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Flash floods swept through three barangays in this interior town of Bukidnon on Tuesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of dozens of families.

Videos circulating on social media showed floodwaters submerging large bamboo trees and carrying debris along the Mulita River in Barangay Concepcion.

The strong water current also affected nearby areas, including Barangay Adtuyon. Worst-hit by the floods was Barangay Poblacion, where over a hundred residents sought refuge at the local gymnasium, now serving as an evacuation center.

According to Ian Cagalitan of the Bukidnon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), at least 25 households, or 174 individuals, are currently staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Poblacion, with the number expected to rise.

Cagalitan added that the Mulita River has reached the red or critical level, prompting authorities to carry out forced evacuations in flood-prone areas.

Justine Navarro, weather specialist at the state weather bureau’s station in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, said in a phone interview that Pangantucan experienced moderate to heavy rainfall lasting nearly three hours on Tuesday afternoon.

Several areas across Bukidnon were also affected by continuous rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, according to the state weather bureau’s advisory issued that day.

As of posting time, no casualties or injuries have been reported. The Bukidnon PDRRMO said monitoring continues as response and relief operations remain ongoing./coa

A lot can change in a year. Ten years? That’s a lifetime in basketball.

Just ask Mark Barroca.

It was 2015, and the then-Star Hotshots were clawing for survival in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals. Every possession counted, every inch covered. And then, the moment that’s haunted Barroca for years-he coughed up a crucial turnover, the ball swiped cleanly by LA Tenorio, sealing the game for Barangay Ginebra and sinking the Hotshots’ title hopes.

Fast forward a decade, and the man who once broke his heart is now calling the shots from the Magnolia bench.

‘I never expected him to be my coach but you really never know how fate works,’ Barroca told the Inquirer during the PBA Season 50 opener. ‘As fate would have it, we’re in the same team now, except he’s the coach and I’m the player.’

The past has long been buried, and if anything, Barroca and Tenorio’s new alliance couldn’t have had a more poetic start-an 80-73 win against none other than Ginebra.

‘This is special for the both of us because we’re on the same side for a change. We’re not opponents this time around,’ Barroca said, grinning.

Barroca’s numbers weren’t eye-popping-seven points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal on 3-of-9 shooting-but his presence was steady, his trust in the team unwavering.

More importantly, the win felt personal.

‘We aren’t pressured by coach LA to win but we want to win for him. We respect him,’ said Barroca. ‘We want to give him our best. Even if he says he isn’t pressuring us, us players are talking and we all want to win for him.’ INQ

Long before Janella Salvador was cast in the Nigel Santos-helmed ‘Open Endings,’ she was vocal about wanting to be part of a queer film, saying it was a personal dream of hers.

‘Open Endings,’ a full-length entry to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, tells the story of Hannah, Charlie, Kit and Mihan, exes-turned-best friends navigating through their thirties as queer women.

‘Alam kong paulit-ulit ko ‘tong sinasabi but dream come true talaga for me ang project na ‘to. Ang tagal ko nang naging vocal na gusto kong magkaroon ng queer project and part pa siya ng Cinemalaya,’ Salvador said during a Star Magic Spotlight media con, adding that her character Charlie is considered the ‘baby girl’ of the friend group.

‘Nasa point ako ng career ko na I really wanna grow as an actress. I wanna do more films. Nakarami naman ako through the years sa TV kaya I wanna do more films,’ she continued.

(I know I keep on saying this, but this project is such a dream come true. I had always been vocal about wanting to have a queer project, and this is even part of Cinemalaya. I’m at the point of my career where I really wanna grow as an actress. I wanna do more films. I did a lot of TV shows through the years, so I wanna do more films.) While ‘Open Endings’ is a sapphic film, Salvador explained that it is not a coming-out sort of project. It ‘highlights the point of view’ of queer women going through life, especially when it comes to maintaining friendships and relationships.

‘The question is what would make me say no to this project. The moment I read the script, na-feel ko ‘yung mga gumawa ng project na ‘to, they know what they’re doing and what they want. Nakakatuwa kasi it all worked out,’ she said, noting that she auditioned for the project.

(The question is what would make me say no to this project. The moment I read the script, I felt that the people who did this project knew what they were doing and what they wanted. It made me happy because everything all worked out.)

Coming from an all-girls school, Salvador said that while she always wanted to be part of a queer film, it was only in ‘Darna’ where she learned to become more vocal about it.

‘It has always been very personal to me. It’s always something that I wanted to get into. Galing kasi ako sa isang all-girls school, so personal din sa’kin ‘yun. I wanted to be part of those who want to represent that side of the community. Ang galing na dumating siya sa’kin ngayon,’ she said, referring to her 2024 single.

‘I want to do more indie films. Usually kasi, if I would accept a project, tinitingnan ko what makes it different from what I’ve done before and kung meron siyang substance. Wala akong specific genre pero lahat ng projects na tinatanggap ko, gusto kong magkaroon ng impact. Gusto ko may effect siya sa’kin,’ she further explained.

