Residential Fires June, 2025

This is a reported list of residential fires in the Philippines for June, 2025. The Bureau of Fire Protection is on record saying the fire codes does not apply to residential areas which is why so many of them go up in flames during a fire. Being made of light materials all it takes is one spark to cause massive devastation. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251639

About PHP145,000 worth of financial aid was given to 15 families whose houses were destroyed during a fire incident in Brgy. J.P Laurel, Bulan, Sorsogon province on June 1.

In a report, Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) Director Norman Laurio said the assistance was given to the fire victims on Thursday.

He said 14 families were given PHP10,000 each under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program while another family received PHP5,000.

Reports from the Bureau of Fire Protection showed the incident broke out around 12 noon on June 1 due to still undetermined cause. Strong winds made the fire incident out of control, causing homes made of lightweight materials severely damaged.

DSWD immediately provided the victims family food packs (FFPs) and essential non-food relief items, including hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, and sleeping kits worth over PHP186,435.

Psychosocial support was also provided, it said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2065973/fwd-bfp-fire-hits-residential-area-in-las-pinas

Fire broke out in a residential area in Las Piñas Cityon Monday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). 

The BFP reported  that the blaze began around noon at Samatierra Compound in Barangay Alamanza Uno. 

It reached the first alarm at 12:18 p.m. and the second alarm at 12:21 p.m. 

The fire reached the third alarm at 12:24 p.m. and was placed under control almost an hour later at 1:15 p.m.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2066819/fire-destroys-60-houses-in-bacoor-city

A fire of still unknown origin broke out in Bacoor City, Cavite on Tuesday, June 3, and razed 60 houses and rendered 75 families homeless.

The Region 4A police in a belated report on Wednesday, June 4, said the fire broke out at 7:37 a.m. at Sitio (sub-village) Tabing Dagat in Barangay Talaba 2.

The fire quickly spread and burned down 60 houses, all made of light materials, before the blaze was put off by firemen at 8:41 a.m.

No one was injured during the blaze, the report said.

The fire victims were temporarily housed at Talaba Elementary School, according to the local government.

Authorities estimated the damage from the fire at P375,000.

The authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/04/fire-razes-homes-in-quiapo

Around 120 families were displaced in a fire that hit homes made of light materials near the Globo de Oro in Quiapo, Manila, on Wednesday, June 4.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the first and second alarms at around 12 p.m.

Traffic was reported to be heavy along Quezon Boulevard as fire trucks responded to the area.

According to Allan, a resident in the area, the neighborhood also experienced a fire incident during the pandemic.

Motorists were advised to give way to incoming fire trucks.

The fire was declared out at 6:25 p.m.

Four residential structures were destroyed, while two others were partially damaged.

One firefighter was reportedly injured in the incident, and property damage was estimated at around P100,000.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/05/3-kids-2-others-die-in-pasig-blaze

Five individuals, including a one-year-old baby and two children, died in a fire that broke out at a residential area in Barangay Buting, Pasig City, on Wednesday night, June 4.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started at 10:56 p.m. in a four-story residential building on E. Mendoza Street. The blaze was extinguished at 11:58 p.m.

Barangay officials said the victims included a mother, her baby, and 11-year-old daughter, their neighbor, who was a government employee, and the neighbor’s 15-year-old child. Their remains were retrieved early Thursday morning, June 5.

The BFP said the victims were unable to escape during the fire. They added that the building was made of light materials and had an old flooring which might have caused the fire to spread quickly. 

Responders also had difficulty reaching the area due to the narrow road. 

At least 11 other affected families were brought to the evacuation center and were provided with meals. 

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2068165/fire-kills-2-elderly-women-in-cavite

Two old women died on Friday, June 6, when a fire razed their house in Gen. Trias City, Cavite province.

The Region 4A police said in a belated report on Saturday, June 7, that a blaze struck the residential house of victims “Arsenia,” 80, and “Leticia,” 76, in Barangay (village) Manggahan.

The fire started at 3:35 a.m. and was put off by local firefighters around 5 a.m.

The report did not provide information on how the victims, whose relationship was not specified, died during the fire.

There was no information on the whereabouts of the family of the two victims when the fire broke out.

No other casualties, injured persons, or property damage were reported in the blaze.

Investigators suspected that the fire was caused by a faulty electrical outlet that exploded.

The authorities were conducting further investigations.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/641638/mandaue-unplugged-charger-eyed-in-labogon-fire-that-razed-55-houses

A phone charger is believed to have caused the fire that destroyed 55 houses in Sitio Canumay, Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City.

In a phone interview, Labogon Barangay Captain Helbert Nejana said that a phone charger left unplugged was being considered as the possible cause of the fire.

Nejana said the house owner was not at home when the fire broke out.

