Jasha Gamao

QUEZON CITY—The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines solidified its alliance with the Department of Education–National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) during a high-level courtesy call on June 22, in Barangay Bago Bantay. 

Led by NCRCOM Commander Major General Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr., the military delegation met with DepEd-NCR Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Rita E. Riddle to align strategies for student welfare. 

Key military leaders, including Lt. Col. Deodelyn A. Blas of the 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (11CMOBn) and the commander of the 12th CMOBn, actively participated in the joint briefing.

The strategic meeting focused on shielding Filipino students from modern societal threats, specifically targeting misinformation, online exploitation, and radicalization. 

Both agencies acknowledged that these emerging dangers directly undermine youth development and require immediate, coordinated intervention. 

By combining DepEd's educational reach with NCRCOM’s civil-military expertise, the partnership aims to build a robust defense system for students across the metro.

Moving forward, the two organizations are pioneering a whole-of-nation approach to foster youth resilience through localized awareness campaigns and community engagement. 

This collaborative initiative will roll out targeted programs across National Capital Region schools, equipping young Filipinos with the critical thinking skills and awareness needed to navigate safety threats. 

Through this strengthened bond, NCRCOM and DepEd-NCR are ensuring that metro schools remain safe havens for learning and personal growth.

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QUEZON CITY—The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) successfully wrapped up its three-day Reserve Force Joint Training Exercise (RFJTEX) 2026 on June 21, marking a major milestone in the integration of the country's military forces. 

Staged at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, the intense three-day mission seamlessly combined regular and reserve units from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 

The high-stakes drills proved the Reserve Force's capability to act as a lethal force multiplier, ready to deploy instantly alongside active-duty troops for both national defense and emergency operations.

Under the leadership of NCRCOM Commander MGen Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr., the joint force smashed its operational benchmarks across a grueling series of field exercises. 

Troops mastered complex, real-world scenarios including amphibious beach landings, mechanized infantry maneuvers, and cutting-edge drone operations. 

The drills also put a heavy focus on lifesaving tactics, with personnel executing flawless air evacuations, tactical combat casualty care, and collapsed structure search-and-rescue operations.

The successful completion of RFJTEX 2026 brings the Armed Forces of the Philippines closer to its "Total Force Concept," validating that its citizen-soldiers are fully interoperable with elite regular units. 

Leadership from both the AFP and the Office of Civil Defense praised the exercise as a triumph for regional security and community resilience. 

With the mission officially accomplished, NCRCOM has effectively boosted its defensive posture, ensuring a sharper, more responsive force capable of shielding the National Capital Region from both emerging security threats and natural disasters.

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A horrific school shooting rocked San Jose National High School in Barangay 87, Tacloban City, on Monday morning, June 22, 2026, leaving three minors dead and 20 others wounded. 

In a Palace briefing on June 23, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed that the attack erupted at around 9:20 AM, during which gunmen fired at least 34 shots. 

The tragedy claimed the lives of two female students and one male student, while 13 of the wounded minors remain confined in the hospital and seven have been discharged.

Authorities quickly apprehended the two suspects, who are students at the school and are now under police custody as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). 

The suspects are identified as alias "Rod," a 15-year-old Grade 9 student, and alias "Nash," a 14-year-old Grade 10 student. 

According to the report of PNP, the gunfire sparked absolute panic inside the campus, resulting in 15 victims sustaining firearm-related injuries and an additional five minors suffering non-firearm-related injuries during the chaos.

Investigations are now aggressively tracking how the underage students secured lethal weapons. 

Police recovered a Caliber .38 Armscor revolver from alias Rod, which investigators traced to a security agency operating in Cebu City. 

More alarmingly, alias Nash carried a 9mm Glock 17 pistol, which is an official PNP firearm issued to a policewoman assigned to Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8). 

The Civil Security Group is currently investigating the security agency, while the implicated policewoman has been placed under restrictive custody as national authorities vow swift justice for the victims.

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MANILA—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strongly championed the rights of displaced individuals on June 23, throwing his full support behind enhanced protection and expanded opportunities for refugees and stateless persons. 

In an official letter of the President for the 3rd National Refugee Day Forum, Marcos lauded the efforts of the Department of Justice-Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU). 

He emphasized that the country must continue strengthening pathways that enable vulnerable populations to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.

The President underscored that welcoming displaced individuals is woven deeply into the country's identity.

“The Philippines has long upheld a proud tradition of extending compassion and protection to those forced to flee conflict, violence, and persecution," Marcos stated in his letter.

“As a nation founded on the values of humanity and fairness, we recognize that safeguarding the worth of every individual is not merely an act of goodwill but a responsibility of a just and civilized society.” The President continued.

Marcos further noted that the annual gathering serves as a critical platform for government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to deepen collaboration. 

He urged stakeholders to expand vital services, including education, livelihood opportunities, legal identity, and social support. 

Concluding his message, Marcos called on citizens to help build a nation where those seeking safety are welcomed with care, urging the public to "continue shaping a Bagong Pilipinas where justice, inclusivity, and respect for every human life remain at the heart of our nation's progress."

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The battle lines are drawn at the Paco Arena as the intense first round of eliminations for UNTV Cup Season 12 officially wraps up, trimming the field to the top eight surviving teams. 

The tournament's fierce format has forced four squads to bid an early farewell this season. 

The Senate Defenders, DOJ Radiance, NHA Home Masters, and GSIS Furies fought valiantly but ultimately saw their playoff hopes dashed, leaving fans hoping they will return much stronger next season.

In Bracket A, the Ombudsman Graftbusters lead the pack with absolute dominance, entering the next phase with a flawless 5-0 record.

Chasing closely behind are the PNP Responders and the COMELEC Vanguards, both securing comfortable spots with identical 3-2 records, while the PhilHealth Health Insurers wrap up the advancing Group A cast.

Meanwhile, Bracket B is spearheaded by the powerhouse AFP Cavaliers and the Judiciary Magis, who both command the top tier with impressive 4-1 records.

They are joined in the next stage by OP Bagong Pilipinas (3-2) and the DENR Lawin Patrollers (2-3).

With the dead weight cleared, the remaining public servant squads are now gearing up for an even more explosive second round of elimination games. 

The high-stakes hardcourt action resumes on July 1, 2026, staying live at the iconic Paco Arena. 

Do not miss a single possession as these elite teams tighten their defense and sharpen their plays for charity and ultimate glory, watch the much more intense basketball showcase of UNTV Cup Season 12 via livestream at UNTV Sports social media account.

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