Tropical Storm Opong Strengthens, Threatening Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon with Heavy Rains and Strong Winds

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Wednesday morning that Tropical Storm Opong, internationally named Bualoi, has intensified substantially. The storm is now generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 105 kph. As of 10 a.m., Opong was positioned approximately 815 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, advancing west-southwestward at a speed of 15 kph. PAGASA has raised Signal No. 1 warnings for the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar due to the expected strong winds in these regions. In addition to the storm's direct impact, enhanced southwest monsoon conditions are expected to bring strong to gale-force winds across a wide range of areas. These include the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Heavy rainfall induced by the southwest monsoon is anticipated particularly in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Furthermore, PAGASA has highlighted a potential hazard of coastal flooding resulting from storm surges along low-lying coastal zones in Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Storm surge advisories may be issued starting Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the storm's progression. Forecast models suggest that Opong will continue to intensify while traversing the Philippine Sea, with the likelihood of escalating to typhoon strength before making landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates from local authorities as the situation develops.

OCD-NIR Orders Preemptive Evacuation Near Ibid Creek Amid Flood Risks

The Office of the Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has instructed residents of Sitio Tamburong in La Castellana near Ibid Creek to evacuate promptly during periods of heavy rainfall. This directive follows reports of volcanic debris obstructing the upper section of the creek, leading to recurrent flooding. OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III explained that hardened volcanic materials have clogged segments of Ibid Creek, causing water to overflow onto nearby roads and properties during rainstorms. "Until the lahar deposits are fully removed and the water flow is stabilized, residents near the creek are advised to evacuate whenever heavy downpours occur," he emphasized. The evacuation order will stay in place until clearing operations are completed to mitigate risks to life and property. Continuous rains have recently caused new blockages along the creek, resulting in water inundation of several homes. As of the latest update, floodwaters have receded, but the cleanup of volcanic debris remains ongoing. Director Sermeno highlighted that this effort forms part of the Kanlaon Recovery and Development Program (KRDP), which aims to provide interventions to restore safe water flow in Ibid Creek. On Sunday, flooding forced 17 families to abandon their homes. Eight families sought refuge at the evacuation center located in Barangay Biak-na-Bato's covered court, while the remaining nine found shelter with relatives. With the southwest monsoon expected to continue delivering heavy rains, the OCD, provincial government, and local disaster risk reduction units are maintaining vigilant monitoring to respond swiftly to any emerging hazards.

Bicol Police Units Placed on High Alert Ahead of Severe Tropical Storm Opong

LEGAZPI CITY – In anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) making landfall in the Bicol Region by Friday, the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) has instructed all police units to enter a heightened state of readiness. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. directed law enforcement agencies to assist with preemptive evacuations, focusing on vulnerable populations residing in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone areas. Currently, approximately 367 officers from the Reactionary Standby Support Force have been deployed and are on standby to provide immediate assistance. Additionally, specialized search, rescue, and retrieval teams have been mobilized to support emergency operations in potentially affected locations. Brig. Gen. Babagay emphasized the importance of public vigilance and urged residents to heed the guidance of local authorities to ensure safety during the approaching storm. "We call on everyone to stay alert and follow the instructions of our community leaders," he stated, stressing that preparedness is vital in mitigating storm impacts.

Malabon City Conducts Orientation on Food and Waterborne Diseases to Strengthen Public Health Efforts

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval recently led an orientation session focused on food and waterborne diseases, organized by the city government to promote public health and safety. The event gathered Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Health Education and Promotion Officers as primary participants. Mayor Sandoval emphasized the importance of the program, stating, \"The goal of this initiative is to enhance the knowledge and preparedness of our barangay frontliners to more effectively prevent, detect, and respond to diseases transmitted through contaminated food and water.\" This effort highlights the city’s commitment to empowering local health personnel to better safeguard the community against health threats related to nutrition and sanitation.

PWD Man Arrested for Alleged Assault on Neighboring PWD Woman in Cebu City

In Cebu City, authorities apprehended a 29-year-old man with a disability following allegations that he assaulted his female neighbor, who is also a person with a disability. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, along A. Lopez Extension, Barangay Labangon. The suspect, identified only by his alias Paul, lives near the victim, a 22-year-old woman known as Jane, both residents of Mahayahay II, Barangay Labangon. Paul is considered a person with a disability due to the loss of a portion of his right leg. According to the victim, she was unable to resist the attack, which led to her being overpowered. She is currently receiving treatment at Cebu City Medical Center, where she was reported to be suffering from trauma and has yet to give a full account of the incident. The suspect was promptly arrested by local barangay tanods in Labangon and subsequently handed over to the Labangon Police Station 10. Authorities are in the process of filing rape charges against him.

Vice Governor Adiong Expresses Gratitude for Strong Support in Marawi Grand Rally

Vice Governor Mujam Rakiin Adiong conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Marawi City for their overwhelming participation and solidarity at the SIAP Party and BGC Grand Rally held on September 23, 2025, at Ground Zero. The event, spearheaded by First District Parliamentary Representative Dr. Princess Pala Gandamra, attracted thousands from all 102 barangays of Marawi as well as neighboring towns. Joining the rally were key political figures including Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., candidates from the BGC lineup, district representatives, mayors, vice mayors, board members, city councilors, barangay officials, former vice mayors, and respected religious and traditional leaders. In his remarks, Vice Governor Adiong expressed gratitude for the warm reception and steadfast support from the local community. He underscored that such a display of unity reinforces their collective dedication to advancing a brighter and more prosperous future for both Lanao del Sur and the broader Bangsamoro region.

