BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for May 8, 2026
US and Iran trade fire, threatening fragile truce
30 passengers left hantavirus ship in Saint Helena – cruise operator
Amidst Ceasefire, U.S. and Iran Trade Strikes in Strait of Hormuz
Filipino seafarers detained in US, brought back to PH – consul general
Spain Seizes 30 Tons of Cocaine, Detains 23 Crew Members
PCG monitors illegal Chinese research, militia vessels in KIG waters
38 Filipino crew of MV Hondius seek repatriation amid hantavirus infections
Marcos plays peacemaker for Thailand, Cambodia at ASEAN 2026
Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption continues; shorter PDCs observed
215 lawmakers back VP impeachment
DMW: 9,038 OFWs repatriated
Easterlies to bring rains over parts of PH
Tondo Church declared minor basilica on May 11
Miss Universe PH 2026 finalists to get The Miss Philippines titles May 10
Catriona Gray holds outreach in Siquijor village facing clean water crisis
Kris Aquino tested positive for COVID-19
Spurs thrash Timberwolves as Knicks edge Sixers in NBA playoffs
PH Women’s Baseball Team earns wildcard entry to WBSC World Cup
Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women bow out of contention in FIBA 3×3 W Series
Different Ways to Build Passive Income
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US and Iran trade fire, threatening fragile truce
May 8 —— The US military said it carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after an attack on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran accused Washington of striking first.
The violence threatened to unravel a fragile truce in effect since April 8 that brought an end to weeks of US-Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic, which has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East and by blocking the strait, a vital route for oil and gas shipments.
“Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats” at the three US warships, but none were hit, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X, adding that it “eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible.” “CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces,” it said. Iran’s central military command, meanwhile, accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by attacking an oil tanker and another ship on Thursday, saying Tehran’s forces “immediately and in retaliation attacked American military vessels.”
US President Donald Trump had fueled hopes of a deal just the day before, saying an agreement could be near, even as he again threatened to return to bombing if Tehran refused to back down. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would communicate its position to mediator Pakistan “after finalizing its views.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had struck an optimistic tone prior to the exchanges of fire on Thursday, saying in televised remarks: “I firmly believe that this ceasefire will turn into a long-term ceasefire.”
LEBANON TALKS
But, inside Iran, civilians were cynical. “Neither side in these negotiations is really capable of reaching an agreement,” 42-year-old photographer Shervin told AFP reporters in Paris, messaging from Tehran. “This is another one of Trump’s games; otherwise, why are so many warships and military forces being sent toward Iran?”
Any agreement between the United States and Iran could also help lower tensions in Lebanon, where a separate truce was under renewed strain after an Israeli strike on southern Beirut killed a commander from the militant group Hezbollah on Wednesday. A US State Department official confirmed on Thursday that the new Israel-Lebanon talks would take place on May 14 and 15. It will be the third meeting in recent months between the two countries, which have technically been at war for decades and have no diplomatic relations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a peace deal between the two sides was “eminently achievable,” insisting Hezbollah was the sticking point, rather than any issue between the two governments. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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30 passengers left hantavirus ship in Saint Helena — cruise operator
THE HAGUE, Netherlands, May 8 —— A total of 30 passengers left the hantavirus-stricken Hondius during its call at the remote British island of Saint Helena, the cruise ship’s Dutch operator said. “Thirty guests disembarked MV Hondius on Saint Helena on April 24, 2026. This number includes the body of the guest who passed away on board MV Hondius on April 11,” Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement.
The company added that all people who left the ship had been contacted. The operator said that on April 1, a total of 114 guests boarded the vessel before it left Ushuaia in Argentina for the cruise across the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Verde. “We are working to establish details of all passengers and crew who embarked and disembarked on various stops of MV Hondius since March 20,” it added.
In Geneva, the World Health Organization said it had informed 12 countries that its nationals had disembarked at Saint Helena. They were Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States, the WHO said.
