Marcos wants probe into Russian vlogger's prison corruption claims
Marcos wants probe into Russian vlogger's prison corruption claimsRussian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy at a plane bound to Russia on Jan. 17, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into possible corruption in a detention facility following Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy’s claim that "money talks" in the Philippines, the Palace said. (For now, the President has ordered a thorough investigation into this, and three courtesy resignations have been accepted—one warden and two deputies. Any video he may release, however, could still serve as evidence in the probe, Castro added. Should the investigation reveal abuses and corruption in the system, Castro said proper cases must be filed.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 14:13 UTC
Slain gunmen who ambushed Shariff Aguak mayor wanted for multiple serious cases
Slain gunmen who ambushed Shariff Aguak mayor wanted for multiple serious casesThe getaway vehicle of the three men who ambushed the convoy of the mayor of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur is now in the custody of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. COTABATO CITY— All three gunmen who ambushed the mayor of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday, January 25, were killed by pursuing soldiers and police officers. Pursuing volunteer community watchmen, policemen, and soldiers cornered the three suspects in Barangay Meta in nearby Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur. “We have tightened security in Shariff Aguak after the incident,” De Guzman said. Intelligence agents from the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, covering Maguindanao del Sur, are assisting PRO-BAR units in identifying those responsible for the ambush for prosecution.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 12:38 UTC
India fetes EU at Republic Day parade ahead of trade deal
India fetes EU at Republic Day parade ahead of trade dealBorder Security Force's (BSF) camel-mounted contingent marches during the country's 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2026.
Source:The Standard
January 26, 2026 12:11 UTC
Substandard? Flood control dike collapse in Pampanga under probe
Flood control dike collapse in Pampanga under probeMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will investigate the collapse of a flood control dike in Arayat, Pampanga. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the collapse may have been caused by a design flaw. “It would seem that the design for the flood control in Candating, Arayat is not correct,” Dizon said in Filipino. The design will be overhauled to ensure a structurally sound and permanent flood control system,” the DPWH said. The country has been grappling with corruption allegations involving public works projects, with the DPWH cited in reports of kickbacks involving lawmakers, officials, and contractors.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 09:14 UTC
FPA readies rules for online sale of pesticides, fertilizers
FPA readies rules for online sale of pesticides, fertilizersFPA said it is committed to developing a “robust” regulatory framework that would facilitate online sale of the key planting inputs once proper safeguards, licensing mechanisms, traceability systems and enforcement controls are in place. Until such systems are established, FPA pointed out that online selling of fertilizers and pesticides would remain unauthorized. The agency attached to the Department of Agriculture issued the clarificatory statement after it revoked its previous circular allowing the online sale of fertilizers and pesticides. However, since 2020, FPA observed the proliferation of unregistered imported fertilizers and pesticides online, which it argued pose risks to farmers, consumers and the environment. Furthermore, Estrada said fertilizers and pesticides sold online pass through multiple unregulated distribution channels that may lead to improper handling of the agricultural inputs.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 07:44 UTC
PNP forms task force to hunt Shariff Aguak ambush masterminds
PNP forms task force to hunt Shariff Aguak ambush mastermindsThe sports utility vehicle of the mayor of Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur, damaged by a B40 anti-tank rocket fired from a distance by men who ambushed their convoy in the municipality on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a special task force to investigate the ambush of Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan in Maguindanao, as authorities move to identify those behind the attack. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms," Nartatez said. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms.) Ampatuan survived the ambush on Sunday, January 25, while traveling in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 07:33 UTC
Alex Honnold got paid an 'embarrassingly small amount' after historic Taipei 101 climb
The pay, however, was just an "embarrassingly small amount." “Actually, if you put it in the context of mainstream sports, it’s an embarrassingly small amount. So in that case, yeah, an embarrassingly small amount." He had the full support and permission of Taipei 101 and the city government. This is not the first time Taipei 101 has been scaled.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 06:23 UTC
While Makabayan files impeach rap vs Marcos, referral still uncertain
