Arana keeps Converge afloat, cops weekly PBA player honors

Justin Arana stepped up when it mattered to keep Converge in the hunt for a playoff spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The FiberXers came out victorious over the TNT Tropang 5G and Phoenix Fuel Masters, with Arana averaging 17.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

That earned Arana the nod as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of April 21-26 as Converge improved to a 4-6 win-loss record.

Arana’s performance in Converge’s 97-92 victory over TNT weighed heavily in his selection as he came out with 21 points and 10 rebounds while holding his own against 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol.

‘Tinatagan ko na lang sarili ko, kasi para sa amin do-or-die na ‘to e,’ Arana said. ‘Hindi ako pwede matakot kay Bol, kasi super kailangan namin itong laro na ‘to.’

The Arellano University product followed it up with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists as Converge walloped Phoenix, 130-103, in new import Donovan Smith’s debut.

Both wins allowed Converge to closed in on Magnolia and San Miguel Beer, sharing seventh and eighth in the standings at 4-5.

Arana barely won the weekly honor given by Press Corps members regularly covering the PBA beat over Barangay Ginebra’s Troy Rosario and Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac, who were also outstanding for their respective teams during the period.

Bugna reasserts local juniors tennis dominance, shines in Bagong Pilipinas tilt

Kathlyn Bugna reaffirmed her status as the country’s brightest junior tennis prospect with another commanding double-title performance in the Bagong Pilipinas Juniors Age-Group Championships at the Villareal Stadium courts in Roxas City, Capiz over the weekend.

The Batang Onay/RSB standout from La Carlota delivered a near-flawless campaign, underscoring her growing dominance on the national stage. She dropped just one game en route to the girls’ 16-and-under crown and conceded only three games in ruling the 18-and-U division of the Group 2 tournament, which drew a deep field of rising talents from across the country.

Bugna’s latest sweep not only highlighted her consistency but also strengthened her claim as the Philippines’ top junior player today – a distinction she continues to back up with emphatic wins and remarkable composure beyond her years.

In the 16-and-U finals, Bugna sealed the title with a 2-1 (ret.) victory over doubles partner Theriz Zapatos, capping a dominant run that included lopsided wins against Dominique Calingasan and Princess Obaniana. She carried that same intensity into the premier division where she dismantled Besper Zapatos, 6-1, 6-1, before advancing past Theriz Zapatos via a 1-0(ret.) result in the semis. She then crushed Tori Deocampo, 6-1, 6-1, in the finals to complete another clinical title run.

Not content with two championships, Bugna added a third trophy by teaming up with Theriz Zapatos to rout Deocampo and Besper Zapatos, 8-3, in the 18-and-U doubles finals, further proof of her all-around strength and competitive maturity.

Her Capiz triumph followed similar victories in Bacolod and the first leg of the Capiztahan event, making her run even more impressive as she continues to dominate across multiple stops of the national circuit.

The tournament itself forms part of a broader grassroots sports development push under the Bagong Pilipinas program, aimed at expanding opportunities for young Filipino athletes. Backed by Palawan Pawnshop, led by president and CEO Bobby Castro, in partnership with the Philippine Tennis Association and the Philippine Sports Commission, the initiative provides a vital national program for discovering and nurturing talent.

For decades, Palawan Pawnshop has played a key role in grassroots tennis, organizing tournaments nationwide and helping young players transition into higher levels of competition. This latest effort reinforces that legacy while aligning with the government’s vision of accessible opportunities for the youth.

While Bugna hogged the spotlight, Anthony Castigador matched her brilliance on the boys’ side, capturing both the 16-and-U and 18-and-U titles to share MVP honors in the week-long tournament held alongside the Capiztahan founding anniversary celebrations.

Castigador overcame a second-set struggle to fend off Francisco De Juan III, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, in the 16-and-U finals. He then stunned top seed Andrian Rodriguez, 6-1, 6-2, in the 18-and-U semifinals before overpowering Rizzjun Labindao, 6-4, 6-0, in the championship match.