Saint Helena facing ‘crisis’
Famous as the site where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Saint Helena is home to a close-knit community of around 4,400 people. The cruise ship called at the South Atlantic island from April 22 to 24. “We are all by now aware of the challenge we face,” Saint Helena’s Governor Nigel Phillips said in a statement. “We are now responding to a crisis none of us would have wished,” King Charles III’s representative in the territory said.
The Saint Helena government meanwhile, said there were currently “no suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus on the island”, and the risk to the public remained low. “The situation on St Helena remains stable and controlled.”
In an update, the government said “more than 95 percent” of the population had no close contact with the ship’s passengers or crew, or boarded the vessel, and are currently “at an extremely low risk of infection”. “All individuals identified as having had potential contact with passengers from the MV Hondius have been contacted directly by health officials,” it added. It said that as a precaution, the local health authorities were monitoring a small number of people identified as higher-risk contacts — namely “those who had close, prolonged contact with the unwell passengers of the vessel”.
They have been advised to isolate at home for a period of “45 days from the last known exposure to the virus”. It added that there was no risk to the public from the deceased Dutch passenger whose remains were brought ashore on April 23. Saint Helena has a weekly air link with Johannesburg, with a flight leaving on April 25. One Hondius passenger on that flight died in a hospital in South Africa, while a British patient from the ship is in a hospital in Johannesburg. Both tested positive for hantavirus.
Source: manilatimes.net
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MARITIME NEWS
Amidst Ceasefire, U.S. and Iran Trade Strikes in Strait of Hormuz
May 8 —— As the ceasefire between Iran and the United States continues, both sides traded fire in an escalating tit-for-tat exchange.
Following the U.S. fighter strike on an Iranian tanker Wednesday, Iran retaliated by launching a multi-pronged attack on three destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, the USS Truxton, USS Mason and USS Rafael Peralta. The exchange was more intense than previous encounters, officials told CBS, involving waves of missiles, drones and swarms of small attack craft – some of which came close enough that the destroyer crews were able to engage the attackers using machine guns and small arms.
In response, U.S. forces bombed the island of Qeshm and the port of Bandar Abbas, officials have confirmed to Fox News. “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes,” the command said in a statement.
The kinetic strikes were not a resumption of the full-scale conflict, nor a ceasefire violation, the U.S. officials said. “It’s just a love tap,” President Donald Trump confirmed to ABC’s Rachel Scott. “The ceasefire is going. It’s in effect.”
The White House has so far declined to treat Iran’s actions as a breach of the truce. On Monday and Tuesday, Iranian forces attacked two warships, multiple merchant ships and civilian energy infrastructure, impacting Emirati oil exports and injuring at least 11 foreign nationals – without formally breaching the ceasefire, according to the administration.
According to Fars, “commercial areas” of the Bahman Pier on Qeshm were targeted in the U.S. counterattack. Mehr News reports that additional blasts were heard along Iran’s Strait of Hormuz coastline, in Minab, Gachin, Bandar e Khamir and Sirik.
The Iranian reaction to Thursday’s events is still evolving. In a statement, the general staff of Iran’s armed forces framed the U.S. attacks as a ceasefire violation, according to Iranian researcher Babak Vahdad. Tasnim News initially attributed the strikes not to the U.S., but to the UAE, which has previously played a supporting role for U.S. forces but has generally refrained from frontline combat. “If this issue is confirmed, the UAE will pay the cost of its hostile action,” Tasnim stated.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Filipino seafarers detained in US, brought back to PH – consul general
MANILA, May 8 —— Several Filipino seafarers have been detained by the United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in San Diego and brought back to the Philippines, the consulate general in Los Angeles said.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles views with concern that a number of Filipino seafarers working as crew members were among those detained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities in San Diego and were confirmed to have been returned to the Philippines,” the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said in a statement on Wednesday.
It said it recognizes CBP’s authority to vet individuals entering the US including foreign nationals. It added that while detained foreign nationals are allowed to seek assistance from their embassies or consulates, consular access cannot affect US authorities’ decision.
Consular assistance has been provided to those detained, including welfare checks, notifying family members and employers through the Migrant Workers Office and DMW, and assisting in conveying to CBP any urgent medical concerns. “Those determined by CBP to be inadmissible are processed for immediate return,” it said.