While Makabayan files impeach rap vs Marcos, referral still uncertainMANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc formally endorsed and filed its impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 26, following the House Office of the Secretary General's refusal to receive it last week. With the impeachment complaint now successfully filed, it becomes the second lodged against the president in just a week. Unlike the first complaint, the second was submitted by 36 members of progressive groups representing workers, professionals, teachers, students, farmers and the urban poor. The complainants cited betrayal of public trust as the sole ground for impeaching President Marcos, alleging three specific instances. With Congress set to resume session on Monday, the first complaint may be referred to the committee then.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 05:34 UTC
Influencer Lula Lahfah dies at 26
Lula Lahfah, a famous content creator in Indonesia, has died. According to the news outlet, Lahfah reportedly had several health issues. Indonesian pop group Weird Genius, whose members include Lahfah's boyfriend Reza Oktovian, cancelled their Jan. 23 gig following the news. “This situation is beyond our control, and we apologize for the inconvenience,” the band added. Lahfah, who became known for her lifestyle content, garnered 2.8 million followers on Instagram and 1.1 million followers on Tiktok.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 04:57 UTC
Vitaly says he will 'expose corruption' in PH; BI dismisses claims as 'rage-baits'
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy claimed he had a phone throughout his time in detention in the Philippines, adding that he will "expose the corruption" soon. Vitaly alleged that he was in inhumane conditions during his PH detention, without toilet paper and using only buckets of water for showers. Vitaly added he feels fortunate enough to finally be free, considering his co-detainees were allegedly imprisoned longer for lighter charges. "Zdorovetskiy, who we consider an undesirable alien, continues to post rage-bait content to generate income from Filipinos online," Viado said. He was apprehended for harassing and disrespecting Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City for online content.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 03:47 UTC
M8 World Championship headed outside Southeast Asia
M8 World Championship headed outside Southeast AsiaJAKARTA, Indonesia — Moonton Games, the developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), has announced that the M8 World Championship will be hosted in Turkiye, the first world MLBB world championship to be held outside Southeast Asia. The announcement was made at the tail end of the MLBB esports roadmap presentation ahead of the M7 World Championship grand finals between the Philippines' Aurora Gaming PH and Indonesia's Alter Ego. Starting 2026, Moonton Games will be implementing the MLBB Championship Tour, bringing together five regions: Southeast Asia, East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Americas, enabling more teams to reach the world stage. The M-Series World Championship has seen double hosts with Singapore (M2 and M3), Malaysia (M1 and M6), and Indonesia (M4 and M7), while the Philippines has hosted the world championship once back in 2023 (M5). The M8 World Championship is slated in January 2027.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 03:41 UTC
DA halts agricultural land reclassification applications
DA halts agricultural land reclassification applicationsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a six-month moratorium on new applications for agricultural land reclassification to review existing policies and strengthen regulation amid concerns over the rapid conversion of farmlands. 1 dated Jan. 5, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. directed an immediate halt to the receipt and processing of Land-Use Reclassification Certification applications until June, allowing previously filed applications to proceed while deferring all appeals for the duration of the moratorium. Analysts and agricultural groups have repeatedly warned that unchecked land conversion could undermine food self-sufficiency, particularly as global supply chains face recurring disruptions. The DA said the moratorium aligns with its broader agenda for 2026, which includes improving agricultural supply chains, strengthening farm infrastructure and expanding productivity support programs to boost local output. The DA said the outcome of the policy review during the moratorium period will guide future regulations on land-use reclassification and the long-term balance between development and agricultural sustainability.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 02:52 UTC
17 rescued Filipino seafarers transferred to Philippine
17 rescued Filipino seafarers transferred to PhilippineThe Chinese Embassy in Manila shared the emotional reunion of the rescued Filipino crew members of the cargo vessel that capsized near Scarborough Shoal on January 23, 2026. “Seventeen people have been successfully rescued, two of which ended up losing their lives. Two Filipino sailors died while four are still missing after M/V Devon Bay, with 21 Filipino crewmembers, capsized on Friday. China said its coast guard rescued the Filipino sailors. Manila acknowledged the rescue of Filipino sailors, but underlined that humanitarian assistance does not override sovereign rights.
Source:Philippine Star
January 26, 2026 02:36 UTC
Man Utd stun leaders Arsenal to open up title race
Man City drop points in chase of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd also draw
Source:The Standard
January 26, 2026 01:06 UTC