Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla dismissed the significance of testimonies from 25 individuals claiming to be former bodyguards of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Former security aides to ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co have denied allegations by 18 of their former colleagues that they were involved in delivering suitcases full of cash to former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Juliet Calvo, co-accused of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, has filed an urgent motion for hospital arrest with the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division after suffering a stroke.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla led the turnover of 20 motorcycles to Bicol police, aiming to enhance their response capabilities for emergency calls under the unified 911 system.

A Bicol theater festival is using culinary metaphors across eight plays to unflinchingly expose hard-hitting local issues and realities in some of the region's provinces.

Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that the decision of four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to recant their testimonies only raises more questions and causes public confusion.

Tropical Depression 'Luis' has strengthened, prompting Signal No. 1 to be raised over Bicol and Quezon in the Philippines, with a potential shift in its track towards Luzon.

Authorities in the Bicol region conducted multiple buy-bust operations, seizing over P2.2 million worth of shabu and arresting a total of 18 individuals. These operations highlight ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trade in the area.

A new hospital-based center offering developmental screening, therapy, and coordinated support services for children with disabilities has opened at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) in the Philippines.

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — Around 400 entrepreneurs, government officials, and business leaders from across the Bicol region gathered in this city on Wednesday for the opening of the 2026…

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) and five government agencies have signed an agreement to enhance railway safety in the Bicol Region as part of efforts to modernize rail transport in Southern Luzon.

The University of Saint Anthony (USANT) in Iriga City, Philippines, is embarking on the construction of a four-story library. The project aims to revitalize reading culture among students by integrating traditional learning spaces with modern technology.

Nearly 10,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the Bicol region of the Philippines received land ownership documents and debt condonation certificates during a distribution ceremony.

Lawmakers in the Bicol region of the Philippines are urging the government to expedite the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao that displaced over 75,000 families.

A police major in Albay was arrested for allegedly extorting P38,000 from a Philippine National Police applicant to ensure passage in a medical exam. The PNP has since ordered dismissal proceedings against the implicated officer.

The Department of Education Bicol announced that more than 1.36 million learners have enrolled across the Bicol Region for the upcoming School Year 2026–2027.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol is investigating the declining supply of “baloko” (pen shell) in Sorsogon Bay. Concerns are rising that overharvesting may be threatening the sustainability of the species.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines has interviewed 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, though only five have signed their testimonies.

Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez has questioned his sudden inclusion in a list of lawmakers allegedly receiving money from former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, suggesting it might be retaliation for his refusal to endorse an impeachment complaint.

The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division in the Philippines has junked a petition by co-accused of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to dismiss a non-bailable malversation of funds case. The case involves falsification of public documents.

The Department of Education in Bicol is making preparations for the upcoming school year despite the ongoing effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. This involves ensuring safety and continuity of education in affected areas.

A rare plant species, identified as Amorphophallus caudatu, has been documented in Bicol Natural Park in Camarines Norte province, Philippines, by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

A P10-million multi-species freshwater fish hatchery has broken ground in Albay, Philippines, aiming to significantly enhance the aquaculture sector in the Bicol Region, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has rolled out a loan payment moratorium for farmers and fisherfolk. This measure aims to provide financial relief to the agricultural sector.

A lawyer from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) revealed that P802 million from Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. was deposited into the bank accounts of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co between 2019 and 2025, during a hearing at the Sandiganbayan.

An unexpected surge in sardine catch led to spoilage in Bulan, Sorsogon, after fish processing plants temporarily closed during Holy Week, according to BFAR Bicol.

The National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) is targeting the conversion of seven fuel-powered irrigation systems into solar-powered facilities. This initiative aims to shift towards renewable energy sources for agricultural irrigation in the region.

The Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol seized 630 boxes of undocumented cigarettes, valued at an estimated P15.75 million, during a routine inspection at Mobo Port in Masbate.