Other standout performers included Kacy Virparia of Barotac Viejo, who toppled top seed Teresinha Calingasan and No. 2 Theriz Zapatos to clinch the girls’ 14-and-U title, and De Juan, who bounced back to rule the boys’ 14-and-U division. Kate Chavez dominated the girls’ 12-and-U category, while Harrow Liam prevailed in the boys’ youngest group.

’He is free’: Vida admits Zaldy Co back on the run in Europe

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that former Rep. Zaldy Co is no longer in the custody of the Czech Republic after being earlier held for immigration violations.

‘I have to share difficult news mga kababayan, the Czech authorities have confirmed to us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,’ Vida said in a press briefing held at the Philippine Embassy in Prague.

Vida said Co was accosted on April 16 due to immigration violations but was subsequently released, although the exact date of his release remains unclear.

Vida said they had ‘listening posts’ that informed them, upon their arrival in the Czech Republic, that Co was still in custody.

‘We have listening posts. We are talking to some people. But there is nothing official from the Czech authorities. That’s why we waited for that meeting earlier (Monday 2 p.m. Czech time),’ he said.

Despite a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan and Co being declared a fugitive, Vida acknowledged that the former lawmaker is currently free in Europe.

‘Yes he is free,’ he said, adding that authorities remain confident Co will be apprehended again as ‘his world is getting smaller.’

Vida said there is ‘workable intel’ indicating that Co is still within the Schengen area, a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

The justice chief noted that Co was carrying an expired passport, which lapsed on Sept. 11, 2022, when he was first accosted by Czech authorities.

He added that Co had three passports: an official passport issued during his term as congressman, a current passport already canceled by the Sandiganbayan, and the expired 2022 passport.

Vida admitted that Co managed to cross borders despite lacking a valid passport, noting that inspections are rare at land borders within the Schengen zone.

‘What we can confirm is that he is within the Schengen area,’ he said.

‘Definitely, he was traveling by land. We are also aware that we received information regarding the vehicle’s registry. We also got information as to the driver,’ Vida added.

Philippine authorities declined to disclose further details, citing an ongoing operation.

‘Our goal is to make his world smaller. If I tell you he is in Quiapo, he will leave Quiapo. What I can tell you is he is in the Schengen area,’ Vida said.

Old war bombs found, recovered in Naia – PNP

Bombs, suspected to be World War II remnants, were recovered along a taxiway within the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Complex in Pasay City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

According to the PNP, the bombs were recovered at the Naia Complex on Sunday, April 26 after receiving a report that suspected explosives were unearthed in the area.

During the recovery operation, the PNP said six general-purpose bombs weighing 50 pounds were initially recovered by the Aviation Security Group (Avsecu) Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 Unit.

Further clearing operations in the surrounding vicinity then led to the recovery of four more 50-pound bombs and 18 25-pound bounds.

All bombs were thankfully assessed to be inert and no longer posing active explosive danger.

‘All recovered materials were properly secured and transported to the Avsecu Headquarters for documentation and safekeeping,’ the PNP said in a statement.

‘The entire operation concluded at approximately 2:50 p.m. without any untoward incident,’ it added.

Blanket ban on social media may push minors to riskier platforms

A consumer advocacy group on Monday called on Congress to adopt ‘balanced and proportionate’ regulation on social media rather than a blanket ban on minors, as it may simply push them away to riskier platforms.

CitizenWatch Philippines made the call after warning lawmakers that broad prohibitions may not fully address how young users behave online or how platforms operate across borders.

The group’s co-convener and former lawmaker Kit Belmonte also pointed out that minors may still find ways around blanket restrictions by using virtual private networks (VPNs), creating false adult identities or shifting to private messaging apps, gaming chats and offshore platforms that may have weaker safeguards or less transparent moderation systems.

‘Young users are highly adaptive in digital spaces. If access is restricted on mainstream platforms, some may simply migrate to channels that are harder for parents, platforms, and regulators to monitor,’ he said in a statement.

