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A fire that broke out early Thursday and raged on for more than three hours, razed almost two dozen houses, rendering 23 families homeless in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

Elmeir Apolinario, chief of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said they counted at least 22 houses that were razed to the ground and one structure partially damaged after the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declared the fire out at 3:21 a.m.

Apolinario said the city government had distributed immediate assistance and support to the fire-hit families temporarily housed at the Tetuan Central School Gymnasium.

At least four vehicles were also damaged.

The fire in Tetuan village occurred barely three days after the Sept. 29 fire earlier gutted several houses in the city’s Barangay Tumaga, rendering 26 families homeless.

BFP is still investigating the cause or causes of these fire incidents in the two villages in Zamboanga City

Questions over its confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) amounting to billions of pesos continue to hound the Office of the President (OP), after a lawmaker noted that it fully spent the funds last year but left more than a fifth of its regular budget unobligated or unused.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio raised the matter during plenary deliberations on the OP’s proposed P27-billion budget in 2026, where he cited the OP’s Statement of Appropriations, Allotments, Obligations, Disbursements, and Balances, saying it fully obligated its CIF for every quarter of 2024.

That year, the OP received P4.5 billion for its CIF, which meant it received P1.1 billion in cash per quarter.

In contrast, the OP was able to obligate only 78 percent of its regular funding in the same year, Tinio said.

Ballooning amount

‘Why is it that when it comes to your CIF, not a single centavo is left? But when we’re talking about the regular budget-which is subject to the normal reporting and accounting procedures of the Commission on Audit (COA)-you’re a bit slow, at 78 percent (obligation rate)?’ he asked.

The OP’s sponsoring lawmaker, Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, explained that the OP spent its CIF on the activities of its presidential situation room, the national AML/CFT (anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism) coordinating committee, the national cybersecurity interagency committee, the People’s Center on Transnational Crime, and the Anti-Terrorism Council project management center.

The OP’s CIF, which now totals P4.56 billion annually or roughly a third of the Palace’s budget, has steadily grown over the years.

Confidential expenses pertain to surveillance activities in civilian government agencies, while intelligence expenses are those related to information-gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel directly related to national security.

Since 2015, the OP traditionally requested only up to P250 million each for confidential and intelligence purposes until former President Rodrigo Duterte raised them tenfold to P2.5 billion from 2017 to 2019.

By 2020, these doubled to P4.5 billion-an amount sustained under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Safeguards

Tinio recalled how some Marcos allies earlier questioned the use of CIF by Vice President Sara Duterte, who had requested unprecedented amounts in 2023 and 2024 for both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education which she used to head, an agency that traditionally does not require CIF.

But ‘when the new president came in, instead of reverting to the old practice and [proving] that the Duterte administration’s use of CIF was an aberration, the Marcos Jr. administration continued it,’ Tinio noted.

Its growing reliance on such funds, he added, was creating a ‘huge loophole’ since such expenditures are exempt from the procurement law and governed only by a special Department of Budget and Management-COA circular.

Garcia confirmed the figures but said the increase for the OP in 2023-Marcos’ first full year-was introduced in the Senate and not requested by Malacañang.

He also stressed that the funds were subject to liquidation and reporting to the Speaker, the Senate President and the COA.

Caloocan City has opened a new center aimed at providing services for children with special needs and their families.

The facility, called Hope and Play: A Pod for Every Ability, will be open Mondays through Fridays and will offer psychoeducational screening, language programs, behavior management, learning support, and training for parents and guardians.

Mayor Dale Gonzalo ‘Along’ Malapitan said the city government recognizes the challenges of raising children with special needs and committed to protecting the interests of children and other vulnerable members of the community.

‘Ang katotohanan ngayon, mahal ang gastusin kapag may anak ka na may espesyal na pangangailangan, at hindi lahat kayang gumastos para sa therapy at iba pang medical needs,’ Malapitan said.

