BY ALEX ALAGON
LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies across the region intercepted more than ₱197 million worth of illegal drugs throughout 2025, according to the latest year-end report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI.
However, new data for the start of 2026 reveals a complete standstill in local drug-clearing efforts across the region’s 1,162 barangays.
The combined efforts of PDEA and the Philippine National Police led to recoveries between January and December 2025.
In total, PDEA XI operations recorded ₱93,654,615.26 worth of substances, while the PNP and other law enforcement agencies recorded a higher haul of ₱103,409,005.80
According to the report, shabu or meth remained the primary threat, with total seizures exceeding 27 kilograms. Authorities also confiscated marijuana plants, oil, and infused gummies.
The PDEA XI reported that 131 in 1,162 barangays in the region remained “drug-affected.”
Regional breakdown:
- Davao City: 66 affected barangays (highest in the region)
- Davao del Norte: 38 affected barangays
- Davao del Sur: 15 affected barangays
- Davao de Oro: 9 affected barangays
- Davao Oriental: 3 affected barangays
- Davao Occidental: 0 affected barangays
The regional total of 997 previously cleared barangays saw no new additions in January 2026, leaving authorities with a “no drug-cleared brgy” remark for the month across all provinces.
- Davao City police crack down on illicit cigarette trade
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) seized over ₱10.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in 23 operations in January alone.
Acting city director Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip said the intensified campaign resulted in the confiscation of contraband with a total estimated value of ₱10,359,404.
The crackdown follows a direct mandate from PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to combat smuggling activities that drain government coffers and endanger public safety.
“The proliferation of smuggled cigarettes is not merely an economic offense; it is a serious public concern,” the DCPO stated in a statement.
Muarip emphasized that these untaxed products bypass essential quality controls and safety standards, posing health risks to consumers while depriving the state of revenues meant for healthcare and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the police colonel also warned syndicates attempting to use the city as a hub for illegal goods.
“Let me be clear: smuggling will not be tolerated in Davao City,” Muarip said.
He added that the DCPO will continue to scale its intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency coordination to dismantle smuggling networks.
The police director also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
THE 10TH Infantry Division deployed 45 newly assigned second lieutenants to the field following their completion of the Platoon Leaders Orientation Training (PLOT).
The send-off ceremony, held on Feb. 9, 2026, at Balunto Hall, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., was spearheaded by 10ID commander Major General Alvin Luzon, senior officers, and key staff.
The team—comprising 39 men and six women—underwent PLOT as a key pre-deployment course designed to sharpen leadership, tactical decision-making, and operational readiness before they take command of their respective units.
In his address, Luzon emphasized that leadership is rooted in responsibility and service. “Take care of yourself, your soldiers, and your family, and everything else will follow,” Luzon said, urging the young officers to lead with humility, discipline, and decisiveness.
The commander noted that their deployment will significantly bolster the Agila Division’s operational capabilities and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ broader mandate to defend the nation.
In his send-off speech, Luzon emphasized that the role of a platoon leader is a “make-or-break” phase in an officer’s professional life. He reminded the young officers that while training, schooling, and doctrine provide foundations, it is their personal decisions, moral fiber, and conduct in real-world situations that will truly define them.
“The moment you step into your unit and assume your role as a second lieutenant—whether as a platoon leader, intelligence officer, or staff officer—that experience will define you,” he stressed. “Not in comparison with others, but in how you measure yourself.”
He said that leadership is tested in small but critical moments—how officers treat their troops, how they respond to ethical challenges, and how they uphold discipline and integrity even when no one is watching. He stressed that character, once formed early, carries forward throughout an officer’s career.
Luzon reminded the lieutenants that rank alone does not make a leader. “Your soldiers will not follow you simply because you are a Lieutenant,” he said. “They will follow you because they trust you and because they are willing to entrust their lives to you.”
He explained that earning trust requires consistency, humility, and professionalism, especially when leading more experienced enlisted personnel. According to him, once trust is established, leadership becomes genuine and enduring, even in the most difficult operational environments.
The session featured an open and extensive question-and-answer portion, where the second lieutenants raised practical concerns on leadership challenges, legal responsibilities, human rights issues, operational environments, and professional image-building as junior officers.
In closing, Luzon reiterated his responsibility in guiding the young officers toward the right path.