(It has always been very personal to me. It’s always something that I wanted to get into. I came from an all-girls school so it’s personal for me. I wanted to be part of those who want to represent that side of the community. It’s so nice that it happened to me now. I want to do more indie films. Usually, if I would accept a project, I would look at what makes it different from what I’ve done before and if it has substance. I don’t have a specific genre in mind, but I want all of my projects to have an impact. I want them to have an effect on me.) Another highlight for Salvador was the close bond she developed with her co-stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Klea Pineda and Leanne Mamonong. ‘First time naming lahat magkatrabaho, cliché siya pakinggan pero instant ang naging [connection] namin.’

‘There’s magic when the four of us are together, naging friends talaga kami off-cam. The four of us still hang out,’ she continued. ‘Of course, nagkaroon kami ng stage na nahihiya pa rin kami pero prinepare kami ng production. ang dami naming pinagdaanan so nagkaroon talaga kami ng chance makilala ang isa’t isa while filming.’

(It was our first time to work together. It sounds cliché but we had an instant connection. There’s magic when the four of us are together, we all became friends off-cam. The four of us still hang out. Of course, there was a stage where we got shy around each other, but production prepared us well. We went through a lot together, so we all had a chance to know each other better while filming.)

The appraiser of the assets of Villar Land Holdings Corp. has been ordered to explain its trillion-peso valuation of the listed firm’s properties as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deepens its investigation.

The Office of the General Accountant at the SEC issued a show cause order against E-Value Phils Inc. on Sept. 29. It directed the latter to explain why it should not be penalized for its valuation of 366.34 hectares of land owned.

The properties were owned by Althorp Land Holdings Inc., Chalgrove Properties Inc. and Los Valores Corp.

Villar Land, formerly Golden MV Holdings Inc., bought the properties last year for P5.2 billion.

Valuation report

Based on E-Value’s initial valuation report, however, the value of these assets were at P1.34 trillion. This led to the controversial trillion-peso valuation of Villar Land.

‘The SEC will continue to investigate this matter thoroughly in the interest of upholding transparency and accountability in valuation practices and accuracy in financial reporting,’ the corporate watchdog said.

The company led by the powerful Villar family was recently ordered to pay P12 million in fines for failing to submit its audited financial statements on time. It has since appealed this order.

Villar Land’s auditor, Punongbayan and Araullo, had requested the engagement of another appraiser to validate the valuation done by E-Value. -INQ

A new smartphone is about to make gaming more fun and stylish. Launching on October 19, 2025, the vivo V60 Lite combines beauty and performance in one device made for the new generation of gamers.

Designed for young people who love gaming and expressing their unique style, the vivo V60 Lite proves that a gaming phone can be both powerful and fashionable. It comes in two eye-catching colors, Pop Pink and Titanium Blue, that highlight its soft pastel tones and modern look.

While vivo is saving a few surprises for launch day, here’s a preview of why this device will be a must-have for gamers.

The MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo promises an upgraded gaming experience that delivers impressive speed and smoothness.

The Bypass Charging feature ensures you can stay in the game longer, keeping things cool while you play.

With Ultra Game Mode, expect a more focused and seamless session each time you tap into your favorite title.

The vivo V60 Lite also draws you into every match with a vivid 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that turns every frame into a visual delight.

This October, vivo unveils a gaming phone that blends power and style into one beautiful device. The vivo V60 Lite is designed for young people who play hard, create fearlessly, and stand out with confidence.

A retired Army soldier and two others were killed in an ambush that also wounded two other companions in Salunayan village in Midsayap town, Cotabato province, around 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Oliver Pauya, chief of Midsayap police station, identified the fatalities as Udin Indaila Dalgan, 31, an escort and a resident of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Madron Sumlay Endaila Jr., 48, a retired member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from Barangay Kapinpilan, Kadayanang town in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Also killed was Rahib Mamental Wahab, 35, a tricycle driver from Kadayangan who was caught in the crossfire during the ambush.

Pauya stated that the primary target of the attack appeared to be the retired soldier.

Authorities believe that retaliation may have been the motive behind the attack.

‘There was no other possible target in the attack except for the retired soldier, possibly because of his previous work in Army intelligence,’ Pauya said.

Surviving the attack were the victim’s wife, Saida Felmin Endaila, a town councilor of Kadayangan, and Lani Endaila Yusop, 20, also a resident of the same place.

According to Pauya, the four victims were aboard a black Toyota Fortuner with plate number NDC 3579 when they were ambushed by suspects riding in a gray minivan.

‘There were three suspects inside the minivan who positioned themselves in the area just minutes before the victims passed along the highway,’ Pauya said.

Pursuit operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the suspects.

Pauya has already ordered a deeper investigation to ensure justice is served for the victims./coa

Government troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Calbiga town, Samar, seized several high-powered firearms, including an M60 machine gun, in a military operation in Barangay Caranas, Motiong town, Samar, on Wednesday.

According to the 46th IB, the discovery of the arms cache-which also included one M4 rifle and two M16 rifles-was made possible through information provided by a captured member of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA).