“Nanglakaw sa balay ang tag-iya. Ni-spark ang charger, mao to nidako ang sunog,” he said.

(The owner was out of the house at that time. The charger sparked, that is why the fire spread.)

He added that the fire quickly spread as most of the houses were made of light materials.

However, Chief Inspector Arnel Abella, Fire Marshal of the Bureau of Fire Protection – Mandaue City Fire Office, said the investigation was ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.

According to their initial report, the fire started in the house of 63-year-old Emmanuel Manatad Gitgano.

Abella noted that electrical issues were usually the common cause of fires in Mandaue City. 

Investigators are still gathering more details and collecting samples.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at around 3:23 p.m. It was declared under control by 4:10 p.m. and was fully extinguished by 4:59 p.m.

However, as of past 8 a.m., today, June 12, firefighters continued their overhauling of the fire scene to make sure that no embers could restart the fire.

Based on a report from the barangay, the fire displaced 55 families, totaling 227 individuals.

Abella said that the narrow road leading to the fire scene was one of the challenges faced by firefighters. The damage is estimated at ₱770,000. No fatalities or major injuries were reported.

Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede said that financial assistance will be given to the affected families.

House owners will receive ₱10,000, while renters and sharers will receive ₱5,000. The displaced families are currently staying at the Labogon Gymnasium. The City Social Welfare and Services is providing them with meals for three days, after which the barangay will take over.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/14/2-injured-in-muntinlupa-subdivision-fire

Two persons were injured when a fire razed a home in Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa on June 13.

The Muntinlupa City Fire Station reported that the fire started at around 10 p.m. in a two-story house on St. Cecile Street, Phase 2, Sto. Niño Village.

Firefighters raised the first alarm at 10:08 p.m. before the blaze was put out at 11 p.m.

The fire station reported that the two injured individuals were a 21-year-old fire volunteer, who suffered a laceration on the right thumb, and a 29-year-old fire station personnel, who sustained a puncture wound on the right palm.

The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management also sent personnel to help in putting out the fire.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

A total of four fire trucks and two ambulances responded to the incident

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/949431/fire-hits-residential-area-in-sampaloc-manila/story/

A fire broke out in a residential area in Sampaloc, Manila before dawn on Sunday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started before 4 a.m. at a house on Basilio Street, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB.

The fire quickly spread, prompting the BFP to raise the second alarm before 4:39 a.m. 

As of posting time, white smoke could be seen coming from a three-door apartment and adjacent houses.

The BFP is conducting an investigation as of posting time to determine the cause of the fire.

No one was reported injured or died in the incident.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2071270/fire-hits-residential-area-in-tondo-manila-3

A fire engulfed a residential area in Tondo, Manila, early morning on Tuesday, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported.

In its latest update, the BFP said 13 personnel and one ambulance responded to the blaze at Old Sandico Street, corner Kagitingan Street, Barangay 37, Tondo, at 5:26 a.m.

The BFP raised the first alarm at 5:30 a.m. and the second alarm at 5:43 a.m.

Firefighters placed the blaze under control by 6:11 a.m. and fully extinguished it at 6:23 a.m.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/18/laborer-killed-in-cadiz-city-fire

A 51-year-old laborer was killed in a fire that destroyed his house in Hacienda Navidad, Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, June 17.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Cadiz identified the victim as Allan.

Police said that a co-worker of the victim accompanied Allan home at around 12:30 a.m. after a drinking session in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

A fire broke out around 2 a.m. but the BFP was only alerted shortly after 7 a.m.

Investigators said the blaze likely started in the kitchen at the back of the house.

Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence involving an open flame, possibly from an improvised lamp or solar-powered light source.

Specimens have been collected to confirm the exact cause. Damage to property was estimated at P10,000.

The charred remains of the victim were found inside his home.

Police ruled out foul play and said Allan died of suffocation due to smoke inhalation and sustained burns all over his body.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/643729/2-hour-fire-hits-riverside-community-below-mananga-bridge-talisay

A huge fire broke out in a riverside community below the Mananga Bridge in Brgy. Tabunok, Talisay City on Wednesday afternoon, June 25, which lasted over two hours and left dozens of residents homeless for the night.

Firefighters received the alarm at 2:11 p.m. in Sitio Mananga 2, Brgy. Tabunok located underneath the Mananga Bridge.

Since the fire hit the interior portions of the area, firefighters had difficulties accessing it.

Most of the structures were also made of light materials,  enabling the fire to spread quickly.

By 2:50, fire officials raised it to Task Force Alpha, calling for backup fire engines and firefighters.

At first, most firetrucks and firefighters fought the flames from the Mananga Bridge. Eventually, they found other means to get inside the community.