“I am telling you these things because you are my Lieutenants,” he said. “I do not want you to go down the wrong path. Your leadership journey starts now.”
THE PRE-TRIAL Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially granted requests from both the prosecution and the defense to expand their evidence lists in the ongoing case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a public decision dated Feb. 10, 2026, the Chamber approved the defense’s request to add 78 items to its evidence list and the prosecution’s request to add two additional items.
The ruling comes just weeks before the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for Feb. 23, 2026.
Both legal parties, along with representatives for the victims, raised no objections to the additional materials. The Chamber found “good cause” for the additions, noting that they would not cause undue prejudice to either side.
The chamber ordered the prosecution and the defense to file their updated and final lists of evidence by no later than Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
The three-judge panel, presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, emphasized that this decision is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough confirmation process later this month.
THE NEWLY designated director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI declared on Wednesday that the true benchmark of the government’s anti-drug campaign is the number of rehabilitated communities rather than the total arrests or fatalities.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Atty. Benjamin Gaspi emphasized that the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) remains the agency’s primary holistic strategy.
“We cannot measure the success of the illegal drug program by the number of persons killed, the number of convictions, or the volume of seizures confiscated by enforcement agencies,” Gaspi told reporters.
“The success of the government’s program is measured by the number of barangays, municipalities, and provinces officially declared as drug-cleared.”
A “preservation-based” approach
Gaspi noted a significant shift in the operational philosophy of the current administration compared to the previous “bloody” drug war.
He highlighted that under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the focus has pivoted toward prevention, rehabilitation, and reformation.
“There is a difference in the program,” Gaspi explained. “The current administration seeks to preserve life through rehabilitation for those involved in drugs, while maintaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to ensure that those in illegal transactions are caught and successfully convicted in court.”
Intensified Intelligence and Border Security
As the new regional director, Gaspi outlined a roadmap to tighten the net around drug syndicates in the Davao Region through enhanced inter-agency cooperation. Key priorities include:
- Intelligence Workshops: Collaborative sessions with other law enforcement agencies to map out and locate high-value drug personalities.
- Border Controls: Intensified monitoring and operative presence at seaports and airports to intercept drug shipments.
- Urban Operations: Scaled-up surveillance, buy-bust operations, and the execution of search warrants to control the local drug supply.
Gaspi maintained that by combining “surgical” law enforcement with community-based clearing, the agency can achieve a lasting, “insurgency-free” and “drug-free” status for the region.
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, once again hosted the annual ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence last January 28 at the JPark Island Resort in Lapu-Lapu City. The ceremony celebrated the region’s most impactful achievements in a night dedicated to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
This year’s theme, “Honoring ASEAN’s Best in Tourism Excellence. Your Story. ASEAN’s Stage,” underscored the importance of individual narratives in shaping the collective identity of the region. Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, ASEANTA president, emphasized the high standards met by this year’s recipients.
“The awardees represent the very best of ASEAN tourism—from sustainability leadership and cultural preservation to innovative marketing and world-class visitor experiences,” Soemawilaga stated. He further noted that these achievements demonstrate how individual destination excellence can drive a positive, ripple-effect impact for the entire ASEAN region.
Marga Montemayor-Nograles, COO of TPB Philippines, spoke to the spirit of the evening, noting that the gathering was “a moment for the ASEAN community to come together as one, honoring the pioneers whose work uplifts local destinations and empowers communities”.
This year’s winners of the 35th ASEANTA Tourism Awards of Excellence:
- Best ASEAN Convention Centre: SMX Convention Centre, Philippines
- Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award: Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
- Best ASEAN Eco-Lodge: Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
- Best ASEAN Hotel Package: Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, Malaysia
- Best ASEAN Marketing & Promotional Program: AirAsia MOVE, Malaysia
- Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction Award: Enchanted Kingdom Inc., Philippines
- Best ASEAN Sustainability Program: Sudamala Resorts, Indonesia
- Best ASEAN Tour Operator: CSL Travel & Tours, Cambodia
- Best ASEAN Travel Article: Shroff Travel, Philippines
As the industry looks toward the future, the ASEANTA Tourism Awards are expected to generate a lasting impact by encouraging regional players to continuously refine their services and sustainability practices. With a legacy spanning more than three decades, it remains one of the most respected regional accolades.
