Soldier dead, 4 Dawlah Islamiya remnants wounded in encounter
Soldier dead, 4 Dawlah Islamiya remnants wounded in encounterThe residents of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur affected by the series of clashes in the municipality between soldiers and local terrorists are now in evacuation sites. COTABATO CITY — A soldier from the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion was killed, and another was wounded during clashes with remnants of the now-defunct Dawlah Islamiya in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, on Tuesday, January 27. More than a hundred poor families in Barangay Tuayan, Mother of Datu Hoffer, where soldiers and remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiya engaged in gunfights, have relocated to safer areas for fear of being caught in the crossfire. The latter is now confined to a hospital in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the 6th ID headquarters is located. They were seen being carried away by companions as they fled toward the hinterlands near South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 10:43 UTC
EXPLAINER: Here's what you need to know about the deadly Nipah virus
The Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India has caused global concern, especially in its neighboring countries. Nipah virus: What it is and how it spreadsIn a media release sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Department of Health Asec. Albert Domingo said Nipah virus is a "zoonotic virus," which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. But one may also develop severe symptoms such as drowsiness and altered consciousness, agitation, confusion, and seizures. According to the DOH, the Nipah virus is no longer new to the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 10:41 UTC
P200,000 insurance payout for MV Trisha Kerstin 3 deaths questioned
P200,000 insurance payout for MV Trisha Kerstin 3 deaths questionedThis handout photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) taken and received on January 26, 2026 shows survivors of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 being transferred to another ship in waters off Basilan province. MANILA, Philippines — Families of victims in the Basilan boat tragedy are guaranteed P200,000 in compensation, according to an official of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). At least 18 people were reported dead after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the waters off Basilan on Monday, January 26. Aleson Shipping Lines, which owns the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, has been involved in several maritime incidents prior to the latest incident. In 2023, its MV Lady Mary Joy 3 tragedy in 2023 when caught fire while traveling the same route as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 10:33 UTC
Philippines tightens airport health checks amid Nipah virus outbreak in India
Philippines tightens airport health checks amid Nipah virus outbreak in IndiaThis undated photo was taken at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health Bureau of Quarantine (DOH-BOQ) has begun implementing strict health protocols, including passenger screenings, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other points of entry amid the Nipah virus outbreak in India. India has reported five confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, with 100 close contacts under monitoring, Domingo said. The Nipah virus first emerged in Malaysia in 1999, claiming the lives of over 100 people, primarily pig farmers. ON INTERAKSYON: Anne Curtis, other Pinoys raise concerns over Nipah virus outbreak in India
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 10:33 UTC
BARM polls postponed for 4th time
BARM polls postponed for 4th timeMANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has deferred the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled for March 30. The Bangsamoro Parliament passed Parliament Bill No. The resolution set aside all activities under previous Comelec resolutions connected to the March 30 polls. Years of delaysThe March 30 polls would have been the fourth scheduled date for the BARMM's first parliamentary elections. Last year, the Supreme Court voided BARMM's redistricting laws, forcing lawmakers to draft new legislation.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 09:33 UTC
TESDA as full-fledged department? Why EDCOM backs the idea
Why EDCOM backs the ideaTrainings may be conducted by technical vocational institutions and TESDA technology institutions subject to compliance with TESDA guidelines and public health standards. EDCOM II spent three years assessing the education sector through consultations, commissioned studies and hearings with government agencies. These shifts, EDCOM II said, have prevented TESDA from establishing a stable institutional home and weakened its ability to plan long-term, coordinate with other agencies, and negotiate for resources. For instance, Contact Center Services NC II (TESDA's training curriculum for call center workers) hasn't been updated since 2003 despite "dramatic ... transformation" in the call center industry. Only 10 National Industry Boards have been established since 1994, concentrated in five sectors, according to EDCOM II.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 09:24 UTC
Philippines auto industry sales may breach 500K units this year
Philippines auto industry sales may breach 500K units this year“We see that there’s a big chance that the market can reach 500,000 (units) this year…We’re pegging it at around 503,000 (units),” newly installed CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza told reporters during the group’s ceremonial turnover of leadership yesterday. If the outlook is realized, this year’s total automotive industry sales would be 2.4 percent higher than the record-high sales of 491,395 units last year. Electrified vehicle sales are expected to drive growth for the industry this year. Atienza said electrified vehicle sales are likely to continue to increase this year. Last year, electrified vehicle sales reached 58,905 units, 142.5 percent higher year-on-year.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 08:21 UTC
You can save as much as P33,000 on select Apple devices this payday
You can get yourself a new gadget this payday as an authorized Apple reseller is offering discounts up to P33,000 on select devices. The Loop, which is under Power Mac Center, announced its Payday Big-time Deals in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 28. "Your Apple setup is just a tap away," the caption read. Included in the promo are AirPods and Apple Watches as well as iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and more. Premium accessories like speakers and power banks are also being offered at up to 50% off.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 07:29 UTC
Theatre Group Asia to bring three global hits for its 2026-2027 season
Theatre Group Asia has released its "boldest" lineup yet for its 2026-2027 season, and it is a powerhouse trio of productions that have never before graced a Filipino stage. According to TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos, this season is built on the theme of human influence. "This season places the human capacity to influence through love, survival, and creation on center stage. While each production proudly spotlights artists and narratives, the season ultimately celebrates something even greater: the power every person holds to shape hearts, defy limits, and leave a lasting mark," he said. It will portray Allie and Noah across three different stages of their lives, showing "how love matures, fractures, and ultimately endures."