‘Dito papasok ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Caloocan sa pamamagitan ng Hope and Play: A Pod for Every Ability upang matiyak na mabibigyan ng karampatang pag-aalaga ang mga batang may special needs,’ he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P150 million from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for the province of Cebu, in addition to P74 million allocated for the municipalities of San Remigio, Medellin, and Bogo City, which were severely affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.

The President stated that the funds are part of an ‘initial release,’ noting that a full assessment is still being conducted to determine the additional financial support needed in the province’s recovery.

On top of the DBM allocation, the Office of the President will provide P50 million in direct aid. Of this amount, P20 million each will go to Bogo City, San Remigio, and Sogod, while Daanbantayan, Madridejos, and Tabuelan will receive P10 million each.

Marcos visited Bogo City on Thursday to inspect the extent of the destruction and to assure quake-hit communities of immediate government support.

The September 30 earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.9, left at least 72 people dead and injured dozens more. The tremor also caused widespread damage to homes, schools, churches, and public infrastructure across northern Cebu.

It was strongly felt in neighboring provinces, including Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Leyte, and prompted thousands of residents to rush out of homes and establishments.

Authorities continue to conduct rescue and relief operations while structural assessments are being carried out to ensure public safety.

Hundreds of people got a taste of 16 pasta dishes during a massive ‘pasta party’ that opened this year’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism (HRT) Month, showcasing the culinary flair of the summer capital.

Crowds flocked to SM City Baguio on Thursday, where top chefs and culinary students served portions from 2,400 kilos of pasta prepared in 16 oversized triangular trays – each measuring 12 feet by 4 feet and six inches deep.

The recipes drew from a variety of local and international flavors, featuring ingredients such as hamonado, longganiza, spicy sardines, tuna, pesto, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Curated by local culinary figures, including Baguio Country Club chef Arthur Nucada, the pasta feast aimed to highlight Baguio and Cordillera-inspired tastes. Organizers said the servings were designed to feed up to 15,000 people.

Last year’s HRT Month opened with a similar showcase, featuring a collection of rice recipes presented as a giant fried rice festival at the same venue.

HRT Month started as the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio’s (HRAB) annual HRT Weekend, organized to promote the city as a culinary and tourism hub while also highlighting the skills of its food industry and culinary schools.

This year’s event was made possible through the support of Baguio Country Club, sausage maker MV Alabanza, Hill Station, and eight local hotels, including El Cielito Hotel, Lafayette Suites, and Soto Grande Hotel.

For decades, HRAB has also been behind the city’s biggest tourism draw – the annual Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival.

Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified over the Philippine Sea, prompting the weather bureau to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over parts of Luzon on Thursday, Oct. 2.

In its 11 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said areas under TCWS are as follows:

TCWS No. 2

The southeastern portion of Isabela (San Mariano, Dinapigue, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Benito Soliven, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Naguilian)

The northern portion of Quirino (Maddela)

The northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

Areas under Signal No. 2 have a 24-hour lead time before experiencing Paolo’s effects. Winds in this category pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property.

TCWS No. 1

Mainland Cagayan

Isabela

Quirino

Nueva Vizcaya

Apayao

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Pangasinan

The northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)

Tarlac

Nueva Ecija

Aurora

The northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso)

The northern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

The northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar), including Polillo Islands

The northern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga)

The warning lead time for Signal No. 1 is 36 hours, with winds in this category posing minimal to minor threat to life and property.

Pagasa said Paolo was located 575 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts of up to 90 kph, and was moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

It is expected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by Friday morning, Oct. 3, before crossing Northern Luzon and emerging over the West Philippine Sea.

The storm is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning, Oct. 4

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 2 was issued over more areas in northern Luzon as Tropical Storm Paolo moves closer to the Philippine landmass on Thursday, said the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said at 7 p.m. bulletin, TS Paolo was last located around 370 kilometers east of Baler Aurora, moving 20 kilometers per hour (kph) west-northwestward, Pagasa reported.

