PIA Ilocos Region

16/10/2026

Amid growing maritime challenges, PBBM vows to strengthen Coast Guard capabilities

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational capabilities, maritime security readiness, and international cooperation to address increasingly complex challenges in the country’s territorial waters.

Speaking during the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration, President Marcos underscored the importance of developing a capable and responsive Coast Guard to defend the country’s maritime interests, protect lives, and ensure the safety of Filipino communities.

“As we mark 125 years of the Philippine Coast Guard, let us look to the horizon with confidence and a renewed commitment to strengthening its capabilities and readiness to respond to increasingly complex maritime challenges,” the President said.

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16/10/2026

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

President Marcos joins prayers for Pope Leo XIV’s swift recovery

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined Catholics around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV following his successful lung surgery in Rome.

In a statement, President Marcos expressed his solidarity with the Catholic faithful and conveyed his hopes for the pontiff’s return to good health.

“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” President Marcos said.

“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” the President added.

Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a lung nodule.

According to the Vatican, the operation was successful and his “recovery is proceeding as planned.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on Filipino Catholics to offer prayers and masses for the Pope’s healing and recovery.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, succeeding the late Pope Francis. | PND

16/10/2026

𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 | October 16, 2026

Please be informed that the 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐁𝐲-𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 along Barangay Biday and Barangay Bangcusay of City of San Fernando, La Union is currently 𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 due to ongoing Maintenance Reblocking Works.

Motorists are advised to use Manila North Road as an alternative route, anticipate heavy traffic during rush hours, and exercise caution when passing through the affected area.

Please be guided accordingly. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

PBBM congratulates outstanding PCG personnel, units on 125th founding anniversary

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday congratulated the outstanding personnel, maritime units, and civilian employees of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for their exemplary service and dedication to duty during the agency’s 125th founding anniversary celebration in Manila.

“Magpakatatag kayo. Nakikita at ramdam namin ang inyong paglilingkod,” the President told Coast Guard personnel.

“Taos-puso kayong pinasasalamatan ng sambayanan sa inyong katapatan sa tungkulin,” the President added.

President Marcos recognized the achievements of Coast Guard personnel and units whose professionalism and commitment have contributed to maritime safety, security, and public service.

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16/10/2026

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban, and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu, holds a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on October 16, 2026.