Upon arrival in the Philippines, they are also eligible to receive assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers and other government agencies, the consulate general said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Spain Seizes 30 Tons of Cocaine, Detains 23 Crew Members
May 8 —— Spanish police have seized 30 tons of cocaine from a ship off the Canary Islands and detained its 23-member crew without bail in Europe’s largest-ever bust of the drug, the High Court said more than doubling Spain’s previous record.
The Comoro Island-flagged Arconian was intercepted by the Guardia Civil police force on May 1, with a cargo the court valued at more than 812 million euros ($956 million). The seizure dwarfs the 25 tons recovered by German police at the port of Hamburg in June 2024, previously Europe’s biggest, and is more than twice Spain’s own record of 13 tons, found in a shipment of Ecuadorean bananas at Algeciras last year. The operation, carried out with U.S. and Dutch authorities, will be detailed by police on Friday.
Investigators believe the cocaine was to be transferred at sea to high-speed boats and smuggled into mainland Spain. Firearms and ammunition were found on board, and six crew members were discovered hiding when officers boarded.
Seventeen of the crew members were from the Philippines, while the six found hiding on board were from the Netherlands and Suriname. The court ordered the crew held without bail, citing the gravity of the alleged offences, flight risk and the likelihood of further criminal activity while the investigation continues.
Source: marinelink.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
PCG monitors illegal Chinese research, militia vessels in KIG waters
MANILA, May 8 —— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored the intrusion of Chinese research and militia vessels in waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) during a routine Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight.
In a statement on Thursday, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said a Chinese oceanographic research vessel “Xiang Yang Hong 33,” escorted by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel BN 5309, was found stationary approximately 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef. “The vessel was actively deploying a service boat heading toward the reef, confirming ongoing unauthorized marine scientific research (MSR) operations,” Tarriela said.
Based on Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system, the Xiang Yang Hong 33 departed China on April 15 and has since been systematically conducting survey activities across multiple features within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. “It was monitored at Ayungin Shoal from 20 to 22 April, accompanied by support vessels YUE XIA YU ZHI 20027 and 20026. The vessel then moved to Escoda Shoal from 22 to 28 April, conducted operations near Arellano Reef and Bulig Shoal from 28 April to 1 May, was monitored inside Panganiban Reef from 1 to 3 May, and operated at Quirino Atoll and Rozul Reef from 3 to 6 May. Since 6 May, the vessel has been tracked via AIS moving from Jacinto Reef to Diego Silang Reef,” the statement read.
In addition, PCG Island 4177 — the aircraft conducting the MDA operation — also spotted 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels anchored together and scattered around Cay 1 and Cay 2 of the KIG. “One Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG 5101) was observed positioned approximately 2 nautical miles west of Pag-asa Island,” Tarriela said.
The actions of the Chinese vessels, he said, “constitute a clear and blatant violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” “Under UNCLOS, marine scientific research within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of a coastal state may be conducted only with the express consent of that state. The Philippines has not granted such consent to the PRC for any MSR activities in these waters,” he said.
The PCG official added that the presence of the Chinese ships is a serious infringement on Philippine sovereign rights and maritime jurisdictions, and “gross disrespect to UNCLOS in which they are a party.”
Source: pna.gov.ph
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38 Filipino crew of MV Hondius seek repatriation amid hantavirus infections
MANILA, May 8 —— The 38 Filipino crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius want to return home but must first undergo strict medical clearances and health protocols before they can be repatriated, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
Cacdac, who recently returned from New York for the International Migration Review Forum, said the situation involving the vessel has become a matter of global concern that requires coordination among several governments and health authorities. The MV Hondius, which is currently bound for the Canary Islands, was allowed by Spanish authorities to dock there following reports of hantavirus infections among passengers.
Latest reports showed that three passengers had died while at least one had been hospitalized. “Based on the last report, pinayagan silang magdaong sa Canary Islands with the 38 Filipino crew on board,” Cacdac said. “All 38 Filipino crew have reportedly not been afflicted.”
