Mandaue City Street Sweeper Dies in Early Morning Hit-and-Run Crash

A tragic incident under the Clean and Green program in Mandaue City has left a street sweeper mourning the loss of her husband, who died after they were struck by a speeding driver in the early hours of last week. The couple was working together to clear a large amount of garbage when the accident occurred. According to Mandaue City Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, the driver was intoxicated and recklessly speeding despite the dark conditions on the road. Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano, along with city council members, visited the bereaved family to extend their condolences and provide financial assistance. Councilor Del Mar urgently appealed for the distribution of reflectorized vests to all street sweepers, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety precautions to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Davao City Provides Aid to Families of Mini Asik-Asik Falls Tragedy Victims

The Davao City Government, through collaboration among the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Mayor’s Office, and Lingap, has offered financial and funeral assistance to families of the victims of the recent drowning tragedy at Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District. CSWDO Head Julie P. Dayaday reported after the weekly flag ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, that their office facilitated Aid in Crisis Situation (AICS) and worked alongside Lingap to help fund burial costs. This response was conducted in close coordination with the City Mayor’s Office. "As of last week, we have extended aid to five families, particularly because some victims were siblings. We focused on their requests for funeral assistance due to the significant costs involved, coordinating efforts with the City Mayor’s Office, Lingap, and CSWDO," Dayaday stated. Each affected family received a cash grant of ₱5,000 under the AICS program, complemented by food assistance. The tragedy occurred when seven visitors were swept away by the fast-rising waters of the Talomo River near Mini Asik-Asik Falls. Authorities completed the recovery of their bodies on Saturday, September 20. In response, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has officially closed Mini Asik-Asik Falls to all activities, citing its classification as a danger zone due to sudden water surges from the river. Barangay officials, security personnel, and the Bantay Bukid group have been instructed to strictly enforce the ban to prevent future incidents.

Cebu City Officials Conduct Third Day of Route Inspection for Bus Rapid Transit Project

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, accompanied by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), spearheaded the third day of route inspection for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project on Friday, September 19, 2025. During the inspection, Mayor Archival emphasized that the current activity was solely to assess the designated routes and not the official dry run. He further clarified that the formal dry run for the CBRT system is set to commence on September 29. This ongoing inspection marks a critical step in the preparation process toward the full implementation of the city's innovative public transportation initiative.

Court of Appeals Ends Case on Long-Serving Inmate After BuCor Withdrawal

The Court of Appeals (CA) has granted the motion of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. to withdraw his opposition regarding the release of Fausto Capuyan, an inmate who has served beyond his maximum detention term. In a resolution issued on September 16, 2025, the CA Special Fifth Division declared Capuyan’s case "closed and terminated," effectively acknowledging Catapang’s withdrawal following his notification that Capuyan has been incarcerated for more than 40 years. Capuyan was sentenced to reclusion perpetua with a maximum imprisonment of 40 years for murder with abuse of superior strength. He filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC), asserting that he had completed his sentence under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) as stipulated in Republic Act 10592. The RTC ruled in April of the same year granting Capuyan’s petition and ordering his release. Initially, BuCor Director General Catapang contested the RTC’s ruling, arguing that Capuyan’s computed sentence was only 27 years and 11 months, which fell short of the maximum term. However, upon re-evaluation, BuCor recalculated Capuyan’s incarceration period and found that he had served a total of 40 years, 1 month, and 9 days, thereby surpassing the maximum sentence. Associate Justice Ramon Cruz, who authored the CA ruling, stated, "Prudently, he (Catapang) re-computed Capuyan’s time served and discovered that the latter had served a total of 40 years, one month, and nine days, thereby exceeding the maximum sentence of 40 years of reclusion perpetua." The court further noted Catapang’s wish to withdraw his appeal "in the greater interest of justice," while reserving the right to re-file should further legal grounds for detention arise. The CA approved Catapang’s motion but took no immediate action on Capuyan’s urgent plea for immediate release based on the RTC’s earlier decision. Associate Justices Emily San Gaspar-Gito and Jose Lorenzo Dela Rosa joined in the resolution.

Bacolod Traffic Department Clamps Five Vehicles for Illegal Hospital Parking

The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) has recently clamped five vehicles as part of its renewed efforts to enforce parking regulations, particularly targeting those illegally parked near hospitals. According to BTTMD Officer-in-Charge Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig, the majority of the clamped vehicles were found violating rules in proximity to medical facilities. While the department acknowledges genuine emergencies, Sabig emphasized that such situations must be substantiated to avoid penalties. He also addressed a common misunderstanding, clarifying that vehicles can still be clamped for illegal parking even if a red-painted curb is absent. The BTTMD has applied red zone markings in strategic locations including Lacson and Burgos streets in front of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, as well as along BS Aquino Drive. Sabig explained that, under city ordinance, these red zones specifically indicate "tow-away zones." The department is in the process of acquiring its own tow truck to improve towing operations and provide assistance. "The purpose is to discipline the people," Sabig stated, highlighting the department's commitment to enforcing traffic rules. Fines for clamping have been set at ₱600 for sedans, ₱800 for medium-sized vehicles, and ₱1,000 for heavy vehicles, reinforcing the city’s drive for compliance and safety around hospital zones.

