Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Davao de Oro landslide: Number of bodies recovered climbs to 90
The number of bodies recovered from the landslide in a mining village in Maco, Davao de Oro, increased to 90, the local government said Thursday.
Leah Añora, unit member of Maco town’s “Management of the Dead and the Missing,” said the latest fatality count was logged as of noon, February 15. The figure was 85 on Wednesday.
Comelec OKs ‘Withdrawal Form’ to void Cha-cha petition signatures
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the “Withdrawal Form” for people who wish to take back their signatures from the people’s initiative petition for Charter change.
In a memorandum dated February 14 but released to the media a day later, the Comelec said the forms must be made available to the public.
Hontiveros warns Quiboloy’s followers: Don’t deceive Senate
Senator Risa Hontiveros gave a stern warning to some members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) for allegedly trying to spoil the Senate’s investigation of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.
In a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, the opposition senator revealed that some KJC members appeared to have been ordered to “contact [her] office” and pretend to testify about their leader’s abuses.
Abby Binay asks Sara Duterte to resolve issues in 3 public schools
Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Thursday called on Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to address the management issue in three public schools that are now under Taguig City’s jurisdiction.
She urged action from Duterte after the Makati City government appealed for the retention of management and administration of the Makati Science High School in Cembo under the Schools Division Office-Makati City (DepEd Makati), as well as integration of Fort Bonifacio Elementary and Fort Bonifacio High School in West Rembo with the University of Makati (UMak).
Batanes residents urged to enlist as Army reservists
Residents of Batanes are encouraged to become Army reservists as the government plans to bolster the military capability of the island province which is relatively near to Taiwan.
Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said such a call was in line with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s order to increase military presence and development of military structures in Batanes.