Republic of the Philippines

Remulla to overseas Filipinos: Help us arrest fugitive Co Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday sought the help of overseas Filipinos for the arrest of former representative and now international fugitive Zaldy Co. “Nakikiusap kami sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo na kung makita nila si Zaldy Co, kung puwede nilang picturan at ipost kaagad sa internet para may idea tayo kung nasaan siya,” he said during the press briefing in Malacañang. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier urged Co to return to the Philippines. He assured the public that the current probe into flood control projects will not lead to a disappointing conclusion. Co has been implicated in the biggest corruption issue involving ghost flood control projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways and budget insertions in the House of Representatives. Remulla said Co is suspected to be currently in Portugal, holding a Portuguese passport. “We believe he is a holder of two passports. Not only a visa, but two passports. Doon ‘yung may complications tayo nang konti.” Remulla underscored that a whole-of-government approach is currently being implemented to ensure the arrest of Co. He added that the DILG, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Justice, and the Ombudsman are working to attain “a satisfying outcome on the repatriation of Co.”   He said the details of the repatriation of the former congressman are in the works and being tackled by the DFA. Meanwhile, Remulla said that the persons involved in the ghost project controversy will definitely be arrested following the critical protocols of the Ombudsman which will issue the warrants of arrests. He said that the cue for identifying reasonable certainty for conviction falls with the Ombudsman and once it’s filed, the arrest will ensue. “Capturing them is not the issue, they’re in the Philippines. Mahahanap ‘yan. It is the wheels of justice turning, and hinihintay natin,” he added. He likewise renewed his earlier pronouncement of the capture of “bigger fish” involved in the said corruption scandal. ###

DILG: Governance and public service will continue amid planned protest actions The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) affirmed today that government work remains fully operational as various groups hold protest actions. The DILG recognized the constitutional right of every Filipino to air grievances and participate in peaceful assemblies. The Department emphasized that this right is respected but it must coexist with the responsibility of government to maintain order, protect communities, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services. At the center of today’s guidance is the reminder that public service cannot be derailed. The DILG stressed that protest actions should not distract from the ongoing work that directly benefits families and communities. The public deserves a government that remains focused, dependable, and present in addressing real needs on the ground. Programs on peace and order, local governance, disaster readiness, and community assistance continue nationwide. These efforts reflect the direction of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep institutions stable, responsive, and accountable, especially as reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and good governance advance. The Department noted that while demonstrations form part of democratic space, the greater duty of government is to ensure that no one is left behind and that essential work continues without delay. The DILG remains firm that no protest activity will hinder its mandate to uphold the law, support local governments, and serve the Filipino people with consistency, fairness, and resolve. ###

DILG: Unified 911 protects senior citizens in emergencies The Department of the Interior and Local Government reminds the public that Unified 911, the country’s single emergency hotline, is ready to respond and protect senior citizens during life-threatening situations. This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to build stronger and safer communities for every Filipino family. Across the country, 911 continues to serve as a dependable lifeline, delivering quick and coordinated responses especially for vulnerable sectors such as the elderly. In Barangay 171, Caloocan City, a son called 911 when his father struggled to breathe and showed dangerously low oxygen levels. Responders were immediately dispatched and safely brought the senior citizen to the nearest hospital for urgent medical care. In Barangay Sauyo, Quezon City, the son of a 71-year-old woman reached out to 911 after his mother’s nasogastric tube was accidentally removed. The National Call Center quickly coordinated with the QC Command Center, allowing medic personnel to arrive on-site and safely reinsert the tube, preventing complications and avoiding the need for hospital transport. In Barangay Luna, Surigao City, an 80-year-old man suffered a stroke. His grandson dialed 911 for help. Responders arrived without delay and transported the patient to Surigao Doctors Hospital where he received timely treatment. Respiratory distress, stroke symptoms, accidental removal of medical devices, and other emergencies require immediate action. These recent cases show how Unified 911 continues to save lives and provide families with critical support when every second matters. Unified 911 is free, available 24/7, and language-sensitive. Launched in September, it stands ready to assist and protect the most vulnerable, including our senior citizens, wherever they may be in the country. ###

