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Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has revealed she already made a decision regarding a potential run for the presidency in 2028, stating she arrived at the conclusion “a long time ago.” The announcement comes as the Philippine political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the next presidential election, spurred by recent declarations from other potential candidates.

Robredo made the statement on Friday, February 20, responding to questions from local media ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s scheduled visit to Naga City on Saturday, February 21. While she did not elaborate on the nature of her decision, she indicated it was not a recent one, referencing a similar consideration made when she filed her candidacy for mayor of Naga City in October 2024. Her current focus remains firmly on her duties as mayor, a position she has held for eight months.

Duterte’s Announcement Reshapes the 2028 Landscape

The renewed discussion surrounding the 2028 elections was ignited earlier this week by Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement of her intention to seek the presidency, as reported by Rappler. This declaration immediately turned attention to potential rivals, including Robredo, who previously challenged Marcos Jr. In the 2022 presidential election.

In 2022, Robredo secured 14.8 million votes, placing second to Marcos Jr.’s 31 million, according to election results. Despite their contentious history, Robredo clarified that President Marcos’s visit to Naga City was not a direct response to Duterte’s announcement. She stated the visit had been planned since January 26 as part of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, a flood mitigation initiative.

Focus on Infrastructure and Flood Mitigation in Naga City

During his visit on Saturday, President Marcos is scheduled to inspect the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, a major evacuation center in Naga City, and assess the local government’s flood mitigation efforts. The coliseum is in require of repairs, a request that Robredo says reached the President’s office, and was reinforced during a meeting with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier in February. According to Robredo, Dizon committed to immediate repairs due to the facility’s structural condition, as reported by Philstar.com.

The local government has been actively working on flood mitigation since 2025, tracing and clearing clogged waterways in response to the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in 2024. Marcos is likewise expected to review these ongoing efforts during his visit.

The political implications of both Duterte’s candidacy and Robredo’s previously expressed reluctance to run are significant. An analyst at politiko.com.ph suggests Robredo could potentially defeat Duterte with an endorsement from Marcos Jr., highlighting the complex and shifting alliances that could define the 2028 election cycle.

As the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape, the coming months will be crucial in determining the strategies and alliances of key contenders. Further developments, including potential endorsements and policy announcements, will undoubtedly influence the direction of the campaign. The political landscape remains fluid, and continued attention will be needed to track the evolving dynamics.

What are your thoughts on the potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Nauders, Tyrol – A German skier died Friday after being caught in an avalanche in the backcountry near Nauders, Austria, authorities confirmed. The man’s 16-year-old son was seriously injured in the same incident. This tragedy is part of a broader pattern of avalanche activity across Tyrol, prompting widespread rescue efforts and urgent warnings for off-piste skiers.

The avalanche occurred as the father and son ventured from a marked piste into ungroomed terrain, according to a statement from Austrian police. Despite the rapid response of the Robin 3 emergency helicopter and the Nauders mountain rescue team, rescuers were unable to save the man’s life. His son was transported to a hospital for treatment. The incident underscores the extreme dangers present in the Tyrolean Alps given current conditions.

Multiple other avalanche incidents were reported throughout the day, stretching rescue resources across the region. A “massive” avalanche was reported in St. Anton im Montafon, prompting a large-scale search for four skiers. Rescue teams, including four mountain rescue units and three helicopters, were deployed to the area, connecting Landeck and Nauders, to search for the missing individuals.

In Fulpmes, a person was caught in an avalanche but appeared to be unharmed, while another individual managed to escape the danger zone before rescuers could reach them. A group of six skiers triggered an avalanche in Alpbach, resulting in one injury and requiring hospitalization. Further incidents were reported in Fügenberg and Aschau im Zillertal, with one skier self-rescuing and another sustaining injuries. A large-scale alarm was raised in Kappl, where an avalanche potentially impacted up to 15 skiers, resulting in two minor injuries and two partially buried individuals.

Bus Briefly Caught in Avalanche Near Reutte

Earlier Friday, a bus carrying twelve passengers was briefly caught in an avalanche on the Lechtalstraße (B198) near Bach in the Reutte district. Fortunately, no one was injured and the bus was safely removed from the road. Authorities believe the bus was carrying employees of a local company. The Bergrettung Elbigenalp assisted in assessing the avalanche cone, and a local detour was established.

