Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The bodies recovered from Barangay Sabud in Loreo, Agusan del Sur, on Wednesday-where a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Super Huey crashed on Tuesday-have been identified following an examination by government forensics experts.

According to Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the six victims have been placed in individual caskets and are ready to be returned to their families.

The PAF had released the identities and photos of the pilot and crew of the ill-fated aircraft. They are Capt. Paulie Dumagan, Second Lt. Royce Louis Camigla, Sgts. John Christopher Golfo and Yves Sijub, Airman First Class Ericson Merico, and Airman Ameer Khaidar Apion.

At 11 a.m. Thursday, the remains of Sijub received departure honors before being transported to General Santos City.

Even after formally submitting a request to the Office of the Ombudsman, Akbayan Party President Rafaela David is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top government officials to voluntarily release their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) to demonstrate transparency.

David, along with members of the party-list and civil society, and youth leaders, requested the SALNs of Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, and 13 other officials on Thursday.

‘They shouldn’t wait for the Ombudsman to release their SALNs. They should release their SALNs themselves,’ David, speaking in Filipino, said in an ambush interview after the letter’s submission.

‘Our topmost officials should set an example and show that they are committed to transparency and accountability. They should lead the way. Even before the Ombudsman releases the SALNs, they should make theirs public. That is our appeal to the president, the vice president, and all government officials,’ she added.

Akbayan issued the letter following the publication of Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2025, on October 31. According to the Civil Code’s requirement, the memo takes effect 15 days after publication.

The Office of the Ombudsman lifted restrictions on public access to SALNs filed by government officials on October 14, marking a departure from the policy of Remulla’s predecessor, Martires, who in 2020 imposed stringent conditions on the documents’ release.

Martires had allowed access to SALNs only if there was notarized consent from the officials concerned, a court order related to a pending case, or a need by the Ombudsman’s field investigators for a fact-finding probe.

In defense of his policy, Martires said at that time that SALNs had been weaponized to damage the reputations of government officials or political rivals.

Under Remulla’s memorandum, journalists and the public now need only to present two valid IDs and pay for the reproduction or certification fee to request a copy of an official’s SALN.

Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Thursday morning, but its trough continues to bring rain to parts of Luzon and Mindanao, the state weather bureau said.

Kalmaegi was tracked early Thursday morning, about 265 kilometers north-northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan, moving west-northwest at 35 kilometers per hour (kph), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts of up to 190 kph as it heads towards Central Vietnam.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect in the Kalayaan Islands due to Kalmaegi’s extensive circulation.

Pagasa also reported that the trough of the typhoon is bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms to the following areas:

Aurora

Quezon

rest of Palawan

Zamboanga Peninsula

Basilan

Tawi-Tawi

Meanwhile, two other weather systems are affecting the rest of Luzon.

Separately, the northeast monsoon, or ‘amihan,’ will bring rains to Batanes, while the shear line triggers scattered rain and isolated thunderstorms in Cagayan, Pagasa added.

Localized thunderstorms are also forecast to bring isolated rain showers to Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Pagasa is also monitoring Tropical Storm Fung Wong, which is still outside of PAR, at 1,735 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, moving northwestward at 20 kph.

Fung Wong has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph.

Pagasa said Fung Wong is expected to ‘rapidly intensify and may reach typhoon category on Friday, and super typhoon category on Saturday.’

Fung Wong is forecast to enter PAR on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and Pagasa will assign the domestic name Uwan.

Inflation was steady at 1.7 percent in October, as cheaper rice prices and slower price increases in other food staples like meat and vegetables offset a faster rise in utility rates.

The latest figure, reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday, settled within the 1.4- to 2.2-percent forecast range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the month.

In the first 10 months, consumer price increases averaged 1.7 percent, undershooting the 2- to 4-percent target band of the BSP.

The cost of utilities and rent-the main drivers of inflation in October-rose 2.7 percent from 2.1 percent a month earlier, propelled by a 4.1-percent jump in electricity rates and a 5.7-percent increase in water bills.