The individual reportedly decided to cooperate with authorities after realizing the ‘propaganda and deception’ of the armed communist group.

Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, commanding officer of the 46th IB, said the seizure of weapons was a significant setback to the NPA’s operations in Samar, reducing their capability to conduct attacks and influence communities.

‘This success showcased the bravery and dedication of our soldiers and highlights the growing trust and cooperation of those who have seen through the deception of the CTG,’ Inocencio said in a statement. ‘Every firearm recovered means one less threat to our communities and one more step toward genuine peace.’

Inocencio also reiterated the government’s call for remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers livelihood and reintegration assistance to former rebels.

The 46th Infantry Battalion vowed to continue its efforts to secure peace and promote development in Motiong and other parts of Samar

Gil Aducal Morales – best known as the comedian Ate Gay – expressed his gratitude to God after the lump on his neck is almost gone, days after undergoing radiation therapy.

Morales gave another health update on his Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 6, while sharing a clip of himself showing off the spot on his neck where the cancerous lump had been.

‘Hello! Wala na akong bukol. Konting konti na lang (My lump is almost gone. Only a small part is left). Thank you, Lord. I love you po,’ he said in the clip.

In a separate post on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Morales showed a closer look at his neck, saying the progress had been obvious even if the radiation therapy lasted for four days thus far.

‘Morningggggggg selfie ko ngayong umaga . wala na akong makitang bukol. alam nyo bang 4day radiation lang yan at may 31 days pa ako. nakakagaling talaga Angpanalangin Dasal. lab u po,’ he wrote.

(This is my morning selfie today. I don’t see any lump. Did you know that this is the effect of a four-day radiation and I still have 31 days [to undergo radiation]? Prayers really work. I love You, God.)

Morales made headlines last September after he disclosed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was revealed days later that his condition is called mucoepidermoid squamous cell carcinoma, a rare type of cancer caused by mucous-secreting cells.

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) clarified that it was inspecting vehicles with green plates to prevent their misuse.

HPG Director Col. Hansel Marantan earlier said the national police’s traffic unit would inspect electric vehicles to ensure they have a certificate from the Department of Energy (DOE).

‘I apologize to you if I caused you pain and inconvenience with my statement. That is not the intention of my statement,’ Marantan said, speaking in Filipino during a press briefing in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

‘I am referring to the owners of MVs (motor vehicles) sporting green plates that are not supposed to use that because that is illegal – illegal in the sense that they are not listed on the DOE list,’ he added.

Green license plates are a special type of license plate issued to electric vehicles, which are exempted from the number coding scheme imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Marantan said the HPG was investigating ‘thousands’ of motor vehicles illegally using green plates, though he declined to give further details, citing their ongoing investigations.

‘It’s manageable still, but it’ll become alarming if law enforcers will not intervene,’ the HPG director said.

He added that the HPG will be coordinating with the Land Transportation Office to curb misuse of green plates.

If the ’30 percent’ is removed, a kilometer-long farm-to-market road could only cost as low as P10 million, but the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) quoted P15 million for it, Agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel revealed on Wednesday.

Tiu Laurel, citing his experience in the private sector, made this candid admission during the Senate committee on finance hearing for the proposed P176.7 billion budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This topic surfaced as committee chair Sen. Win Gatchalian noted that DA’s proposed budget for farm-to-market roads in 2026 was reduced to P16 billion from this year’s P23.2 billion allocation.

Tiu Laurel explained that the budget reduction was due to ‘budget constraints’ and the agency’s small fiscal space – or its flexibility in its spending choices – as advised by the Department of Budget and Management earlier this year.

This P16 billion will be used to build ‘a little bit less than’ 1,100 kilometers of roads, the DA chief said, citing the DPWH estimates.

This means that each kilometer of farm-to-market roads will cost P15 million to build or P15,000 per one meter, according to him.

Tiu Laurel, when asked by Gatchalian if this amount is agreed upon by DA and DPWH, said: ‘No. This is set by DPWH.’

‘I am from the private sector, and I build roads. It’s too high,’ the DA chief stressed.

The secretary said this could ‘easily’ be reduced to P10 million per kilometer or P10,000 per meter if the ’30 percent’ is removed.

It is not clear what Tiu Laurel was referring to in his ’30 percent’ remark.

However, it could be noted that a former DPWH assistant district engineer in Bulacan alleged that senators were asking for a 30 percent kickback for flood control projects.

During the previous Senate hearings, DPWH’s Bulacan 1st District Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez alleged that Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva maneuvered to allocate P355 million and P600 million for projects in Bulacan’s first district in exchange for a 30-percent cut.

Both senators denied the accusations, with Estrada filing a perjury case against Hernandez before a Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.

A major corruption scandal involving flood control projects prompted congressional inquiry and the formation of an independent commission to investigate the suspected collusion between lawmakers, government officials, and contractors to embezzle billions of pesos from the country’s coffers.

Amid all these developments, a nationwide and widespread Sept. 21 protest occurred – with a deadly Mendiola riot stealing the show – and even rumors of a coup also emerged, which the military later denied. /apl