PBBM, SILG commend 126 LGU SubayBAYANI awardees for advancing accountable local infrastructure governance President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday commended the invaluable performance of the 126 local government units (LGUs) that were hailed as SubayBAYANI Awardees for their invaluable contribution to strengthening participatory governance and accountability in carrying out infrastructure projects at the local level. “Kinikilala natin ngayon ang mga lokal na pamahalaan at ilang DILG Regional Offices na piniling mamahala at gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin nang mahusay, tapat, at may malasakit sa kanilang nasasakupan,” the President said during the SubayBAYANI Awards 2025 ceremony led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). “Napatunayan nila ito sa paghikayat sa mamamayan na makilahok sa mga proyekto ng kanilang bayan, lungsod, o probinsya, at sa pagsubaybay sa mga lokal na imprastraktura na pinondohan ng taumbayan,” he added.The SubayBAYANI Awards is DILG’s national recognition program honoring exemplary local government units (LGUs) that champion participatory governance, citizen engagement, and transparent implementation of local infrastructure projects. By incorporating the Most Significant Change (MSC) approach, SubayBAYANI brings forward community narratives that demonstrate the real impacts of local infrastructure projects. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla also expressed his appreciation to the awardees, saying that through their works, the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas becomes real. “Sa ating mga SubayBAYANI, Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong paglilingkod. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paghahatid ng pag-asa sa pagbuo ng mas matatag na komunidad sa bawat sulok ng bansa,” he said. For 2025, a total of 126 LGUs were recognized not only for their exemplary performance but also for demonstrating the Most Significant Change in the monitoring, reporting, and implementation of their infrastructure. These LGUs delivered transformative improvements with clear, meaningful impact on their communities: embodying the core purpose of the SubayBAYANI Awards. From among them, three municipalities, three cities, and three provinces emerged as Top Overall Performers, presenting the most compelling stories of change and the strongest evidence of positive outcomes for their people. Among the top performers are: Mountain Province, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Aklan Province for the provincial category; Science City of Muñoz, Victorias City, and Pasig City for the City category; and Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, Sumilao, Bukidnon, and Magpet, Cotabato for the Municipal Category. DILG Regions VIII, XII, and NCR were also cited as outstanding regional offices.This year’s awards highlight the transformative role of the SubayBayan Portal, the DILG’s flagship digital monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking of infrastructure projects through geotagged photos, status updates, and transparent reporting.#DILGNatin

DILG launches ‘LINGAP’; upholds inclusivity at the local level No one will be left behind. The Department of the Interior and Local Government launched the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection or LINGAP, reinforcing its commitment to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and empower them as active contributors to national development. In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a more inclusive Philippines, LINGAP harmonizes the Department’s programs that promote diversity, address the concerns of vulnerable sectors, and strengthen Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion or GEDSI at the local level. The DILG emphasized that every child, senior citizen, single parent, woman, person with disability, and every member of the marginalized sector has the right to dignity, respect, and social protection as an essential foundation for nation building. During the launch, DILG Assistant Secretary Ester Aldana underscored the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, stating, “Investing in the vulnerable strengthens the nation at large.” As the Department’s umbrella initiative for diversity and social inclusion, LINGAP recognizes the role of local governments at the frontlines of promoting inclusive governance through sustained advocacy and community engagement. The DILG also recognized the City Government of Carmona for its local initiative for persons with disability, which received international recognition during the Global Inclusion Awards in Paris. The Department highlighted that this achievement shows how Filipinos can lead global conversations on inclusion and social protection. Carmona City Mayor Dr. Dahlia Loyola shared the KALINGYAKAP program, which includes the Comprehensive Approach, Responsive Education, and Rehabilitation program, the Community-Based Inclusive Development initiative, and the Integrated Shelter and Support Services, as among the city’s best practices. Stakeholders affirmed their commitment to inclusive governance and social protection efforts by signing the tree of commitment, symbolizing their unified support for the LINGAP program. With LINGAP, the government aims to reach more disadvantaged communities, strengthen support for marginalized sectors, and deliver essential social services to Filipinos who need them the most. ###