According to Pagasa, the cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph, and gusts of up to 105 kph.

TCWS no. 2 was issued over the following areas in the state weather bureau’s 7 p.m. advisory:

Southern portion of mainland Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat)

Isabela

northern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Aglipay, Cabarroguis, Saguday, Diffun)

northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Quezon, Solano, Villaverde, Ambaguio, Bayombong, Kasibu)

southern portion of Apayao (Conner)

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Bakun, Buguias)

central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Gregorio del Pilar, San Esteban, Banayoyo, Cervantes, Burgos, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santiago, Lidlidda, Nagbukel, Suyo, Sigay, Galimuyod, Quirino, San Emilio, Alilem, Sugpon, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Narvacan, Salcedo)

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

Meanwhile, TCWS no. 1 was hoisted in the areas listed below:

the rest of mainland Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands

the rest of Quirino

the rest of Nueva Vizcaya

the rest of Apayao

the rest of Benguet,

Ilocos Norte

the rest of Ilocos Sur

La Union

Pangasinan

northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)

Tarlac

Nueva Ecija

the rest of Aurora

northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael)

northern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

northern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Goa, San Jose, Presentacion)

Catanduanes

The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Ifugao or in Aurora on Friday.

Boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.5 million were confiscated by authorities in Maguindanao del Norte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The products were seized after the Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police flagged a white closed van and a gas tanker at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion early Thursday morning, the PNP detailed in a statement.

‘The operation led to the confiscation of 266 boxes of smuggled cigarettes. marked ‘for export only.’ It also resulted in the arrest of two male suspects, aged 22 and 26, who attempted to transport the contraband,’ the police said.

The PNP did not identify the two suspects arrested.

However, it did state that the suspects were taken into custody by the municipal police to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

A network of business process outsourcing (BPO) employees has filed a formal complaint against 30 call center firms based in Cebu province for violating labor and occupational safety laws during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Sept. 30.

BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) – Cebu lodged the complaint with the Department of Labor and Employment – Region 7 (DOLE – RO7) on Thursday.

‘BIEN-Cebu rejects this ‘business-as-usual’ approach of BPO companies and government neglect during this time of crisis. We call on all BPO workers to unite and fight back against this blatant disregard of workers’ rights,’ the group’s spokesperson John Kyle Enero said in a statement.

According to the group, they had received more than a hundred reports of agents being forced to report to work, despite their pleas to focus on their safety and their families in just two days.

Among these were agents who were allegedly forced back onto the production floor, and emergency exits were blocked in one company.

Another reported that they were offered double pay to continue working after the earthquake, disregarding safety concerns.

In another company, employees were ordered to resume work immediately after the quake, with some returning as early as 30 minutes post-event, without any safety memorandum or clearance.

The group received multiple incidents of employees insisting on not reporting to work were met with notices to explain, administrative sanctions, loss of attendance incentives and benefits, among many retaliatory actions.

There were also reports of verbal threats, and concerns were downplayed, treating the crisis as ‘business as usual.’

Employees who went home after the Sept. 30 earthquake were marked as unpaid, lost attendance bonuses, and were suspended from work. Workers who did not return the following day were marked as unauthorized absences.

Some employees were even forced to sign memos prohibiting them from speaking about the situation on social media.

The group urged DOLE to investigate the allegations and hold negligent employers accountable under Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards law, and related labor issuances.

When sought for comment, Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma told the Inquirer that the agency is already investigating the case.

He said that the filing of complaint ‘is very welcome to enable the DOLE to establish the guilt and liability of employers being complained of.’

He added that, without preempting the outcome of the investigation, employers must not force their workers to report to work if the latter feel that their workplace is unsafe.

‘The company cannot just impose disciplinary action if the refusal or non- reporting is based on justifiable ground, i.e fear for their safety or health concerns,’ Laguesma said in a Viber message.

BIEN-Cebu also criticized the government for not declaring imminent danger in workplaces in the province, and instead passed the decision of how to handle the emergency situation to private companies.

