jesus in Filipino. ‘It also helped that some of our seniors played for Alas … they became guides for (our) younger players.’

The Lady Spikers didn’t just match the Lady Bulldogs’ level; they finished a season like no other with a 16-0 sweep, counting a perfect performance in the title series where they didn’t yield a set to a very formidable foe.

Shevana Laput, who was limited to 11 Game 1 points, bounced back with 20 points on 14 kills and six blocks to emerge as the Finals MVP.

Angel Canino delivered 11 points, 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions, as Amie Provido contributed nine points, with Shane Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo adding eight each. Rookie setter Eshana Nunag had 17 excellent sets.

De Jesus scored his first 16-0 sweep, his second undefeated season after steering La Salle to a 14-game sweep and the outright title in 2004.

But it wasn’t easy before they finally erased memories of Season 76, when they squandered an outright Finals berth and lost the title to an Ateneo squad led by Alyssa Valdez.

‘Honestly, it was very difficult. Even in the first round, we already faced a lot of struggles,’ De Jesus said. ‘There were games without (some key players). Those were challenges the team had to go through.

‘I even told myself maybe we’d become champions because of all the challenges we experienced. It wasn’t easy because we mostly relied on seven to eight players in the rotation,’ he went on. ‘With games (played) so close together, some players were dealing with knee pain and body aches. Recovery became a really big deal for us.’

‘I’m thankful we finished Season 88 without major injuries and that the players stayed healthy overall, even though I know many of them were already playing through pain,’ he added.

The longtime La Salle coach was grateful for another championship, as his passion to teach aspiring volleyball players will never stop, hoping to continue developing more Lady Spikers and winning more UAAP titles.

‘For me, when you go to La Salle, you have to be ready to adjust. You need to follow the system and do what’s asked of you,’ De Jesus explained. ‘If you’re just going there to be associated with La Salle, then that’s not the goal. If you choose to go there, you have to be ready to handle everything.’

‘Teaching is really my passion. Whenever I see potential in a player, I want to help bring out their talent and keep pushing them further. I really enjoy teaching, and if a player wants to learn, we’ll help them improve.’

NU saw its bid for a third straight title denied by La Salle in the rivals’ fourth Finals meeting.

Setter Lams Lamina played her final game for the Lady Bulldogs with 11 excellent sets.

Vange Alinsug led NU with 14 points. Sam Cantada had eight points, while Game 1 leading scorer Arah Panique was held to just seven points. INQ

Nikita Shulchenko passed a true acid test in the MPTC Tour of Luzon on a day highlighted by a punishing climb his closest pursuers simply couldn’t scale and the Russian, who has been under siege for more than a week now, is threatening to make the final four laps his veritable victory ride.

‘Yes, maybe,’ Shulchenko said when asked if he felt that the crown was now just a mere formality after he widened his lead in the individual race by finishing second behind Antoine Huby in the 131.2-kilometer journey from Candon via the back-breaking Bessang Pass to here, making up Stage 10. ‘But I will still try to protect the yellow (jersey of leadership).’

Huby won the lap with a clocking of three hours, 30 minutes and one second, with Shulchenko wheeling in behind the Frenchman just 50 seconds later after peeling away from a bunch that had been guarding his every move since he took the yellow jersey in Stage 3.

After promising to shake up the standings on Friday, Ronnilan Quita was third, LCW’s Ibrahiem Alrefai placed fifth to remain in second overall, although now 3:44 behind from 1:56 at the start of the lap.

Shulchenko’s breakaway in the standings saw him team up with Huby on the long ascent to the finish in front of a memorial honoring Philippine and American forces who fought in the last stronghold of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War in 1945.

While it was a challenging one, Shulchenko seemed very much at ease in a King of the Mountain stage graded as a Hors category given its steep climb and sharp curves.

‘Last year, I had one climb in Russia that I believe was the hardest,’ said Shulchenko, when asked about Bessang Pass, though he didn’t go into much detail due to the language barrier between him and Manila-based scribes.

Huby crossed the finish line first, then fell to the ground, even as more riders endured the same scenario a few meters away, either sitting while being showered with water from firefighters or being carried into a stretcher by medics due to exhaustion, like Go for Gold’s Marvin Mandac, who would later recover after getting immediate treatment.

Third at the start of the day, Mervin Corpuz was 16th and dropped three rungs to sixth, now 9:05 adrift from just over four minutes behind.

‘It’s really hard because it’s a long climb,’ Shulchenko, who now has a total time of 29:34:44, said after being the one to shake up the standings. Riding 3:56 adrift is Huby, who jumped to third from sixth, while Quita remained fourth overall, but now trailing by 5:57 with the Malaysian national team’s Muhammad Syawal Mazlin running fifth, 8:36 behind.

At this point, it seems only a disaster or an incredible maneuver by one of his opponents could prevent Shulchenko from emerging as the winner of the derby on wheels after what was undoubtedly the most difficult and brutal stage that saw a climb at historic Bessang Pass.

Stage 11 will be mostly a sprint race going from Candon to San Juan, La Union, on Sunday; Stage 12 is going to start from Agoo, La Union, and ends with a climb to Mangatarem, Pangasinan’s Daang Kalikasan.

Stage 13 will be an individual time trial in Lingayen before the Tour wraps up with another challenging climb towards Baguio via Kennon Road.

‘We’ve trained in Baguio many times,’ said the 26-year-old Shulchenko, who ruled the only other ITT a few days back. INQ