Stories from Philippines

Exito Media Concepts is organizing the 30th edition of the Cyber Security Summit Philippines 2026. The event will focus on the shift from AI hype to governance execution in cybersecurity.

Maharlika Investment Corp (MIC) has assigned a $10-million bridge loan to Makilala Mining Co., Inc. (MMCI). The rights as lender have been transferred to a unit of India’s Kiri Industries Ltd.

Three people were killed during construction work at an international airport site in Manila on April 26. Construction workers at an international airport site in Manila, Philippines, unearthed several rusted bombs during operations on April 26.

A commuters group in Manila has established a portable roadside kitchen to provide meals to jeepney drivers. The initiative is part of various seeding programs and donation drives appearing across the country. Participants noted that even K-pop fans have contributed to these efforts through commissions and donations to support struggling drivers. Diesel and gasoline prices in the Philippines have nearly tripled since March, reducing daily driver earnings from approximately US$50 to US$6. The initiative follows a revival of community pantries similar to those seen during COVID-19 lockdowns. Daily earnings for jeepney drivers have dropped from approximately US$50 to US$6. The Philippine government has implemented a suspension of taxes on oil and increased subsidies for drivers to mitigate rising fuel costs. Drivers in Metro Manila are facing economic pressure despite these measures.

At least 11 people were killed and several others injured during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival celebrations. The incident occurred in Lapu-Lapu City.

Philippine law prohibits individuals under 18 from purchasing condoms or obtaining them from health facilities without parental consent. This makes the Philippines the only country in Southeast Asia with such a national mandate. Analysts suggest this legislation may hinder access to reproductive health resources. The restriction creates potential social and legal risks for minors seeking protection.

The conservative group Project Daliase has criticized Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Philippines. This lack of communication is attributed to parents not being raised with sex education as a normal topic of conversation. The findings highlight a gap in parental guidance regarding sexual health. Data indicates that 31% of males and 26% of females identify social media as their primary source of information regarding sex. Experts warn that a lack of formal institutional education leads youth to rely on the internet, increasing exposure to misinformation. Public health discussions highlight barriers to contraceptive access and usage. More than half of Filipino men report embarrassment when purchasing condoms at convenience stores or government clinics. Social stigma from cashiers and peers remains a factor in reproductive health challenges.

Government troops have launched attacks against rebel forces positioned at Camp Crame, located approximately seven miles east of the presidential palace. Rebels have seized the Channel 4 TV station and government forces have attacked the Catholic-run Radio Veritas station. The conflict involves rebel groups attempting to hold territory against presidential military action. The assault was reported by ABC NewsRadio AU and Radio Veritas. Minister Enrily and General Ramos are identified as key government figures involved in the ongoing conflict. The situation is described as a critical time for the country. The operation follows ongoing civil conflict in the region. Veterans and supporters have been called to express support during the unrest. A civilian witness reported crossing the thoroughfare separating Camp Kramme and Camp Aguinaldo during the conflict.

Defense Minister Juan Enrile and Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces Fidel Ramos defected from the government last Friday. The defectors claimed they acted to prevent their own arrest by President Marcos. Armed guards fired shots into the air to disperse opposition groups near the presidential palace in Manila. Rebel forces announced plans to assault the palace to seize control of the political situation for public judgment. Military defectors led by Senator Honasan attempted an assault on the presidential palace in Manila. The group stated they intended to act as instruments of transition for the majority of the people. Rebel troops have occupied Camp Crame and seized Channel 4 TV stations in Manila. Government forces attacked the Catholic-run Radio Veritas station today. Fires are burning on streets near the presidential palace where President Marcos remains with loyal troops.

The 2026 Balikatan joint military exercises are taking place across multiple locations in the Philippines. The 2026 Balikatan military exercises in the Philippines involve over 17,000 personnel and cover multiple locations including western Luzon. Yang Xiyu, a researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, stated that recent exercises in the South China Sea aim to combine stability maintenance with rights protection. He characterized US-Philippines military activities in the region as actions that increase contradictions and complexity in the South China Sea. The exercises are part of a broader US effort to build an alliance system around China. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are participating in military exercises with the United States and the Philippines for the first time as formal combat units.