The DMW chief stressed, however, that the Filipino crew cannot yet immediately return home despite their desire to do so. “Well, they really want to get out of the ship and go home. So, that’s also our goal,” he said. “As I said, we need to give the proper medical authorities and the processes, the clearances and protocols time to take shape, as well as, to be implemented.”
Cacdac emphasized that repatriation would depend on guidance from health experts and international medical protocols. “And rest assured, there will be proper medical protocols,” he said. “They will just have to go through the proper medical clearances and protocols before they can safely return home.”
He said the DMW is coordinating closely with the Department of Health (DOH), led by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “DMW and DOH, as per directive of the President, have joined forces here already,” Cacdac said. He added that the situation involves the World Health Organization, the Spanish government, and authorities in the Canary Islands. “It’s not just a simple OFW welfare case. This is a situation of a global concern, global scale,” Cacdac said.
While the Filipino crew members continue to work aboard the vessel, the DMW chief said medical safeguards are in place. “Yes, you’re right, they continue to work. However, there are proper medical protocols also to observe,” he said. “And that our seafarers, our 38 seafarers, will not be in harm’s way in terms of exposing them to the virus.
Cacdac acknowledged that the government still lacks detailed information on how the crew members were medically assessed as virus-free, but said assurances came from the manning agency and the ship owner. “We had been assured by the manning agency and the ship owner, who would be the best to know what goes on board, that our 38 Filipino seafarers had not been afflicted,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean that they did not go through some form of medical testing.”
The DMW chief also said the government has started reaching out to the families of the affected crew members. “We are in contact with the seafarers on board through the manning agent and the ship owner. So, we know their situation on board,” he said. “We are also reaching out to the families of the 38 and assure them of governmental support.” Cacdac added that the Department of Foreign Affairs, headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, is also involved in monitoring the situation and preparing for possible repatriation efforts.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Marcos plays peacemaker for Thailand, Cambodia at ASEAN 2026
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, May 8 —— For a brief moment inside the summit halls of Cebu, the tension of a deadly border conflict gave way to a carefully watched handshake. With cameras flashing and regional leaders watching closely, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as the two leaders shook hands following a trilateral meeting aimed at easing tensions over their long-running border dispute.
The meeting, held Thursday on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, marked one of the most visible diplomatic interventions yet under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship. “This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026,” Marcos said during a joint press conference after the talks.
The President said the discussions demonstrated ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution amid regional tensions. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified in mid-2025 over disputed border areas surrounding ancient Khmer temple sites, escalating into clashes involving heavy weapons and airstrikes.
Nearly 150 people were reportedly killed, while hundreds of thousands were displaced during two major rounds of fighting. Although a ceasefire was brokered during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, tensions resurfaced weeks later before another fragile truce was reached.
During Thursday’s meeting, Marcos said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. “I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” Marcos said.
The two leaders agreed to direct their foreign ministers to sustain dialogue and explore measures aimed at preventing renewed conflict and preserving regional stability. The meeting also affirmed the continuing role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), whose mandate was extended for another three months until July.
Marcos said the Philippines remains committed to facilitating dialogue between both sides as ASEAN works to preserve peace and unity in the region. Anutin and Hun Manet both expressed gratitude to the Philippines for leading the talks. “Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict — it only brings losses and suffering,” Anutin said. “Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together toward peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination,” he added.
Hun Manet, for his part, said “the Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity is commendable.”
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption continues; shorter PDCs observed
MANILA, May 8 —— Effusive eruption in Mayon Volcano continues but shorter pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed yesterday.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded lava flow collapse-fed PDC at the southwestern slopes (Mi-isi Gully) at around 8:39 a.m. yesterday. “That activity is still consistent with the ongoing effusive eruption pattern, involving sudden lava collapses and collapse-generated PDCs without a major explosive eruption,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
Bacolcol said the events on Thursday are the same as the volcano’s activity last May 2 since both involved collapse-generated PDCs from accumulated lava materials on the upper slopes. “The difference is that last Saturday, the collapsed volume was much larger and the runout reached around five kilometers, which produced more noticeable ash emission and ashfall,” he said. The collapsed volume was smaller on Thursday with the runout reaching two kilometers along Mi-isi Gully, thus ash emission was minimal, he added.