The uptick was offset by slower food price pressure, which eased to 0.5 percent from 1 percent in the previous month.

Rice prices

Vegetable inflation cooled to 16.6 percent from 19.4 percent, while meat prices rose 5.2 percent, slower than 6 percent earlier. Price hikes in dairy products and eggs also moderated to 1.6 percent from 2.5 percent.

At the same time, rice prices fell by 17 percent in October, slightly deeper than the 16.9-percent decline a month earlier. The PSA said the downtrend may persist amid higher local production and the continued ban on rice imports.

Still, statisticians warned that vegetable prices could rise in the coming months due to recent typhoons. Transport costs may also add pressure to inflation toward year-end as holiday demand builds.

‘The steady headline inflation rate shows that our coordinated interventions are helping to maintain adequate supplies and keeping essential goods affordable,’ Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

‘We remain vigilant in managing risks from weather disturbances, global market volatility and other domestic factors that may affect prices in the coming months,’ he added.

More room for BSP

With inflation remaining subdued, the case for additional policy rate cuts through the rest of the year and into 2026 remained alive, as the BSP maintained a pro-growth stance in a bid to supercharge an economy hit by governance issues and weather disturbances.

In a statement, the central bank said potential electricity rate adjustments and possible increases in tariffs on rice imports could add some upward pressures.

But even if those risks materialize, the BSP said they won’t be enough to upset its ‘generally benign’ inflation outlook.

The BSP also flagged the ‘weakened’ domestic growth prospects, citing depressed business sentiment amid the widening probe into anomalous infrastructure spending of the government.

Looking ahead, the central bank said it would use the fresh data to ‘reassess the impact of prior monetary action.’

In a note to clients, economists at Chinabank Research said more easing actions may be on the horizon.

‘We expect overall inflation to remain low for the rest of the year, though upward price pressures may arise from energy-a hefty increase in local pump prices was announced this week-as well as from weather-sensitive food prices,’ they said.

‘With inflation running low, this would likely provide support for consumer spending and give room for the BSP to continue easing monetary policy,’ they added.

The government’s adoption of a gradual and flexible rice tariff adjustment starting next year could help ease pressure on rice prices and potentially stabilize inflation, economists said.

Under the new policy approved by the Economic and Development (ED) Council on Tuesday, tariff rates will adjust gradually based on changes in international prices beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

‘Starting January 1, 2026, a more gradual and flexible tariff adjustment shall be adopted, with adjustments by 5 percentage points per 5-percent change in international prices, subject to a minimum rate of 15 percent and a maximum rate of 35 percent,’ the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) said.

The measure complements the government’s decision to maintain the current 15-percent tariff for both in-quota and out-quota rice imports until the end of 2025, as recommended by the Tariff and Related Matters Committee (TRMC).

Government strategy

‘The TRMC’s recommendation is part of a broader government strategy to ensure stable rice prices and protect both farmers and consumers, while safeguarding macroeconomic stability,’ DepDev added.

Aris Dacanay, economist at HSBC Global Research, said the policy provided ‘clarity’ on rice tariffs and could help keep inflation steady.

‘If successfully implemented, rice will neither be inflationary or deflationary to the overall consumer price basket, as any price adjustments in rice, internationally, will just be offset by a change in tariff rates,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona said the policy aimed to reduce prices and could even lower inflation as it ‘effectively brings back the rice tariffication law.’

‘The idea is that the local supply is stable, but the imported rice can now be allowed in case the supply becomes inadequate, especially with the coming holiday season,’ Lanzona said.

‘In anticipation of increased demand, the importation of rice is once again allowed to raise its supply. If anything, this policy is supposed to lower food prices and inflation,’ he added.

No immediate impact

Still, DepDev Secretary and ED Council Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan clarified that the rice tariffs would have little immediate effect on local prices due to the extension of the rice import ban.

President Marcos on Monday approved the

extension of the import ban until the end of the year to help stabilize farm-gate prices of palay.