Lawyers Demand Dismissal and Release of Protesters Detained During September 21 Anti-Corruption Rallies

The National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), alongside the Public Interest Law Center and Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA), has formally petitioned the Manila City Prosecutors’ Office to dismiss charges and expedite the release of those apprehended during extensive anti-corruption demonstrations on September 21. In an urgent motion, the legal groups highlighted that numerous arrests were made without warrants and that the detainees were held beyond the permissible duration outlined in Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code. They further noted that the complaints filed lack sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case capable of ensuring conviction. "Significantly, many of those detained were children and minors, including bystanders, who should never have been subjected to imprisonment," the motion stated, emphasizing the absence of justification for their continued custody. The petitioners urged authorities for the immediate release of all detainees and called for accountability regarding the unlawful arrests and ongoing human rights violations. Reports indicate that at least 216 individuals were detained in connection with the protests, among them 91 minors, the youngest being nine years old. The detainees are currently held across multiple facilities, including the Manila Police District Headquarters and various police stations throughout the city. Most detainees reportedly lack affiliations with any organizations and come from impoverished backgrounds, many participating peacefully or merely observing the protests sparked by widespread outrage over corruption. The petitioners denounced the arrests as serious breaches of constitutional rights, involving illegal detention, physical abuse, and instances of torture. They argued that no lawful exception exists to justify the warrantless detentions, thereby deeming the police operations unconstitutional. In a positive development, the NUPL confirmed receipt of orders from the Manila City Prosecutors’ Office for the release of detainees who underwent inquest procedures on September 23. Legal representatives from NUPL are currently at detention sites assisting those eligible for release. However, the NUPL cautioned that the majority of the arrested individuals remain in custody and reiterated its urgent demand for the liberation of all protesters detained since September 21. Separately, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced the release of 48 minors arrested during the protests. These children in conflict with the law (CICL) are set to participate in diversion programs mandated by Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended by RA 10630. Under these programs, CICL participants undergo community-based interventions aimed at restorative justice, rather than incarceration. This coordinated legal and governmental response indicates a move toward addressing concerns over rights violations during the anti-corruption demonstrations.

Philippine National Police Deploys 8,700 Personnel for Storm Opong and Super Typhoon Nando Response

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday, September 26, that it has deployed nearly 8,700 police personnel across the country to support evacuation and rescue operations in response to Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" as well as relief efforts following Super Typhoon "Nando." Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated that police forces were instrumental in aiding local government units (LGUs) and other responders in the timely evacuation of residents from vulnerable coastal areas and regions susceptible to flooding and landslides. These efforts covered multiple regions including the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. "We have committed an adequate number of personnel and resources to support all disaster response initiatives, including preemptive evacuation to protect our kababayan and secure evacuation centers," Nartatez said. In addition to helping with evacuations, police officers are tasked with maintaining peace and order within affected communities and preventing incidents of looting in abandoned homes and businesses. "I have instructed our teams on the ground to guarantee the safety of evacuation centers, ensuring they have sufficient food, water, and essentials in coordination with the LGUs. We will continuously monitor the evolving situation," he added. The PNP chief also assured the public that additional manpower and logistical assistance will be available as necessary. Regional and provincial offices have already placed Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) units, medical teams, and transportation assets on standby. He concluded by reminding residents to follow local government advisories and avoid navigating flooded zones or crossing swollen rivers to safeguard themselves from harm.

Canlaon City Ensures Access to Crucial Bridge Amid Severe Tropical Storm Opong

DUMAGUETE CITY — The local government of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental affirmed on Friday that the Linothangan Bridge, a critical evacuation route, remains accessible despite severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Opong. Seth Bariga, information officer for the Canlaon City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), reported that motorcycles can still cross the bridge, while cars and heavier vehicles are rerouted via a nearby detour constructed during ongoing repairs. The repair work involves cement poured on September 17, which is expected to cure within approximately one month. "Motorcycles are allowed to traverse the bridge, and other vehicles use the adjacent detour while repairs continue," Bariga explained. The Linothangan Bridge serves as a vital lifeline for residents, particularly for evacuations during emergencies such as volcanic activity from nearby Mt. Kanlaon. Due to the southwest monsoon amplified by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, heavy rains have caused the river to overflow, flooding the detour road in the morning. Canlaon City is among the northern Negros Oriental areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. In response, the city government is closely monitoring risks of mudflows, lahar flows, and landslides associated with the continuous heavy rainfall. Bariga noted that emergency vehicles, including trucks, have been prepositioned to facilitate prompt evacuation if necessary, underscoring the city’s preparedness amid challenging weather conditions.

Ombudsman Orders Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and Officials to Address Motorcycle Procurement Graft Allegations

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has formally directed Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao alongside four other city officials to submit responses regarding graft allegations linked to the acquisition of 60 new motorcycles allegedly procured under irregular circumstances for the local police force. Included in the complaint are former Executive Assistant and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) vice chairperson, now City Administrator Shandee Llido-Pestaño; BAC Technical Working Group head Rosendo Roque; Executive Assistant and BAC member Lou Bernardino; and BAC Secretariat Marites Sevilla. An order dated September 5, issued by Director Marco Anacleto Buena of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao, mandates the aforementioned respondents to file their counter-affidavits within 10 days. The Ombudsman cautioned that failure to comply will be deemed a waiver of their right to present evidence in their defense. This case has been officially registered under docket number OMB-M-C-JUL-25-0300, citing violations of Republic Act (RA) 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act. In addition, a related administrative case (OMB-M-A-JUL-25-0377) has been filed for alleged breaches of RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. As of this report, neither Mayor Pacquiao nor the other officials involved have released any statements addressing the accusations.