Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

A critically endangered bird that’s considered one of Mindoro’s rarest species has been captured on camera for the first time in nearly two decades, offering conservationists fresh hope for its survival in the island’s remaining forests.

The Mindoro bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba platenae) was photographed in August at an elevation of more than 900 meters within the Iraya Mangyan ancestral domain, according to the Center for Conservation Innovation Philippines Inc. (CCIPH).

The sighting was made through an indigenous Filipino-led conservation initiative involving Iraya Mangyan communities and CCIPH under the Mindoro Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Programme (MFBCP).

The latest record is particularly significant because the species has remained largely unseen for about 20 years, according to the conservation group.

The bird was documented at an elevation higher than locations where it had historically been recorded, providing potentially important information on its remaining habitat and distribution.

The Mindoro bleeding-heart is endemic to Mindoro and is among the Philippines’ most threatened birds. Its survival is closely tied to the protection of the island’s remaining forest habitats, which face continuing pressures from habitat loss and degradation.

For conservationists, the photograph represents more than a rare wildlife record.

It provides evidence that the species may still persist in relatively intact portions of Mindoro’s forests and highlights the importance of protecting these areas, particularly within indigenous Filipino ancestral domains.

The involvement of Iraya Mangyan communities also underscores their role in safeguarding Mindoro’s biodiversity

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, will bring rains over parts of Luzon on Friday, September 4.

‘Ngayong araw, inaasahan natin na posible na magtuloy-tuloy ang kung minsan yung malalakas nga ng mga pag-ulan dulot ng habagat,’ Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina said in the agency’s forecast on Friday morning.

(Today, we expect occasional heavy rains to prevail due to the southwest monsoon.)

‘Dito nga sa Luzon, inaasahan natin yung malalakas ng mga pag-ulan dito sa may bahagi ng Bataan at Zambales,’ he added.

(Here in Luzon, we expect heavy rains in Bataan and Zambales.)

Metro Manila, Southern Luzon and the remaining parts of Central Luzon will experience occasional rains, according to the forecaster.

Meanwhile, the rest of Luzon as well as the western portion of the Visayas can expect cloudy weather conditions with chances of localized rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, Badrina noted.

‘Sa ibang bahagi naman ng Kabisayaan, sa Central Visayas at Eastern Visayas, ay mas maaliwalas ang panahon na maranasan sa araw na ito, bagamat posible pa rin yung mga pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat at pagkulog,’ he said.

(In other parts of the Visayas, particularly Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas, the weather is fairer today, although there is still the possibility of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.)

‘Ang kalakhang Mindanao naman, inaasahan pa rin natin ang maaliwalas sa panahon, bagamat posible pa rin yung mga isolated o pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat at pagkulog,’ he added.

(Most of Mindanao, meanwhile, can expect fair weather, although isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are also still possible.)

Pagasa did not raise any gale warnings over the country’s seaboards, Badrina further noted.

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios was cleared Friday to return to tennis after accepting a one-month ban for using cocaine and entering a treatment program.

The 31-year-old, who reached the final at Wimbledon in 2022, failed a doping test during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22.

He was provisionally suspended on August 4 by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), admitting he made ‘a huge mistake’.

In a statement Friday, the doping agency said Kyrgios had explained his use of the drug occurred socially during a night out before he was due to play in Mallorca.

The ITIA consulted an independent scientific expert at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, who found his explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample.

‘As a result, the ITIA accepted that Kyrgios’ use of cocaine was outside of competition,’ the ITIA said.

Under WADA rules, the default suspension for a breach of this type is three months, which can be reduced to one month if an individual commits to a treatment program.

‘Kyrgios has entered into a treatment programme,’ the ITIA added.

‘As such, the player’s suspension will end on September 3, 2026, subject to completion of the program. Prize-money and ranking points from the Mallorca event will be forfeited.’

Boasting a big serve and booming ground strokes, Kyrgios has won seven singles titles on the ATP Tour and rose to a high of 13 in the world in 2016. He is now ranked 918.

