BOC officials inspect seized P3.2-B smuggled cigarettes in Agusan del Norte

By Philippine News Agency

Published Sep 24, 2026 06:25 pm

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte – Top Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials on Thursday inspected a record P3.2-billion shipment of imported cigarettes seized in this town, described by authorities as the largest cigarette-smuggling haul in the country's history.

BOC Deputy Commissioner Emmanuel Luis Licup, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Thomas Narcise, and CIIS Northern Mindanao and Caraga Field Station chief Redford Surposa led the inspection at the Gothong Private Wharf here.

They were joined by Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon, director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13).

Surposa said that authorities seized 54 container vans loaded with smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation by the BOC and the 1st Agusan del Norte Mobile Force Company on May 8, 2026 in Barangay Talisay, Nasipit.

"This is, so far, the biggest haul of smuggled imported cigarettes," Surposa said.

He said authorities spent several months conducting an inventory of the seized goods in preparation for filing appropriate charges.

"The case remains under investigation, and we are not yet disclosing certain details to the public. Even the names of the supposed recipients of the container vans appear to be fictitious," Surposa said.

In his remarks, Licup said the BOC, in coordination with PRO-13, will continue its investigation until the seized cigarettes are finally condemned and destroyed.

"Our presence here today underscores the bureau's continued focus on enforcement operations and ensuring that all procedures are strictly observed," Licup said.

He said a successful seizure becomes truly meaningful only when the goods remain secure, properly documented, and fully accounted for until their final disposition.

"Every stage, from inventory and safekeeping to condemnation and destruction, must be conducted with transparency," Licup said.

He added that the illegal cigarette trade causes significant harm by depriving the government of revenue, creating unfair competition for legitimate businesses, and exposing consumers to unregulated products.

"To our officers and personnel, remain vigilant and continue performing your duties with integrity. The leadership expects accountability from everyone while recognizing the challenges faced by those on the frontlines," Licup said.

He emphasized that the BOC leadership, headed by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, along with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., remains committed to supporting officers who carry out their duties lawfully and honestly. (PNA)

5 killed in Lanao del Sur landslide

 

FIVE persons were killed in a landslide in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur due to heavy rain from the southwest monsoon Friday. (FB)

By Philippine News Agency

Published Jul 10, 2026 04:25 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are underway in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, following a landslide early Friday, according to the police.

The Lanao del Sur police said the incident happened at about 2:30 a.m. in Barangay Ngingir, with five persons killed, two injured, and six remain missing after they were trapped beneath the rubble.

Two of the missing are surnamed Abdulrashid, two carry the family name Ali, and the other two are Arab and Abdulmajid.

Police said the responders arrived on foot at the landslide scene at 6 a.m. as the roads leading to the area were impassable to vehicles.

“Responders secured the incident site and conducted manual excavation and mechanical digging to extricate the victims trapped beneath the debris,” it said in its report.

Initial investigation disclosed that the landslide was caused by continuous heavy rainfall, resulting in the collapse of a large volume of soil that instantly buried the victims residing in the vicinity.

The prolonged heavy rainfall was due to the southwest monsoon or ‘’habagat’’ enhanced by typhoon Inday.

Rescuers include personnel from the Calanogas Municipal Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the local government unit, barangay officials, and volunteers. (PNA)

Relief yacht enroute to quake-hit areas catches fire

By Philippine News Agency

Published Jun 12, 2026 09:26 pm

Forty-two volunteers were safely rescued after a yacht carrying them and the relief supplies caught fire while on its way to deliver aid to earthquake-hit communities in Southern Mindanao on Friday.

Video footage posted on the official social media page of the Adventists Southern Asia-Pacific Philippines Facebook showed volunteers transferring from the vessel to a smaller boat after heavy smoke was observed coming from the yacht between 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon.

All 42 volunteers on board were safely rescued and bought to Barangay Pangyan in Glan, Sarangani, the hardest-hit province by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake on June 8. No injury or casualty were reported.

In a social media post, the Philippine Coast Guard said it continues to coordinate with local authorities to determine the cause of the incident and assess further assistance required.

Pastor Nildo Mamac, president of the Southern Mindanao Mission, said only about five percent of the relief supplies were recovered.

“Although we have lost supplies and equipment, we are grateful that every volunteer was spared. Material things can be replaced, but lives cannot,” Mamac said in a news article posted on the Seventh-day Adventist Church Southern Asia-Pacific website.

“The safety of our volunteers remains our greatest blessing in this situation,” he added.