Bacolcol reminded the public about the importance for strict avoidance of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone. Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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215 lawmakers back VP impeachment
MANILA, Philippines, May 8 —— There are 215 members of the House of Representatives who have indicated support for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said.
The number matched last year’s tally in the first impeachment case against Duterte. “From consultations, we are now at around 215 House members supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Ridon told reporters in a Viber message. He said the latest tally unfolded after consultations with lawmakers. He did not give details but said he was stating only “general numbers.”“This is now more than two-thirds of all House members, and approximates the total number of votes in last year’s impeachment plenary vote,” Ridon, chairman of the House committee on public accounts, said.
Last Wednesday, House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno estimated that at least 180 congressmen are likely to vote for Duterte’s impeachment. Under the 1987 Constitution, all that is needed to impeach is just one-third of total House membership. All 318 House members have each been given copies of the 93-page report containing the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President.
The report, prepared by the committee on justice chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, needs the votes of at least 106 lawmakers – or one-third of the members of the chamber – before it could be transmitted to the Senate for a full-blown impeachment trial.
Duterte is being accused of misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and of having unexplained P6.77-billion wealth, among others alleged offenses. “These acts make it glaringly apparent that respondent is utterly unfit to hold public office, much less the second highest position in government. In fact, respondent conducts herself in a way that incites disorder and chaos to the organized government,” the report read.
In a unanimous vote earlier, panel members agreed that Duterte should be impeached, perpetually banned from occupying public office, and prosecuted for the impeachable offenses she committed as vice president and education secretary. The House justice committee said Duterte’s actions were not isolated lapses but “interconnected manifestations of a pattern of behavior that erodes public trust and endangers democratic stability.” These include her open threat to have President Marcos, his wife First Lady Liza Araneta and former speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated after her chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, was cited in contempt and detained in November 2024. “The explicit threats against the life of the President and other high officials, her conduct that undermines and threatens democratic stability, combined with the misuse of confidential funds, acts of bribery and corruption of public officials, and SALN law violations, collectively demonstrate a consistent disregard for the duties of her office and the oath she swore to uphold,” it added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said he is considering an offer of the Senate leadership to act as “Impeachment Manager.” “It’s just a suggestion. So nothing final. But we’ll see. It’s really the decision of the majority,” Pangilinan said in a chance interview. Pangilinan said his role would be similar to a “clerk of court administrator” who “opens and closes shop” during the trial proceedings.
The impeachment court rules will have to be amended to include the new position of a court manager tasked to ensure orderly proceedings. Pangilinan was the leadership’s pick for “impeachment manager” being one of the few lawyers in the Senate.
Source: philstar.com
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DMW: 9,038 OFWs repatriated
MANILA, Philippines, May 8 —— More than 9,000 overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated so far amid the continuing crisis in the Middle East, with the government set to sustain repatriation flights and financial assistance programs for affected OFWs, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Cacdac said 9,038 OFWs had returned to the country as of May 7. “The repatriation flights will continue, among others, in Kuwait, because it is reported that there are still many refugees returning,” he said.
Cacdac added that seven out of eight Filipino seafarers were seriously injured after an alleged Iranian drone strike on the Malta-flagged ship CMA CGM San Antonio, while transiting in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on May 5. He said all injured Filipino crew members are undergoing treatment, some of them confined in the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital. “The seafarers survived the attack, and they have been taken out of the ship,” Cacdac said. “Four of them have relatively minor injuries, while three are in more serious condition and are being closely monitored,” he added.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is maintaining communication with the seafarers and their families. As of yesterday, around 1,400 Filipino seafarers had exited the Strait of Hormuz, including 92 crew members aboard four vessels that left the area within the past week. The DMW also said it is coordinating with manning agencies and shipowners to facilitate the extraction of Filipino workers from the Persian Gulf as regional tensions continue. Cacdac said the government has started permitting Filipino replacement crew members to take over for those leaving vessels in the region, especially workers whose contracts have expired or who are suffering from fatigue or post-traumatic stress.