‘That may risk displacing harm rather than reducing it,’ he added.

Belmonte then raised concerns about the country’s readiness to implement a nationwide ban as the policy would require reliable identity verification systems, regular compliance audits, clear dispute resolution mechanisms, and the ability to compel foreign-based platforms with no physical presence in the Philippines.

‘How the government ensures compliance across global platforms is a serious implementation question that deserves careful study,’ the former lawmaker said.

‘Any regulatory model must be workable not only in principle, but also in practice,’ he added.

Belmonte also further noted that social media platforms currently serve multiple roles beyond entertainment, including communication, education, news access, skills development, e-commerce and even livelihood opportunities for millions of Filipinos.

Hence, any policy affecting this access should consider the broader implications for not just for minors and students, but microentrepreneurs, creators and ordinary consumers.

According to CitizenWatch, the government should adopt a more targeted framework centered on platform accountability and child safety standards.

These include safer default settings for minors, stronger parental controls, time management tools, transparent reporting systems, digital literacy education, and stricter enforcement of existing consumer protection and data privacy laws.

Belmonte said continued dialogue among lawmakers, parents, educators, technology platforms, and civil society would also be essential in crafting measures that genuinely protect young users while remaining responsive to the realities of the digital age.

‘The shared objective is to keep minors safe online,’ Belmonte said.

The most effective path is thoughtful regulation that protects children, empowers families and implements responsibly,’ he added.

APC chieftain pledges grassroots representation for Okehi/Adavi federal constituency

Honourable Ohida Farouk Omeiza, popularly known as Farouk Suleiman, has declared his intention to redefine representation in Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency, promising a leadership style anchored on accessibility, accountability, and tangible impact.

Addressing a large gathering of supporters, party leaders, and stakeholders in Ikaraworo, in Okene, the All Progressive Congress (APC) aspirant assured constituents that he would not be an absentee lawmaker disconnected from the realities of his people.

‘I will not be an Abuja representative,’ Farouk stated emphatically. ‘I will not disappear after elections or abandon my people. I will stay with you, speak for you, and fight for your interests every day.’

His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause as he presented himself as a grassroots-focused leader determined to close the gap between the constituency and the federal government.

Farouk explained that his ambition is driven by the pressing needs of the people, noting that both Okehi and Adavi can no longer afford passive representation at a time when critical national decisions shape their future.

‘We have been patient for too long. Our youths need jobs, our roads require urgent attention, our farmers need support, and our people deserve a voice that cannot be ignored,’ he said.

He also introduced his ‘PEACE Agenda,’ a development blueprint focused on empowerment, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and effective representation. According to him, the agenda is designed to deliver measurable outcomes rather than empty promises.

Reiterating his commitment to transparency and constant engagement, Farouk assured constituents of open governance.

‘You won’t need to search for me in Abuja. I will always be here with you. You will know what comes to this constituency and how it is utilised,’ he added.

Observers believe his strong messaging and grassroots approach signal a serious bid, as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections in Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency begin to intensify.

Bated breath as parties move to beat INEC’s deadline on digital register

PENDING cases before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal over leadership crises rocking parties, coupled with defections, are among concerns trailing frantic moves by political parties to beat the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of digital membership register.

Some stakeholders in the main opposition parties believe the judgments of the courts to be delivered this week could impact on the ongoing efforts by them to comply with the deadline or restrategise toward having candidates for 2027 elections.

Section 77 (2) of the Electoral Act 2026, signed on February 18 by President Bola Tinubu, mandates parties to submit a comprehensive digital membership register to the commission at least 21 days before the conduct of primaries.

Under the law, the register must contain name, sex, date of birth, address, state, local government, ward, polling unit, national identity number and photograph of party members in hard and soft copies.

Section 77 (5) of the Electoral Act provides that only members whose names are contained in the register shall be eligible to vote and be voted for in party primaries, congresses and conventions.

