Author: gqSbgCfmna

A mother-and-daughter duo, both classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) in the regional drug trade, was arrested by authorities following a midnight buy-bust operation in Jaro district here on Tuesday.

Personnel from the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) conducted the sting at around 12:05 a.m. on April 21, in Barangay Simon Ledesma. The operation resulted in the seizure of roughly 70 grams of suspected shabu (meth) with a total estimated street value of P476,000.

The arrested individuals were identified by police under the aliases ‘Welnie,’ 64, and her daughter ‘Pani,’ 37. Both suspects are residents of Iloilo City and are currently unemployed. According to investigators, the pair had been under intense surveillance for nearly a month prior to the arrest.

The coordinated effort involved multiple units, including the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 9.

In addition to the 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the suspected narcotics, authorities recovered the marked buy-bust money and various non-drug related items from the scene.

Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 6, lauded the joint task force for the successful operation.

Welnie and Pani are currently in police custody.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released funds amounting to at least P92.8 million for a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, linked to former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and several others, despite alleged irregularities in billing documents, an official told the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Wednesday.

Testifying at the hearing for the malversation case against Revilla and his coaccused, DPWH finance director Genevieve Cuaresma confirmed alleged irregularities in the monthly certificate of payment and Statement of Work Accomplished (Sowa) for the project.

Cuaresma said the documents were not signed by former DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez and district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Hernandez is among the coaccused in the case, while Alcantara is a state witness.

The lack of signatures, according to Cuaresma, made the documents ‘incomplete, illegal,’ adding that the payments should not have been released as a result.

The Sowa also declared the project ‘95.17 percent’ complete but when Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda inspected the site last week, there were no visible structures aside from several steel sheet piles.

The province of Iloilo has once again secured its place as a hub for academic excellence as Royce Arjan Fantillan, a native of Oton town, claimed the top spot in the April 2026 Pharmacists Licensure Examination.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesdsy that Fantillan, a graduate of the University of San Agustin, bested thousands of examinees nationwide with a stellar rating of 94.65 percent.

For Fantillan, a resident of Poblacion West, Oton, the news came while he was scrolling through social media to ease the anxiety of the wait.

‘I opened Messenger and saw our group chat blowing up. Then I saw a picture of the list of topnotchers,’ Fantillan recalled. ‘I was in shock. When it finally sank in, I immediately hugged my parents. They were the very first people I wanted to know.’

The son of a retired seaman, Fantillan credits his success to his family’s unwavering support. Despite describing their life as a modest, middle-class existence, he noted that his parents provided the ‘time and space’ necessary for him to focus entirely on his goals.

Fantillan’s journey to the top was unconventional. Unlike the stereotypical ‘studious’ topnotcher, the 22-year-old admitted he struggled with distractions and preferred the hum of coffee shops over the quiet of a bedroom.

‘I couldn’t study well inside the house. I preferred going out, finding a new environment in coffee shops with good ambiance,’ Fantillan shared. He added that his ‘secret weapon’ was a combination of intense, late-stage study spurts and a solid support system of friends who reviewed alongside him.

The two-day exam, held on April 18 and 19, was described by Fantillan as a grueling test of ‘testmanship’ and logic, featuring many new concepts not previously seen in review materials.

Fantillan’s individual victory mirrored the institutional success of his alma mater. The University of San Agustin in Iloilo City emerged as the only top-performing school with more than 100 examinees, registering an impressive 82.43 percent passing rate, with 122 successful examinees out of 148 takers.

The new topnotcher admits that his university performance gave him a quiet confidence. ‘I set an expectation for myself that if I could do it in San Ag, I could conquer the board exam too,’ he said.

While many top-performing pharmacists head straight into community or clinical practice, Fantillan is looking toward the classroom.

‘I want to join the academe; that’s my preferred career path,’ he revealed, adding that he is also considering a future in Medicine. For now, however, the nation’s newest top pharmacist plans to take a well-deserved vacation before beginning his professional journey.

Fantillan’s success serves as a testament to the growing prestige of Western Visayas in the medical and allied health fields, proving that local talent can rise to the national stage through a mix of grit, community support, and-in his case-the perfect cup of coffee.

Sarah Geronimo, through her production unit, denied speculation that she is planning to enter politics after a viral video showing her asking fans to ‘vote’ for her.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 22, G Productions, founded by Geronimo and her husband Matteo Guidicelli, addressed circulating clips that fueled online buzz about the actress-singer’s possible election bid, or if she were campaigning for her namesake, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has expressed her intention to run for president in 2028.