The 35th edition, which coincided with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, continued this tradition by spotlighting organizations and individuals whose initiatives have set new benchmarks for quality and responsible development across ASEAN.
THE MINDANAO Alliance for Progress (MAP) urged Davao City officials to present a comprehensive traffic management plan to address Davaoeños’ growing concerns over the city’s worsening traffic situation.
The city, which recently topped Tomtom Traffic Index as the most traffic-congested city in the country and 4th in Asia, is seen to continue to experience traffic congestion as a byproduct of urban growth.
In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas, MAP coordinator Mayet Valdez said that while the problem is not as bad as it is being reported in the national media, traffic in the city does need to be addressed to prevent it from worsening.
“Traffic is a growing problem that we need to address. It is also an indicator of a growing city. I believe that the local government is doing its part, but it’s not something that can be immediately addressed,” Valdez said.
She said the solution is not as simple as adding more roads, tunnels, and bridges because while these can help address the problem, they cannot be built overnight.
The bus transit system that the city is testing out is already getting good reviews and can help ease the problem, especially if there are already designated bus lanes and a sufficient number of buses.
Valdez suggested implementing a comprehensive traffic management policy to address the traffic problem.
“There is a need to implement a comprehensive system and clearly communicate the full traffic management plan to the public to help them understand,” she said.
“If we start communicating to our people that there is a bigger plan and not just focus on a single project, then people can make better decisions and adapt to changes,” she added.
Number coding is one of the possible measures suggested to regulate private vehicles. However, Valdez said this is not a complete solution, as those who can afford it can simply buy more cars to avoid coding.
More than coding, she suggested stronger policies and efficient systems, like ensuring traffic lights are functioning properly, maintaining clean and obstruction-free roads, and improving coordination between pedestrian lanes and traffic signals.
IN HONOR of Valentine’s Day, we’re paying tribute to our beloved romantic novels through the timeless (and irresistible) framework of romance tropes. From slow-burns to enemies-to-lovers tension, this guide spotlights some of the most loved romance tropes and the books guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
Enemies or Rivals to Lovers
The crown jewel of romance tropes, this theme features intense animosity between the two main characters who end up falling hard for each other.
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Released in 2019, Red, White, and Royal Blue became a runaway hit, selling more than 100,000 copies in the first few months alone. The draw? The enticing romance between sworn enemies, America’s first son and the Prince of Wales. After an embarrassing public altercation, Alex and Henry are forced to go on a press tour and pretend to be friends. This paves the way for a rollicking, fun, romantic, thrilling, and sweet story that has stolen our hearts. Can’t get enough? There’s a movie adaptation—and word has it a sequel is in the works. (we’re not screaming, you are!)
Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Fall head over heels for this breezy and downright adorable young adult romance novel by Rachel Lynn Solomon. Rowan and Neil, two high school overachievers, have been bitter rivals throughout high school. On their last day as seniors, they’re forced to team up for a senior class game called Howl, competing until they’re the last players left—and free to destroy each other. But as Rowan spends more time with Neil, her hate begins to turn into something more. Could the boy she despises turn out to be the boy of her dreams?
Better at Weddings Than You by Mina Esguerra
Better at Weddings Than You is one of Mina Esguerra’s spicier novels. It follows Daphne, a successful wedding planner who is hired as an emergency replacement for her friend Greg’s upcoming wedding. Greg fears that his fiancée, Helen, is falling for Aaron—the man they initially hired. Instead of being fired, however, Aaron, an amateur wedding planner, is asked to work alongside Daphne.
This isn’t an outright enemies-to-lovers trope, but the chemistry sizzles as the two initially hostile strangers are forced to team up to plan a grand wedding—only to find romance brewing in the process.
The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell
What happens when the co-stars of a screen adaptation of a Jane Austen movie despise each other so much that it leads to an accident on set? Well, they get electrocuted and go back in time to Jane Austen’s era, of course! Tess and Hugh adlib their way through the Regency period in this wickedly funny and delightfully cheeky time travel romp.
Fake Relationship/Marriage of Convenience
As an evergreen romance trope, the fake relationship has been around for ages, dating back to William Shakespeare, and continues to thrive in contemporary fiction. Why does it endure? Because watching characters pretend not to fall in love is endlessly fun and keeps us turning the pages. We’ve also added marriage of convenience here, which is essentially fake dating with the stakes (and feelings) cranked up.
