Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

More local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental are strengthening biosecurity measures against African swine fever (ASF), rolling out stricter border inspections, pork entry restrictions and tighter monitoring to protect the province’s swine industry.

Bacolod, San Carlos, Binalbagan, Isabela and Moises Padilla have all adopted measures to prevent the entry and spread of the disease while safeguarding the livelihoods of backyard and commercial hog raisers

Search and rescue operations for a 31-year-old hiker who went missing on Mt. Kalatungan in Bukidnon province had been terminated after authorities exhausted all possible search areas without finding any trace of him, an official said.

Alkharj Gomez Zamayla, a resident of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, and a safety officer for a construction company based in Bukidnon, was reported missing after climbing the country’s fifth-highest mountain on June 12.

Rhyneheart Silva Uy, chief of the Incident Management Team of the Pangantucan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said search teams composed of soldiers, police personnel, local guides, volunteers, K9 units, and drone operators combed the mountain’s major trails from the Portulin entry point to the forests covering Barangays Concepcion and New Eden.

Uy said the operation covered more than 600 hectares of rugged forest, including areas where Zamayla was believed to have last passed.

Search teams also deployed K9 Bella-the rescue dog credited with locating landslide victims in Quezon, Bukidnon in 2024-and two thermal drones provided by private companies, but neither yielded any leads.

‘We have already searched all possible trails. If he had died within the area, there would likely have been signs or odor, but none were found,’ Uy told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on June 26

The operation of an electric vehicle taxi was suspended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for 30 days after its driver got involved in a viral robbery prank.

According to the LTFRB on Saturday, a show cause order will be issued against the Green and Smart Mobility Philippines and the owner of the electric vehicle taxi, whose driver was accused of participating with vloggers in the prank.

In a viral video, a driver was seen announcing the heist and was joined by two vloggers who acted as robbers.

LTFRB chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza said that the prank ‘sends the wrong message’ that it is dangerous to commute in the country.

‘This is not funny and it causes fear to regular passengers of taxis and TNVS (transport network vehicle service),’ Mendoza said in a press release.

‘We will look into this and we assure that appropriate disciplinary measures will be done,’ he added.

Mendoza then urged the public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to bring back the trust and confidence of the riding public.

Meanwhile, Green GSM Philippines said that the activity was conducted without its approval and knowledge. The company also said that it does not authorize the use of its vehicles or services for any activities that may lead to conduct of activities perceived as crimes.

‘The driver involved did not inform the company before participating and did not report the incident immediately thereafter. Green GSM was not involved in the planning, production, or publication of the content, to our knowledge,’ Green GSM Philippines said in a separate statement.

The firm also said it recognized the concerns raised in the video, noting that ‘any conduct that could reasonably create fear, alarm, confusion, or the perception of criminal activity is inconsistent with the professional, safety, operational, and customer service standards expected of drivers operating under the Green GSM brand.’

The police and personnel from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seized an estimated P82.713 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes from three traders, including two Chinese nationals, during an operation at a hotel here on Thursday.

Isabela police director Col. Manuel Bringas identified the suspects only as ‘Willy’ and two Chinese nationals known by the aliases ‘Michael’ and ‘Lisa.’

They were taken into custody for questioning.

Bringas said authorities launched the operation after receiving information that the suspects were allegedly engaged in the wholesale distribution of smuggled cigarettes.

Armed with a mission order issued by the BIR, police officers and BIR personnel conducted tax compliance, inspection, and enforcement activities at Rooms 24 and 26 of TD Hotel in Barangay District 1.

The mission order authorized the inspection and confiscation of smuggled cigarettes, raw materials, packaging materials, and equipment used in the unauthorized manufacture of cigarette products, as well as the enforcement of the National Internal Revenue Code.

Authorities recovered 88 boxes of Bon International Nise Red cigarettes and 20 boxes of Modern 100s Green in Room 24.

Another 90 boxes of Bon International Nise Red and four boxes of Bon International Nise Blue were seized in Room 26.

‘Supergirl’ (2026) proves that the newly minted DC Universe is not afraid to take massive, interstellar risks, delivering a gritty and emotionally heavy space odyssey that completely separates the Maid of Might from her famous cousin’s shadow.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, this latest entry in James Gunn’s Chapter One cinematic universe ditches the typical, bright metropolis landscape for a rugged, whiskey-fueled space opera. It is a bold, visually striking, and surprisingly raw take on Kara Zor-El that will make comic book purists and casual filmgoers stop and think.