Source: philstar.com
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Easterlies to bring rains over parts of PH
MANILA, May 8 —— Several areas will get dampened with rain showers due to the prevailing easterlies, the weather bureau said.
In its 4 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the easterlies will cause scattered rains and thunderstorms across Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Siquijor, and Palawan. It will also bring isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate coastal waters are forecast in the entire archipelago. Meanwhile, PAGASA has been monitoring Tropical Storm Hagupit, located 1,615 km. east of northeastern Mindanao, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of 3 a.m. Hagupit is forecast to enter PAR either Saturday or Sunday. Once inside PAR, it will be named Caloy, the third tropical cyclone this year, PAGASA said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Tondo Church declared minor basilica on May 11
MANILA, Philippines, May 8 —— Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown will preside over the eucharistic celebration for the declaration of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo as a minor basilica on May 11.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will deliver the homily during the 2 p.m. mass. Pope Leo XIV, through a papal decree dated Nov. 9, 2025, bestowed the title to the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo. A church is recognized as a minor basilica when it carries significant historical, architectural or spiritual importance. “With thanksgiving and joy, we invite you to witness a historic event: the declaration of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo as a minor basilica,” church officials said on Facebook.
The event will also be attended by concelebrating prelates and clergy, priests from the former visitas of Tondo Church and the faithful. Those joining the celebration are encouraged to bring Santo Niño images during the mass. Built in 1572, Tondo Church has been the home of the second oldest image of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Miss Universe PH 2026 finalists to get The Miss Philippines titles May 10
May 8 —— It is not yet the end of the road for the finalists of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines pageant as more queens will be proclaimed from their ranks. The Miss Philippines, the national pageant’s sister brand under Empire Philippines, will hold its Coronation Ball on May 10 at the grand ballroom of City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City.
Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union took home the crown at the conclusion of the national pageant’s coronation show held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 2, edging out six other finalists for the title.
It is not yet the end of the road for the finalists of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines pageant as more queens will be proclaimed from their ranks. The Miss Philippines, the national pageant’s sister brand under Empire Philippines, will hold its Coronation Ball on May 10 at the grand ballroom of City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City.
Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union took home the crown at the conclusion of the national pageant’s coronation show held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 2, edging out six other finalists for the title. Joining her in the final round of the competition were returning Miss Universe Philippines runner-up Ysabella Ysmael of Taguig City and finalist Apriel Smiith of Cebu City. Also among the finalists were national pageant rookies Allyson Hetland of Pampanga, Marian Arellano of Tarlac, and Jenrose Javier of Sultan Kudarat.
Miss International 2023 third runner-up Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province also made it to the final question round of the pageant. Up for grabs at coronation ball are The Miss Philippines-Supranational, The Miss Philippines-Eco International, The Miss Philippines-Cosmo, and The Miss Philippines-Charm titles. The Miss Universe Philippines runners-up were not proclaimed at the coronation show, but it was not announced if this year’s runners-up will be known at the coming ball.
In the past three editions of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, the other crowns were awarded to their recipients in ceremonies immediately following the coronation show. There could also be a possibility that a delegate who did not advance to the final round may still get the Miss Philippines crown, like what happened in 2024 when Alexie Brooks and Cyrille Payumo received national titles.
Source: inquirer.net
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Catriona Gray holds outreach in Siquijor village facing clean water crisis
May 8 —— Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray recently visited an isolated community in Siquijor to help address the residents’ ongoing lack of access to clean water.
In a recent Instagram post, Gray shared details of her outreach activity in Sitio Catugasan, a mountaintop community where more than 100 residents live far from the rest of the barangay. “Access to clean water [is] a basic human right. Our first community visit in Siquijor was to Sitio Catugasan,” the beauty queen began her post.
According to Gray, the community currently receives water rations only every four days through a 10-kilometer pipe connected to a spring. Residents also rely on makeshift rainwater collection systems such as drums and buckets, which Gray said are still insufficient for daily needs.
