INQToday: PNP validates 20 deaths due to Kristine-induced floods in Bicol

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

PNP validates 20 deaths due to Kristine-induced floods in Bicol

Twenty people reportedly died in the Bicol Region due to the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), police said on Thursday.

These deaths, however, are still up for validation, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5.

OCD: PH asking asean partners for assets backing amid Kristine

The Philippine government is already coordinating with neighboring countries for assistance in the distribution of aid to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said.

According to OCD Director Edgar Posadas, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has already spoken with Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See, as well as officials from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei regarding the potential utilization of their assets to facilitate the aid distribution.

Dela Rosa on Senate drug war probe: ‘They can interrogate me’

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Thursday offered himself as a resource person for the upcoming Senate probe into the Duterte administration’s drug war.

Dela Rosa, who served as the Philippine National Police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, is also open to being on the hot seat on the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on Monday, Oct. 28.

Senate receives copy of General Appropriations Bill from House

The Senate formally received on Thursday a copy of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from the House of Representatives.

The 2025 GAB, which contains the proposed national budget for next year, was submitted by a House personnel to the Senate’s Legislative Bills and Index Service staff.