Tsunami Advisory Prompts Class Suspension and Evacuations in Rapu-Rapu, Albay

LEGAZPI CITY — Classes across all levels in Rapu-Rapu, Albay, were suspended on the afternoon of July 30, 2025, in response to a tsunami advisory issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) issued Advisory No. 001, mandating the suspension of classes and advising coastal communities to move to elevated areas as a safety precaution. In a phone interview, Mayor Rommel "Otoy" Galicia emphasized the importance of immediate evacuation upon hearing the warning bell. He identified designated evacuation centers, including Rapu-Rapu National High School, Rapu-Rapu Central School, Sta. Florentina Parish Church, the municipal training center, and selected two-story houses located away from the shoreline. In neighboring Camarines Sur, Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte reminded residents via social media to stay vigilant. "There is no threat of a destructive tsunami, but safety precautions are still necessary," he said. Phivolcs’ Tsunami Information Bulletin No. 2 reported that tsunami waves measuring under one meter could impact parts of Albay province. The first waves were anticipated to reach the area between 1:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. and could continue for several hours thereafter.

Philippine Coast Guard Halts Small Vessel Operations in Northern Quezon Amid Tsunami Threat

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has temporarily suspended operations of small vessels in the northern region of Quezon province starting at noon on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in response to a tsunami advisory. The move follows an official warning from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs), which forecasted tsunami waves with heights below one meter along the country’s Pacific-facing coastal areas. These waves are expected to reach shore between 1 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The PCG, operating out of Real town, northern Quezon, stated in its advisory, "It may not be the largest, and these waves may continue for hours." Accordingly, the agency ordered the temporary suspension of all watercraft with a gross tonnage of 35 GT and below operating along the eastern seaboard of northern Quezon. This affected areas include the Polillo Islands, northern Panukulan coast, Burdeos Island towns, the eastern coast of Patnanungan, and the municipalities of Jomalig Island. Sea travel will resume once DOST-Phivolcs confirms that conditions are safe, the PCG noted. This precautionary measure comes after a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, prompted the tsunami advisory. Residents in vulnerable coastal communities are urged to heed warnings and stay alert as authorities monitor the situation closely.

Carla Abellana Opens Up About Second Date Amid Post-Divorce Life

Actress Carla Abellana recently revealed that she has gone on a date with an unidentified man and is looking forward to seeing him again. Speaking on the August 3 edition of 24 Oras Weekend, Abellana confirmed the prospect of multiple dates, although she chose not to disclose the identity of her companion. "Yes, there’s a second date. We’ll see if there’s gonna be more dates. For now, yeah," she said. The "Widows’ War" star expressed that she feels it is an appropriate time to explore new relationships and meet different people. "I’ve said it before that it’s about time I open myself to dating, meeting new people, so I decided to try it," Abellana shared. The actress sparked public interest after posting a photo that suggested an intimate dinner outing with someone special. This comes after a lengthy relationship that culminated in her marriage to fellow actor Tom Rodriguez in October 2021. The couple separated just three months later, with their divorce officially recognized by Philippine courts in June 2024. Meanwhile, Tom Rodriguez has moved on and is currently in a relationship with a non-industry partner. The actor publicly announced they welcomed a son in November of the prior year.

Justice Secretary Announces New Witness in Investigation of Missing Sabungeros Case

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin \"Boying\" Remulla has disclosed that another witness is anticipated to come forward in the ongoing investigation concerning the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). However, he refrained from sharing further specifics regarding the new individual. Previously, Remulla disclosed that Elakim Patidongan, brother of a pivotal suspect known as Alias Totoy Patidongan, alleged he witnessed the killing of 10 missing sabungeros from Santa Cruz, Lipa, Batangas. Elakim was reportedly retrieved from Cambodia, where he claimed to have been held captive under orders linked to business magnate Atong Ang, who is also accused of providing him with a counterfeit passport. Moreover, Elakim was identified by Alias Totoy as the person who withdrew money from the bank account of one of the missing sabungeros. The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that Elakim and another brother, Jose Patidongan, were arrested abroad and repatriated to the Philippines on July 22, marking a significant development in the investigation.

Warm and Humid Conditions Expected Across Philippines Amid Monsoon Break

MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecast predominantly warm and humid conditions throughout much of the country on Monday, attributed to a temporary pause in the monsoon pattern. Forecaster Daniel James Villamil explained, \"Due to the monsoon break, most areas will experience warm and humid weather. Isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms remain possible.\" The southwest monsoon, locally known as \"habagat,\" will continue to influence extreme northern Luzon, bringing occasional rain showers and thunderstorms to the Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Meanwhile, scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected elsewhere due to localized weather disturbances. Villamil also noted that a low-pressure area (LPA) located approximately 1,455 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and currently does not affect the country. \"The LPA has a very low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours,\" he added. Across the archipelago, light to moderate winds and slight to moderate sea conditions are forecasted, ensuring generally stable weather for residents and travelers.

Gunfire in Maguindanao Ends with Marriage Between Two Families

In Mamasapano town, Maguindanao del Sur, what began as an armed conflict ended in an unexpected union between two families. On Friday at noon, a gunfight broke out in Sitio Szopad, Barangay Sapakan, after the 15-year-old daughter of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter fled with her 21-year-old boyfriend. The clash was between the faction led by Sukor Guiamalon, affiliated with the 106th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces—the MILF’s armed wing—and the group led by Mohamad Tatak, the village chair of Sapakan. According to Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, the shooting began when Guiamalon discovered his daughter had eloped with Tatak’s brother. However, the hostilities subsided by 3 p.m., following intervention from the 33rd Infantry Battalion. In a remarkable turn of events, both parties agreed to resolve the dispute through a wedding ceremony scheduled for Saturday, with Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan serving as the principal sponsor. This peaceful resolution highlights the efforts of the Philippine Army in mediating conflicts and fostering reconciliation among local communities.