Milly Alcock Owns the Cape

Milly Alcock plays into her onscreen character of ‘Kara Zor-El’ effortlessly and seamlessly. As you watch her on the big screen, you will begin to believe that you are watching a real, flawed person carrying the immense trauma of a dead world, rather than a fictional superhero archetype. This young woman is-without a doubt-one of the most compelling casting choices of this current era of comic book cinema, bringing a sharp, defiant edge to the role.

Unlike David Corenswet’s Superman, who was raised with warm apple pie in Kansas, Alcock’s Kara actually witnessed Krypton’s excruciating death. She drinks heavily under red suns to block out the pain; a character trait Alcock handles with a perfect mix of humor and deep pathos. This is not a female carbon copy of the Man of Steel; this is an independent, fierce survivor driven by a desperate quest for vengeance.

A Strong Interstellar Cast

The narrative hits its stride when Kara crosses paths with Ruthye Marye Knoll, portrayed brilliantly by newcomer Eve Ridley. Their dynamic forms the absolute heart of the movie. Ridley brings an earnestness that acts as a beautiful counterweight to Kara’s jaded exterior. Together, they embark on a dangerous cosmic road trip to hunt down Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by a menacingly cruel Matthias Schoenaerts.

Schoenaerts is fantastic as the ruthless villain, anchoring the stakes in a palpable sense of danger.

The main stars are backed up by an exceptional supporting cast, including a brief but vital appearance by David Corenswet’s Superman and the unmistakable, bombastic presence of The Main Man himself, Jason Momoa as Lobo. Every cast member is so articulate and guided that no one feels wooden or out of place.

Gritty Directing and Cosmic Visuals

Director Craig Gillespie proves he knows exactly what he is doing behind the camera. He smartly utilizes expansive, wide-angle shots of bizarre alien worlds alongside intimate close-ups that trap the audience inside Kara’s emotional trauma. The cinematography by Rob Hardy is absolutely beautiful-a visual feast that captures the psych-rock, retro-futuristic aesthetic of the Tom King comic book source material.

While some critics may argue the middle act faces pacing issues under the weight of its own galaxy-hopping plot, the film leaves no stone unturned emotionally. The atmospheric score heightens every single tense confrontation, ensuring the sci-fi action never sounds generic or overly familiar.

My Verdict

‘Supergirl’ (2026) is a complete movie that does not feel rushed in production. It honors the vintage spirit of epic sci-fi while injecting the kind of raw, genuine heart that today’s mega-budget blockbusters desperately need. It builds a massive, exciting foundation for what’s to come next in the DCU, particularly the 2027 sequel Man of Tomorrow. Watch it!

The Sandiganbayan on Friday said the Office of the Ombudsman ‘sufficiently’ informed former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and his coaccused of the specific basis in their graft case related to the Malampaya project.

Associate Justice Karl Miranda, chairperson of the antigraft court’s Third Division, said the court determined this after state prosecutors submitted the bill of particulars in the court on June 24.

Respondents sought a motion for the bill of particulars of the graft case, which details the specific charges against respondents.

‘The court does admit the bill of particulars filed by the prosecution,’ Miranda said. ‘They (prosecutors) sufficiently alleged due injury and damage.’

Favoring businessman

The charges against Cusi and the other respondents stem from their alleged involvement in facilitating the 2019 sale of a 45-percent stake of Chevron in the Malampaya gas project to UC Malampaya, a subsidiary of Udenna Corp. owned by Davao businessman Dennis Uy.

The bill of particulars presented to the court by Assistant Special Prosecutor Ryan Moreno stated that the government suffered undue injury in the form of lost income.

State prosecutors noted that in 2018 and 2019, the Malampaya consortium’s gas proceeds were $1.225 billion and $1.295 billion, respectively. However, they said UC Malampaya produced $338 million less than its actual production in 2018, with the proceeds only ranging from $1.097 billion to $680 million between 2020 and 2024.

State prosecutors also said the government suffered undue injuries and damages when Cusi and other coaccused allowed UC Malampaya to take control of the 45-percent stake of Chevron, which they said was valued at $565 million at that time.

The prosecutors claimed the accused allowed UC Malampaya to purchase the stake for a price of only around $387 million, which resulted in a loss of almost $177.4 million.

Arraignment reset

Cusi’s coaccused, former Department of Energy supervisor Demujin Antiporda, still questioned the bill of particulars.