“Medyo naglisud gyud mi (ug access sa area) tungod kay sudlunon siya unya naay sapa,” said Fire Officer 2 Mar Dee II Auxtero of the Talisay City Fire Office.

(We had difficulty because the fire site was located in the interior and there was also the river.)

It took them approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to extinguish the flames. By 3:45, they officially declared a fire out.

Fire investigators are still determining the cost of damages and the number of families affected as of this report.

Auxtero also said they will continue to verify reports on how and where the fire originated. This includes claims from witnesses believing that sparks flying off from welding activities landed on flammable materials.

“Amo gyud ning palawman nga investigation,” he said.

(We will be conducting a thorough investigation.)

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/21/laborer-pinned-to-death-by-collapsed-wall-in-bacolod

A fire broke out in a residential area in Barangay 773, San Andres Bukid, Manila, on Thursday afternoon, June 26. 

Authorities identified the four civilians injured as Daniel Coronel, 63, who suffered first-degree burns on both forearms.  

Jersey Llanderes, 18, had a laceration on the right foot, Merl Peralta, 20, had a laceration on the left hand, and Gabrielle, 79, experienced difficulty in breathing. 

The blaze started shortly before 3:30 p.m. at a two-storey residential property located at 1846 Dagonoy corner Nickel Street. 

According to initial reports, the fire was raised to a first alarm at 3:33 p.m., escalated to a second alarm at 3:34 p.m., and reached a third alarm at 3:41 p.m. 

The fire was declared out at 4:48 p.m. 

The fire, which allegedly originated on the second floor, caused an estimated P175,000 worth of damage. 

Seventeen homes were destroyed, affecting approximately 38 families or around 100 individuals. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are urging residents and motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to operate efficiently.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/29/1-hurt-in-quezon-city-fire

A 46-year-old woman sustained minor burns in her right knee during a fire that hit a residential area in BFD Compound, Barangay. Central, Quezon City on Saturday evening, June 28.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was raised to 1st alarm at 7:58 p.m. and escalated to 2nd alarm at 8:05 p.m.

The blaze was declared under control at 8:45 p.m. and was extinguished at 9:23 p.m.

Authorities confirmed that the fire caused an estimated P60,000 in damage. 

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/30/octogenarian-couple-killed-in-bacolod-fire

An elderly couple was killed in a fire that razed their two-story house in Barangay Taculing here before dawn on Monday, June 30.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod identified the fatalities as Edison, 80, and his wife Emelyn, 81.

Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said the fire broke out from the garage of the couple’s house at 4:14 a.m.

Masip said Edison was bedridden and staying in the living room while his wife was staying on the second floor.

She said Emelyn’s body was found near the kitchen on the ground floor, indicating her attempt to escape from the burning house.

But since the house was covered with grills, there is a possibility that they were trapped, Masip said.

Masip said the couple was alone when the fire broke out, as their helper would usually visit them during the day.

The fire totally destroyed the couple’s house and damage to property was estimated at P3 million. Fire out was declared at 4:18 a.m.

Cause of the fire is being investigated by arson investigators.

That is 15 reported incidents for June. Remember, these are only the major fires reported in the national media. Residential fires are up all across the nation and they do not all make the news. This is the tip of the iceberg concerning the real situation in the Philippines. 

Insurgency: Army to Step Up Fight

After the expiration of an ultimatum to surrender, the AFP is ramping up the fight against the NPA in Leyte and Samar. Apparently there are plans in place to fully eradicate the insurgency if the few remnants refuse to surrender. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252757

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade is set to launch more aggressive operations against the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte Island and parts of Samar provinces following the expiration of an ultimatum on July 15.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Brigade, said Monday that plans are in place to fully eradicate the insurgency in the region if the rebels refuse to surrender.

“To the remnants of the NPA, we are giving you ultimatum. The time to return to the folds of the law is now. Choose peace. Choose life. All or nothing, now or never!” Vestuir said in an interview on Monday.

Under the offer, cash assistance will be provided to groups of rebels from the same province if they surrender together.

Vestuir said the approach aims to encourage NPA members to convince their leaders and fellow fighters to give up the armed struggle. He did not disclose the amount of the financial aid.

“The government has been helping those who have been abandoning the armed struggle. Under ultimatum, we are consolidating this assistance for a group of surrenderers. This will encourage NPA members to convince their leaders and their comrades to surrender,” Vestuir added.

“We will intensify our military operation after July 15 to completely free our communities from threats of insurgents. The ultimatum offer is for the benefit of rebels because we want them to be reunited with their families,” the official added.

The ultimatum is a follow-up to the Friends Rescued Engagement through Their Families (FReE Families) program, which counteracts the hate spread by NPA propagandists and addresses the danger and anxiety faced by the families of NPA members.