‘This decision not only affects BPO workers at large, but the thousands of families and loved ones,’ Enero said.

‘If the government can suspend classes due to the need to inspect school buildings, they should also rightfully require BPO companies and their building administrators to provide a detailed inspection and safety report to ensure that resumption of work does not threaten worker safety,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña also urged employees who experienced the same workplace abuse to submit a report to him, by texting him at 09173299999 and providing all the details of the incident.

He assured complainants they should not fear retribution from their employers, as he would be the only one to read their text messages.

‘I need to be sure that this is true, but if this is true, we will do more than just file a complaint at DOLE,’ he said in his official Facebook account.

‘I will personally contact every known local and overseas client that the company has to tell them what kind of company they hired. We will hit them where it hurts,’ he added.

A new coalition of communities and environmental groups has vowed to block the construction of a ?26-billion waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator project in Smokey Mountain, Tondo, warning that it will worsen pollution, displacement, and corruption.

On September 30, hundreds of residents, including waste pickers and urban poor families facing eviction, gathered for the Day of Action Against Incineration to launch the Manila Against Incinerator Alliance (MAIA).

The group is opposing a priority project of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno that aims to burn garbage to produce energy while also addressing clogged drainage and flooding.

Communities push back

MAIA members warned that the project, to be built in Barangay 128, Smokey Mountain, will harm residents instead of solving Manila’s long-standing waste and flooding problems.

‘It is easy to put the blame on our litter as the source of flooding, but behind this narrative is the issue of persistent neglect of the need for comprehensive and transformative solutions to flooding and waste problems and the consistent rejection of hearing the pleas of marginalized communities,’ said Niña Fegi, coordinator of Panatang Luntian.

Urban poor organizations Samahan ng Magkakapitbahay sa Upper Smokey Mountain – KADAMAY, Samahan Para sa Maayos na Tahanan at Hanapbuhay (SMTH), and Samahan ng Nagkakaisa at Nagdadamayang Marala Organization (NANAMOR) led the protest against what they called forcible evictions tied to the project.

Incineration is ‘not renewable’

Former Bayan Muna lawmaker Ferdie Gaite, now president of the government employees’ group COURAGE, said that while WTE is being closed down in Europe, it is being pushed aggressively in the Philippines.

He stressed that municipal waste is not renewable energy, yet WTE incineration continues to be falsely categorized as biomass energy. Such projects, Gaite added, move forward because proponents disregard legal bans on incineration and avoid genuine consultation processes.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman criticized the project’s priorities, arguing that funds should have gone to housing for the urban poor in Smokey Mountain.

‘They are not only stealing money from us, but they are also stealing clean air away from us,’ he said, warning that Manila risked becoming a dumping ground for imported waste.

Funding under scrutiny

The $500-million project is partly financed by a $415.2-million loan from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with a $84.8-million counterpart from the national budget.

According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), an international network focused on environmental justice, the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank continued to support the flood-control portion of the project despite earlier findings of corruption, land disputes, and inadequate assessments.

However, both institutions dropped the WTE component in 2024.

Still, GAIA noted that Malacañang pressed forward with the incinerator, tapping PhilECo, Kandenevia, and businessman Ramon Ang as potential investors.

Mayang Azurin, deputy director for campaigns of GAIA Asia Pacific, said the project ‘is moving so fast in a time with extraordinary exposés on corruption in infrastructure projects and breaches in environmental and climate thresholds.’

‘It is obvious that powerful elites of politicians, companies, and their international financial institutions, as their backers, can ignore everything to benefit from this WTE incineration project,’ Azurin added.

Ecowaste Coalition’s Kweyn Camillon Tagaduar, MAIA co-convenor, said corruption was diverting public funds from the people’s needs. ‘The people of Manila have greater force than the power of a few politicians and companies,’ she declared, as the crowd echoed her call to block the project.

MAIA urged the public to support its petition against the incinerator.