Davao Police Urge Parental Vigilance Following Viral Video of Minor Smoking Marijuana

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has called on parents to enhance supervision of their children, highlighting the critical role families play in shielding youth from criminal activities and the dangers of illegal drugs. This appeal follows the emergence of a viral social media video dated September 9, 2025, showing a minor allegedly smoking marijuana. Prompted by the video, DCPO chief PCol. Mannan Muarip directed immediate coordination with the Talomo Police Station to investigate the matter. Under the leadership of Talomo Police Station Commander PMaj. Genesis Oriel, authorities confirmed the identity of the boy as a 14-year-old resident of Bangkal, Talomo District, Davao City. According to his grandfather and father, the teenager is a Grade 8 student who had ceased attending school and frequently left home without permission. On September 13, the police successfully rescued the youth and reunited him with his family. The operation aimed to safeguard the minor's well-being and prevent further exposure to harmful influences that could jeopardize his future. The police also issued a stern warning to individuals sharing the video, stating that they could face legal repercussions under Republic Act 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. PCol. Muarip reiterated the department's commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal drugs and protecting the community from their adverse effects.

Cebu Launches 'Flood Free Cebu' Initiative to Tackle Severe Flooding

The worsening impact of heavy rains and flooding in Cebu has prompted the Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI), in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), to spearhead a major campaign aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against floods.\n\nDuring a press briefing held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, the organizers announced "Flood Free Cebu," a multi-sectoral call to action designed to unite government agencies, businesses, civic organizations, and local communities in tackling the long-standing issue of flooding in the city.\n\nThis campaign will prioritize public education, community engagement, and responsive strategies to ensure that residents and authorities adopt proactive measures to minimize flood risks.\n\nThe initiative is set to be formally launched through a summit held in conjunction with the Flood Hero Cebu event on September 27 at the Cebu Coliseum. The gathering is expected to attract numerous stakeholders committed to collaborative flood mitigation efforts.

Mayor Purisima Receives Philippine Postal Corporation Officials to Strengthen Local Postal Services

Mayor Amante A. Purisima II warmly received key officials from the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) during a courtesy visit at the Municipal Hall of San Ildefonso. Present at the meeting were Cluster Supervisor Maria Luane P. Braceros, Acting Postmaster Robert S. Jaramilla, and Letter Carrier Renante A. Sivila. The discussions focused on PhilPost’s ongoing dedication to delivering efficient postal services and strengthening its partnership with the local government. Mayor Purisima expressed his full support for efforts aimed at enhancing postal operations within the municipality, highlighting the importance of reliable and accessible postal services as a foundation for community progress and development.

Pasig Launches Education-on-Wheels to Expand Learning Access for Children

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has unveiled the Education-on-Wheels program, an innovative initiative designed to broaden educational access by bringing learning resources directly to the community. The core of the program is a specially outfitted truck stocked with books and educational materials that will travel to various locations throughout the city. Mayor Sotto emphasized the project’s goal to support children lacking adequate educational opportunities. He stated, \"In partnership with DepEd, we aim to enhance our outreach and provide greater support to those most in need.\" This initiative is financed through the city’s Seal of Good Local Governance incentive fund, provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The program utilizes a portion of the maximum P2.3 million incentive, with the custom vehicle itself costing approximately P1.87 million. By mobilizing educational resources, the Pasig government seeks to address gaps in access and foster a more inclusive learning environment for all children across the city.

Bacolod Social Services Urge Public to Donate Hygiene Kits and Essentials for Fire Victims

The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City has called on the public to contribute additional donations of hygiene kits and essential daily items for residents displaced by a recent fire in Barangay 27. In a recent press briefing, DSSD head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga highlighted that immediate assistance should now focus on hygiene products, plates, forks, children’s diapers, undergarments, eco-bags, and large storage boxes to better support the fire survivors. Due to an overwhelming influx of used clothing donations, the department has temporarily suspended acceptance of these items to manage their current surplus. Dr. Verdeprado-Mangga expressed gratitude for the generous contributions but emphasized the limited space at the temporary evacuation center at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, where survivors are currently sheltered. "The affected families are facing difficult circumstances that require our compassion and understanding," she stated. The department initially allowed used clothing donations despite standard policies typically discouraging them, aiming to meet survivors’ immediate needs. However, recent heavy rains caused many donated clothes to become soaked as survivors prioritized salvaging important documents and other goods. Images circulating online have shown large piles of clothing at the evacuation site, prompting the call for urgent support with other essential items instead. Meanwhile, relief operations continue with various city government offices and volunteers assisting in sorting donations and providing psychosocial support activities for affected children. Key partners involved include the Public Affairs and Assistance Division of DSSD, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Legal Office, City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, the City Administrator’s Office, and numerous volunteer groups, working collectively to address the evolving needs of the fire victims.