The religious group used the vessel, owned by the Adventist-laymen's Services & Industries president, Edsel Lim, to transport the relief supplies, as several major roads remain impassable following the earthquake.

“Despite the loss of much of the relief cargo, church leaders and volunteers remain committed to delivering assistance to affected families and are working to establish alternative logistical arrangements to continue the humanitarian operation,” the group said.

The Office of Civil Defense said the number of deaths being verified due to the strong earthquake has climbed to 47, along with 688 injured, and 31 persons, as of June 11. (PNA)

Davao del Norte governor: No direct Petronas deal for 44 M liters of fuel

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Mar 31, 2026 05:51 pm

DAVAO CITY – Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib clarified on Tuesday that he has had no direct communication with Petronas Malaysia regarding the supposed purchase of 44 million liters of crude oil and gasoline he earlier announced.

On March 25, Jubahib disclosed plans to source fuel from Malaysia to help cushion rising oil prices in the province amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, Petronas issued a statement on March 29 denying involvement in any such transaction.

"Petronas wishes to clarify that it is not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement, and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment," the company said, stressing that its current priority is ensuring a steady and reliable fuel supply in Malaysia.

Jubahib explained that his pronouncement was exploratory in nature.

"My statement to the media was clear – that our economic cooperation with the Malaysian Highness is purely negotiation. It is exploratory, meaning our initiative to seek help with them may or may not prosper," he said.

He added that the continuing conflict in the Middle East has prompted governments worldwide to respond to the global fuel crisis.

"As governor of the province, I felt the urgency that something has to be done within my capacity to help remedy the situation and prevent an impending economic catastrophe," Jubahib said.

According to him, the initiative stemmed from established ties with Malaysian officials and was aimed at exploring the possibility of sourcing at least 44 million liters of diesel fuel to augment the province's dwindling supply.

"The engagement is not intended to undermine any legal process or regulations set forth by both our national governments. Any development from this international partnership, should it prosper, will be properly coordinated with the Department of Energy as the appropriate governing agency, following procurement procedures – whether through a government-to-government arrangement or via the private sector," he added. (PNA)

BARMM voter registration resumes Feb. 9

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Feb 8, 2026 08:53 pm

Voter registration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the November 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) resumes on Monday, Feb. 9.

In a social media post, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) called on those qualified to be voters in the barangay and youth polls to visit local Comelec offices or designated satellite registration centers in their city and municipality to list up.

The offices of the Election Officers are ready to accept applications for registration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, unless there is an announcement from the Comelec.

BARMM provinces are Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Special Geographic Areas.

Those who are eligible to register as regular voters must be 18-years-old and above, residing in the Philippines for at least one year, and residing in the area where he/she is looking to get registered for at least six months before Election Day.

For SK voters, those eligible to register are at least 15 but not more than 30 years of age, and residing in the barangay for at least six months on or before Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Aside from application for voter registration, the poll body is also accepting applications for change of name and status, correction of entries, reactivation of registration records, inclusion of registration records and reinstatement of name in the list of voters.

Also accepted are applications for updating the records of persons with disabilities, senior citizens and members of indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities, and transfer from overseas to local.

The registration period will end on March 31. (PNA)

Gov't agencies to fast-track 'Basyang' recovery efforts in Iligan City

By Philippine News Agency

Published Feb 7, 2026 05:47 pm

PEOPLE flee flooding triggered by 'Basyang' in Iiligan City. (FB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – National government agencies are working for the speedy recovery of Iligan City after it declared a state of calamity due to the damage caused by tropical cyclone ‘’Basyang’’ (international name ‘’Penha’’) this week.

On Saturday, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Mayor Frederick Siao visited evacuation centers and checked on the progress of relief operations.

"President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent me here to see to it no one will get hungry and (everybody is) taken care of," Gatchalian told evacuees.

DSWD recorded more than 21,700 evacuees in 33 centers, but affected individuals from the flooding on Feb. 5 reached 24,540.

The agency has released P8.5-million worth of food and non-food relief packs to more than 5,500 families, with a standby fund of P2.2 million.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is conducting inspection and assessment of key infrastructures affected by the flood, including bridges and dikes.

On Friday, the Iligan City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 26-101 which declared a state of calamity and authorized the utilization of calamity fund for relief assistance and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. (PNA)

Rescued PH hawk-eagle released in Agusan Marsh

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Feb 5, 2026 06:41 pm

BUTUAN CITY – Personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-13 (Caraga) have released a rescued Philippine hawk-eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) at the buffer zone of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

A resident of Barangay Magaud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur, Benjie Geral Dumogoy, rescued the raptor and turned it over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Loreto on Wednesday.