A previously damaged section of the Maharlika Highway in Bicol, Philippines, has been reopened to motorists, easing travel for those observing Holy Week and heading to or from Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers have called on Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco to substantiate his allegations that some lawmakers want Vice President Sara Duterte impeached because they cannot avoid accountability if she becomes president, with one urging him to name names. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that it

March 18, 1901 The province of Masbate was officially created by virtue of the Philippine Commission Act No. 105. This significant event later served as the basis for the declaration of March 18 of each year as the foundation day of the province. Today, Masbate is a first-class province in the Bicol Region, recognized as

MANILA, Philippines — Eight of the 18 alleged former Marines who recently claimed to be “bagmen” of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co were found to be “not assigned” to the former congressman, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said. In an interview at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on Wednesday, Matibag

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced that rice production in the Bicol region is projected to remain stable despite increasing fuel prices, thanks to a growing number of farms adopting solar-powered irrigation systems.

LEGAZPI CITY – Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 5 (Bicol) arrested a female job order employee found in possession of more than P1.3 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Ligao City, Albay, on Wednesday. The PDEA-5, in a report on Thursday, identified the arrested suspect only as alias Nef,

Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon announced that the House of Representatives will coordinate with the court and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to ensure the safety and attendance of detained witness Madriaga.

CHED Region V is developing a Bicol Studies curriculum. How does the environment influence identity? We begin at the table.

LEGAZPI CITY – Police arrested 11 wanted persons in the Bicol Region in a one-day manhunt operation, the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) reported Friday. PRO-5 chief Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said those apprehended included the Municipal Most Wanted Person of Police Station 1 in Naga City, who was arrested for rape. The 10 other fugitives

MANILA, Philippines — The lawyer of the 18 supposed “bagmen” of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co on Thursday admitted a possible “oversight” in naming Mamamayang Liberal partylist Rep. Leila de Lima among the lawmakers who allegedly received suitcases of cash as kickbacks from flood control projects. Atty. Levito “Levi” Baligod’s admission directly contradicted

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon believes former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta will be jailed for her impeachment trial admissions and suggests Vice President Sara Duterte should also be implicated.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has called on fellow lawmakers, falsely accused by former bodyguards of ex-Rep. Elizaldy Co, to identify and pursue those behind the allegations. The accusations involve lawmakers allegedly receiving money.

The Ombudsman is considering a plunder complaint against four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who recanted their statements, potentially including them in a case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed 20 emergency motorcycles to the Bicol regional police to boost assistance in areas where distance and road conditions obstruct access.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bicol has launched an investigation into a reported fish kill that began on August 8 in Lake Buhi, Camarines Sur.

One of the 'maleta boys,' former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, alleged they were offered P20 to P25 million to retract an affidavit implicating government officials.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has raised concerns about a potential discrepancy between Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and her frequent foreign travel expenses.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has publicly opposed Vice President Sara Duterte's suggestion that victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during her father's drug war might have died due to marital disputes.

Prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have recommended the filing of cyber libel charges against lawyer Levito Baligod and his 18 witnesses who claim to be former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol…

Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon stated that the prosecution is confident in subpoenaing Vice President Sara Duterte's financial records, citing constitutional backing.

A consultancy firm in Legazpi City was closed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) 5 (Bicol) following surveillance and an entrapment operation that revealed unauthorized recruitment activities.

The co-accused of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former public works engineer Juliet, presented herself to the police before a warrant of arrest was issued, a point agreed upon by both defense and prosecution.

The Philippine Army has declared 57 municipalities, two cities, and the island province of Catanduanes in the Bicol region as having Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, indicating they are insurgency-free.

Flood advisories have been issued for the Bicol, Visayas, and Caraga regions as a Low Pressure Area (LPA) poses a threat. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has rejected the Department of Justice's recommendation regarding a flood-related case involving Villanueva.

A ceiling panel collapsed at the Bicol International Airport Terminal in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap). The incident occurred at the Well-Wishers area.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos has expressed skepticism regarding claims made by 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, suggesting the accusations are politically motivated.

Conservationists in the Philippines have reported a rare sighting of four hornbills, locally known as 'Kalaw,' in Bicol Natural Park. This encouraging glimpse of the species offers new hope for the conservation of the region's forests.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that the decision of 18 bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to skip a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing casts doubt on their allegations.

