PNP probing cops who helped Atong evade arrestAccording to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Ang has no officially recorded police security detail, leading authorities to presume that his protection came from private guards. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Ang has no officially recorded police security detail, leading authorities to presume that his protection came from private guards. The chief PNP has ordered the study of possible administrative and criminal cases,” he said, adding that even senior officers are included in the probe. “We will not tire, stay awake and spend resources just to search for Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang if this were scripted.

Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel arrives in PhilippinesPhoto shows the Rajah Sulayman, the Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol ship, at a launching ceremony at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea on June 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman, arrived in the country last Jan. 17 from South Korea, adding to the Navy’s growing modern fleet. The vessel was met in waters off Zambales last Saturday by BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols upon entering Philippine waters. “After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks,” (PN) public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said. COA flagged the AFP over its unauthorized maintenance of six bank accounts and unliquidated cash advances amounting to P201.86 million as of end 2024.

Gunman kills one, wounds six others in Czech town hall before killing self

‘CARS incentives to be funded from DPWH budget savings’MANILA, Philippines — The government yesterday assured investors it would settle incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program with savings from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget last year as the funding source. Earlier this month, President Marcos vetoed the P4.32-billion allocation for the CARS program under this year’s budget. The CARS program was launched in 2015 to encourage investments in local vehicle manufacturing by providing incentives. For its part, TMP welcomed the Philippine government’s clarification on its fiscal means and commitment to honor its obligations under the CARS program. It also said it remains committed to working with the government in revitalizing the Philippine automotive industry.

Improved weather seen as Ada moves awayThe center of Ada, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, was found at 465 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora at 4 p.m. yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Most parts of the country may see generally fair weather today, as Tropical Depression Ada continues to move away, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA noted the new surge of the northeast monsoon that brings “dry air entrainment” may cause the further weakening of Ada. The trough or extension of Ada will bring “cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms” over Camarines Sur and Catanduanes. The regions of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley may see “cloudy skies with light rains” and “partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains” over the Ilocos Region and the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.

China's population drops for fourth year as fewer babies bornA woman and a child sit in a park in Beijing, China January 12, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Security officers tagged in illegal cigarette tradeThe HPG made the statement yesterday following the arrest of seven Chinese nationals and the confiscation of P129.06 million worth of illegal cigarettes in Quezon City and Valenzuela on Jan. 14. MANILA, Philippines — Some high-ranking members of the security forces are allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso illegal trade of cigarettes, according to the police Highway Patrol Group. The real financiers include some members of the security forces,” Marantan said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Marantan said the illegal cigarette trade is worth billions of pesos, making it difficult to dismantle due to alleged protection and profit-sharing. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the financiers and other people involved in the illegal trade of cigarettes.

Stocks fall as investors pocket gainsThe benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.42 percent or 26.89 points to end the session at 6,437.78. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market kicked off the week on a sour note as investors opted to pocket recent gains. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.42 percent or 26.89 points to end the session at 6,437.78. “Profit taking persisted as investors continued to lock in gains. Market sentiment remained cautious, with the index still trading at overbought levels,” Limlingan said.

More forceful reforms in line at SEC – LimMANILA, Philippines — Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis Lim is assuring investors of a steady business environment in the Philippines alongside a more forceful enforcement action to restore their confidence. “That is the logic behind our reforms,” the SEC chair said. In less than a year since Lim was appointed as chairperson of the SEC, the commission has strengthened service standards through a “deemed approved” policy. Lim said the SEC has also acted on a basic principle that cost should not be a barrier to doing business. For public offerings, Lim said the SEC is applying a 45-day strict review period for registration statements, with turnaround time now averaging around 35 to 40 days.

Voter registrants hit 1.3 millionHundreds queued at the satellite voters’ registration site inside a mall in Quezon City on August 10, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Voter registrants for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) have reached over 1.35 million, the Commission on Elections said. Comelec data showed that 1,356,410 voter applicants were recorded from Oct. 20, 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026. Two other regions with low number of voter applicants are Mimaropa with 41,405 and Western Visayas with 44,693. The nationwide voter registration for the 2026 BSKE will run until May 18.

Rocket debris warning up anew(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 29, 2021, a Long March 5B rocket, carrying China's Tianhe space station core module, lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China's Hainan province. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued a debris warning after China launched another rocket yesterday afternoon. The Long March 12 rocket took off at the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at 3:48 p.m. Details of the rocket drop zones were disclosed through a notice to airmen, warning of an aerospace flight activity, PhilSA said. Copies of a pre-launch report were disseminated in relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the rocket launch.

Revilla surrenders at Camp CrameFormer senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. arrives at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Camp Crame on Monday evening after a warrant was issued against him over malversation and falsification charges tied to an anomalous flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Monday evening voluntarily surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at its headquarters in Camp Crame. Pulma said the Third Division issued the actual arrest warrant as well as the HDO shortly after promulgation of the resolution. He said copies of the arrest warrant were already transmitted to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies for immediate implementation. The Fourth Division has yet to issue any resolution, arrest warrant or HDO as of last night.

Marcos impeachment backer among alleged ‘cong-tractors’MANILA, Philippines — The lawmaker who endorsed the very first impeachment complaint against President Marcos is one of eight “cong-tractors” against whom the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has sought charges in relation to the flood control scam. The referral stems from their involvement with contracting firms that secured DPWH contracts while holding a seat in Congress. Among the targeted “cong-tractors” is Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay of Pusong Pinoy Party-list, who has been in the House since 2022 and is part of the minority bloc. JVN bagged two contracts in 2021 worth P24.75 million and one in 2022 worth P49 million, based on the joint referral. The group described ICI’s inaction as a “sin of omission” that ignored claims of Marcos’ accountability for large-scale corruption.

This is especially troubling when allegations involve malversation of public funds, an offense that strikes directly at the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust. What the public reasonably expects is decisive, timely action consistent with existing law and procedure. Under our legal system, the filing of a criminal complaint does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt. For the “big fish,” the wheels turn so slowly that the case often expires from exhaustion, distraction or political realignment. Resolve and file within 30 days the corresponding criminal complaint with the Sandiganbayan or RTC, which will issue the corresponding warrant of arrest for the non-bailable crime.

A long goodbyeA diplomat’s life is a series of “Hello” and “Goodbye.” They assume a post in a foreign country, usually for a tour of duty of three years, maybe four. An inventory of departing diplomats yielded quite a long list, and since embassy row is a tight-knit community, their social calendars will be full of send-off parties – not to mention National Day receptions – for the next months. I also talked golf with Teres Dabao who, with my niece the golf coach, won a club championship a few years back. Our mindful host prepared two desserts that were the guests of honor’s favorites – lemon cake for MaryKay and tiramisu for Aubrey. Those though were just the proverbial icing on the cake of an evening that was not a good-bye but a till-we-meet-again.