CENRO personnel assessed the bird, weighing approximately 1.1 kilos, and found it physically fit for immediate release in the designated area. The raptor is classified as vulnerable under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09.

“The release of the Philippine hawk-eagle at the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary reinforced the ongoing efforts to protect the region’s rich wildlife and forest ecosystem,” the DENR-13 said in a statement Thursday.

Agency officials commended Dumogoy for turning over the hawk-eagle and CENRO-Loreto for its immediate action.

“Community participation is crucial to the success of wildlife conservation initiatives, and such cooperation helps ensure the safety of threatened species while upholding national laws that protect wildlife,” the statement added.

Considered an important indicator of healthy forest ecosystems, the Philippine hawk-eagle thrives in the Agusan Marsh, a key wetland and ecological landscape in Mindanao.

The DENR-13 encourages the public to immediately report sightings of injured, distressed, or illegally held wildlife to the nearest DENR office to ensure proper handling, rehabilitation, and lawful release. (PNA)

Rare jade vine discovered in Apayao forest

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Feb 5, 2026 09:23 pm

TAYABAK

CALANASAN, Apayao – Forest guards in Apayao province, along with personnel of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in mountainous Calanasan town, discovered clusters of thriving rare wild jade vine, or most commonly known as Tayabak (Strongylodon macrobotrys), in remote Barangays Tanglagan and Langnao.

Municipal environment and natural resources officer Sarah Mae Batil said on Thursday that they were conducting regular biodiversity monitoring a day earlier when they sighted the jade vine's blooming flower.

“We have documented this in past years but it is only now that we found it in perfect bloom,” she said.

According to Batil, the presence of the species in Calanasan is a strong indicator of a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem.

The public was advised to report sightings of the species to the MENRO for monitoring and documentation and is reminded not to gather the plants for cultivation.

Authorities said this is endemic to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines. The climbing plant is known for its spectacular hanging clusters of claw-shaped flowers in a rare turquoise to jade-green color, which can grow up to a meter long.

It is generally regarded as endangered or vulnerable in the wild and is a rare find because it is pollinated by bats.

Considered a national treasure and a symbol of natural beauty, the plant is even featured on the Philippine five peso coin.

“We are strictly implementing the Wildlife Act and the Lapat Ordinance, which prohibits the gathering of wild plants,” she added.

Lapat (meaning prohibited or off-limits) is a customary belief practiced by the Isnag people for generations. In this practice, a specific area is designated by community members as sacred.

This public declaration happens after the death of its owner or occupant, making an area off-limits to the public, including immediate family members. (PNA)

Bukidnon to impose stricter measures vs racing events on highways

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Feb 2, 2026 09:50 pm

AN ACCIDENT caused by the BIMC in Mindanao. (FB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The provincial government of Bukidnon is set to implement stricter regulations for highway travel within its jurisdiction during major race events.

During Monday's convocation program, Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque said he is delegating to the Provincial Legal Office, in coordination with the Provincial Legislative Board, the task of studying possible ordinances and other forms of regulations involving any form of vehicle or motorcycle race.

"I will issue an executive order that any form of race, or something that has become a form of race, be prohibited in our province," he said.

Roque noted that he received reports of accidents on the road during the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS) event period, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, with one death reported on one of the circuits in Bukidnon.

On Monday, the municipality of Lantapan in Bukidnon also drafted a resolution banning the BOSS event within its territory. It cited the dangers posed by participating motorists.

Before the event period, the provincial government of Davao del Sur imposed an 80-kilometer per hour speed limit for riders participating in the event, warning that violators would be penalized.

The event is organized by the BOSS group, which annually holds the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge nationwide.

In previous statements, BOSS organizers said they will abide by the laws and ordinances of every local government unit and that the event promotes safety and awareness for the motoring community.

In Mindanao, participants aim to complete 1,200 kilometers in 24 hours. The Land Transportation Office was reported to have summoned event organizers. (PNA)

General Santos City - Unsolved Killings Here?

 

Concerned with the rising unsolved cases of killings here and the neighboring areas, Mindanao Development Authority chair person Secretary Luwalhati Antonio has pushed for the assignment of additional policemen in the area. 

Antonio, who hails from this city, said in a radio interview that the recent killings perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen were considered alaring and showed the need for more intensified law enforcement and security operations.

She specifically cited the killing of local newspaper publisher Christopher Guarin and of city traffic enforcer Oliver Dayap.

God bless Mindanao and the Philippines!