In an interview before the announcement of the new measure, Balisacan said, ‘I think we can use a combination of tools to address both the farm-gate and consumer problems-to make food prices affordable to consumers while at the same time preventing any upward inflation pressure.’

Headline inflation held steady at 1.7 percent in October, as rice prices dropped by 17 percent-a downtrend that state statisticians expect to persist amid higher local production and the ongoing import ban.

As Typhoon Tino battered Eastern Visayas, soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division clashed with communist rebels in the hinterlands of Llorente and Gen. MacArthur towns in Eastern Samar on Monday, resulting in the death of a New People’s Army (NPA) member.

The firefight erupted as troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations against remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, a report from the 8th ID, based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said on Thursday.

The slain rebel was identified as Joel Bobonao, also known as ‘Pen’ or ‘Jack’. Recovered from the encounter site were a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, several firearm magazines, and personal belongings. The rest of the armed group reportedly fled after being outmaneuvered by government forces despite the adverse weather.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, commended his troops for their persistence and bravery in maintaining peace and security in the region even under extreme conditions.

‘Even as our troops face harsh weather and hazardous terrain, their dedication to protect our people and sustain peace in Eastern Visayas remains unwavering,’ Orio said in a statement. ‘This encounter shows that the remaining CPP-NPA members in the region are losing community support.’

READ: Eastern Samar town placed under state of calamity due to Tino

The 8th ID reiterated its call for remaining members of the NPA to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP to reintegrate into society.

Meanwhile, the division said its units remain on heightened alert for both internal security operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts amid Typhoon Tino

Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, and several other local government units have been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread destruction left by Typhoon Tino.

The Negros Occidental provincial board on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 6) approved the recommendation of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to declare the entire province under a state of calamity due to extensive damage to critical and lifeline infrastructure and facilities.

Lacson said the typhoon damaged major roads and bridges, power stations, potable water systems, and telecommunications networks.

There are further reports of widespread devastation to fishponds, crops, poultry, livestock and other agricultural products, he added.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the typhoon affected 134,718 residents across all 31 local government units of Negros Occidental.

The declaration allows the provincial government to utilize its calamity and quick response funds for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. It also enforces a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities.

The Bacolod City Council also declared the city under a state of calamity on Thursday upon the request of Mayor Greg Gasataya and the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

‘We need to implement a price freeze, which is essential during a calamity. We also understand the situation of our barangays whose funds have been depleted and can no longer sustain the needs of evacuees and affected families,’ Gasataya said, noting the necessity of the declaration.

Councilor Dindo Ramos explained that the move will allow barangays to immediately use 30 percent of the quick response fund from their 5 percent calamity fund. The city government can likewise access its own Quick Response Fund and Trust Fund to expedite relief and recovery operations.

Acting Vice Mayor Caesar Distrito said the declaration also enables the city to extend financial aid to families displaced by the typhoon.

‘It was unprecedented,’ Distrito said, recalling how a storm surge destroyed several stilt houses along the coastline of Barangay Singcang-Airport, where he once served as punong barangay.

‘This was the most devastating storm in the past decade,’ Distrito lamented.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, at least 7,895 families or 27,401 individuals underwent preemptive evacuation, resulting in zero casualties during the typhoon.

Department of Social Services and Development head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the city is preparing long-term support for displaced families.

‘We are also considering those who were affected outside evacuation centers and need immediate recovery assistance,’ she added.

The Emergency Operations Center reported that 266 houses were totally destroyed and 2,028 were partially damaged, mostly due to storm surges, strong winds, and falling trees.

Clearing operations have been completed in 48 of 244 affected areas, allowing the Negros Electric Power Corporation (NEPC) to continue power restoration efforts and repair 65 toppled poles. NEPC assured the mayor that electricity would be fully restored by Friday.

The DRRMO, along with BENRO, BFP, CEO, BCPO, the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and private rescue groups, continues massive clearing operations across major roads and barangays.