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than The Movies is a sweet and light-hearted story about a hopeless romantic teen girl and her scheme with her obnoxious neighbor to get noticed by her crush. By roping in her annoying yet charming neighbor, Wes, Liz hopes to catch Michael’s eye. But as their plan unfolds, she is shocked to find herself developing feelings for Wes.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
With sparkling back-and-forth banter and a sizzling chemistry between the two MCs, Just for the Summer is a perfect read for fake relationship lovers. Both Justin and Emma have a curse: every person they date finds their soulmate right after they break up. Both fed up with their situations, they agree to date to cancel each other’s curses.
Meant to be in Manila by Mica De Leon
This charming rom-com combines electric on-page chemistry with delicious descriptions of food and a lovely tour of historic Manila. Lonely and heartbroken after being ghosted by their respective lovers, Sophia and Raphael meet by chance on a flight bound for Manila. By some miracle of the rom-com gods, they make a deal to help each other find closure as they navigate the vibrant streets of Manila.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman, has always been a bargaining chip – first traded away to keep the peace between Humans and Vampyres, and now called upon once more. After years of living among humans in anonymity, she’s forced back into the supernatural world to prevent war between Vampyres and Werewolves by marrying the most notorious Wolf of them all: Lowe. Filled with sharp humor and gothic vibes, sprinkled with twists and just the right amount of spice, this paranormal romance packs plenty of bite.
Forbidden Love
What could be more bittersweet than a couple who are madly in love but cannot be together? Taking its cue from Romeo and Juliet, these stories center on star-crossed lovers and their intense yearning for each other. Will love beat all odds?
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
As star players for rival NHL teams, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are locked into a fierce, media-fueled rivalry that thrives on competition and public perception. Behind closed doors, though, their relationship tells a different story—one that starts as a casual, secret affair and slowly deepens over the years. Now a TV series, Heated Rivalry has “broken the ice” with its viral success, off-the-charts book sales, and its elevation of queer sports romance into the mainstream.
The Idea Of You by Robinne Lee
The Idea of You is a celebrity-age-gap romance between 39-year-old Solene, an art gallery owner, and 20-year-old Hayes, a member of a popular boy band. Solene embarks on a whirlwind secret love affair with Hayes. But when the public gets wind of their relationship, their lives are turned upside down, especially Solene, who is vilified for being much older.
Straddling the line between genre-bending contemporary fiction and romance, the novel ultimately places its emotional core on the love between its two leads. The Idea of You was adapted into a 2024 film, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine.
Twisted Games by Ana Huang
If you’re looking for a clear-cut forbidden romance with the heat turned waaay up, then Twisted Games does the trick. It’s a crackling love story between a strong-willed princess and her broody bodyguard. Twisted Games is Book 2 of Ana Huang’s Twisted series, an addictive, passionate, and edge-of-your-seat read.
Forced Proximity
When circumstances bring two people together, sparks are inevitable—whether they like it or not.
First Time Caller by BK Borison
This cozy Sleepless in Seattle-inspired romance features a forced proximity trope on air! Aiden Valentine, a jaded radio host of a beloved romance radio show, has fallen out of love with love – until a call from a young girl seeking dating advice for her mom goes viral, catapulting both the show and single mom Lucie Stone into the spotlight. Bursting with humor and warmth, this book will thaw even the hardest of hearts, according to People.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
How to End a Love Story revolves around the undeniable chemistry between Helen, a bestselling author and TV show creator, and Grant, a screenwriter. Sharing a complicated past, they’re forced to work together – and maybe write a new ending for themselves. This was an electrifying debut from Yulin Kuang, who herself works behind the scenes as screenwriter and director. Her debut novel had been praised for beautifully probing grief and for giving readers a glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood glamour.
You, Out of Nowhere by Jay E. Tria
After too many failed dates, 31-year-old Kris is swearing off dating for good. Not even a nerdy and gorgeous stranger she met on the train will make her change her mind. At 24, Ringo knows what he wants, and after their meet-cute on the train, he knows he wants Kris. So when they find themselves on the same flight to Seoul, it’s Ringo’s chance to turn up the heat and convince Kris to take a risk. Sexy, raunchy, and full of playful tension, this older-woman/younger-man romance also delivers the thrill of exploring a new city—and maybe a new love.
