General

London: The severe heat wave sweeping across Europe since last week is estimated to have caused around 2,300 deaths, according to a study released on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, approximately 1,500 (65 percent) of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths are linked to climate change, which brought about a more severe heat wave across the continent. The study, conducted by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, indicated that climate change tripled heat-related deaths in early summer across Europe. Researchers focused on a 10-day period of heat from June 23 to July

Dumaguete: Over 500 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases have been recorded and are monitored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental, an official said Thursday. Dr. Liland Estacion, PHO chief, stated that people living with HIV (PLWH) in the province visit the treatment hub regularly for medication and other services. According to Philippines News Agency, these cases have been documented since 2017. Dr. Estacion revealed that as of June 9, 2025, a total of 636 HIV cases have been diagnosed, with 530 individuals consistently returning to the treatment hub for follow-up. Of these cases, 90 percent are males,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to support local officials regardless of their political affiliation, saying the focus should be on action, not politics. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos met with select first-time local officials and reiterated his position that public service must be nonpartisan. Newly elected local officials officially assumed office last week following their respective victories in the May 12 midterm elections. ‘Walang kulay ng pulitika ang paglilingkod sa bayan (There is no political color in public service),’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing at the Palace. ‘Muling

Pagalungan: Local leaders of Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur helped end hostilities between warring Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions Thursday in Barangay Kilangan. In an interview with reporters, Mayor Abdullah Mamasabulod said leaders of the two MILF groups, involved in a longstanding “rido” (family feud), agreed to a ceasefire. The local government facilitated the agreement with the military and Muslim religious leaders. According to Philippines News Agency, the armed hostilities involved Datu Teng Matalam, former village chair of Kilangan and an MILF official, and a group led by Ustadz Norodin, also part of the MILF. Mamasabulod said the Army’s 40th

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): has officially refuted claims that have been making rounds on the internet regarding an increase in the monthly pension for indigent senior citizens to PHP1,500 starting this July, labeling such reports as ‘fake news.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that the monthly social pension for indigent senior citizens is still set at PHP1,000 per beneficiary, as stipulated by Republic Act No. 11916, also known as “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens.” Dumlao clarified that any change to the pension amount would necessitate new