Mayor Gasataya also urged Bacolod City Water District-PrimeWater to intensify efforts to stabilize the water supply and called on telecommunications companies to ensure reliable network connections throughout the city.

Phinma Corp. finished the period ending September with a net income of P376.04 million, lifted by its education unit.

In a disclosure Thursday, the group said net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent stood at P216.45 million. Although its other business units posted losses, Phinma Education realized an all-time high enrollment figures with 177,851 students for the first semester of school year 2025 to 2026.

This led to P5.27 billion in revenues. The subsidiary’s earnings reached P1.42 billion. ‘Our sustained success in education, reflected in rising enrollment numbers, demonstrates the power of collaboration with partners who share our values and long-term vision,’ Phinma chair and CEO Ramon del Rosario Jr. said.

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) seized a boatload of smuggled cigarettes in the waters off Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur on Wednesday.

According to an NFEM news release, a team was dispatched to verify the presence of a high-speed vessel, locally known as a jungkong, reported to be potentially carrying contraband.

Navy personnel intercepted and boarded M/L Fatima Shakira for inspection.

The search uncovered boxes of foreign-brand cigarettes without the necessary documentation. The vessel, owned by Alsamer M. Jafaar of Lantawan, Basilan, was manned by 12 crew members led by boat master Nurhan Sabtula.

‘During questioning, the vessel’s master admitted that the contraband originated from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was bound for Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur,’ NFEM said.

BOC personnel unload boxes of smuggled cigarettes from an intercepted jungkong. PHOTO FROM NFEM

The vessel was brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City, where Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel inspected M/L Fatima Shakira and unloaded the smuggled cigarettes, totaling 1,107 boxes with an estimated value of P43.5 million.

Personnel from the Seaport Interdiction Unit of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, assisted by sniffer dogs, conducted a further inspection of the cargo for possible illegal drugs concealed in the contraband.

The vessel and the seized cigarettes were turned over to the BOC.

‘This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to enforcing maritime laws and preventing transnational crimes within our maritime borders,’ NFEM said. /mcm

A yellow Ferrari impounded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for multiple traffic violations was turned over by the agency to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Thursday.

According to the LTO, the sports car was seized after stopping it on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Nov. 2 for lacking a front license plate. The officers also cited the driver for driving the car without a driver’s license.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said that the driver’s stated reason for a missing front plate should not be used as an excuse.

‘They were saying that they were having a hard time mounting the plate number in the bumper, but it should not be an excuse. A license plate should be attached to the front. They don’t want the bumper to be drilled because the car is expensive, but they must abide by the rules,’ Lacanilao, speaking in Filipino, told reporters in an interview after the turnover ceremony.

Lacanilao also noted a prior report that the yellow Ferrari, which was being sold, had been transferred to a buyer without the owner’s consent.

‘This is the reason they asked the LTO for help. This car apprehended at the SCTEx is the same Ferrari, but we told them that everything will go through legal procedure,’ Lacanilao added.

Lacanilao also said that the driver who was apprehended claimed that they already owned the vehicle.

Consequently, he said that complaints have been filed regarding the ownership, but he added that the agency can’t resolve the case, as they have not received the documentation from the court.

Lacanilao then said that penalties for the violations have already been settled. However, LTO officials noted irregularities in the vehicle’s tax payments.

On behalf of the BOC, Manila International Container Port Chief Intelligence Officer Joel Pawin said that they will investigate the vehicle, which the LTO referred to them.

‘Once we prove that they lack payments, the BOC will seize [the car] and it will be subject to auction,’ Pawin said in the same interview.

Not related to Discayas

Lacanilao clarified that this vehicle is not owned by contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya, who earlier admitted they owned over 20 luxury vehicles.

The LTO chief also said the seized Ferrari is not part of the seven luxury cars belonging to the Discayas that the BOC will auction Nov. 17, 2025. The BOC found these seven cars lacked import entry records or certificates of payment.