His finest performance was on the grass at Wimbledon in 2022, when he reached the championship match, losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic.

Despite his natural talents that is as good as it got, with a series of injuries taking their toll.

He has had numerous surgeries, the most serious a complete reconstruction of his right wrist in 2024.

The Australian last played as a wildcard entry in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon in July this year, when he and partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round.

Kyrgios was contrite when the news of his cocaine use emerged last month.

‘I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,’ he posted on Instagram at the time. ‘I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.

‘I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me.

‘I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.’

A 63-year-old passenger was killed while four others were injured after a blue cargo truck lost its brakes and plunged into a deep ravine.

The accident happened along a downhill road in Barangay Kitaan Dagat, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday afternoon, local police said.

Police Captain Derf Jay Maquinta, spokesperson of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, reported that the mishap occurred at around 12:55 p.m. in Purok Tugas, Barangay Kitaan Dagat.

The vehicle, a blue Isuzu truck driven by a 43-year-old man, was carrying four passengers-all working as truck helpers, who are from Luuk town in Sulu province.

According to police reports, the truck was traveling from Zamboanga City toward Barangay Limamawan in Kumalarang when it encountered mechanical failure while negotiating a steep downhill stretch of the road.

Investigators said the truck’s brakes reportedly malfunctioned as it descended the sloping road, causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel.

The vehicle veered off the road before plunging into a ravine.

The 63-year-old passenger died on the scene due to fatal injuries sustained from the impact.

Meanwhile, emergency responders rushed the surviving driver and the three other injured truck helpers to the Rural Health Unit of Kumalarang for medical treatment.

Local police said an investigation is ongoing to establish the full details of the incident.

Reigning MPBL champions Abra Weavers will play in Group C of the upcoming 2026-27 East Asia Super League (EASL) season, where they’ll see some familiar faces.

The Weavers are grouped in a powerhouse-filled pool with former PBA guest team Hong Kong Eastern, 2026 finalists Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and third-place finishers Ryukyu Golden Kings.

Abra, the only Philippine-based squad in the regional tournament, will have some familiarity when it takes on Ryukyu.

After all, the Golden Kings have Kiefer Ravena as their newest Asian quota player.

Before that clash, though, the Weavers begin their campaign against Hong Kong Eastern at the newly built SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu next month.

There’ll be more Filipino blood in this year’s EASL season, as Kevin Quiambao’s Goyang Sono Skygunners are grouped in Pool A with Alvark Tokyo, TSG Ghosthawks and the XAC Broncos.

Busan KCC Egis, Macau Hou Chon, Taipei Fubon Braves and Nagasaki Velca make up Group B.

Five establishments in Davao City were raided by authorities for allegedly manufacturing fake vehicle license plates on Thursday, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In a statement on Friday, the LTO noted that six individuals allegedly involved in the scheme were arrested, while 64 fake plates were confiscated during the operation along Quezon Boulevard in Davao City.

The five establishments were identified as Pogz Art and Sign, Eschat Art and Sign Tailoring, Sticker Art and Sign, WMT Printing Services, and Magnorms Advertising Services.

The LTO implemented the raid alongside personnel from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the PNP-Regional Intelligence Division 11, and the PNP-Davao City Police Office.

Authorities also seized computers, machine tools and other equipment allegedly used to manufacture the counterfeit plates, including hammers, cutters, steel plates, sticker cutters, plain sheets and an improvised flat screw used for molding.

The six arrested individuals were brought to the Davao City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

They will face charges for alleged violation of falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents, manufacturing and possession of instruments or implants for falsification, and the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, the LTO said.

Meanwhile, the confiscated equipment and other evidence were inventoried and secured for further proceedings.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency would go after not only motorists who use fake plates but also those who manufacture and sell them.

‘Hinahanap namin kung saan ito ginagawa at kung sino ang kumikita sa ilegal na negosyong ito. Hangga’t may gumagawa at nagbebenta ng pekeng plaka, tuloy ang operasyon ng LTO,’ Lacanilao said.