The initiative uses the power of the familial love of active NPA members to encourage them to abandon the armed struggle and live a normal and peaceful life.

Several NPA members in Leyte and Samar provinces have responded to the calls since 2023.

The Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade's area of operation includes the entire Leyte Island, Biliran province, southern part of Samar, and southern part of Eastern Samar.

Vestuir said there are only 34 active NPA fighters under their areas of operation as of this week. 

With only 34 remaining NPA fighters in that area, eradicating them should be a piece of cake. Key word is should. 

In the past two months 11 rebels have been neutralized in Samar. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252907

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division delivered major gains against the New People’s Army in Samar Island from May to June this year after the death as well as surrender of several rebels, and seizure of assorted firearms.

In a report Wednesday, the Philippine Army said alias Jud/Atom/Iso and Nadin/Brix/Adrian, members of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion in Basey, Samar on May 26. They also turned over an M4 A1 Carbine and M16 rifle.

On the other hand, the first encounter occurred on May 29 in San Jose de Buan, Samar, where an unidentified communist terrorist was killed, it said.

On June 2, 2025, a rebel leader identified as alias In-In, vice squad leader of squad 1, sub-regional guerrilla unit, sub-regional committee Arctic operating in Northern Samar province, surrendered to the troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion. This led to the discovery and seizure of a hidden arms cache containing two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, three improvised hand grenades, and other medical paraphernalia.

During the same day, another rebel, identified as alias Bug-ot of the regional guerrilla unit, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), also surrendered.

The following day, five NPA members died during a clash with government troopers in upland Nagoocan village in Catubig, Northern Samar. Three high-powered firearms including a squad automatic weapon, an M16 rifle, and a Uzi submachine gun were recovered.

On June 9, troops from the 87th Infantry Battalion clashed with about 30 members of the Yakal platoon, sub-regional committee Browser, EVRPC. The encounter in Can-aponte village, San Jose de Buan, Samar led to the seizure of four M16 rifles, one .45-caliber pistol, a mobile phone, medical supplies, and personal belongings.

The most recent clash occurred on June 15 in Pinanag-an village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, where a rebel, identified as Jomar Discar, also known as alias Guimo, was killed. Troops recovered one M653 rifle.

“We have dealt another significant blow to the NPA ranks, and this is all thanks to the invaluable cooperation of the residents of Eastern Visayas. We are now in the final lap of our goal of achieving long-lasting peace, and every citizen’s involvement is crucial. Let us continue working together to put an end to this decades-long insurgency and bring lasting peace and development to Eastern Visayas,” Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said in a statement.

Orio reiterated the government’s openness to reconciliation, encouraging remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program.

It's another significant blow to the NPA in Samar but how many fighters are left? They don't say. 

One Samar town is hoping to be insurgency-free by December. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/20/samar-town-eyes-insurgency-free-status-by-december

From being a terrorism lair to promoting tourism, the municipality of Matuguinao in Samar aims to be declared insurgency-free by December. 

Mayor Aran Boller, now in his third term, said that they have institutionalized their local peace engagement to meet their target. 

“We have located at least six active NPA members who originated from Matuguinao but are not operating here. We have coordinated with their families so that they can return to the folds of the law, work, and live peacefully,” he said. 

The mayor maintained that Matuguinao is already peaceful with no known existence of any active New People’s Army group. 

All 20 barangays were once influenced by the NPA. 

Currently, all communities are free from NPA control, although four are being monitored for possible rebel recovery attempts. 

Due to their aggressive tourism program, Municipal Tourism Officer Alexis Ogacho said that from 2021 to 2024, they logged 66,320 tourist arrivals in Matugnaw Spring and Maslog Cold Spring. 

They also aim to develop more tourist sites, including caves and waterfalls, to provide more income for the residents and the local government. 

The local chief executive appealed for the construction of roads connecting Northern Samar. 

“This will greatly benefit Matuguinaonons for easy transport of their goods. We will be the closest route to Northern Samar via Las Navas or Silvino Lubos. Time will come that Matuguinao will be the center of the economy. 

He added that travel time will be reduced by an hour from Northern Samar if the road project is realized. 

The biggest help that the national government can provide to help address insurgency is to build roads in these areas that used to be NPA encampments. We need these roads for Matuguinao to attain lasting peace

It seems this town is already insurgency-free but is waiting for an official status from the AFP. 

In Bicol 132 NPA members have surrendered between January and June, 2025. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252998

The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Thursday that a total of 132 members of the New People's Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to the police and military in the region in the first half of the year.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said the data was recorded from Jan. 1 to June 25 this year from the six provinces of the region.

Along with their return to the fold, the NPA members surrendered 60 different types of firearms, 24 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 2,727 pieces of various calibers of ammunition.