According to section 77(7), a party that fails to submit the membership register within the stipulated time ‘shall not be eligible to field a candidate’ during elections.

Despite their initial vehemence against the new provision in the electoral law, major opposition parties have, for the past few weeks, stepped up moves on the compilation of the registers.

Both the African Democratic Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are intensifying efforts to meet the INEC deadline.

As issues concerning the INEC deadline rage across the parties, the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said that there was no cause for alarm as it has put the necessary machinery in motion to produce a digital membership register in line with the electoral law.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, SDP national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus, Ayenigba, explained that the party is fully prepared to meet all the conditions outlined by the commission.

‘There’s no cause for concern on this; we are ready for the commission. In fact, the commission’s officials will be visiting our national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday for further verification; we are a step ahead of the commission.’

Speaking against the background of apparent heightened concerns being expressed by stakeholders about the INEC deadline, NNPP national publicity, Barrister Ladipo Johnson, said the party was making frantic efforts to beat the deadline for the submission of digital membership register of the NNPP to the commission.

He said despite issues thrown up by the defection of some politicians from the party, the membership registration exercise was in progress to meet up with INEC timeline.

‘The NNPP registration has been going on and we have a feeling that we will bring our registration to a close within the INEC timeline,’ the spokesman of the party told the Nigerian Tribune.

‘Naturally, we have had some members pulling out to join the ranks of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s movement. However, the process is ongoing as I stated earlier.’

Similarly, his counterpart in the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party, Pastor Obiora Iloh, lamented that the series of litigation over leadership crisis rocking the party has impacted negatively on the membership registration exercise.

It would be recalled that last December, the Labour Party had declared that it had recorded millions of registrants in its electronic membership registration.

The Kataka committee of the LP announced a continuous membership drive aimed at strengthening grassroots structures nationwide.

But, Iloh decried that the initial success had been hampered by the court matters triggered by the protracted power struggle between two tendencies in the Labour Party.

The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriaka Dickson, has equally announced that he was collaborating with the national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, to fast-track the party’s digital membership register exercise unveiled on March 16.

He described the digital register as a modern, simplified, and user-friendly platform designed to enable Nigerians register as members of NDC, both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

Members who had previously registered with the party are advised not to register again, as their existing membership details will be migrated to the new digital portal. The ADC also unveiled a free nationwide online membership portal accessible via www.adcregistration.ng which its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said is central to the party’s preparations for its congresses, conventions and the general election.

According to the ADC, only members whose data are properly captured and verified on the new system will be eligible to participate in its primaries, in keeping with the demands of Section 77.

Group calls for adoption of maternity, paternity leave

The Secretary-General, Nigerian Women in Successful Career (WESCA), Ekemini Akpankpan, has called on the government to implement the maternal 16-month leave for nursing mothers and two-week paternity leave for fathers, with full allowances paid so they can bond with their babies.

Akpankpa made the call during a roadshow in Abuja.

She appealed to the government on the importance of leave for parents, adding that it would improve productivity, as the parents would rest very well during their leave.

She said: ‘This appeal is for the adoption of a national framework, this leave should be guaranteed across board in all sectors of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including the private sectors. At present, it is already being implemented in some states, with full payment for both parents, but other states are not in yet which is why the WESCA is calling on the Federal and state government to make it equal by unifying the implementation.

‘Nigeria’s leave policies leave mothers with only 12 weeks of maternity leave and half salary, while men are on zero days of paternity leave. Apart from those working in the civil service and few states, others are not granted paternity leave in any way.This means for most fathers in the private sector, there is no consistent statutory protection, creating unequal access to care during the most critical period of early childhood development.’

Akpankpa noted that Nigeria does not have a functioning parental leave system. There is no national standard for paternity leave either, and maternity leave provisions are inadequate as the country has fragmented rules across states with different employers.

The proposed reform seeks to establish a unified national standard applicable across federal, state, and private sectors for employers, supported by clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and end the existing patchwork of inconsistent policies.