Avalanche Risk Remains High Across Tyrol

Tyrol is currently under avalanche danger level 4, indicating a high level of risk, particularly at higher elevations. Recent snowfall combined with strong westerly winds has created unstable snow formations prone to avalanches, even on gentle slopes. Authorities warn that snow slabs could fracture deeply and grow large, posing a significant threat to anyone venturing into off-piste areas. Nauders, located at an elevation of 1,394 m (4,573 ft), is particularly vulnerable.

In total, eighteen people have died in avalanche incidents in Austria this winter season, according to officials. Land and the Austrian Avalanche Warning Service are strongly urging skiers and snowboarders to avoid off-piste activities until conditions improve. Two fatalities were reported in the days leading up to this latest incident, highlighting the increasing danger.

What to Expect Next

Rescue operations are ongoing in St. Anton and other affected areas as of this writing. Authorities are continuing to monitor avalanche conditions closely and will provide updates as the situation evolves. The focus remains on locating any remaining individuals potentially impacted by the avalanches and ensuring the safety of those in the region. The Tiroler Linien Bus service continues to operate, but travelers should expect potential delays due to road closures and safety precautions. The Nauders holiday region is advising visitors to stay informed about current conditions and heed all warnings.

This is a developing story. Please share your thoughts and information in the comments below, and share this article to help spread awareness about the dangers of avalanches.

U.S. Fighter jets intercepted a group of Russian military aircraft flying near the coast of Alaska on Thursday, marking the latest in a series of similar encounters. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported detecting two Russian Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighter planes, and an A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The ADIZ, established to provide early warning and identification of approaching aircraft, extends beyond U.S. And Canadian sovereign airspace. NORAD responded by launching two F-16s, two F-35s, and four KC-135s to monitor and escort the Russian aircraft as they transited the area. Officials confirmed the Russian planes did not enter U.S. Or Canadian airspace during the encounter.

This incident is not considered a threat, according to NORAD, which described the activity as a “routine” occurrence. However, it underscores the continued military presence and activity of Russian aircraft near North American airspace. The intercept highlights the ongoing necessitate for vigilance and readiness by North American defense forces.

The Alaskan ADIZ has seen increased activity in recent years. In September 2025, U.S. Fighter jets were similarly scrambled to intercept Russian Tu-95s and Su-35s in the same zone. Last August, NORAD intercepted a Russian IL-20 COOT reconnaissance aircraft four times in a single week, demonstrating a pattern of persistent Russian aerial activity in the region.

Recent Encounters and Joint Operations

This latest intercept follows a concerning trend of increased aerial encounters. In September 2024, NORAD released a video showing a Russian fighter jet flying dangerously close to a NORAD aircraft within the Alaskan ADIZ, raising concerns about potential miscalculations and escalating tensions. CBS News reported on the incident at the time.

Perhaps most notably, in July 2024, U.S. Forces intercepted both Russian and Chinese bombers entering the Alaskan ADIZ simultaneously. A U.S. Defense official told The Hill that this marked the first instance of joint Russian-Chinese aircraft entering the Alaskan ADIZ, and the first time Chinese H-6 bombers had approached the Alaskan region.

Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Alaskan ADIZ: A Critical Zone

The Alaskan ADIZ serves as a crucial buffer zone for North American air defense. NORAD explains that it is a “defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.” Reuters details the purpose of the zone.

While these intercepts are routine, they highlight the ongoing strategic competition and the need for continued vigilance in the region. The frequency of these events suggests a sustained Russian effort to probe North American air defenses and assert its presence in the Arctic.

Looking ahead, continued monitoring of Russian and Chinese military activity in the Alaskan ADIZ will be critical. Analysts will be watching for any changes in tactics, frequency, or coordination between the two nations. The U.S. And Canada are expected to maintain their robust air defense posture to ensure the security of North American airspace.

What are your thoughts on the increased military activity in the Alaskan ADIZ? Share your comments below.