During the visit, Gray and partner organizations conducted an educational workshop on the importance of clean water and taught residents how to provide safe drinking water for their families. “We were able to meet with the community, host an educational workshop on the importance of clean water, and demonstrate how to properly use their newly donated water filters so that they could provide clean and safe drinking water to their families,” shared the beauty queen. “Something that many of us take for granted – accessible clean water – is not a reality for all Filipinos,” Gray concluded her post as she encouraged the public to get involved in the ongoing initiative aimed at improving water access across the province.
Gray, who recently made her acting debut in the romantic drama film “The Loved One,” has previously participated in relief operations for typhoon-hit communities, coastal clean-up drives, and fundraising efforts for marginalized sectors. The actress-beauty queen recently served as the keynote speaker at the second edition of the She Shines Summit to mark this year’s Women’s Month.
Source: inquirer.net
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Kris Aquino tested positive for COVID-19
MANILA, Philippines, May 8 —— Kris Aquino has tested positive for COVID-19 after being hospitalized a few days ago. The TV host-actress has been suffering from a fever and a nearly constant cough since last week. This comes amid her ongoing battle with autoimmune diseases.
In her Instagram story, Kris shared a photo of the antigen kit, which shows that she tested positive for COVID-19. “I’ve been sick from the time I got out of the hospital, early Sunday. Kuya Josh on Monday started to cough and squeeze last night,” she said. “I didn’t want him to feel unwelcome, and he was wearing his mask, so I slept with him,” she added.
According to Kris, she started feeling weak again a day after taking Methotrexate injectable chemotherapy and was followed by a fever. “I checked on my friend (JC Buendia), and he had mentioned having been tested for (COVID-19) during his recent hospitalization,” she said. Following this, she also took an antigen test and tested positive for the disease. “I said sleeping is a lost luxury because of my never-ending fits of evening coughing,” she said.
Source: philstar.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Spurs thrash Timberwolves as Knicks edge Sixers in NBA playoffs
May 8 —— Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs thrashed the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 to level their NBA playoff series as the New York Knicks edged Philadelphia for a 2-0 lead.
Bouncing back from a home-court upset loss on Monday, the Western Conference second-seeded Spurs’ resounding win reestablishes them as favorites to progress. Seven-foot-four (2.24m) phenom Wembanyama was in imperious form again in San Antonio, with 19 points plus 15 rebounds and two blocks, as the Spurs notched up their highest playoff score since 1983.
The newly crowned NBA defensive player of the year also helped restrict Minnesota to just 35 points in the first half — the Timberwolves’ lowest-scoring half all season — to ensure the vital series-tying win was essentially decided by the break. “I’m expecting this kind of response from myself, from my teammates, so I’m not surprised by any means,” said Wembanyama. “There is some ego. They assaulted us in game one, we wanted to assault in game two,” the Frenchman added.
Minnesota’s 24-point halftime deficit only widened in the second half, peaking at 47 points, before San Antonio rested its starters for the final stages. The performance came after Minnesota’s head coach had accused Wembanyama of repeated illegal goaltending violations in game one, during which the Frenchman had made a playoff-record 12 blocks. Asked if there had been any anger on his part entering game two, he replied: “There always is. In the playoffs, magnify that.” Minnesota ace Anthony Edwards, who shone in game one after returning from a left knee injury, was restricted to 12 points and spent the final quarter on the bench icing his legs. The two sides meet again Friday in Minneapolis for game three.
Jalen Brunson spearheaded a late surge as the New York Knicks edged a razor-tight NBA playoff clash against the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series. Having been thrashed in game one, the underdog Sixers were without star man Joel Embiid, who was ruled out with injury hours before tip-off. But they put up a much fiercer fight at Madison Square Garden, in a game featuring 25 lead changes — the most for a playoff game in 11 years — before the Knicks pulled clear in the final minutes.
Brunson’s clutch play — including eight fourth-quarter points — ensured victory, with the Knicks talisman joint top-scoring on 26 points. “It’s a playoff basketball game. You know, the game was ugly offensively,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown. The Sixers took a seven-point lead after five minutes. It would prove to be the largest of the closely contested night.