House prosecutor Terry Ridon challenged 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to appear before the Senate blue ribbon committee and repeat their allegations under oath.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has refuted allegations made before the Senate blue ribbon committee that he received any money, asserting that such lies will not impede the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5) officially turned over the refurbished Abuyog Dam to the local government unit of Sorsogon City, as part of a program to revitalize rivers and lakes.

The Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) has launched the first acute stroke unit in the Bicol region, offering specialized treatment for stroke patients and reducing the need for travel to Metro Manila.

A diplomatic source from the Department of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that Zaldy Co, a fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list representative, is currently in Paris, France.

The Bicol region posted the lowest GDP growth in the Philippines for 2025, while Western Visayas recorded the highest growth among all regions.

A former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testified about alleged P800 million kickbacks delivered to then Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. The testimony detailed an instance of a large sum being delivered.

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — Water levels in major dams across the Bicol region remain normal despite extreme heat and lack of rainfall, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said.

Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission to expedite consumer refunds and consider suspending value-added tax amidst rising summer power demand.

A Philippine congressman has filed a resolution urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to strictly monitor the electricity pricing of power companies. The resolution was submitted by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Bicol region has reminded tourists to stay away from the declared six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mayon Volcano while engaging…

Authorities in Daet, Camarines Sur, seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P4.08 million and arrested a drug suspect during a buy-bust operation on Tuesday.

Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified in court that he received P130 million as 'balato' (share) from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, detailing the alleged scheme.

MANILA, Philippines — The evangelical leader who was named as a witness in the joint affidavit of the 18 alleged former Marines, who claimed to be “bagmen” of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep.

MANILA, Philippines — There may be a potential conflict of interest for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense panel for the impeachment hearing as two of her lawyers may be potential witnesses, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said. Ridon on Wednesday showed to reporters a copy of the Duterte camp’s entry of appearance for the impeachment

MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Monday denied allegations that she received millions of pesos in cash from former Ako Bicol Rep.

MANILA, Philippines — Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon downplayed claims that there was no documentary evidence to support allegations that Vice President Sara Duterte amassed ill-gotten wealth, saying that her net worth from 2008 to 2024 rose by over 1,000 percent. At Wednesday’s hearing of the House of Representatives committee on justice, Cagayan de Oro

‘Young, emerging designers deserve the same support, respect, and celebration of their art as established names receive,’ says Albay fashion designer Zen Rodrigueza

Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration that she intends to run for president in 2028 is “irrelevant” to the House of Representatives’ handling of the four impeachment complaints against her, Bicol…

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday hailed the 18 former Marines who acted as alleged bagmen of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, and said that this only “proved” initial information that the government had been coordinating with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The vice president also said that the revelations by

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has called on the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to investigate social media posts that falsely attribute statements to defense lawyer Michael Poa.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon announced he will coordinate with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to investigate social media posts containing fake quotes attributed to lawyer Michael Poa.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that the prosecution team is focused on securing Vice President Sara Duterte’s conviction in her impeachment trial, disregarding the impact of survey results on her 2028 presidential chances.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has criticized Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for engaging in politicking while the city is still recovering from a landslide that claimed 10 lives.

Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante called on the four individuals known as the 'maleta boys,' alleged bagmen for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, to come forward and disclose the full truth. He urged them to identify those who prepared their affidavits.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara officially opened and handed over 48 new classrooms at the Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School in Guinobatan, Albay. The project was initiated by the Ako Bicol party-list.

Senator Robinhood Padilla called on the Philippine government to prioritize fixing transportation problems in Bicol before proceeding with plans to launch a rocket into space.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that Senator-judge Robin Padilla would know no prosecutor attacked detained senator-judges if he reviewed past interviews.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has distributed 36,140 Bayanihan SIM cards to kindergarten to grade 6 learners in the Bicol region, aiming to expand internet access for students.

More than 130 visual artists from the Bicol Region are participating in the 'Art for Everyone 2026' exhibit at SM City Legazpi, featuring over 260 artworks to promote local talent.

Police in the Bicol region of the Philippines seized nearly P30 million worth of illegal drugs in June. Separately, Thessaloniki police made 20 arrests related to fan violence and drugs, with one person temporarily detained and five released on conditions.