Remulla dismisses Civilian–Military Junta Rumors: “Not Happening”el Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla reaffirmed that circulating rumors about the formation of a civilian–military junta are baseless. He stressed that the government maintains full visibility over individuals attempting to recruit personalities for an so-called “alternative government.” “Not happening,” he said in an interview with the media. The SILG noted that similar destabilization efforts have appeared repeatedly throughout the country’s history. “Lagi naman may subok na ganyan eh. It’s never been absent from the Philippines. So, it’s always been present in our system,” he said, referring to a recent account from a senator who shared that he was approached to participate but firmly declined. He emphasized that while the matter requires vigilance, it does not warrant unnecessary alarm. “It is always a point of concern, but it’s not a point of panic. It’s not a point that we will waste great time and resources over it. Unahin na namin ‘tong mga nasa floodgate kaysa tong ibang destabilizers.” Secretary Remulla assured the public that security and intelligence units are closely monitoring the situation. “We are on top of the situation. We know who are asking, who are the ones recruiting. We know what they’re up to. We know what they are offering. We know the composition of those who want to form an alternative government. So, we’re on top of it.” He identified those involved in exploratory discussions as mostly retired or semi-active political personalities. “Mostly retired. Some semi-active politicians.. Connected with active politicians also.” On the meaning of “semi-active politicians,” he explained: “They were in office a term ago, and they are still making themselves public. So we call them semi-active politicians. They’re still politicians except not in office. Yung mahilig pa rin makialam pero hindi na sila elected. Pero politiko sila dati.” Asked what recruiters are offering, the SILG responded: “Everything from position, to power, to money. Lahat na inoffer nila.” ###

DILG STATEMENT ON REPORTED SYSTEM INTRUSION The DILG is already verifying the claims circulating online about a possible breach of our internal systems. Our technical teams and government cybersecurity units are undertaking the appropriate investigative steps. Initial checks show our core services remain stable. We have activated containment and security protocols to protect our data while the investigation continues. For now, we ask the public not to rely on unverified posts. ###

DILG STATEMENT The Department of the Interior and Local Government is acting on the President’s directive following the issuance of arrest warrants linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The DILG has instructed the Philippine National Police to implement the warrants properly and in full accordance with the law. Due process will be observed and all individuals covered by the warrants will be treated fairly. The Department’s position is firm. Enforcement will not depend on personalities or politics. Anyone who is the subject of a lawful warrant will be apprehended. The law applies equally to all and the DILG will carry out what needs to be done. Public funds must be protected. Integrity in government must be upheld. The DILG will enforce the law and ensure that accountability proceeds as it should, for the safety and welfare of our people.###

DILG Aklan Conducts Dagyaw 2025 DILG Aklan, in partnership with DILG Regional Office VI, Support to Local Governance Program (SLGP), Local Resource Institutions (LRIs), and CSO youths, successfully conducted Dagyaw 2025 with the theme “Balancing the Scale: Nurturing Leadership without Compromising Academics” at the Kalibo Pastrana Park Covered Court, Kalibo, Aklan.   A total of 500 students and youth partners from 28 schools and organizations participated in this meaningful dialogue, reflecting the strong commitment of the youth sector to open government, shared leadership, and collaborative engagement.   The highlights of the activity included the presentation of position papers by selected student representatives, showcasing their perspectives on leadership, academic balance, and youth involvement in governance. Moreover, the program concluded with the announcement of winners for the Digital Poster Making Contest and the Short Film Making Contest, recognizing the creativity and advocacies of the participating youth.   The event was actively participated in by students from various academic institutions across the province. These include ACC High School and College Departments, GCT High School and College Departments, Aklan State University, NVC High School and College Departments, Infant Jesus School, the Regional Science High School for Region VI, Linabuan National High School, STI College Kalibo, Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades, and Aklan Polytechnic College. Their collective presence showcased the strong involvement of the academic community in fostering youth engagement and leadership.   Equally vibrant was the participation of numerous youth organizations that contributed to the richness of the dialogue. These include PYAP–Aklan, Akon-DA, Aklan MOVERS, the League of Provincial Youth Officials, Peer Educators–Aklan, Junior Jaycees, CFC–Youth for Christ, Sigaw ng Kabataan–Coalition, Young Entrepreneurs’ Society–ASU, Rotaract Club of Metro Kalibo, Pulong ng Kabataan, Kiwanis Club of KISEC, GSP Aklan Council, Aklan Arts and Craft Society, and JCI Aklan Kalantiao. Their involvement highlighted the commitment of organized youth groups in championing participatory governance and community development.