Ecuadorian tuna seiner Don Igilio catches fire and sinks off Peru
A tuna seiner flying the Ecuadorian flag, identified as Don Igilio and owned by Eurofish, caught fire on the night of January 8 and subsequently sank in international waters off the coast of Peru. Local media and company sources confirmed that all 25 crew members were rescued and survived the incident. Companies and skippers should monitor fleet tracking feeds and company communications to assess short-term shifts in effort or vessel redeployments. Verify company safety bulletins, review shipboard firefighting readiness, and confirm that crew training and equipment maintenance records are current. Salvage operations and pollution response can require coordination among flag states, regional authorities, and private contractors.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 18, 2026 10:48 UTC
Ball girl collapses in Australian Open heat as players rush to help
Play was halted during an Australian Open first-round match on Sunday when a ball girl fainted as temperatures soared, with players Zeynep Sonmez and Ekaterina Alexandrova rushing to help her. The incident happened as Russian 11th seed Alexandrova was serving during the second set, with the girl falling onto her back while standing at the base of the umpire's chair. Emerging Turkish star Sonmez sprinted over to help while Alexandrova fetched ice bags from a courtside fridge, before she received medical attention. Play was suspended for several minutes with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius. When they resumed, qualifier Sonmez stunned Alexandrova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 for the biggest win of her career.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 10:02 UTC
Tech roundup: HONOR X9d 5G, Redmi Note 15 Pro, and more January gadget releases
POCO M8 seriesTechnology brand POCO recently introduced its new M8 5G and M8 Pro 5G smartphones, which are designed to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences for everyday users through portability, high-quality audiovisuals, long-lasting battery life, and exceptional durability. The M8 Pro 5G device features a 6,500mAh battery with up to a six-year lifespan for reliable, long-lasting power. HONOR X9d 5GHONOR has also launched its newest smartphone series, X9d 5G, for users looking for a durable yet stylish device built to keep up with everyday demands. Priced at P17,999, the HONOR X9d 5G is available for pre-order until 23 at any of their partner stores or online via leading e-commerce stores. When it comes to its picture-taking capabilities, the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G features an all-new 200MP ultimate-clarity main camera, equipped with a brand-new 1/1.4-inch large sensor for unprecedented image detail.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 10:02 UTC
Nestlé Philippines vows to assist families amid infant formula recall
Nestlé Philippines said that it is working with the Food and Drug Administration to address the reported quality concerns regarding several batches of its two infant formula products. Nestlé also addressed the FDA's statement regarding 18 reports involving health concerns observed in those who consumed the infant formula. Only a specific number of batches of the affected products is included in the recall. If parents and caregivers have already purchased the products, they can check this website to see whether their items are included in the affected batches. You may also contact Nestlé Philippines on Facebook, via email at consumer.services@ph.nestle.com, or their hotline (02-8898 0061) if you have a product included in the affected batches.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 07:24 UTC
No more missing in Cebu dumpsite tragedy
No more missing in Cebu dumpsite tragedyAerial view of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, which collapsed and caused a landslide on January 8. MANILA, Philippines — Disaster response officials said all individuals reported missing after the landslide at the Barangay Binaliw dumpsite in Cebu City have been fully accounted for. The Bureau of Fire Protection Region 7 Cebu City Fire Station said the last body was recovered at 5:41 a.m., bringing the confirmed death toll to 36. “As of 0541H, all reported individuals have now been fully accounted for following the dumpsite landslide incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City,” the BFP said in a statement. Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chair of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, confirmed the recovery of the last victim in a dzBB report.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 07:21 UTC
More House leaders see no reason to impeach Marcos
More House leaders see no reason to impeach MarcosMANILA, Philippines — More leaders of the House of Representatives have brushed aside talk of an impeachment move against President Marcos, saying there is no complaint yet or a justification for one. There is no basis, to say the least, for the impeachment of the President. “First of all, we don’t really know who wants to file. He said that to his knowledge, no individual or group is really coming forward to file an impeachment complaint against President Marcos and on what grounds. “We do not even know what they can attribute directly to the President that amounts to an impeachable offense,” he pointed out.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 05:14 UTC
Australian Open: Eala feels at home
Australian Open: Eala feels at homeMANILA, Philippines — A perceived homecourt advantage. This will fuel Alex Eala as she prepares for her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, which fires off today and boasts the heftiest prize pool in history at Melbourne Park. This year’s Australian Open offers the biggest prize pool ever of $74.9 million. 2 and winner of the Australian Open girls doubles with Indonesian pal Priska Madelyn Nugroho. I’m super excited,” Eala added.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 04:53 UTC
NLEX to increase toll fees starting Jan. 20