Authorities in the Bicol region of the Philippines have implemented travel restrictions and heightened disaster preparedness measures as a low-pressure area continues to pose a threat.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is calling for a review of training camp safety standards following the death of Ateneo de Manila University cagers. Additionally, at least 10 individuals are facing charges related to the incident, prompting some lawmakers to seek a review of the juvenile justice law and gun-owner liability.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan stated his intention to file a slander lawsuit against individuals identified as former employees of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

New cyber libel complaints have been filed against 18 former bodyguards of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, this time by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who claims he was defamed by allegations.

The NBI and Ombudsman in the Philippines are investigating claims made by 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, emphasizing the need for individual affidavits to proceed.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has publicly challenged former Marines to attend a blue ribbon panel hearing scheduled for June 8, 2026, in the Philippines.

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co’s legal counsel, Ruy Rondain, arrived at the Senate to attend a blue ribbon committee hearing regarding graft and malversation charges related to flood control.

The ancient Bicol Region myth, the Ibalong Epic, is being developed into a video game prototype. This project aims to bring the traditional stories of courage and destiny to a new digital audience.

MANILA, Philippines — While they respect the Senate’s decision to change its leadership, Bicol Saro party-list Rep.

LEGAZPI CITY — The National Irrigation Administration Regional Office V has conducted desilting and clearing operations in several irrigation systems to improve water delivery to farms in Bicol amid…

The Department of Agriculture reported P4.8 million in agricultural losses in the Bicol region of the Philippines, attributed to declining rainfall and the onset of the dry season.

The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) in Bicol, Philippines, distributed 10 new 4x4 patrol vehicles to selected police stations to enhance mobility and response capabilities.

The Philippines is no longer the country with the most extreme fuel price increases in Southeast Asia as of March 30, though significant domestic economic pressures related to the crisis continue.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) revealed that former Ako-Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, now a fugitive, allegedly received P802 million from contractor Sunwest Inc. between 2019 and 2025, during a malversation inquiry.

A rights group is calling for an end to the 'culture of impunity' following alleged abuse of a young woman with intellectual developmental needs in Bicol, an incident that has drawn the attention of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

At least 35 gasoline stations across the Bicol region in the Philippines were temporarily closed as of Wednesday, March 31, due to various issues, according to data from the Police Regional Office.

More than 600 police officers have been deployed across Zambales province in the Philippines to enhance security measures for the observance of Holy Week.

Defense lawyers have declined to question a former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer who was presented as a witness in the malversation case against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

PUV drivers and operators are taking the hardest hit since the four-day workweek mandated by government means less passengers for them

MANILA, Philippines —The houses of three former colleagues of 18 alleged ex-Marines, who claimed to be “bagmen” of resigned Ako Bicol Rep.

A total of 719 former rebels in the Bicol Region have applied for the government's amnesty program, according to the National Amnesty Commission.

PIO DURAN, ALBAY, Philippines — More than a thousand tourists and residents feasted on over 300 kilos of tinapa (smoked fish) during a 225-meter boodle fight at this town’s Tinapa Festival on Sunday. The long communal table at the town pier featured six tinapa dishes—dinakdakan, sisig, lumpia, embutido, Bicol Express and traditional fried tinapa—using around

Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon on Sunday said the House of Representatives would coordinate with the court, as well as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), to ensure the safety and attendance of detained witness Ramil Madriaga in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Ridon, who chairs the House committee on

The House justice committee will ensure fairness in the enforcement of rules regarding impeachment proceedings as it prepares to take up the complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said on Saturday. The House panel will tackle the four impeachment complaints against Duterte starting March 2 to determine if there

An evangelical leader named as a witness in the joint affidavit of 18 alleged former Marines-turned-'bagmen' for former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co has clarified his role, stating it does not imply endorsement.

MANILA, Philippines — The resolutions for the plunder case against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and the malversation case against former Senator Bong Revilla are now under review, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez. Co’s plunder and Revilla’s malversation cases were connected to the flood control anomalies currently being investigated