Cusi’s counsel Joey Rose De Leon also said they also adopted the objection of Antiporda on the bill of particulars.

The arraignment of Cusi, Antiporda and other coaccused was then deferred to July 10.

Miranda said: ‘To give them time to file their [motion for reconsideration] and comment, we will reset the arraignment and pretrial to July 10.’

Miranda said the accused can file their motions for reconsideration (MR) until July 1, while state prosecutors will be given five days or until July 6 to submit their comments on the MR.

In September last year, Cusi, Antiporda, and 9 other former and current Department of Energy officials each posted bail of P90,000 for their graft charges.

The other respondents in this graft case are: former Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos, former Energy Undersecretary Robert Uy, former Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III, former Director Cesar dela Fuente III, former Division Chief Thelma Cerdeña, former Chief Administration Officer Santos-Soluta, former Division Chief Guillermo Hernandez Ansay, Director Arthur Tabang Tenazas and lawyer Rowena Joyce delos Santos.

Of the accused, Pulido, Ansay, Antiporda, Tenazas and delos Santos are still working for the government in various capacities.

Miss Philippines Earth 2026 pageant opened its coronation night in Malitbog, Bukidnon on Saturday, June 27, notably without the presence of its reigning queen Joy Barcoma.

The event, hosted by TV host James Deakin, began with welcome speeches from Malitbog Tourism Officer Amalyn Morin, Malitbog Mayor Gary Casiño and Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba.

The 32 delegates then graced the stage in ethnic costumes and danced to traditional songs prior to introducing themselves.

The end of the show will see the coronation of the Miss Philippines Earth titleholder as well as her ‘elemental’ court-Miss Philippines-Air, Miss Philippines-Water, Miss Philippines-Fire, and Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.

As the program was starting many commenters during the Miss Philippines Earth livestream were asking why Barcoma was left out of the coronation, while others were demanding ‘justice’ for the embattled queen.

Barcoma had earlier confirmed that she would not have the traditional farewell walk as the pageant’s reigning queen. She did not disclose the reason for her absence at the event.

It can be noted, however, that speculations of her alleged fallout with the pageant organizer Carousel Productions surfaced on social media. Barcoma did not address such speculations in her statement, only thanking the pageant organization for entrusting her with the title.

Authorities on Friday, June 26, seized over P4 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes and arrested six individuals in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte.

Operatives from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) and other supporting units intercepted a blue motorized boat named ‘Likom’ anchored off the shores of Bangaan village at around 2 a.m. Friday.

On board the vessel, police found 101 cases of Platinum brand cigarettes with an estimated market value of P4.04 million.

Police arrested the six men on board, identified by their aliases ‘Dul-dul,’ the boat operator, and ‘Abu,’ ‘Drei,’ ‘Sam,’ and ‘Nonoy,’ all residents of Pagadian City; and ‘Rey,’ a resident of Sultan Naga Dimaporo who reportedly served as a laborer.

‘Based on the statements of the arrested individuals during the initial investigation, the confiscated cigarettes were allegedly transported from Picong, Lanao del Sur, and were intended for distribution in Pagadian City, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and Ozamiz City,’ said Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson.

The suspects are currently detained at the Sultan Naga Dimaporo municipal police station and face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The PNP Maritime Group took temporary custody of the vessel, while the seized contraband was secured by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, PRO-10 director , commended the joint forces, saying the successful operation demonstrates the region’s commitment to protecting coastal borders from smuggling

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 after another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera, advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup and eliminating the South American powerhouse on Friday.

Uruguay, a two-time champion, will go home without any victories in its three Group H games. Spain, the European champion, won the group with seven points and will face the second-place team from Group J – either Austria or Algeria – on Thursday in Inglewood, California.

Álex Baena scored in the 42nd minute after Muslera couldn’t fully swat away his shot from inside the area. It was the third blunder of the tournament by the 40-year-old Muslera, who asked coach Marcelo Bielsa to substitute him at halftime. Sergio Rochet came in to start the second half.

‘He is the one who decided to leave,’ Bielsa said.

The veteran Argentine coach said he feels like Uruguay deserved better luck considering its performances, and should have earned seven points instead of two from its group matches. But he took full responsibility for the team’s failure.

‘No one wants to listen to explanations now,’ Bielsa said. ‘The blame is on me, I’m the one responsible for the disappointing work that I did. I had a group of quality players.’

At 19th in the Fifa rankings, Uruguay is the highest-ranked team to be eliminated so far.

