Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union,Philippines —In a major blow to the illegal pyrotechnics trade, the Regional Civil Security Unit 1 (RCSU1), headed by PCol Cherry Fajardo, reported significant operational accomplishments following an intensive regional campaign to ensure a safe New Year celebration across the Ilocos Region. With the untiring dedication and commitment, the RCSU1 implemented a massive crackdown against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices (FCPDs) through their 868 successful operations focused on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of prohibited FCPDs, which resulted in the arrest of five persons who allegedly violated Republic Act 7183, or an Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices. A total of 3,566 illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices with an estimated market value of P108,183..00 were confiscated in the said operations. Three (6) cases were filed in court, while one (1) is for filing and two (2) under investigation. The RCSU1 leadership emphasized that these operations, which started on December 9-31, 2025, were critical in mitigating firecracker-related injuries and preventing fire incidents during the peak of the revelry. Fajardo added that all the initiatives undertaken by RCSU1 are in accordance with the directive of PBGen Ross C Alvarado, Acting Director of the PNP-Civil Security Group, and in response to the guidance of Acting Chief PNP PLTGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ JR. ”Our priority is the safety of every citizen in Region 1. These 865 operations demonstrate our commitment to strictly implementing the law and continuously regulating the industry and removing dangerous, non-compliant products from our markets,” Fajardo added. All seized items are currently being processed for proper disposal in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to prevent accidental discharge. RCSU1 continues to monitor retail outlets and online marketplaces for any residual illegal sales following the just-concluded revelry celebration. Meanwhile, the RCSU1 encouraged the public to report any continued sale of illegal firecrackers to local police stations or through the RCSU1 hotlines (smart: +639985643602 / globe: +639177758928) to maintain the safety and security of the community.

Midnight Fireworks, Morning Health Risks: EMB-CAR calls for responsible celebrations

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines The Environment Management Bureau- Cordillera that between 12 midnight and 4 am on December 31 to January 1, the Burnham Park air quality monitoring station recorded a steady and significant rise in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels, reaching the Emergency and Very Unhealthy categories of the Philippine Air Quality Index. This increase was largely due to the heavy use of fireworks during the New Year celebration. Because nighttime air has very little movement and almost no wind, the smoke and particles released from fireworks stayed close to the ground, causing the polluted air to remain in the area longer than usual. Although the pollution levels gradually decreased after 4 AM, the poor air quality persisted into the early morning hours before conditions slowly improved. PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ are tiny particles produced by burning materials such as fireworks. PM₁₀ can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, while PM₂.₅ is even smaller and can travel deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream, making it more harmful. These particles can trigger coughing, breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problemsespecially among children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with existing heart or lung illnesses. Fireworks release a large amount of these particles in just a short time, and with calm air during the early hours of the morning, they accumulate and create thick pollution that takes hours to disperse. This is why the air quality remained unsafe even after the fireworks had stopped. To safeguard the health of every household and community, EMB‑CAR strongly urges the public to avoid the use of fireworks and to choose cleaner, safer alternatives for celebrations. Avoiding fireworks not only protects vulnerable groups but also prevents sudden spikes in pollution that place unnecessary stress on families and the environment. Staying indoors during poor air quality events, wearing protective masks when necessary, and monitoring official advisories are simple actions that can greatly reduce exposure. EMB‑CAR appeals to every family, every barangay, and every community leader to make responsible choices that put health and safety first. Let us welcome the New Yearand every celebrationwith practices that honor our environment and protect the well‑being of our people. 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

Media Camp bamboos to test plant’s capability to reduce pollution in urban setting

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Pigeon Lobien BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With 12 of the 900 bamboo saplings to be planted at the Media Camp, the plants capability to recue pollution in an urban setting will be tested, the Philippine Bamboo Foundation believes. This is the belief of PBF president Edgardo Manda who eyes more than 900 bamboo saplings of 15 varieties to be planted at the Camp which he said “would mean a demonstration of bamboo’s capabilty to reduce air pollution in an urban setting, creating a bamboo eco-park as a learning tool to educate students and public on bamboos role in environmental protection.” He said this writer before New Year’s Day that the PBF’s advocacy on bamboo education and use of the bamboo eco-park “proof of concept will drive people or the public to adopt bamboo for nature based solution against environmental degradation.” He said that there is a need for Baguio officials to “take a good look at bamboos role in hillside and slope protections.” He added: “using Baguio’s homegrown well adapted bamboo species called Phyllostachys aurea commonly called Benguet bamboo.” The PBF, its partner All In on December 12 planted 12 multiplex to jumpstart the six month project to populate the Media Camp at the picnic grove of Burnham Park. The rain drenched Friday afternoon ceremony served as the one year celebration of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club memorandum of agreement adopting the portion of the park with the city government led by mayor Benjamin Magalong. The torrential rain was welcomed by the PBF president saying that it was a blessing, in fact, more than a blessing after leading the planting with All In’s Faith Mondejar and the late Nicolas Ilagan’s widow, Laarni nee Sibayan, formerly a Sun Star Baguio reporter. He said that planting will continue until May when the first saplings planted will mature.

Former UB chess standout Vinluan rules 5th Caba Chess Tourney

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Pigeon Lobien BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Former University of Baguio High School chess standout Brylle Gever Vinluan made 6.5 of 8 points to rule the 5th Manuel Verzola Caba Chess Tournament in Caba, La Union last December 27 to complete a troika of chess tourneys for Teddy Sarmiento during the Christmas week. Vinluan, who went to the National University and took part in the Bulldogs chess squad’s campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines finished sole first half a point of three others to rule the event that offered PhP10,000 to the winner. A week earlier, the San Fabian, Pangasinan born Vinluan visited his old chess base in the Baguio Center Mall where he finished 10th place despite the top seed. Three players occupied second to fourth places with six points a-piece, but Brix Ceasar Cafuir took the top spot with his 31-tie break point. Finishing third was Fernan Quiban with 29 tie break point just half a point ahead of best female finisher Brena Mae Membrere. Cuifar and Quiban when home PhP3,000 and PhP2,000 the richer after their second and third place finishes. After a hectic Christmas schedule, Sarmiento is looking forward to hosting the 14th Gopalarong Ahedres Rapid Chess Tournament at the Baguio Center Mall on January 3. The three-division tournament that offers more than PhP16,000 in cash prizes has an ope division as well as 12 under and 16 under divisions. The open champion walks home with PhP3,500. On January 17, the Baguio Pines City Chess Club which Sarmiento is president will officiate the 30th Rapid Chess Tournament of the Knights and Minds Association, Inc. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines sanctioned event will be played at the BCM Events Center where NCFP members will earn rating points. The event is open to NCFP members and new members can play after paying the membership fee of PhP650, the BPCCC announced.

STRONG START FOR 2026: PNP nabs 8 MWP , seizes ₱8.8M illegal drugs

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — As the nation welcomes 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) marked the opening hours of the new year with decisive law enforcement actions, arresting eight (Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and neutralizing illegal drugs worth ₱8.8 million in a series of operations conducted from 10:00 PM of January 1 to 9:00 AM of January 2, 2026. These accomplishments, carried out across multiple regions, reflect the PNP’s sustained focus on public safety and accountability under the PNP Focus Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), aligned with the national vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a safer and more orderly Philippines. Among those arrested were Top 2, Top 3, Top 4, Top 6, Top 9, and Top 10 Most Wanted Persons involved in serious crimes such as murder, syndicated estafa, statutory rape, and other heinous offenses, apprehended through coordinated operations by police units in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, Western Visayas, NCR, and other key areas. All arrested individuals are now under proper police custody and facing due legal processes. In the campaign against illegal drugs, police units also recorded significant gains. In Kalinga, authorities destroyed 7,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at ₱1.4 million during a large-scale eradication operation. Meanwhile, a joint buy-bust operation in Cebu City led to the arrest of a High-Value Individual (HVI) and the seizure of 1,030 grams of shabu worth ₱7.4 million. Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the early accomplishments send a clear message as the new year begins. “We are starting 2026 with firm and focused police action. These results show that our personnel remain vigilant—even during the holidays—because public safety does not take a break,” PLTGEN Nartatez said. “This is about protecting communities, enforcing the law fairly, and making sure that criminals are held accountable.” He added that these operations underscore the PNP’s continuing transformation under the current administration. “Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue strengthening our operations through EMPO—smarter deployment, tighter coordination, and faster response. This is how we deliver police service that our people can truly feel,” he stressed. The Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Nartatez emphasized that the guiding principle of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas—Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman” will remain at the core of police operations throughout 2026. “Hindi ito pang-isang taon lang. This will continue to guide us every day—sa lansangan, sa komunidad, at sa bawat operasyon—so that the public sees and feels a police force they can trust,” PLTGEN Nartatez said. As 2026 begins, the PNP reaffirms its commitment to relentless law enforcement, respect for human rights, and responsive public service—ensuring that safety, justice, and order remain at the forefront of the nation’s new year.

Pagpasok 6-km danger zone ng Bulkang Mayon, ipinagbawal

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) – Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) ang pagpasok sa six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Ayon sa PDRRMC-APSEMO Advisory No. 2026-1 na nilagdaan ni PDRRMC Chairperson at Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal, pinagbabawal ang anumang human activity sa loob ng PDZ katulad ng mountain climbing, orchid picking, vegetable harvesting, at iba pa. Ito ay matapos na opisyal na itaas ng Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS-DOST) ang alert level status ng bulkang Mayon mula sa Alert Level 1 (Low Level Unrest) patungong Alert Level 2 (Increasing/Moderate Level of Unrest). Sa opisyal na pahayag ng PHIVOLCS, tumataas ang bilang ng naitatalang rockfall events mula Nobyembre 2025 na umabot sa kabuuang 599. Mayroon ring 47 rockfall events na naitala kahapon, noong Disyembre 31, 2025. Kaugnay nito, mahigpit ring ipinapatupad ang ‘no fly zone’ sa ibabaw ng Mayon. Limitado naman ang operasyon ng ATV rides sa Cagsawa Ruins, at pansamantala ring suspendido ang pagpasok sa Mayon Skyline. Itinaas na rin ang preparedness, at monitoring status, at ipinag-utos ang heightened alert sa mga City at Municipal DRRMs. (CMDacoro, Albay PIO)

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

NCR, Tourism / Health

NCR, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

31 December 2025 MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) issues this statement to clarify two separate matters arising from false and misleading claims circulating online. Philippine Topics is a private publication and not an official magazine of the DOT. The Department did not contract, pay, commission, or direct the magazine to produce its cover or feature story. The content, including the selection of images and text, was produced entirely at the magazine’s editorial discretion. The DOT did not provide any photographs, guidance, or funding for the feature. Philippine Topics independently covered activities related to World Expo Osaka 2025 and used its own coverage in their magazine. Any claim suggesting that the Department or the Secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading, and expressly denied. With respect to claims made by a certain photographer, the DOT clarifies that it did not supply the photograph in question to Philippine Topics. At no time did the Department instruct, select, approve, or endorse any photograph for the magazine. Any implication that the DOT chose or favored the use of an image of the Secretary over destination-focused materials is entirely false and without factual basis. The Department views the dissemination of these false claims with serious concern. Misrepresenting official acts, fabricating affiliations, or implying improper use of public resources undermines public trust and misleads the public. The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the ethical promotion of Philippine tourism, and condemns the propagation of false and misleading information.

Three minors injured in Kalinga fireworks shop fire

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – Three minors were injured when fireworks stalls caught fire simultaneously, 15-minutes before the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Bulanao Public Market, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on December 31. According to PCapt. Ruff Manganip, of the Kalinga Provincial Police Office, the injured were a five-year-old girl, a ten-year-old girl, and a fourteen-year-old boy, all from Mindanao. He said there were 20 fireworks stalls selling in the area, all of which were licensed, when a stray firecracker from the other side of the road hit one stall, causing the other stalls to catch fire one after the other and the fire quickly spread. Personnel from the Philippine National Police–Bulanao and the Bureau of Fire Protection immediately responded to extinguish the fire, deeming the incident an accident.

DOT certifies 2 Subic Freeport hotels for passing Halal standard

Region 3, Tourism / Health

Region 3, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT3) has awarded two hotels here for passing the standard of a Halal-friendly hotel. DOT3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, together with SBMA Tourism Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, handed the certificates of recognition to representatives of The Aurora Subic Hotel and The Mansion Garden Hotel during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) flag raising ceremony at the administration building on December 22, 2025. Aurora General manager Rhett M. Villaruz and Mansion Garden Hotel Operations Manager Sheanelle F. Calayag received the certificates for their compliance with the requirements of DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which provides the Amended Guidelines for Recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs). A Muslim-friendly accommodation offers prayer facilities (Qibla direction, mats, prayer rooms), Halal food options (certified kitchens/ meals), and amenities like water-friendly toilets and culturally sensitive staff training from official certifying bodies such as CrescentRating and local tourism departments. Camba cited that the award is a testament to the capabilities of hotel establishments here in handling various needs of tourists of different religious affiliations,

Author name: Street Journal

RCSU1 conducted 868 operations against illegal fireworks in Ilocos Region