Formal Complaint Filed Over Alleged Data Deletion by Former Sales Agent in Davao City

A formal complaint has been submitted to the court by a resident of Ma-a, Davao City, known by the alias Rico, against their former employee identified as alias Nancy from Leon Garcia, Davao City. The complaint alleges that Nancy caused significant harm to their business. According to the complaint filed with the Sta. Ana Police Station, Nancy previously worked as a sales agent at Marine Supply and Services located in Agdao, Davao City. During her tenure, she was entrusted with managing critical sales records and inventory files necessary for daily operations. Nancy resigned from her position on September 1, 2025, with an agreement to turn over all company assets, including documents and records. However, the business owner was alarmed to discover that Nancy allegedly deleted all files stored on the company computer. This incident severely impacted the company’s ability to monitor sales and inventory, resulting in operational difficulties and disruptions in customer service. The loss of these essential data files has caused considerable damage to the business and delayed its services. Authorities are currently handling the investigation, exploring the potential legal violations related to the incident. There is an ongoing assessment of whether criminal or administrative charges should be filed against the former employee.

Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion Participates in Miagao’s 12th Hablon Festival

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, stationed in Miagao, Iloilo, actively took part in the 12th Hablon Festival on September 16, 2025, showcasing its support for the local residents. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jekyll Julian Dulawan, the battalion joined the Opening Mass held at the St. Thomas of Villanova Church, marking the official commencement of the week-long festivities. Following the mass, members of the battalion participated in the Civic and Float Parade along Tajanlangit Street, marching alongside various civic groups to emphasize cooperation and community service. Lieutenant Colonel Dulawan emphasized the importance of the military’s role in community engagement, stating, \"Our involvement in the Hablon Festival is a way to honor the traditions of Miagao while reinforcing our role as partners in peace and development.\" The event drew a wide range of participants, including officials from the Miagao Local Government Unit led by Municipal Mayor Engineer Oscar \"Richard\" Garin Jr., representatives from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education, as well as market vendors, barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, child development workers, and other community organizations. The Philippine Army reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with local communities through active participation in cultural celebrations, civic programs, and peace-building efforts. The 12th Hablon Festival not only celebrated the rich weaving heritage of Miagao but also highlighted the collaborative spirit between the military and civilian sectors in fostering unity and progress.

Bacolod City Council Urges Compliance as Carnival Setup Precedes Permit Approval

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has formally urged Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. to adhere to the mandated process of securing a special permit prior to initiating preparations for their festival activities. This advisory comes after carnival rides and attractions began to be installed beside the Poblacion Theme Park, located behind the Bacolod City Government Center, ahead of official permit approval. During the city council's recent regular session, Councilors Al Victor Espino and Celia Flor expressed disappointment over the premature setup. Both councilors emphasized that submitting the permit request earlier would have facilitated timely approval and prevented procedural breaches. Councilor Espino remarked, \"Why request a permit if you have already commenced operations? The core issue here is respect for the council\'s authority and processes.\" The Bacolod Gugma Foundation, through its Corporate Secretary, Atty. Hannah Lea Tañoso, had formally requested a special permit to operate the carnival and allow equipment ingress from September 21 to 30. The designated locations include Fr. Ferrero Street, Barangay 12, adjacent to Wilcon Depot behind the government center, and near the Legislative Building. Espino further highlighted the significance of council ordinances in sustaining cultural events like the MassKara Festival, declaring, \"The MassKara Festival is a product of a city ordinance. As the ordinance-makers, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deserves respect in these procedures.\" While the council approved the special permit request, they deferred issuing the permit specific to the carnival and festival fair on Fr. Ferrero Street. This decision was influenced by Councilor Flor\'s concerns regarding public safety, particularly the impact on vendors in the nearby Manokan Country. Flor noted, \"Ferrero is a narrow street, and positioning a carnival there poses risks to the safety of both residents and children. The organizers should consider an alternative venue.\"

Mayor Alcid Leads Bamboo Planting Workshop for Couples in Mass Wedding Event

Mayor James Bryan Alcid collaborated with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to provide training on effective bamboo planting techniques to 30 couples preparing to marry in a mass wedding organized by the city government on September 19, 2025. The instructional session took place at the city's sanitary landfill site, where the couples were taught how to properly handle bamboo seeds, gently transplant seedlings, and plant them in specially prepared soil. The training also emphasized the ongoing care required to ensure successful growth. Highlighting the initiative, Mayor Alcid explained that the bamboo planting activity was designed not only to symbolize the couples' new chapters but also to reinforce the city's commitment to environmental sustainability. He stated, \"This program represents our drive to promote ecological responsibility while actively involving our community members in protecting our natural resources.\" By integrating this hands-on environmental activity with the mass wedding, city officials aim to foster a culture of sustainability among new families as part of their lifelong journey together.

Metro Manila Council Sets Uniform P5,000 Fine for Improper Garbage Disposal

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has endorsed a uniform penalty structure for improper garbage disposal within the metropolis, establishing a maximum fine of P5,000 for violations across its cities. This decision was finalized during a joint meeting between the MMC, the Regional Development Council, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) held in Pasig City on Tuesday. The penalty covers offenses such as throwing garbage into creeks, roads, and sewers. The P5,000 fine aligns with the maximum penalty outlined under Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which governs city ordinances. However, the municipality of Pateros is exempt from this new fine schedule and will continue to impose a maximum fine of P2,500, as set by the same law for municipalities. Previously, the MMC had advocated for stricter fines specifically targeting illegal garbage disposal in rivers and creeks within the National Capital Region. San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora reassured the public that the increased fines should not be a cause for concern, emphasizing that they will only be enforced upon violators. "Residents should not worry over the increased fines as only those found violating the ordinances will be required to pay," Zamora stated. This uniform approach aims to strengthen waste management compliance and improve environmental conditions across Metro Manila.