‘Every match is different and you have to win every type of match,’ Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. ‘This was a game with maximum difficulty.’

De la Fuente said midfielder Yéremy Pino likely suffered a broken collarbone that would sideline him for the rest of the tournament. Pino, who entered the match in the 66th minute, stayed on until the end despite the injury because Spain had already made all five substitutions.

Cape Verde, which played Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in the other group game on Friday, finished second in the group with three points, one more than both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay finished third but without enough points to be among the best eight third-place teams that will advance.

A few Uruguay players cried on the field after the final whistle. Many fans booed the team as it left.

The match was one of the most anticipated of the group stage, but it featured few significant scoring chances by either team.

‘I’m very proud of all the work that we have done,’ Baena said. ‘We competed very well.’

Uruguay players loudly advocated for a penalty in the final minutes after Federico Viñas went down inside the area.

There was some tension near the end. Uruguay’s Agustín Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time for a tackle on Spain defender Paul Cubarsi. His teammates had to escort him off the field, and after the final whistle he returned to try to talk to the referee.

Uruguay, the World Cup winner in 1930 and 1950, came into the final group match in turmoil after draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Uruguayan media said there were reports of players not being happy with Bielsa.

Spain, seeking its second World Cup title, opened with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but was coming off a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. La Roja haven’t made it past the round of 16 since winning their lone title in 2010.

Spain striker Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament nursing a left hamstring injury, had a lackluster outing and again didn’t play the entire match, being replaced by Ferran Torres in the 76th minute. The 18-year-old Yamal was replaced at halftime against Saudi Arabia and came off the bench in the second half against Cape Verde.

Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to replaced because of an apparent knee injury near the end of the first half. He was on the ground seeking medical assistance when Spain opened the scoring, and was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.

King Felipe VI of Spain was among the crowd of 45,065 at Estadio Akron.

A moment of silence was observed before the match in memory of those who died when back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela late Wednesday.

The population of critically endangered tamaraws monitored in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) increased by 12 percent this year, with 425 animals recorded during the 2026 Annual Tamaraw Population Count.

The count, conducted from April 15 to 20 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Mimaropa through the Tamaraw Conservation Program Office (TCPO), was higher than the 380 tamaraws recorded in 2025 using the same standardized monitoring method.

Tamaraw count up

The 425 tamaraws refer only to the population monitored within the core zone of MIBNP, which hosts the country’s largest known remaining wild population of the species and has served as the primary long-term monitoring site since 2000, said the DENR-Mimaropa.

Other confirmed tamaraw habitats in Mindoro include the proposed Siburan-Aruyan-Dangari-Iyason-Kinarawan Critical Habitat, formerly the Aruyan-Malati Tamaraw Reservation, and the Upper Amnay Watershed. These areas support additional wild tamaraw populations and are monitored through separate conservation and research initiatives.

DENR said all vantage points recorded tamaraw sightings this year, including areas where no observations were reported in 2025. The survey also documented adults, sub-adults, yearlings and calves, indicating continued recruitment within the monitored population.

Method unchanged

The Annual Tamaraw Population Count uses the Intensive Concentration Count (ICC), or Simultaneous Multi-Vantage Point Count Method, a standardized approach recommended under the Population and Habitat Viability Assessment and implemented by the DENR since 2000.

The survey was conducted simultaneously across multiple vantage points over five days by trained observers from the DENR, the MIBNP Protected Area Management Office, local government units, partner agencies, academic institutions, nongovernment organizations and Indigenous Peoples. Duplicate sightings were validated and removed before the official count was finalized.

The DENR emphasized that the count is a long-term monitoring program designed to provide consistent year-to-year comparisons using a standardized method. It added that complementary research and monitoring by partner institutions using different scientific approaches continue to strengthen the scientific basis for tamaraw conservation.

Awareness videos

While the latest count points to an improving population trend within MIBNP, conservationists said the Philippine tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) remains under threat from human activities, habitat loss and climate change.

In 2024, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, launched a 27-month project to assess how awareness and action-based interventions influence conservation attitudes and behavior.

The project found that video-based information, education and communication materials can help encourage pro-conservation behavior toward the tamaraw.

It also recommended stronger coordination among the DENR, local government units, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and enforcement agencies, as well as more training, equipment and logistical support for tamaraw rangers and conservation personnel.

Researchers likewise called for integrating tamaraw protection measures into Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Forest Land Use Plans and local ordinances.