Traslacion 2026 leaves four deadRescuers carry a Nazarene devotee who collapsed during the annual Traslacion in Manila on January 9, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Four people died during the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Friday, including a photojournalist covering the event who collapsed due to possible fatigue, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said. Overall, the NCRPO’s initial assessment for Traslacion 2026 was “generally peaceful.”“It’s generally peaceful from Day 1,” NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said. Medical assistanceAccording to the Department of Health (DOH), around 1,019 devotees were provided medical assistance during the Traslacion starting Friday. It was earlier reported that the andas underwent a structural upgrade and its movement was made possible using forklift and steel tires.

5,123 measles cases logged in 2025Health officials said the figure is 32 percent higher than the 3,880 cases reported during the same period in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Up to 5,123 cases of measles and rubella were reported across the country last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Health officials said the figure is 32 percent higher than the 3,880 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Half of the cases or 2,567 are children aged six months to five years. Among regions, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen and Bangsamoro reported the highest number of measles and rubella cases.

Filipina mother deported because of missing documentRecently, an elderly Filipina mother, being petitioned by her US citizen daughter, was ordered deported/removed because her daughter allegedly failed to include her latest tax return when she submitted an affidavit of support in connection with her mother’s adjustment of status. Even more shocking, the deportation hearing and deportation order happened less than a month after the adjustment denial! What threat does an elderly Filipina mother pose, especially when she had an approved petition from her daughter and was otherwise eligible to adjust status? Unfortunately, the mother had to be rushed to urgent care on the date of the hearing and did not attend the hearing. Nevertheless, the court went ahead with the hearing and ordered the mother deported/removed – all because of a missing document (tax return) when filing for adjustment of status.

Japan foreign minister to visit Manila this weekJapan Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 27, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is scheduled to visit Manila this week for high-level meetings with Philippine officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. In an announcement on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the bilateral meeting is scheduled on Jan. 15. “The official visit will take place as the Philippines and Japan mark this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations,” the announcement read. Japan and the Philippines have been strengthening their bilateral relations with joint naval exercises and other combined training activities along with other partner nations.

DILG chief bares P30 million kickback scheme at BFPDepartment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on January 15, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Two senior officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are under investigation for alleged irregularities in the procurement of fire extinguishers worth P30 million for a condominium building, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In an interview over Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “Politiko Talks” on Friday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he dismissed two BFP officials from their posts who were reportedly involved in the anomalous transaction. There are also BFP inspectors who would force business owners to hire a contractor for the installation of sprinklers. Remulla said they will require fire safety inspectors to wear body-worn cameras so that their activities are recorded.

Marcos monitoring Army colonel’s removal – PalaceMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is closely monitoring developments surrounding the relief of an Army colonel who allegedly withdrew his support for the administration, Malacañang said. Col. Audie Mongao, chief of the Training Support Group, was removed from his post following a social media post in which he reportedly withdrew his personal support for President Marcos, whose administration is facing allegations of large-scale corruption. Hours after the controversial post circulated online, Mongao voluntarily turned himself in Friday night to his immediate superior, according to the Philippine Army. Training Command commander Maj. Gen. Michael Logico said Mongao is “fully cooperating” with authorities and has admitted authoring the social media post. To reassure the public, the military has repeatedly said its personnel remain loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command.

The 10 biggest marketing challengesHow do you know if a “famous guru” is still relevant? Schaefer recently wrote something many of us have been thinking but too tired to type: “The 10 biggest marketing challenges (and, surprisingly, they’re not ‘AI problems’).” He starts by asking: “Are you tired of reading about AI? Me too.” Then he made the case – that the biggest marketing headaches are bigger than AI and many of them were already growing before the robots learned to write haikus. He raises a critical question: if word-of-mouth is the most trusted form of marketing, why are budgets for it, as well as for community and experiential marketing, often minimal? No marketing strategy can compensate for a declining customer base due to lower birth rates.

Government OKs P279.5 billion infrastructure projectsThe government plans to build 16,459 new classrooms across Luzon from March 2027 to March 2028. MANILA, Philippines — The Economy and Development Council (ED Council), chaired by President Marcos, has approved nearly P280 billion worth of education, transport and agriculture projects. In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the council approved on Jan.8 a total of P279.5 billion in infrastructure projects. Among those approved is the P105.69-billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) School Infrastructure Project Phase III (PSIP III), aimed at closing classroom gaps and providing better learning environments. In addition, the ED Council approved changes to the P27.69-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program’s implementation period.

Minor eruption recorded at Taal VolcanoPhivolcs said the eruption at the main crater was captured by a thermal camera of the Daang Kastila Observation Station between 7:11 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. and generated plumes that rose about 900 meters. MANILA, Philippines — A minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas on Friday night, according to the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. At the Calauit Observation Station, volcanologists detected a precursory signal six minutes before the eruption. Phivolcs said that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest wherein sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur, particularly within the main crater. Entry into Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly at the main crater and volcano island, remains prohibited.

Nestlé recalls infant formula products over toxin riskIn a statement, Nestlé Philippines said the recall is being undertaken as a “precautionary measure,” stressing that no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the affected products. MANILA, Philippines — Nestlé Philippines Inc. has voluntarily recalled limited batches of its NAN OPTIPRO and NANKID OPTIPRO infant formula products due to a potential contamination risk linked to an ingredient supplied by a third party. The Philippines is among more than 50 countries covered by a global voluntary recall of certain Nestlé infant formula products. Consumers may verify whether their purchased products are affected through a dedicated website set up by Nestlé Philippines for real-time checking. The company stressed that all other Nestlé products and other batches of the same infant formula brands are not included in the voluntary recall.

Final milestones of ‘25Here is the third and last installment of memorable sporting milestones of 2025. It was the 31-year-old 2010 Asian Games silver medalist’s fourth Asian Tour crown, breaking the record previously held by Angelo Que. Custodio added a gold at the SEA Games for good measure. It was the first time the Philippines harvested more than two golds in swimming at the SEA Games since 2009. Coach Norman Black took over from Cone and piloted a rag-tag team to the SEA Games gold in a blazing end to the year.

Retirement, resilience and showing upI spent Friday night at BGC not for a night out in some swanky bar or speakeasy but at the Philippine Stock Exchange tower with PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon and PSE COO Roel Refran. But one topic that particularly caught my interest was PERA or the Personal Equity Retirement Account, a 401k-type retirement account which Monzon said must be highly encouraged in the country. For many of us, planning for retirement is a luxury we can’t afford, given all the daily expenses. It is a voluntary three-in-one investment, savings and retirement account designed to provide financial security and tax benefits for Filipino adults who save up for retirement. Bar topnotcher Marie Sarmiento: Keep showing upSome years back, a wise source and I were talking about corruption in the country.

Iran's Guards declare 'red line' on security as Tehran seeks to quell unrestProtesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. Social Media/via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

A Russian vessel arrives at the Simon's Town Naval base ahead of the BRICS Plus countries which include China, Russia and Iran for a joint naval exercises in South Africa's, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 9, 2026.

New video emerges of Minnesota shooting, further inflaming tensionsMinneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a press conference, following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 9, 2026. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu