KABUGAO, Apayao, Philippines – Two people died, while one is missing after a massive landslide hit an area in Sitio Purag, Barangay Badduat, Kabugao, Apayao this morning, November 20. Mayor Bensmar Ligwang and Vice Mayor Frederick Amid personally led the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Operations together with the MDRRMC in responding after receiving reports of the landslide incident. According to Ligwang, the two bodies were recovered at around 11:37 a.m., identified as Ezra Paul Olsim, 24, of Baguio City and Alyas Nestor,”27, of Itogon, Benguet, while search operations are ongoing for another victim identified as Alyas Marlo. It was learned that the landslide incident was the result of continuous heavy rains brought by the Northeast Monsoon intensified by the shear line, which softens the slopes and increases the risk of landslides in the mountainous areas. Barangay Badduat, where the landslide occurred, is geographically classified as one of the mountainous areas in Apayao that is considered a landslide-prone area, according to the Apayao-Pacific Disaster Center. Ligwang called on residents of upland areas threatened by landslides to temporarily evacuate the area, as rains continue to be felt in the province          

KALINGA PROVINCE, Philippines  — In response to ongoing peace and security situations in the province, the 4th Quarter Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) cum Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) cum Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) convened yesterday to present agency reports covering October to November 15, 2025. Across crime prevention, counter-insurgency, fire safety, and anti-drug operations, agencies recorded significant improvements, while also identifying key concerns requiring sustained attention. 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 The Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO) reported major gains in crime reduction compared to the same period in October and November 15, 2024 and this year. Murder cases dropped by 75% Robbery cases decreased by 33% Four municipalities—Balbalan, Lubuagan, Tanudan, and Tinglayan—recorded zero index crimes during the period. Law enforcement achievements included: 24 wanted persons arrested 26 loose firearms recovered 1,099 traffic violators apprehended between October and November 15 The KPPO underscored the importance of maintaining strong police visibility, traffic enforcement, and active community reporting to curb personal crimes. 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 The Philippine Army through the 103rd Infantry Battalion reported continued progress in countering communist insurgency, monitoring active NPA members across the province. A major accomplishment was the arrest of a high-value New People’s Army leader during a joint AFP–PNP law enforcement operation in Baguio City. From November 1 to 16, military units conducted: 235 patrol operations 125 checkpoints Following the onslaught of Typhoon “Uwan,” the Army also led humanitarian efforts, including airlifting relief goods, conducting search and retrieval operations, and assisting affected communities. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨; 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kalinga reported a 100% decrease in structural fire incidents, dropping from five cases in 2024 to none this year. Fire damage also decreased from ₱475,600 to ₱0. Improvements were also observed in vehicular incidents: Single-vehicle accidents decreased from 27 to 17 Multiple-vehicle accidents declined from 19 to 11 The BFP identified the primary causes of accidents as: Driving under the influence of alcohol Overspeeding Road obstructions The agency urged motorists and barangays to reinforce safety measures, enhance public road lighting, and strengthen community awareness campaigns. 𝐏𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented significant operational accomplishments along with emerging drug trafficking trends. Operational Accomplishments (July–October 2025) 6 PDEA-only operations, resulting in 3 arrests 2 joint operations, resulting in 4 arrests Shabu seized: 100 grams worth ₱600,000 Marijuana seized: 17.9 kilograms + 912 grams Barangay Drug-Clearing Progress Of 153 barangays in Kalinga: 39 are Drug-Free 110 are Drug-Cleared 4 remain Drug-Affected The agency recommended strengthening community-based rehabilitation programs, implementing drug-free workplace policies, and supporting barangays in retaining their drug-cleared status. 𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐏 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 RCSP Barangays Expanded Provincewide The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) continues to expand to more conflict-vulnerable and geographically isolated barangays. For 2026, a total of 20 barangays have been identified as RCSP Target Beneficiary Barangays, paving the way for more responsive, people-centered, and sustainable local development interventions. Balbalan: Balbalan Proper, Buaya Pasil: Ableg, Balenciagao Sur, Balenciagao Norte, Cagaluan, Dalupa, and Dangtalan Pinukpuk: Aciga, Katabbogan, and Mapaco Tabuk City: Lanna, Masablang, and Tuga Tanudan: Anggacan, Anggacan Sur, Lay-asa, Lower Mangali, Mangali Centro, and Población. The council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening peace and order initiatives through active community engagement, enhanced enforcement, and sustained inter-agency coordination.    

Benguet Representative Eric Go Yap extends his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the residents in Buguias and Kabayan who perished following landslides caused by Typhoon ‘Uwan’s heavy rainfall. The Congressman’s office is also currently coordinating relief and assistance efforts for the affected communities.    

BAGUIO CITY – Super Typhoon Uwan hit the Cordillera region, causing serious damage to lives and properties, which is now the focus of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera. According to the DSWD-Cordillera report on November 13, 43,812 families or 149,041 individuals from 826 hard-hit barangays were affected by the typhoon, which is now the focus of the agency’s attention. It was also recorded that 234 households were totally damaged and ,353 were partially damaged, and currently 234 families or 718 individuals are staying in various evacuation centers. An initial P10,989,065.55 worth of humanitarian assistance from DSWD, LGU’s, NGOs and other partners has been distributed to families affected by the typhoon. A total of 54,354 family food packs; 19,985 non-food items and 8, 440 ready to eat food have also been distributed in various provinces to be distributed to remote barangays that were severely affected by the typhoon. On November 12, Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten personally led the distribution of Family Food Packs and Non-Food Items by the DSWD Field Office CAR to affected families in Lagawe, Ifugao. The goal is to immediately alleviate the hardship of those affected and ensure that they have enough food and basic necessities as they gradually recover from the damage caused by the calamity. In collaboration with personnel from the Bureau of Fire and Protection, relief supplies were successfully delivered to families and individuals who were displaced by the storm. Currently, 1,783 families or 5,776 individuals have been affected throughout the province of Ifugao. (Zaldy Comanda)    

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga, Philippines.-Three of the four individuals buried in the landslide at Barangay Western Uma, Lubuagan have been recovered, on November 11. The  search and retrieval operations for the remaining victim Barangay Kagawad Redento Tinio resume on November 12. Municipal Administrator Atty. James Tagaotao confirmed that the bodies of Rix Magwin,Ricardo Magwin, and Aquino Magwin have been found and turned over to their families. According to Atty. Tagaotao, during heavy rains brought by typhoon Uwan, ten  individuals went to a housebto retrieve belongings when the landslide struck. Six managed to escape, while four were trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams reported that Kagawad Tinio’s body was sighted near the steep edge of the slope, which is currently difficult to access. As a precaution, the Barangay Captain of Western Uma and the LGU of Lubuagan have requested the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to deploy a river watch in case the body is carried downstream. Search and retrieval operations are being jointly conducted by the BLGU Western Uma, Lubuagan MDRRMO, Mayor’s Office, 103rd Infantry Battalion, PNP Lubuagan, BFP Lubuagan, 2nd KPMFC and members of the local community. Currently, an initial 25 people have died in landslides in various areas in the Cordillera region, caused by Typhoon Uwan. Meanwhile, Mayor Jaedicke Rhosd Dagadag said five barangays in Upper Tanudan, Kalinga remain isolated following the destructive onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan on Sunday, November 9, which triggered landslides, flooded rice fields, damaged bridges, and swept away classrooms in the municipality.  

CORDILLERA REGION, Philippines – Sixteen people were killed, while two are missing, in landslides triggered by strong winds and rains after Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) swept through the Cordillera region, local officials said on November 11. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Barlig (MDRRMO-Barlig) in Mountain Province reported that a father and son died, while another was injured, after a landslide struck their house at around 6:00 a.m. in Sitio Paranchoy, Barangay Latang, Barlig, Mt. Province, on November 10. The victim, a 57-year-old man, was declared dead on arrival at the Barlig District Hospital, while his 24-year-old son died before being transferred to the Bontoc General Hospital. His other son, a 22-year-old man, is currently recovering. Three people were reported dead in a landslide in Kalinga province, while two others are missing from the scene of the incident, identified as Redento Tino and Ricardo Magwin in Barangay Western Uma, Lubuagan town. Ifugao reported eight deaths, including two in the Batad Rice Terraces of Banaue, after a large portion of the trail and terrace walls collapsed, while a farmer remained in his plantation during the storm, but a landslide buried his hut in Tinoc, Ifugao, on November 9. Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas reported that three people died in separate landslide incidents on November 10, including two in the town of Buguias and one in Kabayan. Authorities continue to call for caution and to evacuate landslide-prone areas, as rains and winds continue to be experienced in the region.          

    BENGUET, Philippines — The Province of Benguet was recognized as one of the Top Performing Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country for revenue generation during the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) 38th Anniversary Stakeholders’ Recognition held on November 5, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, Aura, Taguig City.r Governor Dr. Melchor Diclas rceived the Plaque of Recognition on behalf of the Province for ranking 10th nationwide in the Ratio of Local Source Revenues to Total Current Operating Income for Fiscal Year 2024, with a ratio of 29.56 percent. Governor Diclas was joined by Provincial Treasurer Imelda Macanes and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Regional Director Mary Lou G. Gamboa during the awarding ceremony. The plaque was presented by BLGF Executive Director Consolacion Q. Agcaoili and officials of the Department of Finance (DOF). The award was signed by Executive Director Agcaoili and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto under BLGF Memorandum Circular No. 17-2025, titled “Recognition of Top Performing LGUs in Strengthening Local Government Finance for Fiscal Year 2024.” According to Wilfredo V. Vedan III, Acting Chief of the BLGF, the recognition aims to encourage LGUs to continuously enhance their local revenue generation through effective and innovative collection strategies aligned with the Local Government Code and relevant financial regulations. Aside from the ratio of local collections to total current operating income, other indicators are the collection of revenues from local sources, the growth in local collections, and the total current operating expenditures per capita. These indicators help identify LGUs that are financially disciplined, less dependent on national government transfers, and committed to fiscal sustainability. The Province has consistently ranked among the country’s top-performing LGUs in local revenue performance, placing Top 2 for Year-on-Year Growth Rate of Locally Sourced Revenue for FY 2020–2021, Top 7 for FY 2019–2020, and 4th place for Yearly Growth of Local Source Revenues for FY 2022. Governor Diclas expressed his gratitude to all officials and employees of the Provincial Government of Benguet, especially the Provincial Treasury Office, as well as municipal treasurers, partner agencies, and the people of Benguet for their collective effort.

LUNA, Apayao, Philippines – Mayor Januario S. Garde emphasized the need to establish more post-harvest facilities to support local farmers in handling their agricultural produce. This was a message of Mayor Garde, during he flag-raising ceremony earltier this November 3.“I appreciate the numerous and diverse pre-harvest interventions provided to our local farmers to assist them with their farm inputs. However, I am concerned about what happens next. Masapol tayo kuma ti ad-adu pay nga post-harvest facilities tapno haan da nga mapilitan dagiti mannalon nga agilako dagiti apit da iti nalaka a presyo (We need more post-harvest facilities so that farmers won’t be forced to sell their harvest at low prices),” the mayor underscored. To recall, this has been one of the major commitments of Mayor Garde’s administration — to address and ease the challenges faced by farmers in the municipality. “We need to strategize and carefully study all these plans so we can properly prioritize the welfare of our farmers,” he added.

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman   MANKAYAN, Benguet, Philippines – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA CSITE) and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) reaffirmed their commitment to enhance industry-based technical training during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on October 24, 2025, at the Labaan Executive House in Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet. The event brought together key officials and representatives from both institutions. Present as witnesses were TESDA CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon, TESDA CSITE Main Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic, LCMC Administrative Services Group Manager Rolando D. Ursua, and LCMC Human Resource Department Head Nelson L. Baguya II, along with other department heads and representatives from both sides. The MOA bears the names of the authorized representatives of both institutions and was formalized with the support of those who attended the ceremony. The partnership establishes a shared commitment to advance skills training, competency assessment, Supervised Industry Learning (SIL), and employment facilitation for trainees and graduates in priority technical and trade sectors. These include Metals and Engineering, Construction Trades, Automotive Trades, Electrical Trades, and Welding Trades. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the Supervised Industry Learning component of TESDA diploma programs by providing learners with hands-on experience that reflects the needs of the current labor market. Under the terms of the agreement, TESDA CSITE will take the lead in developing and registering competency-based training programs, conducting assessments, and ensuring learner welfare and insurance coverage throughout the training period. LCMC, on the other hand, will provide training venues and facilities and support in-plant training through the provision of meals, accommodations, and designated coordinators to supervise industry immersion activities. The three-year agreement represents a continuing partnership between the government and private sector to align technical-vocational education and training (TVET) with industry requirements, thereby improving employability and productivity among workers in the Cordillera region.