Second Chance Romance
Surveys say second-chance is the most underrated romance trope of all. But love lost and found between old flames pierces the heart more intensely. As readers, we yearn to know: Can they give love another shot? And this time, can they get it right?
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell has a gift for stirring up nostalgia and untangling emotions you didn’t even realize you were carrying. In Slow Dance, she turns that lens on two high school sweethearts everyone thought would end up together, but don’t. Now, several years later, Shiloh and Cary find themselves at a friend’s wedding, where old feelings unexpectedly resurface. And if you can’t get enough of Rowell, stay tuned as her newest book, Cherry Baby, also a second-chance romance, hits the shelves this April.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
In Three Days in June, the celebrated author is at her best, transforming the seemingly ordinary into surprisingly fascinating. We follow Gail Baines on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, an event meant to unfold without a hitch. So why does Gail feel oddly hurt about being left out of the bridal spa day (whatever that is)? Add the looming possibility of losing her job at sixty-one and the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband—cat in tow—and the weekend quickly becomes more than she bargained for. Heartwarming, exquisitely written, and full of humor, this 200-page novella teaches us that life can be joyful and sad – yet quietly magical.
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman is a swoony, smart second-chance romance about timing, ambition, and the one that got away. When a restless young journalist interviews her celebrity crush—Hollywood heartthrob Gabe Parker—the assignment sparks a whirlwind weekend that neither of them can forget. Ten years later, they reunite for a second interview, forcing both to reckon with what really happened—and what still might be.
Showing you some love, bookworms! Get free shipping for a minimum order of P799. Visit Fully Booked Online and browse more titles at our Reads about Love collection. Happy reading!
THE 21ST City Council called on the 20th House of Representatives to enact a comprehensive maritime safety law covering criminal penalties for safety violations following several maritime accidents in the country.
During the regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Proponent Councilor Luna Acosta said the current laws governing seafaring vessels, which are administered and enforced by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as well as other concerned offices, are often confusing, contradictory, or overly complicated.
Lawmakers invited MARINA and the PCG representatives to Tuesday’s regular session to discuss matters on maritime security in the city in aid of legislation.
It can be noted that Councilor Ralph Abella introduced the Maritime Passenger Safety Compliance Ordinance of Davao City last Feb. 3 session, aiming to tighten the mandatory documentary requirements, including documents issued by the MARINA and PCG.
“Most penalties are covered only by administrative fines or suspension of permits, to the detriment of the seafaring public,” Acosta said.
The councilor stressed there is no single comprehensive law that specifically covers the safety and security of the seafaring public and criminally penalizes errant boat owners, operators, crew, or passengers for violating safety protocols.
She added that there is a directory of errant violations, and ensures that violators will no longer be allowed to register operators or set sail in other localities.
“With the current maritime accidents plaguing the country, it is high time to increase administrative fines, implement criminal penalties, and hold offenders liable for safety violations, non-compliance with permits, and other offenses,” Acosta stressed.
The councilor said that as much as the city council wanted to enact a city ordinance to ensure all the boats plying to and from the city, neighboring cities and municipalities that share the same sea as the city have to be considered.
Commodore Philipps Soria, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southeastern Mindanao commander, said there is a need to amend the national law
“For the past several years, MARINA and PCG have been talking over para ma improve din natin na magkaroon ng effect ang punishing charges. The result of continuing talks resulted in the amendment of fines at MARINA, but they couldn’t be implemented because they are so extensive,” Soria said.
He added that these are administrative charges and lack criminal liability against violators.
Soria also backed the push of the city council for the Maritime Passenger Safety Compliance Ordinance in support of the existing national law.
“This is a very welcome development coming from the national government for the local government to have their own city ordinance because in the redundancy of control na tinatag natin, it will not only be visible sa national government but reflective in the national government,” he said.
Soria added that, apart from Marina and PCG, the ordinance will allow the operators to comply, given that the extra control with the revocation of permits will be a plus factor.
The proposed ordinance, which was read on the first reading, will penalize those who fail to comply with the requirements, such as a P5,000 fine and the suspension of the business permit.
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