Dizon said the success was the result of an intensified campaign and continuous coordination between the PRO-5 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"In partnership with various local government units and government agencies, operations, dialogues, and community outreach programs continue to be conducted to convey to those on the fringes of society that there are alternative and more peaceful ways to achieve change in their lives," he said.

Dizon said one of the keys to this success is the expanded communication and presence of the police in remote and far-flung barangays, where government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other support for former rebels are being promoted.

"Through this, the residents are better informed about the importance of peace and how they can recover with the help of the government," he added.

Dizon added that the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) has also been intensified, a program designed to connect the community, particularly those previously affected by insurgency, to government services and projects.

Under the RCSP, the police enforce the law and serve as bridges of information, peace advocates, and community partners in promoting development.

The PNP Bicol said it continues to call on the remaining members of the communist movement to return to the government and accept the assistance that is ready to be given to them.

"With the unity of every sector of society, the police, military, local government, and citizens, the long-awaited lasting peace and development in the Bicol region will surely be achieved," Dizon said.

With all these surrenders there should be a new headcount from the AFP. How many NPA fighters remain? Last estimate was around 1,200. 

The NTF-ELCAC is the agency tasked with ending the insurgency and it has come under intense scrutiny from rights groups abroad. The UN Special Rapporteur says it is a threat to civic space. That did not sit well with the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252714

The National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) dismissed reports claiming that the body is a threat to the Philippine civic space.

In a statement Sunday night, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. defended the task force's mission and stressed that it has actually opened democratic spaces and not closed them.

He also challenged the global community to listen to the voices of victims, not just lobbyists.

“Peace cannot be built on partial narratives. The report describes NTF-ELCAC as a threat, but the past six years say differently. We have fostered dialogue in places the government was once unwelcome,” he added.

Torres was referring to the report issued by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan last week, following a 10-day visit to the country in 2024.

The UN official recommended the dismantling of NTF-ELCAC, citing concerns about alleged red-tagging and intimidation of civil society groups.

Torres rejected the premise, saying what critics call red-tagging is often the exposure of facts.

“It is not red-tagging when we quote casualty lists or arrest records of NPA (New People's Army) members who double as youth leaders in so-called national democratic organizations. When former rebels swear under oath about how legal fronts shield underground operations, that’s not propaganda. That’s truth. And truth demands accountability,” he stressed.

The NTF-ELCAC said it condemns irresponsible and baseless accusations, but stressed that accountability should not be silenced by politically charged labels.

“The report calls it red-tagging, we call it lying when groups deny what they are -- despite the evidence,” Torres said.

Torres also cited the task force’s work with schools, churches and former rebel communities as evidence of its commitment to inclusive peace-building.

“Professors and students now sit in open forums with former rebels. Faith-based groups work with us in healing communities long torn by conflict,” he said. “These are not signs of shrinking civic space -- they are proof of it expanding.”

Responding to the report’s assertion that insurgency has been "diminished" and no longer justifies the task force’s continued existence, Torres warned against complacency.

“CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front) recruitment is still ongoing, targeting minors and students,” he said. “Legal fronts remain active in shielding the underground movement. Is this the moment to step back, or the moment to stay the course?” Torres asked.

NTF-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 in 2018, was designed as a whole-of-nation response to end the decades-old communist insurgency in the Philippines.

Rather than relying solely on military action, the task force brings together agencies to deliver livelihood, education, and infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.

“Our mission is the product of 50 years of failed peace talks and broken promises. And now that we are seeing real results, we are being told to disband?” he asked.

While acknowledging that “no program is perfect,” Torres said the administration continues to pursue “reforms, safeguards, and deeper consultation” to improve the task force’s work.

He warned against efforts to silence the voices of ordinary Filipinos who have lived through insurgency. 

Of everything said in defense of the NTF-ELCAC the announcement that recruiting remains ongoing is very concerning. The AFP has said the NPA is leaderless and cannot engage in recruitment. Apparently that is not true. Who can be trusted?

In Mindanao the war rages on against ISIS remnants. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252741

Military authorities here reported Monday the killing of two suspected local terrorists, believed to be behind recent atrocities against civilians and soldiers in Maguindanao del Sur.

The two slain terrorists were identified as Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Hassan Group members Tahir Salim Suweb, 41, from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; and Benladin Adi Kamid, 23, from Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

They were linked to the hold-up and killing of three vendors of hybrid goats in Shariff Saydona Mustapha. The bodies of the victims were found in a shallow grave May 30. Their sales, personal belongings, mobile phones and van were missing and have not been found since.

The suspects were also connected to the killing of four soldiers who were marketing in Datu Hofer Ampatuan on May 17, 2024.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said the two arrested suspects, Junjun Kayogen Leosen, 37, of Datu Saudi Ampatuan; and Rasul Mendoza Kariman, 31, of Guindulungan were injured in the clash and received medical intervention from the military.