(We are looking for where these [fake plates] are being made and who is profiting from this illegal business. As long as someone is making and selling fake license plates, the LTO’s operations will continue.)

He urged motorists not to buy or use counterfeit license plates, including those made to resemble official LTO plates.

The LTO also advised the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing or selling of fake plates through the agency’s ‘I-Report Mo Kay LTO Chief’ Facebook page or its website.

A proposed shipbuilding training center in Zambales is being fast tracked by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) following a partnership with Korean executives on Friday.

This was announced at a meeting with the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI).

In the event, Dole brought up the proposed Official Development Assistance (ODA) project with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

The agency said the initiative aims to strengthen the Filipino workforce in the shipbuilding industry for stronger maritime capabilities and resources in the country.

‘We understand the urgency of this because Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) will convene in November this year,’ Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said.

‘Rest assured that on our end, including Tesda, we will be working double time to fast-track the mechanics and details of the agreement. We will be supportive of the endeavor,’ he noted.

‘This would be of great help to the Philippine shipbuilding industry,’ he added.

Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries inaugurated its shipyard in Subic, Zambales last year, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to revive the country’s shipbuilding industry.

Hyundai, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world, is among the tenants at the 310-hectare maritime and industrial complex, also known as the Agila Subic shipyard.

Russian veteran Karen Khachanov defeated an ailing third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime Thursday in the second round of the US Open in four sets.

Khachanov, unseeded this year but a familiar face in the latter stages of big tournaments, beat Auger-Aliaissime 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

The 26-year-old Canadian, a two-time semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows, eked out a first-set tiebreaker against the hard-hitting Russian, who himself made the US Open semifinals in 2022.

But Auger-Aliassime, who appeared to give up quickly on some balls, was undone by a rash of unforced errors in the subsequent sets. He made 47 in all, compared with 30 for Khachanov.

Khachanov also won several key points with blistering backhand down-the-line winners.

Auger-Aliassime said he began feeling unwell in the middle of the second set.

‘I just couldn’t, feel well and was dizzy and seeing spots and couldn’t recover. I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn’t,’ the Canadian said after the match.

Auger-Aliassime felt fine the last few days and had no problem before the match on Thursday.

‘I’m going to run some tests and see what comes out of it,’ said Auger-Aliassime, who called Khachanov a ‘great player’ but added that he was in no condition to advance.

‘I cannot beat him or anybody in this draw feeling the way I felt today,’ he said. ‘So, if I cannot move, we’re not talking about tennis here. So, it’s unfortunate.’

Khachanov said he noticed after the third set that Auger-Aliassime was ‘down’ physically.

‘Let’s say maybe it was a physical aspect, maybe not, maybe the heat, I don’t know,’ Khachanov said. ‘At this point I don’t want to take out the credit from myself because I was staying there fighting three hours and a half almost you know, trying to bring the best effort.’

Difficult year

A fixture among the seeds at Grand Slam tournaments for most of the last decade, Khachanov, 30, came into New York ranked 50th, his lowest since 2017.

The Russian reached the third round of all three Grand Slams already played in 2026. But he had lost four matches in a row, including three straight first-round defeats at US Open hard court warmups.

‘This year been challenging in general for me,’ said Khachanov, who feels like more of an underdog than in the past.

‘You have to focus step by step on every match and try to get this rhythm, this confidence, you know, and build your form and build your tennis,’ he said.

After reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open and Wimbledon, Auger-Aliassime withdrew from the Rogers Cup in Montreal in early August due to a back injury. He won two matches at the Cincinnati Open in mid-August, but lost in the round of 16 to Frances Tiafoe.

Auger-Aliassime entered this year’s US Open without a coach after parting ways with long-time coach Frederic Fontang in July.

Auger-Aliassime is ‘moving forward’ with his team and expects to announce a new coach in the next couple of weeks, he said.