In Embiid’s absence, Tyrese Maxey stepped up with 15 points in the second quarter alone, as Philadelphia eked out a single-point half-time lead. But the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns came alive after the break, scoring 20 points plus 10 rebounds and seven assists, while OG Anunoby went 9-of-17 from the field for his 24 points. With the scores level 99-99 and five minutes to go, Brunson applied the pressure just as the Sixers ran out of steam.
Two Brunson field goals gave New York a four-point lead — their biggest of the night to that point — before Mikal Bridges’ step-back shot made it a 9-0 run and a six-point lead. Maxey made a late driving layup — finishing with 26 points — but it was not enough to close the gap. “We played great offense. We just didn’t shot-make,” said Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse.
The absence of 2023 league Most Valuable Player Embiid, who excelled in the Sixers’ upset victory over the Celtics in the previous round, ultimately told. Embiid was ruled unable to play due to right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain. The Sixers will be sweating on his fitness for Friday, when the series continues in Philadelphia.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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PH Women’s Baseball Team earns wildcard entry to WBSC World Cup
MANILA, May 8 —— The Philippine Women’s National Baseball Team will be making its debut on the world stage at the 2026 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup. This, as the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced that the Philippines has been granted a wildcard to the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
The World No. 21 Filipina batters will be part of Group Tainan, completing the 12 teams across two groups in the group stage of the tournament. In its World Cup debut, the Philippines will be up against some of the world’s best squads in No. 1 Japan, No. 5 Venezuela, No. 6 Chinese Taipei, No. 7 Cuba and World No. 15 Great Britain.
Group Rockford includes two-time champion USA, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia, and South Korea. Japan is the seven-time defending Women’s Baseball World Champions, reaching the final in every edition since the tournament’s inauguration in 2004. The WBSC Women’s Baseball Group Stage 2026 kicks off with Group Rockford from July 22 to 26, followed by Group Tainan from August 23 to 25.
The top three teams of each group will advance to the Final Stage in Rockford, Illinois from July 19 to 25, 2027. Last November 2025, the Philippines finished sixth at the IV BFA Women’s Baseball Asia Cup in Hangzhou, China.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women bow out of contention in FIBA 3×3 W Series
May 8 —— The two Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 women’s teams were eliminated from contention in the FIBA 3×3 W Series at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, after both squads went winless in the tournament.
The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team composed of Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Camille Clarin lost to Germany, 14-9, and the United States, 21-10. Only the top two teams from each pool advanced to the quarterfinals. Earlier, the Manila-based squad of Afril Bernardino, Sam Harada, Karl Ann Pingol, and Kaye Pingol also failed to reach the main draw after falling to Warsaw, 14-9, and the United States, 21-12.
Meanwhile, the men’s teams are set to compete in the FIBA 3×3 Challenger on Saturday at the same venue.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Different Ways to Build Passive Income
There are many different ways to build passive income. Here are a few:
1. Investing
Whenever someone mentions passive income, there are people who think of investing since it has the potential to produce good results quickly and with little effort. However, passive income and retirement plans shouldn’t be considered as being the same.
The purpose of making an investment is to ensure there is an income stream during retirement. It’s ideal to invest in a retirement scheme if the current fund choice agrees. That way, a person can build a sound plan for retirement, although there are penalties or taxes in case a withdrawal is made before the maturity date.
2. Real estate
A smart way to generate passive income once all debts are cleared and there is extra cash is to consider a real estate property for renting out. Before buying property, clear the mortgage, and then buy the property with cash. There’s no point in seeking debt to finance the purchase of a property. Things become complicated when there is a mortgage to clear, and yet a loan was used to buy a property.
It also makes sense to buy property nearby in order to ensure that the owner can look after it properly. It means consulting a property agent who understands the owner’s area to ensure the new property can attract tenants.
A rental property is a good source of additional income, although it’s one of the most passive sources of income because it will require time and some effort to keep it in good condition. So, a person who opts for real estate must be in control of the property at all times.