A parent, Samson Elijah, said: ‘As a working father, with no leave, I did not have enough time to bond with my child during the early days. Most times I come back at night, and the child is already asleep.”

He appealed to political leaders to take proactive steps by adopting progressive parental leave policies that would reduce employee burnout, improve retention, strengthen long-term productivity and business performance.

Kaduna group lauds Zuntu’s appointment

The Kaduna State Development Initiative (KSDI) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Dr. Fatima Sulaiman-Zuntu as the new Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

The group described the decision as a well-considered and strategic move for national development.

In a statement at the weekend by its president, Danladi Suleiman, KSDI said the appointment of the indigene of Zuntu Local Government Area of Kaduna state, reflected the President’s commitment to placing competent and experienced professionals in critical national institutions, particularly in areas that impact public health, environmental safety, and scientific innovation.

The group noted that Dr. Zuntu’s appointment happened when Nigeria is navigating complex biosafety challenges associated with biotechnology, food security, and public health regulation.

It noted that her expertise would be invaluable in strengthening institutional capacity.

According to the group, the President’s approval of Dr. Zuntu’s appointment for an initial four-year term, effective April 16, in line with the provisions of the NBMA Act, demonstrated adherence to due process and respect for statutory governance frameworks.

KSDI described Dr. Zuntu as a seasoned public health professional and policy strategist with a proven track record of delivering impactful national programmes, adding that her experience aligns perfectly with the agency’s mandate.

According to the group, the NBMA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe application of modern biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms, and requires leadership with both scientific depth and policy insight.

‘Dr. Zuntu possesses the intellectual capacity, administrative competence, and strategic vision required to reposition the agency for greater efficiency and global relevance,’ the statement said.

KSDI expressed confidence that under her leadership, the NBMA would enhance regulatory frameworks, deepen stakeholder engagement, and promote 3zafe scientific advancements that benefit Nigerians.

It added that her background in public health and policy formulation places her in a strong position to bridge the gap between science, regulation, and public trust-an area often challenged by misinformation and limited awareness.

The group also praises President Tinubu for tasking the new appointee to deploy her expertise for the overall good of the nation, describing the directive as both clear and purposeful.

The statement reiterated the group’s confidence in Dr. Zuntu’s ability to deliver on the agency’s mandate.

KSDI urged Dr. Zuntu to prioritise transparency, accountability, and collaboration with both local and international partners to ensure that Nigeria remains compliant with global biosafety standards.

It also urged stakeholders in the scientific community, civil society, and the private sector to support the new DG in achieving the agency’s mandate, stressing that biosafety is a shared national responsibility.

KSDI concluded by reaffirming its belief that Dr. Zuntu has what it takes to succeed in the role and expressed optimism that her tenure will usher in a new era of growth, credibility, and impact for the agency.

Battle for remaining NWFL Super 6 ticket intensifies

The race for the remaining ticket to the Super Six playoffs of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) continues to intensify as teams prepare for crucial Matchday 17 fixtures, with both qualification hopes and relegation fears shaping the closing stages of the season.

Five clubs have already secured their spots in the playoffs – Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, FC Robo Queens and Edo Queens – leaving one ticket still up for grabs as competition tightens across both groups.

Matchday 17 fixtures, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, are expected to be decisive. In Group A, Adamawa Queens face Naija Ratels in Makwada, while leaders Bayelsa Queens host Heartland Queens in Yenagoa. Rivers Angels will take on Ekiti Queens in Port Harcourt, and Edo Queens battle Ibom Angels in Benin City.

Group B fixtures are equally competitive, with Confluence Queens set to clash against Ahudiyannem Queens in Iyahmo. Nasarawa Amazons host Sunshine Queens in Lafia, while Dannaz Ladies welcome Abia Angels in Lagos. Osun Babes will confront FC Robo Queens, and Delta Queens face Remo Stars Ladies in Asaba.

On Matchday 16, FC Robo Queens confirmed their Super Six qualification with a narrow 1-0 victory over Remo Stars Ladies.