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 06:44 UTC
Pistons survive Nuggets; Thunder trounce Pelicans
Pistons survive Nuggets; Thunder trounce PelicansCade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons drives against Jonas Valan?i?nas of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at the Ball Arena on January 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. LOS ANGELES, United States — Cade Cunningham finished with 22 points as the Detroit Pistons held off a late rally from the depleted Denver Nuggets to hang on for a 109-107 road victory on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time). Denver star Jamal Murray could have forced overtime after being awarded three free throws with one second remaining and Detroit leading 109-106. However, Murray missed his second and third free throws and the Pistons escaped. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks scoring at Madison Square Garden with 28 points as New York finally pulled away with a 31-point final quarter.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 06:26 UTC
Filipino in California pleads guilty to ISIS funding, bomb possession
Filipino in California pleads guilty to ISIS funding, bomb possessionThe logo of the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation on the facade of one of its buildings. MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino national who is a permanent resident in the United States pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 27, to federal charges for sending money to suspected ISIS members and illegally possessing a homemade bomb. Villanueva sent more than $1,600 in a dozen payments, knowing the money would buy ammunition, weapons and other supplies for ISIS operations, court documents show. He also discussed conducting operations for ISIS in the United States. "At all relevant times, Villanueva knew the bomb was considered a firearm and a destructive device under federal law, and the device was not federally registered as required by law," the release stated.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 05:37 UTC
Where MSMEs meet their mentors
Armando “Butz” Bartolome, president of GMB Franchise Developers Inc., guides MSMEs by sharing insights drawn from years of experience in business development and mentorship. The program aims to connect MSMEs with mentors, partners, and resources to help grow their businesses. When starting a business, entrepreneurs should identify a problem, determine what the market needs, address what can be fixed, and define the value their business brings. Renel Batralo, CEO and designer of Rolyolikha at Iba Pa Handicraft, mentors arts and lifestyle MSMEs by personally sharing his designs and experiences as a fellow creative entrepreneur. Providing mentorship to many of these MSMEs is one of the biggest ways we can help them scale up,” he adds.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 04:55 UTC
EDCOM 2 seeks end to mass promotion of failing students
Learners who fall behind may be held back, as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) is seeking to end mass promotions. EDCOM 2 submitted its third and final National Education and Workforce Development Plan for 2026 to 2035 to Congress on Jan. 26. The commission said that the crisis could be due to systemic failures, limited access to early childhood education, and the policy allowing unqualified learners to advance. Romulo said that a teacher told them that they didn't want to pass unqualified learners but felt pressured to. "'Dahil kapag binagsak namin, nasasabihan kami na pinahamak namin ang division o ang school,'" Romulo quoted.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 04:40 UTC
Filipino nuncio to Israel, Palestine retires from Vatican service
Filipino nuncio to Israel, Palestine retires from Vatican serviceRetired Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana with a delegate from Caritas Jerusalem in 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Apostolic Nuncio to Israel Adolfo Tito Yllana has retired from the Holy See's diplomatic service, according to CBCP News. Lingua has served as apostolic nuncio to Croatia since 2019. In December 2001, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him apostolic nuncio to Papua New Guinea, later expanding his responsibilities to include the nunciature on Solomon Islands. Pope Benedict XVI later appointed Yllana apostolic nuncio to Pakistan in 2006 and to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 04:33 UTC
Owning a dog may improve teenagers' mental health—study
Research has shown that having a dog may be good for the mental health of teenagers. They also discovered that adolescent dog owners had "significantly lower" social problems than those who didn't, and had higher on "measures of companionship and social support" as they grew older. A biological factor may also be involved, as children who own dogs have microbiomes that differ from those who do not. The study involved exposing mice to oral microbiomes from the dog-owning group to evaluate changes in social behavior. The study was conducted among 343 teenagers in Tokyo—96 of them were dog owners.
Source:Philippine Star
January 28, 2026 04:06 UTC