Officials confirmed widespread power outages, structural damage to buildings, and the collapse of bridges and other infrastructure across the northern part of Cebu Island. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the death toll had risen to 26 by Wednesday evening, with 147 people injured.

The Philippine government’s debt burden eased in August after it settled its largest local bond of the year. This gives policymakers some breathing room in managing public finances. Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed total obligations stood at P17.

After Filipino Catholic bishops welcomed the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte in March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has now charged Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, with murder.