Presidential Task Force Refutes Police Harassment Claims in Muntinlupa Bus Dispute

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has dismissed reports accusing police of harassing retired journalist Gloria Jane Baylon during her detention in Muntinlupa last Friday. The controversy arose after posts on social media—including comments from broadcaster Ramon Tulfo—alleged that 79-year-old Baylon was forcibly removed from a bus by police officers following a confrontation with a 35-year-old person with disability (PWD), Marlene Rayko. The posts claimed Baylon insulted Rayko using derogatory terms such as "idiot" and "birdbrain," which provoked the complaint that led to police intervention. Social media accounts stated that although Baylon and Rayko did not physically assault one another, Baylon was aggressively dragged out of the bus, resulting in the tearing of her clothing. Another post from journalist Gina Mape added that Baylon attempted to post bail but no formal complaint was filed, and the police were summoned while both parties were still on the bus. However, PTFoMS Executive Director Joe Torres refuted these allegations in an official statement. He said, "There is no evidence supporting the claim of police harassment. Based on the initial investigation, the police were managing Ma’am Gloria’s disruptive behavior." Torres revealed that Baylon struck a police officer during the incident and that her torn dress was a consequence of efforts to restrain her. He confirmed that the police chief provided all necessary accommodations considering Baylon's age. Although Baylon's case falls outside the Task Force's scope, as she is retired, PTFoMS still engaged by having a lawyer interview her. According to Torres, "She expressed willingness to wait should any case be filed and declined the lawyer’s advice to pursue a conciliatory dialogue." A police report from the National Capital Region Police Office further detailed the incident, explaining that the PWD passenger was seated in a designated area when Baylon asked why she was occupying it. Despite the PWD showing her identification card, Baylon responded with offensive and intimidating language, leading to emotional distress and prompting her to request police assistance. The report described Baylon’s behavior as "unruly," recounting her continued use of humiliating and intimidating remarks against Rayko, which led to her arrest after being informed of her constitutional rights. Authorities are preparing complaints against Baylon for unjust vexation, oral defamation, and violations of Republic Act 9442, also known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

General Santos City Rep. Urges Voter Registration Ahead of December Barangay and SK Elections

General Santos City Lone District Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles has appealed to her constituents to take advantage of the current 10-day voter registration period ahead of the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections scheduled for December 1, 2025. In her statement, Rep. Nograles emphasized the significance of voter registration and participation, stating that casting a ballot is a vital means for citizens to influence community development and ensure that elected leaders effectively address local concerns. She also highlighted the importance of youth engagement in governance, encouraging young Filipinos to actively participate through the SK election process. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has confirmed that the registration period for the December elections will conclude on August 10, 2025. Residents of General Santos City are urged to register promptly to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming polls.

Senator Lacson Warns Public About Scam Using Former Lawmaker's Identity for Fraudulent Donations

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo Lacson issued a caution to the public on Sunday about a scammer falsely claiming to be former Congresswoman Josephine Sato to solicit financial aid for rebuilding an orphanage damaged by a typhoon in Occidental Mindoro. Lacson revealed that the impostor reached out to him demanding donations for a "typhoon-damaged orphanage building," but he was able to identify the individual, including verifying his photo via an official Social Security System ID. In a post on his X account, Lacson stated, \"SCAMMER ON THE LOOSE: This person, misrepresenting himself as ex-Cong Nene Sato contacted the wrong guy when he asked me for financial support to rebuild a 'typhoon damaged orphanage building' in Occidental Mindoro. I have his real identity, even his photo on his SSS ID. GOTCHA, IDIOT!\" He also shared screenshots of Viber messages sent by the scammer, who used a profile picture of Sato and provided a "Gcash Donation Drive" number purportedly for the orphanage's benefit. Lacson affirmed that he is cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure the scammer faces legal consequences. He stressed the importance of public vigilance, especially as communities are still recovering from the recent floods. \"This should prompt the public to be extra careful against such swindlers, especially as those affected by the recent flooding are still recovering,\" he added. The senator's warning comes amid ongoing incidents of fraudulent activities exploiting disaster victims, highlighting the need for caution when responding to unsolicited requests for donations.

Man Shoots Neighbor and Another Man Over Suspected Affair in Cebu City

In the early hours of Friday, August 1, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a man allegedly shot two individuals in Sitio Proper, Barangay Bonbon, a mountainous area in Cebu City, due to suspicion of an extramarital affair involving his wife and a neighbor. The wounded victims were identified as Jerome Desaluna Ibarita, 40, from Proper Bout, Barangay Bout, and Jurly Bacor Cabajar, 40, from Sitio Gila-Gila, Barangay Bonbon. Both sustained gunshot injuries to their bodies. The suspect, Demetrio Batoon Martel, a resident of Sitio Kinyasan, Barangay Bonbon, fled the scene running through a nearby creek and remains at large. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, Deputy City Director for Operations at the Cebu City Police Office, initial investigations by Malubog Police Station 12 revealed that the suspect was provoked upon hearing rumors that his wife and Jerome Ibarita were involved in a relationship. Macatangay added that the suspect reportedly became angry whenever he saw his wife walking with Ibarita. On the morning of the incident, Martel encountered Ibarita and Cabajar walking together after finishing a job. Without hesitation, Martel confronted and shot at Ibarita, hitting him in the body. The bullet then struck Cabajar, who was walking beside Ibarita. After the shooting, Martel fled the area by running through a creek, while both victims were promptly taken to a local clinic where they continue to receive medical care. Authorities are pursuing the suspect and have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.