Catu said the Army responded to residents’ reports of the presence of gun-toting individuals in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, at about 1 a.m. Sunday.

“They were planning to launch bombing sorties in civilian areas,” Catu said, citing intelligence information.

Following the firefight, soldiers discovered two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, bomb-making materials, a fully assembled improvised explosive device, mobile phones, and other personal items, including various identification cards.

That is one bombing foiled but how many more are being planned?

Hi, My Name Is...60

Cars isn't just a Pixar movie or a classic rock band. They are a method of death in the Philippines and around the world. 

Hi, my name is Maria and I am pregnant. I was walking to work one night when all of a sudden I was struck by a multi-purpose vehicle. Then I was run over by an oncoming SUV who could not see me because the tint on his window was too dark. The vehicles struck me so hard that my baby came out and was lying next to me in the middle of the road. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/02/pregnant-nurse-on-the-way-to-work-dies-after-being-hit-by-2-cars

A 36-year-old six-month pregnant nurse died after she was hit and ran over by two cars in Purok Proper North, Barangay Taloc, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Sunday night, June 1. 

Police Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, office-in-charge of Bago City Police Station, identified the victim as Maria of Barangay Taloc, Bago City. 

Pico said Maria was crossing the road on a pedestrian lane when she was hit by a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). 

She was thrown due to the impact to the opposite lane where she was run over by an oncoming sedan driven by 59-year-old Salvador of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. 

Her unborn child also died in the incident. 

A photo of the incident captured by a netizen showing a woman and her baby lying on the road circulated on social media.  

The woman was on her way to work to a rural health unit in Valladolid, Negros Occidental when the incident happened at 9:15 p.m. 

The woman and her baby were declared dead in a hospital, Pico said. 

Pico said they could not yet explain how the baby suddenly came out of her mother’s womb.  

He said that they are awaiting the official medical results of the victim. 

Pico said that MPV driver, 30-year-old Philip, of Barangay Cabug here, alleged that he did not notice the victim crossing the road and was surprised when she was hit. 

Pico said Philip may have failed to see the victim due to the car’s tint while tailing a motorcycle. 

Philip said that he was on his way home from an outing in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, when the incident happened. 

He said that he tried to avoid her but it was too late. 

Philip said that he disembarked from the vehicle to check her and tried to stop other cars on the opposite lane but failed. 

Salvador, who was on his way home, failed to see and avoid the victim. 

Pico said that the two drivers were not intoxicated. 

He said that charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide will be filed against the drivers who are under police custody.

Hi, my name is Junifel Conel, Sr.. My wife died from an illness and I was up all night the last day of her wake. Despite being overcome with drowsiness I took my young son with me to buy purified water which we were to bring to the funeral. I did my best to keep my eyes open but all of a sudden our car veered into the other lane of the highway and into a parked ten-wheeler. My son survived but I died orphaning both him and his sister. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/06/01/2447440/father-dies-cotabato-road-crash-leaving-2-kids-orphaned-day-wifes-burial

Two young siblings were orphaned on Saturday, May 31, when their father died in a road accident in Matalam town, Cotabato—the same day their mother, who had succumbed to an illness days earlier, was laid to rest.

Officials of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office told reporters on Sunday, June 1, that the accident fatality, Junifel Conel, Sr. and his son, Junifel, Jr. were on their way to a purified water refilling station in Barangay Kilada in Matalam when the Mitsubishi Adventure he was driving suddenly veered towards the other lane of the highway and hit head-on an Isuzu ten-wheeler truck parked along the route.

Conel, an employee of the Cotabato Provincial Engineer’s Office, and his son were to buy purified water in containers that they were to bring to the cemetery where his spouse was to be buried when they figured in the accident that resulted in his death and left his son injured.

Relatives had told reporters that they are certain that Conel, who was awake the whole night last Friday, May 31, the last day of his wife’s wake, had slept while driving, causing him to lose control of the vehicle he was driving.

The burial of Conel’s wife reportedly proceeded as scheduled despite the incident. Conel's son, who was injured in the accident, is now confined to a hospital.

Members of the Conel clan in Matalam had told reporters that they would take good care of his two orphaned children.

Hi, my name is unknown. I am a foreign national. One day while driving down EDSA I suffered a heart attack and crashed into the concrete barriers lining the road. At least I did not die. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/5/foreigner-suffers-heart-attack-while-driving-crashes-into-concrete-barriers-along-edsa

A foreign national was hurt after suffering from a heart attack and crashing his sports utility vehicle (SUV) into concrete barriers along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City on Thursday, September 5.

Based on initial reports, the driver crashed into the concrete barriers along the northbound lane of EDSA and caused heavy traffic in the area.