Camarines Norte Representative Cancels Educational Assistance Payout Due to Tropical Storm Opong

Camarines Norte Representative Josie Tallado announced the cancellation of the educational assistance payout set for September 26, 2025, as Tropical Storm Opong poses a significant threat to the province. This decision was made following warnings issued by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). In a statement, Rep. Tallado emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of every resident, particularly families and students who are beneficiaries of the assistance program. She said, \"Mga minamahal kong kababayan at mga estudyanteng benepisyaryo, sa harap ng banta ng bagyong Opong na maaaring tumama sa ating lalawigan, ayon sa babala ng DOST-PAGASA, mas prayoridad natin ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa lalo na sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan at ng ating mga kabataang nangangarap.\" The congresswoman expressed regret over the postponement but stressed that the move was necessary under the circumstances. \"Ipinapaalam ko pong CANCELLED o hindi muna matutuloy ang nakatakdang EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PAYOUT sa September 26, 2025 (Biyernes),\" she added. Rep. Tallado called for understanding among the beneficiaries, explaining that the delay reflects a commitment to their welfare rather than neglect. \"Hiling ko po ang inyong pang-unawa—ang pagpapaliban na ito ay hindi pagpapabaya, kundi pagmamalasakit upang masigurong ligtas ang lahat sa anumang peligro,\" she affirmed. Collaborating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), she assured constituents that a new schedule and appropriate procedures for distributing the financial aid will be communicated in due course. She also urged the community to remain vigilant and heed official advisories, saying, \"Mag-ingat, magtulungan, at makinig sa mga opisyal na paalala.\"

Police Regional Office 7 Issues Warning Against Scam Texts on Arrest Warrants

Police Regional Office 7 has issued a warning to the public regarding circulating scam text messages that falsely claim recipients have pending arrest warrants. These deceptive messages are intended to create fear and confusion among the community. Officials urge individuals not to be alarmed or respond to such communications. In a live report, correspondent Arnold Bustamante provided updates on the ongoing investigation into these scam messages, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance. Alongside this, a weather briefing was delivered by Pagasa Visayas Chief Engineer Al Quiblat, offering an overview of current and upcoming weather conditions in the region. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify any suspicious messages through official channels and refrain from reacting to unverified alerts.

Las Piñas City Government Maintains Vigilance Amid Typhoon Opong’s Change of Course

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar has confirmed that the local government is closely monitoring the impact of Typhoon Opong despite the storm veering away from Metro Manila. Mayor Aguilar emphasized the ongoing preparedness measures to safeguard residents and facilitate rapid response if necessary. She directed all city departments and agencies to remain on high alert. "Las Piñas will continue to uphold full readiness against potential heavy rainfall, flooding, or any other emergencies related to the typhoon," Aguilar stated. The city government reiterated its commitment to staying well-informed, maintaining strong coordination with agencies such as PAGASA, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), and other emergency response teams to protect the community. On Friday afternoon, key local officials including Congressman Mark Anthony Santos, Councilor Macky Saito, and BF Resort Village President Euan Toralballa joined municipal authorities in closely overseeing the situation. This coordinated effort underscores Las Piñas City’s proactive approach to ensuring public safety amid weather disturbances, even as the typhoon’s trajectory has shifted away from the capital region.

Cebu City Government to Impose Penalties on Contractors for Unnecessary Road Damage

The Cebu City Government is set to implement penalties against contractors who unnecessarily damage roads that are still in good condition. This initiative responds to recurring issues where contractors and relevant government agencies repeatedly dismantle usable roads for repaving projects. Councilor Harold Go formally endorsed the ordinance to the city council on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The proposal seeks to curb the disruptive practice that worsens traffic congestion, hampers the local economy, and results in the inefficient use of public funds. Under the ordinance, it is prohibited to damage or excavate any road deemed to be in good condition unless such work is essential, such as for constructing drainage systems or realigning utility lines. Before commencing any project, proponents must submit to the Cebu City Council and the Cebu City Transportation Office detailed plans identifying the affected areas, justification for the work, and traffic management strategies. Contractors are also required to provide regular monthly progress reports on ongoing projects to ensure transparency and compliance. Penalties for violating the ordinance are progressive: a first offense results in a PHP 3,000 fine and suspension of work; a second offense incurs a PHP 4,000 fine and blacklisting recommendation; and a third offense leads to a PHP 5,000 fine, permanent blacklisting, and revocation of all city-issued permits. Oversight responsibility will be vested in a joint committee consisting of the Committees on Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Transportation to monitor adherence to the law. The proposed measure has been forwarded to the respective committees for review and further action.

Navotas Mayor Honors Graduates of Alternative Learning System

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco extended his congratulations to the newest graduates of the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Among the 125 graduates were notable seniors Nanay Nazareta S. Padilla, 67, and Herminigilda V. Roque, 63, who successfully completed junior high school. Mayor Tiangco emphasized their achievements as a testament to the idea that education has no age limit, stating, \"They prove that learning comes without a deadline. With determination, anyone can achieve success. Congratulations to all our ALS graduates.\" These graduates serve as motivating examples within the community, underscoring the value of perseverance and lifelong learning.