‘We have seen a few clips making the rounds suggesting that Sarah is gearing up for the next election, or at least testing the waters,’ the company began.

The production company clarified that the moment was taken out of context, explaining that the video came from a live event where the singer made a playful remark during her closing spiel.

‘For context: the video came from a live event where, as part of her closing spiel, Sarah playfully asked the audience to vote for her in the next election,’ the statement continued. ‘It was a lighthearted moment meant purely for fun and crowd interaction.’

G Productions stressed that Geronimo has no political plans at present, emphasizing that she remains focused on her career as a performer.

‘Sarah is exactly where she wants to be – on stage, doing what she loves, and inspiring people through her talent and artistry,’ it said, urging the public to ‘enjoy the moment for what it was and resist adding any political color to an onstage joke.’

The clarification came after a clip circulated online showing Geronimo telling the audience at Earth Day Run 2026, ‘iboto niyo po ako sa susunod na election,’ prompting speculation that the pop star might be considering a political run, or quietly endorsing Duterte.

Geronimo has been making headlines after she consistently slammed and expressed frustration with the alleged corruption in the government linked to flood control projects.

But while she has remained neutral in her political views, her husband Matteo has been associated as supporter of Duterte’s father, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through his involvement as an Army reservist, and when he openly expressed admiration for the former Chief Executive.

The elder Duterte is currently incarcerated in the Hague, Netherlands and is facing trial for crimes against humanity in connection with alleged thousands of extrajudicial killings that were committed during his administration in line with his anti-drug war campaign.

The local government of Calanasan in Apayao province was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday due to the worsening socioeconomic effects of the ongoing energy crisis.In a statement, the local government said the town council has passed a resolution on the calamity declaration, and Mayor Shamir Bulut approved it.The resolution came as an offshoot of the recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), which found that the current situation has ‘significantly disrupted local livelihoods, transportation, and the delivery of basic goods and services.’The crisis, driven by global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, has caused fuel prices to surge to unprecedented levels, the statement added.

Several boxes were allegedly brought for former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan, a witness told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday.

Vergel Niño Garcia, a former driver and aide of state witness and ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, made the revelation during the anti-graft court’s Third Division’s bail hearing for the malversation case of Revilla and several of his co-accused.

Revilla, Estrada, and Bonoan are respondents for plunder cases, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Garcia also said he allegedly delivered similar boxes and suitcases intended for late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina ‘Cathy’ Cabral, former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, a certain ‘Carleen Villa,’ and a building in Manila.

This information was gleaned after a series of questions from Associate Justice Karl Miranda, who is the Third Division chairperson.

However, Garcia said he personally did not know that the ‘maleta’ and boxes contained cash, which he only learned when the investigation into flood control anomalies began.

During the deliveries, he told the court that the boxes were sealed and the suitcases were locked, and he did not open them.

It was also Bernardo who told Garcia that the boxes were intended for senators, DPWH officials, and other personalities.

Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Revilla in the ‘White House’ in Cavite in February 2025.

In November 2024, Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Estrada at the ‘Artiaga Building’ in San Juan. Garcia said he personally saw Estrada during the delivery.

For Bonoan, he said he delivered a total of 55 boxes: 15 boxes at a posh hotel in Manila in November 2024; 20 boxes at a certain location in March 2025; and another 20 boxes at a restaurant in Tomas Morato St. in Quezon City in June 2025. Garcia said these boxes were allegedly received by Bonoan’s driver, whom he identified as a certain ‘Joni.’

He also said he delivered boxes for Cabral twice in 2023: one paper bag in her residence in ‘Tatalon’ in Quezon City, and one ‘smaller’ box in the parking area of Quirino Grandstand, during which Cabral’s driver fetched the package while the late undersecretary was present during the transaction.

As for Olaivar, Garcia said the former DepEd official personally received the boxes and luggage from him. In total, Garcia said Olaivar has received 15 boxes and four pieces of luggage across three deliveries between 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, Garcia said that Villa received eight boxes from him personally in January 2025.

Garcia also said he delivered six boxes in a building in Manila ‘in first quarter of 2025.’ However, Garcia said Bernardo did not tell him for whom the delivery was.

Associate Justice Ronald Moreno asked Garcia: ‘Did you not wonder or worry that the boxes contain illegal items?’

‘No, your honor,’ Garcia said.

‘I trust that he would not put me in jeopardy,’ he said of Bernardo.

Inquirer has reached out to Bonoan and Estrada but has yet to respond as of posting time.

Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.

This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.

Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.

Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April-equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.

For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.

CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.

‘This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,’ it said.

These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.

Up 436% from prewar levels

This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.

In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.

Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.

On top of base airfare

Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.

‘With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts-global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,’ the airline said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday said increased seismic activity has been recorded at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon.

Phivolcs issued the advisory after a total of 101 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes were recorded in Bulusan since 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to Phivolcs, these VT events were generated by rock fracturing, which mostly originated within 2.5 kilometers beneath the northern edifice of Bulusan Volcano.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs noted that degassing activity from the summit crater and active vents has been ‘very weak to moderate,’ while volcanic sulfur dioxide emission has remained at low levels and averaged 75 tons/day as of April 9.

‘The increase in volcanic earthquake activity could indicate shallow hydrothermal processes beneath the volcano which could lead to steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at any of its summit vents,’ Phivolcs said.

With this, Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest remains raised over Bulusan Volcano, with increased seismic activity signaling increased chances of phreatic eruptions from any of its summit vents.

Under this alert level, entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is prohibited, while the public is urged to exercise vigilance in the 2-kilometer extended danger zone in the southeast sector due to the possible impacts of volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents or PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, avalanches, ashfall and others on these danger areas.

‘Communities west and downwind of the volcano are also advised to prepare for ashfall in case a phreatic eruption occurs, paying special attention to vulnerable members of the community including the elderly, expecting mothers, infants, and those with medical conditions,’ Phivolcs added.

People living within valleys and along river stream channels especially on the western sectors of the edifice, on the other hand, were told to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall should phreatic eruption occur.

Furthermore, Phivolcs also called on civil aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is still in the Philippines, according to his lawyer and spokesperson Ade Fajardo on Thursday.

In a statement, Romualdez’ camp acknowledged the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the Sandiganbayan despite getting clearance from House Speaker Bojie Dy to travel to Singapore for a ‘long-overdue’ four-day medical check-up.

‘At the outset, we categorically clarify: Rep. Romualdez is in the Philippines and has not left the country. Any report or insinuation that he has fled is false and irresponsible,’ Fajardo stressed.

‘Rep. Romualdez followed the proper process. He sought and secured the necessary travel authority, and coordinated in good faith with the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration,’ he added.

The Sandiganbayan issued the PHDO on Romualdez on Wednesday night, after a request by the Office of the Ombudsman to keep the ex-House leader in the country amid an investigation into his alleged involvement in the 2025 budget mess and the infrastructure corruption scandal.

‘Unfortunately, [Romualdez’ travel to Singapore] has been twisted to create a prejudicial narrative that he intended to flee,’ Fajardo maintained.

‘We will avail of all appropriate legal remedies to question the issuance of this order before the proper forum,’ he added.

The PHDO stemmed from a complaint-affidavit filed last Monday by the Ombudsman’s special panel of investigators to its Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office (PAMO).

In a statement on Wednesday, Fajardo said of the purported complaint, ‘We have not received any official copy of the alleged complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman.’

He added that their camp categorically and unequivocally denied any wrongdoing; and stressed that Romualdez ‘acted at all times within the bounds of [the] law.’

‘We expect due process to be observed. Once formally furnished, we will respond fully before the proper forum,’ Fajardo also said.

Amid rising fuel costs and mounting economic pressure, youth volunteers in this province have launched a relief drive for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers while pushing for long-term agricultural reforms.

On April 22, the Kilos Ko Youth (KY)-Oriental Mindoro chapter led a ‘TODA Rescue’ initiative in Barangay Camilmil here, setting up a community pantry that distributed fresh vegetables and food packs to local drivers.

Organizers said the activity was meant to support a sector heavily affected by fuel price hikes and declining income, while promoting a spirit of community solidarity.

The Calapan effort formed part of a broader nationwide campaign, with similar ‘TODA Rescue’ drives held by KY chapters in cities such as Baguio, Quezon City, and Pasig.

The local initiative drew support from residents through donations, as well as assistance from the national KY network and the office of Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan. Volunteers from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Oriental Mindoro and students from Divine Word College of Calapan also joined the activity.

Beyond relief operations, the group is advocating for the localized implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, particularly in municipalities like Bansud, to strengthen support for farmers.

The law aims to link farmers directly with government and private buyers, helping improve their income and market access.

KY-Oriental Mindoro said its efforts seek to bridge urban and rural sectors by addressing both immediate needs and long-term development, highlighting the role of youth in community-driven solutions.