Personnel from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) immediately worked on repairing the damaged concrete and orange barriers.

The driver was attended to by a medical team and was rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment.

As of this writing, authorities are investigating to identify the foreign national involved in the incident. 

Hi, my name is unknown. I am a one-year-old girl. I had a seizure and was being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. All of a sudden the driver lost control due to the heavy rain and crashed into the waiting shed. My parents were hurt but I died instantly. The police decided filing charges would be up to my parents. 

https://mb.com.ph/23/12/2024/tot-killed-in-ambulance-crash-in-sagay-city

A one-year-old girl was killed after the ambulance transporting her crashed into a waiting shed in Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday night, Dec. 21. 

Police Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, Sagay police chief, said 51-year-old driver failed to control the vehicle due to heavy rain on the descending curved part of the road at around 8:55 p.m. The ambulance rammed a wooden waiting shed on the opposite lane. 

Flores said the ambulance driver and the child’s parents sustained injuries and are now recuperating in a hospital. 

Police are awaiting the family’s decision if they will file a case against the ambulance driver. The ambulance was transporting the patient who had a seizure.

Hi, my name is being withheld. I am a nine-year-old girl. I decided to suddenly cross the street when I was struck by a sedan carrying a family who was on route to baptize their infant. I was thrown across the street and run over by a pedicab carrying 15 sacks of feed. The drivers were arrested but then let go because my parents settled with them for blood money. 

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/03/girl-9-hit-by-car-ran-over-by-motorized-pedicab-in-negros-occidental-dies/

A nine-year-old girl died after she was hit by a sedan and ran over by a motorized pedicab in Barangay Lag-asan, Bago City, Negros Occidental Saturday, July 2. 

Police withheld the name of the minor victim.

Police Corporal Kim Ivern Cornel, traffic investigator of the Bago City Police Station, said the sedan, ridden by a family on its way to a church for the baptism of a four-month-old baby boy, reportedly hit the victim who suddenly crossed the street.

Cornel said the sedan driver, who is the father of the baby, tried to avoid the victim, but it was too late. 

The victim was thrown off to the opposite lane, where she was ran over by a motorized pedicab loaded with 15 sacks of feeds, he added. 

Cornel said the victim died on the spot. No other injuries were reported.

He said the drivers of the sedan and the motorized pedicab were detained but were released Sunday, July 3, following an initial settlement with the victim’s family who asked for financial assistance.

Hi, my name is Mr. Esplana but really I am just a 15-year-old teenager. I was about to park my SUV when I lost control and crashed into the front of the 7-11. Both the manager and I suffered injuries. However, we were able to settle so I did not go to jail. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/9/suv-crashed-inside-convenience-store-in-paranaque

A sports utility vehicle allegedly being driven by a 15-year-old boy crashed and landed inside a convenience store in Parañaque City on May 6.

According to a police report, a certain Mr. Esplana was traversing along Armstrong Avenue in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City and was about to park in front of the 7-11 convenience store.

Esplana reportedly lost control of the vehicle, crashed the facade of the convenience store, and ended up inside.

Reports showed that Barangay Moonwalk personnel immediately responded to the scene and brought the injured Esplana to the Parañaque Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.

The store manager identified as a certain Mr. Lacorte also suffered an injury and was brought to the E. Zarate Hospital for treatment.

Police said due to the accident, assorted merchandise, the aluminum glass door and walls, and store racks were damaged.

Reports indicated that the involved parties had already entered into an amicable settlement.

Hi, my name is unknown. I am a one-year-old boy. Like so many others in the Philippines my family lives right on the highway. Someone left the door open and no one saw me sneak out. I crawled into the road and was struck by an SUV. Luckily for the driver he will not be spending any time in prison for taking my life because he paid my parents blood money.  

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/513428/toddler-dies-after-he-was-hit-by-suv-in-asturias

A one-year-old boy was killed after he was hit by a sport utility vehicle at past 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 29 along the national highway in Barangay San Roque, Asturias town in northwestern Cebu.

According to Police Staff Sergeant Rene Vizcayno, desk officer of the Asturias Police Station, the toddler ended in the road where he was unfortunately hit by the Ford Everest driven by Junthy Valenzuela, 44, of Barangay Poblacion, Asturias town.

According to the police report, the house where the family of the baby lived was near the road, and at the time of the accident, the door of the house was left open.

The report said that the members of the family at that time did not notice that the baby had slipped out of the house.

The toddler, somehow, reached the road or the national highway where he was unfortunately hit by the Ford Everest.

Police said that the baby died on the spot.

The driver was brought to the Austrias Police Station, on the same day, where he was detained.

Valenzuela was heading south towards his home in Barangay Poblacion when the accident happened.