The Canadian’s exit follows that of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed who fell in the first round.

DMCI Mining Corp. is on track to surpass last year’s record production as favorable weather conditions have ramped up its shipments amid seasonal operation disruptions.

‘We’re on track for this year … That was our target,’ said Tulsi Das Reyes, president and COO of DMCI Mining, the mining business of the Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc.

Reyes said the company’s mine site in Long Point, Palawan, has delivered one million wet metric tons (WMT) this year, while shipment at its Zambales project has reached 1.6 million WMT.

‘We’re almost to where we want to be. We’re not too far away,’ Reyes said.

Reyes expressed his optimism about hitting shipment targets for 2026 despite encountering seasonal disruptions in mining operations.

‘The weather’s been somewhat good so far, but in Zambales, it has been raining quite hard. We have a seasonal stop, which we normally do in the month, and then we’ll start up again in the fourth quarter,’ he said.

‘There will be high tide in Palawan, so we’ll naturally stop. And maybe a few shipments left to end the year,’ he told reporters.

DMCI Mining is operating two mines in Santa Cruz, Zambales, through subsidiaries Zambales Diversified Metals Corp. (ZDMC) and Zambales Chromite Mining Co.

Both firms extract nickel ore, chromite and iron laterite using surface mining techniques

On the other hand, DMCI Mining runs the Long Point mine in Palawan through another subsidiary Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC).

In August last year, BNC inked a 25-year mineral production sharing agreement, granting it the exclusive right to explore, develop and utilize mineral resources.

Reyes said ZDMC is entering its final mine rehabilitation phase in the next few months, which is expected to be completed within the next one or two quarters.

Mining operations at ZCMC are being scaled up.

‘We’re hoping to get an additional one million WMT there,’ the company president said.

As for the Palawan site, Reyes said the mining company is continuously exploring expansion opportunities in the province.

‘We see continuously exploring our Long Point assets and its surroundings,’ he said.

Reyes said the mining firm’s production target for 2027 will remain unchanged, adding there are no other projects in the pipeline

Next year, we’ll stay the same unless we were able to open a new mine and or increase our ECC (environmental compliance certificate) for either property,’ he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman will create a special investigative team to look into alleged corruption in garbage collection and waste management contracts across the country, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday.

‘We will create a special investigative team for this … we will do it,’ he said during the hearing held by the Senate committee on finance on the agency’s budget for 2027.

According to Remulla, the Ombudsman will look into how garbage collection and waste management contracts are handled by local governments. He said the system could be vulnerable to corruption as they involve huge funding from local governments.

‘The budget for garbage is so big that it can blind a lot of people into just making money out of it,’ he said, adding that there are ‘characters’ in society whom he referred to as ‘basura [trash] kings.’

‘The big haulers are ‘basura kings,’ your honor, and they are here in Manila, Metro Manila, Manila City, and everywhere,’ Remulla told the Senate panel although he noted that the problem is not just confined to the National Capital Region but nationwide.

‘The tragedy, Your Honor, is that the work of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) is never started or finished because garbage hauling begins with local governments, but the succeeding requirements are not followed-segregation, proper sanitary landfills, everything,’ he said.

Most lucrative scheme

Remulla alleged that garbage collection has become one of the most lucrative contracting schemes involving unscrupulous local officials.

According to him, questionable arrangements involving waste collection are widespread among cities and municipalities.

He said the DENR should have a bigger hand in the implementation of the country’s waste management system.

Earlier, Remulla, in his radio program, called on mayors to scrutinize offices under their supervision for possible corruption in local garbage collection and waste management contracts.

He said such contracts can potentially be manipulated through inflated costs, favored contractors, kickbacks or other irregular arrangements.

At the same time, Remulla also urged the public to report irregularities involving mayors and offices under them.

This is my challenge to them, and also to the public. If you have a complaint against the mayor, or about what is happening in the area where you applied for a license, complain to the mayor, furnish us with a copy. Then, furnish ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) with a copy so that we know who will act,’ he said