In an announcement, the NLEX Corporation stated that the Toll Regulatory Board has now authorized them to adjust tolls by P6.00 in the open system and P0.26 per kilometer in the closed system, effective Jan. 20, 2026. The North Luzon Expressway will increase its toll fees starting this January. "It represents the second and final tranche of the approved periodic toll rate adjustments originally due in 2023. To mitigate the impact on expressway users, the increase was previously deferred and implemented in two tranches," NLEX Corporation said. This comes as the South Luzon Expressway has also issued a toll rate adjustment effective Jan. 1.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 04:25 UTC
Bill seeking to institutionalize 'Right to Care' card passed in House
A bill aiming to institutionalize a "Right to Care" system in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives. Under the measure, a person can choose a "health care agent" by submitting a health care proxy. This information will be reflected on their PhilHealth ID and into a Right to Care registry under the Department of Health. She emphasized that they are denied access to information and decision-making involving their loved ones' health care. San Juan City passed its own Right to Care ordinance in June 2025.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 04:09 UTC
Signal No. 2 raised over 4 provinces
MANILA, Philippines —Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over the eastern portion of Camarines Norte, the eastern and central portions of Camarines Sur and the entire provinces of Albay and Catanduanes. 1 remains in effect over the southeastern portion of Isabela, Aurora, the eastern portion of Quezon, the Polillo Islands, Marinduque, the eastern portion of Romblon, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar and Biliran. PAGASA warned that further intensification into a severe tropical storm is not ruled out, and the possible raising of Signal No. The northeast monsoon, interacting with Ada’s circulation, is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over parts of Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces in the coming days.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 04:00 UTC
‘ICI has done its part, let ombudsman take over’
‘ICI has done its part, let ombudsman take over’“In my personal view, yes, it has,” Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said when asked at a press conference if the ICI has already completed its task. “In my personal view, yes, it has,” Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said when asked at a press conference if the ICI has already completed its task. He said that while past controversies may have clouded the credibility of the ombudsman, the agency has burnished its image under a new leadership. Puno said allowing the ICI and the ombudsman to simultaneously investigate the anomalies in flood control projects may only create confusion and weaken public confidence in the investigation. “Primarily, since the ICI is a presidential agency, it is focused on presidential agency, the executive department,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 03:57 UTC
BI arrests Estonian vlogger for harassing Filipino locals
The Bureau of Immigration has arrested a vlogger from Estonia after he was caught harassing Filipino locals during his visit. Roosipuu, who runs a YouTube channel called "Pro Life Traveler," was accused by residents of harassment through offensive remarks and unauthorized filming. In an interview with the media, Roosipuu has now expressed regret over his actions, reasoning that he is still "learning" to be a vlogger. I just want to be a better vlogger, but along the way, I've done mistakes. This is not the first time a foreign vlogger drew the attention of Philippine authorities for inappropriate behavior toward locals.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 03:11 UTC
Senator seeks OMB abolition
Senator seeks OMB abolitionSenator Win Gatchalian answers questions from the media during the "Kapihan sa Senado" press conference in Pasay City on January 8, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a measure seeking to abolish the Optical Media Board (OMB), arguing that the agency has outlived its relevance as piracy has shifted from physical media to the digital space. Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate committee on finance, said the OMB was designed to regulate a disc-based piracy industry that has largely disappeared. 1654, the OMB’s powers, functions and resources would be transferred to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The bill also provides for the absorption of OMB Secretariat employees into IPOPHL without any reduction in salaries or benefits.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 02:42 UTC
Marcos reaffirms commitment to rules-based order
Marcos reaffirms commitment to rules-based orderMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday renewed his support for a rules-based international order as fresh tensions grip the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China. “As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship, we remain committed to dialogue, cooperation and a rules-based international order. Here’s to stronger ties and lasting friendships among our nations,” Marcos said in a Facebook post, a day after Malacañang hosted the annual vin d’honneur. I didn’t even mention that it was President Xi Jinping – they were the ones who named him,” he told The STAR in Filipino. In a separate interview yesterday, Tarriela added he got “confused” on the basis of the complaint by the Chinese embassy.
Source:Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 02:30 UTC
Preliminary probe set on Jinggoy, Bong plunder raps
Preliminary probe set on Jinggoy, Bong plunder rapsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to start its preliminary investigation on the plunder cases against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in relation to anomalous flood control projects within the week. He said the National Bureau of Investigation has conducted a fact-finding investigation in cooperation with prosecutors. Fadullon did not give the exact amounts of public funds which Revilla and Estrada are accused of amassing. Fadullon said several congressmen will also face criminal cases in connection with the flood control corruption scandal. Five cases related to ghost flood control projects are up for resolution within the week involving SYMS Construction.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 17:31 UTC