Police Staff Sergeant Vizcayno, however, said that on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 2 p.m., the mother of the child and the driver reached an amicable settlement, and the latter was later released.

Vizcayno said that the SUV driver agreed to shoulder the burial expenses of the victim.

Hi, my name is being withheld. However, I am a family woman who likes to gamble. Needing some money I met up with a guy that I met online. I spiked his drink, robbed him, and then stole his car. Though the car is worth 1.3 million pesos, I was selling it for a mere 240,000 pesos. But the owner of the car saw it and turned me in. He is not the first man who I did this to. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/903499/woman-nabbed-after-taking-date-s-car-selling-it-online/story/

A woman was nabbed in Pedro Gil, Sta. Ana, Manila after she was caught selling an SUV that she stole from her date.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras," the suspect and the victim met on a dating app and went spent time together at a resort in Rizal.

They had drinks and the victim allegedly blacked out.

When he woke up, his car was gone along with his items.

“The victim said that he believed he wasn’t drinking a regular beer… Based on his testimony, something may have been put into his drink,” PNP Highway Patrol Group Task Force Limbas Chief Police Colonel Joel Casupanan said.

Three days later, he saw his car being sold online.

“’The conduction sticker wasn’t removed. The car worth P1.3 Million in the market was being sold for P240,000,” Casupanan added.

The victim coordinated with Task Force Limbas and was able to nab the suspect, who had previously been involved in previous similar cases.

“She said she needed money because she had a family, but she didn’t deny that she was gambling. Based on our investigation [and] research, she did the same modus in Manila and Parañaque,” said Casupanan.

The HPG reminded the public to consult the Highway Patrol Group or the Land Transportation Office when buying cars, especially cars sold at a price lower than their market value.

Hi, my name is 32-year-old Vietnamese woman. I called a ride haling service at 4 a.m. to get home. But instead of driving me home the driver kept going in circles. Then, all of a sudden, his accomplice jumped into the vehicle and robbed me and raped me. Then they tossed me out of the car. Of course I called the police. They admitted to their crimes and said they had been doing it for a long time but hadn't been caught because no one reported them. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/919878/vietnamese-woman-robbed-raped-in-ride-hailing-service-car/story/

A Vietnamese woman was allegedly held up and raped during a ride hailing service after booking a ride last September 5 in Paranaque City.

In Nico Waje’s report in Saksi on Monday, CCTV footage showed that a ride-hailing service car entered into a subdivision in Paranaque City to pick up the foreigner at around 4 a.m. of Thursday last week.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said that the 32-year-old victim was robbed inside the vehicle by the driver’s accomplice.

“The driver just drove around in circles. Then another man, his accomplice, suddenly boarded the car,” said SPD Public Information Office chief Police Major Hazel Asilo. 

At knife point, the accomplice took P35,000 in cash from the woman, the report said. 

Police added the victim was sexually assaulted by the suspects.

“After her money and cellphone was taken from her, the Vietnamese victim was also raped. So before she was dropped off, she was robbed and raped,” said Asilo.

The victim was dropped off at Barangay San Dionisio in Paranaque City where she reported the incident to police.

The driver suspect was arrested in Cabuyao, Laguna in a follow-up operation last September 7.

“He admitted to their crimes…they’ve been doing this modus for a long time. They’ve done this several times, but they were never caught because no one was reporting them,” said Asilo.

When confronted, the driver said that it was his accomplice who raped the victim, which the latter also confirmed.

The authorities are now looking for the accomplice, who was the driver’s neighbor.

The car used by the suspects as well as the victim’s mobile phone were recovered.

Hi, my name is 3-year-old girl. All of a sudden I decided to cross the road in front a speeding tricycle. The driver hit the brakes so hard he titled forward and fell on top of me causing me to be dragged for a short distance. Luckily for him the police decided to defer to my parents and they have declined to press charges. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/14/3-year-old-girl-injured-after-being-hit-dragged-by-tricycle-in-sta-cruz-manila

A 3-year-old girl was injured after being hit and dragged by a tricycle in Barangay 336, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the child suddenly crossed the road when the incident occurred. 

Police said the tricycle driver stepped on the brakes, but the vehicle abruptly tilted over, hitting the girl and dragging her a short distance.

The girl was immediately brought to a nearby hospital. Police said the child and passengers of the tricycles sustained lacerations on their arms and legs.

The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities. 

The CCTV footage has shown that an SUV parked on the sidewalk was hit when the tricycle tilted.

The case has raised safety concerns among residents, particularly in areas with young children and heavy pedestrian activity.

Police said the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with authorities and the child's family.

The girl's parents have chosen not to file a complaint against the driver.

The MPD reiterated its advice to parents to closely supervise their children and avoid allowing them to play near roads.