DOH allays public fears on Nipah virus“The DOH’s Bureau of Quarantine continues to be vigilant in all of the country’s airports and seaports, 24 hours,” the DOH said in a statement yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is prepared for the possible entry of the Nipah virus following reported outbreaks in India and Bangladesh. The department said the Nipah virus is not new in the country as 17 cases had been detected in Sultan Kudarat in 2014. “No cases were seen after that and the DOH continues to monitor through its Epidemiology Bureau,” it added. According to the World Health Organization, Nipah virus, which can be deadly, is transmitted through several pathways, including animals to humans primarily through fruit bats via contaminated food or directly between humans.

'Acting PNP chief' no more: Nartatez promoted to 4-star generalPNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. takes his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to the Presidential Communications Office on Jan. 28, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was officially promoted to a four-star general on Wednesday, January 28, confirming his appointment as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Nartatez has served as PNP chief in an acting capacity since August 2025. Torre served as PNP chief for only two months. Although he held a four-star rank, Torre was set for mandatory retirement upon turning 56 on March 11.

India says two Nipah virus cases, but situation containedMembers of a medical team from Kozhikode Medical College carry areca nut and guava fruit samples to conduct tests for Nipah virus in Maruthonkara village in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed on Jan. 22 that he had diverticulitis after Malacañang disclosed that he was hospitalized over experiencing discomfort. "Pinapa-relax muna ang ating pangulo, pero umattend po siya ng activity ngayon, naka-pagkaroon siya ng private meetings, so umiigi po ang kalusugan ng pangulo." But what exactly is diverticulitis? Dr. John Peter Lim, who specializes in gastroenterology at St. Luke's Medical Center - Quezon City and Cardinal Santos Medical Center, explained to PhilSTAR L!fe that diverticulitis stems from diverticulosis. Lim added that when there's inflammation, it becomes diverticulitis.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and KBS WORLD TV are officially pulling back the curtain on the 2026 ROUND Festival. This two-day music festival is happening on April 18-19, at the Araneta Coliseum. As the crown jewel of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship this year, this is the biggest, boldest, and most ambitious version of the festival yet. Leading the charge are the folk-pop icons Ben&Ben and the global P-pop sensation HORI7ON. Joining them to represent the Philippines are TJ Monterde and Cup of Joe.

K-pop boy band EXO is heading back to Manila this July as part of their world tour. The group announced on Wednesday that they will be having their "EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon" concert in Manila for its eighth full-length album Reverxe. It will be held on July 4 and 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This will be EXO's return to the Philippines as a group since “EXO PLANET 5 – EXplOration” in August 2019. visited the country in August 2025 for a fan meet, while Baekhyun brought his "Reverie" solo concert tour to Manila in October 2025.

Four more Tai Po fire victims discharged, four still hospitalized in stable condition

Soldier dead, 4 Dawlah Islamiya remnants wounded in encounterThe residents of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur affected by the series of clashes in the municipality between soldiers and local terrorists are now in evacuation sites. COTABATO CITY — A soldier from the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion was killed, and another was wounded during clashes with remnants of the now-defunct Dawlah Islamiya in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, on Tuesday, January 27. More than a hundred poor families in Barangay Tuayan, Mother of Datu Hoffer, where soldiers and remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiya engaged in gunfights, have relocated to safer areas for fear of being caught in the crossfire. The latter is now confined to a hospital in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the 6th ID headquarters is located. They were seen being carried away by companions as they fled toward the hinterlands near South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur.

The Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India has caused global concern, especially in its neighboring countries. Nipah virus: What it is and how it spreadsIn a media release sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Department of Health Asec. Albert Domingo said Nipah virus is a "zoonotic virus," which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. But one may also develop severe symptoms such as drowsiness and altered consciousness, agitation, confusion, and seizures. According to the DOH, the Nipah virus is no longer new to the Philippines.

P200,000 insurance payout for MV Trisha Kerstin 3 deaths questionedThis handout photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) taken and received on January 26, 2026 shows survivors of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 being transferred to another ship in waters off Basilan province. MANILA, Philippines — Families of victims in the Basilan boat tragedy are guaranteed P200,000 in compensation, according to an official of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). At least 18 people were reported dead after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the waters off Basilan on Monday, January 26. Aleson Shipping Lines, which owns the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, has been involved in several maritime incidents prior to the latest incident. In 2023, its MV Lady Mary Joy 3 tragedy in 2023 when caught fire while traveling the same route as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3.

Philippines tightens airport health checks amid Nipah virus outbreak in IndiaThis undated photo was taken at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health Bureau of Quarantine (DOH-BOQ) has begun implementing strict health protocols, including passenger screenings, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other points of entry amid the Nipah virus outbreak in India. India has reported five confirmed Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, with 100 close contacts under monitoring, Domingo said. The Nipah virus first emerged in Malaysia in 1999, claiming the lives of over 100 people, primarily pig farmers. ON INTERAKSYON: Anne Curtis, other Pinoys raise concerns over Nipah virus outbreak in India

BARM polls postponed for 4th timeMANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has deferred the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled for March 30. The Bangsamoro Parliament passed Parliament Bill No. The resolution set aside all activities under previous Comelec resolutions connected to the March 30 polls. Years of delaysThe March 30 polls would have been the fourth scheduled date for the BARMM's first parliamentary elections. Last year, the Supreme Court voided BARMM's redistricting laws, forcing lawmakers to draft new legislation.

Why EDCOM backs the ideaTrainings may be conducted by technical vocational institutions and TESDA technology institutions subject to compliance with TESDA guidelines and public health standards. EDCOM II spent three years assessing the education sector through consultations, commissioned studies and hearings with government agencies. These shifts, EDCOM II said, have prevented TESDA from establishing a stable institutional home and weakened its ability to plan long-term, coordinate with other agencies, and negotiate for resources. For instance, Contact Center Services NC II (TESDA's training curriculum for call center workers) hasn't been updated since 2003 despite "dramatic ... transformation" in the call center industry. Only 10 National Industry Boards have been established since 1994, concentrated in five sectors, according to EDCOM II.

Philippines auto industry sales may breach 500K units this year“We see that there’s a big chance that the market can reach 500,000 (units) this year…We’re pegging it at around 503,000 (units),” newly installed CAMPI president Jose Maria Atienza told reporters during the group’s ceremonial turnover of leadership yesterday. If the outlook is realized, this year’s total automotive industry sales would be 2.4 percent higher than the record-high sales of 491,395 units last year. Electrified vehicle sales are expected to drive growth for the industry this year. Atienza said electrified vehicle sales are likely to continue to increase this year. Last year, electrified vehicle sales reached 58,905 units, 142.5 percent higher year-on-year.

You can get yourself a new gadget this payday as an authorized Apple reseller is offering discounts up to P33,000 on select devices. The Loop, which is under Power Mac Center, announced its Payday Big-time Deals in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 28. "Your Apple setup is just a tap away," the caption read. Included in the promo are AirPods and Apple Watches as well as iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and more. Premium accessories like speakers and power banks are also being offered at up to 50% off.