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The police have filed a criminal complaint against seven cadets and two police officers of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, over the alleged hazing of 22 plebes (first-year cadets) on April 3, Good Friday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus, Cavite.

Among those charged were third-year PNPA cadets Harold Locop Heje, Lance Elroy Guinitaran Gayramon, Mhicco Legarda Escalante, Renz Matthew Abuhan Cutab and Renald Perfecto Brunio, as well as second-year cadets James Baldazan Bandao and Christopher Fernandez Dayag.

Also named in the complaint were the duty officers for the day, Maj. Mark Anthony Cailing and Senior Master Sgt. Silverio Dolorfino Jr.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said that under the antihazing law, on-duty supervisors in training institutions tasked to directly oversee cadets or trainees may also be held criminally liable when such incidents occur.

Administrative liability

He added that the PNP Internal Affairs Service is also conducting an investigation into the police officers’ possible administrative liability under the principle of command responsibility.

Maranan said that based on their investigation, the on-duty officers who were supposed to supervise the activities of PNPA cadets were not on campus when the hazing occurred.

Following the incident, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered tighter anti-hazing measures across all systems within the PNPA, which is composed of two main branches: the Tactics Group and the Academics Group.

Maranan said that because the hazing occurred under the Tactics Group, it will be prioritized for reforms.

According to him, cadets have been segregated by class and assigned to separate barracks to ensure all interactions are supervised by tactical and assistant tactical officers.

Maranan said that closed circuit TV cameras will be installed in and around barracks, classrooms and other areas where cadets conduct various activities.

Tactical officers will also be required to use body-worn cameras so their actions can be properly documented and reviewed.

In a separate statement, Nartatez said the filing of cases against those involved in the alleged hazing ‘shows that the PNP’s system of discipline and accountability is working.’

‘Regardless of the people and the ranks involved, there will always be a certainty of facing the consequences of violating our rules and regulations, and the rule of law,’ he said.

DigiPlus Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the country’s pioneer in digital entertainment, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has formalized its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross through a signing ceremony, marking a ?6 million commitment to support the upgrade of the organization’s facilities in Cavite. Building on previous collaborations focused primarily on blood donation initiatives, this partnership marks the first major infrastructure-focused project between the two organizations.

Under the DigiPlus Foundation’s KalusuganPLUS program, this partnership aims to enhance emergency response capabilities, strengthen blood service operations, and improve community resilience across Cavite and nearby areas. It underscores a shared commitment to strengthening frontline services and ensuring that communities are better equipped to respond to emergencies, disasters, and critical health needs.

More than a building, it is a lifeline: DigiPlus Foundation and Philippine Red Cross have formalized their partnership to strengthen continuous humanitarian support, advancing community resilience and making healthcare more accessible for all. (In photo from left to right: Angela Camins- Wieneke, DigiPlus Foundation’s Executive Director; Jasper Vicencio, Board of Trustee of DigiPlus Foundation; Gilbert Remulla, Chairman of Board of Trustee of Philippine Red Cross – Cavite Chapter; Ms Adelina B. Castillo, Philippine Red Cross-Cavite Chapter Administrator)

Through this initiative, the facility upgrade will enable the Philippine Red Cross to expand its operational capacity, enhancing its ability to deliver timely assistance, mobilize resources more effectively, and provide life-saving services at scale. The improved facilities are expected to support key functions such as emergency response coordination, blood services, volunteer training, and community-based programs.

‘At DigiPlus Foundation, we believe that meaningful impact comes from building solutions that last. Through this commitment, we are investing in stronger emergency response, better access to essential services, and more resilient communities as we continue to multiply the good,’ said Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of DigiPlus Foundation.

AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President and DigiPlus Foundation Board Director Jasper Vicencio shared during the ceremony that ‘Our partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter is rooted in a shared purpose-to be there when people need help the most.’ He added, ‘We are grateful to be part of this journey with the Red Cross as we create together something that will serve generations to come.’

The partnership highlights DigiPlus Foundation’s continued focus on creating sustainable, long-term impact by investing in systems and infrastructure that directly benefit communities-moving beyond one-time assistance toward lasting solutions.

The new Red Cross building will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance service capacity, featuring a modern disaster operations center, a spacious blood center, multipurpose training rooms, and comfortable community meeting spaces. It will enable faster crisis response, support larger blood drives, provide training and workshops, and foster collaboration with local organizations

For the Philippine Red Cross, the upgraded facilities are expected to significantly enhance both preparedness and response capabilities, enabling more efficient coordination during emergencies and improved delivery of humanitarian services across the province.

‘This support from DigiPlus Foundation is a meaningful contribution to our mission of providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance. With improved facilities, we will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, expand our blood services, and serve more communities across Cavite. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us save more lives and strengthen our reach,’ said Gilbert Cesar Remulla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter.

As one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations, the Philippine Red Cross plays a vital role in disaster response, health services, and community-based initiatives. Strengthening its infrastructure in Cavite is expected to further enhance its capacity to serve areas that are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and public health challenges.

This partnership forms part of DigiPlus Foundation’s broader mission to ‘multiply the good’ by working alongside trusted institutions to deliver meaningful and measurable impact. By investing in infrastructure that supports emergency response, healthcare access, and community preparedness, the Foundation continues to contribute to building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Moving forward, both organizations are committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the project, guided by transparency, accountability, and a shared vision of sustained impact.

China Banking Corp. reported a P6.8-billion net income in the first quarter, up 4 percent, driven by core business growth.

The Sy family-led bank said on Thursday that it posted a return on equity of 14.2 percent and return on assets of 1.5 percent, among the highest in the industry.

Total assets reached P1.9 trillion, up 12 percent, while gross loans climbed 16 percent to P1.1 trillion on broad-based demand.

Deposits rose 13 percent to P1.5 trillion, lifting liquidity. Meanwhile, total equity increased 10 percent to P192.3 billion, with book value per share at P71.42.

Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is venturing into Kazakhstan by acquiring a 20-percent stake in a company with interest in a copper mine, seeking to expand its footprint across Asia.

The listed mining company signed an agreement with Silk Road Resources Ltd., a private entity incorporated under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), a financial hub in Astana and East Copper Production LLP.

NAC did not disclose the acquisition cost when asked for additional information, but only said the deal involved acquiring a 20-percent stake in East Copper, the sole legal and beneficial owner of GRK MLD LLP.

GRK, in turn, holds subsoil use rights for the Karchiga copper mine in Kazakhstan. The copper deposit is situated within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, a globally recognized highly mineralized metallogenic domain.

GRK has an annual production capacity of 8,500 tons of copper sulfide concentrate and 2,000 tons of copper cathode.

Robust industry

Data from the AIFC showed that Kazakhstan’s mining sector contributed more than 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, amounting to 16.1 million Kazakhstani Tenge. It accounted for one-third of exports.

AIFC also noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, holding a market share of 3.2 percent.

NAC said the transaction supports a broader goal of diversifying its business and growing its presence across the region.

‘This investment supports the company’s strategy to expand market capitalization and earnings by evolving beyond nickel into a diversified natural resources development platform with a growing presence across Asia,’ the firm said in a disclosure on Wednesday.

Due diligence

The sale is subject to the completion of the due diligence on East Copper and GRK, along with other closing conditions and the necessary regulatory approvals.

NAC reported an attributable net income of P6.27 billion in 2025, a 312 percent surge from a year ago, due to strong export prices and higher sales.

Revenues from saprolite and limonite ore rose by 39 percent to P27.25 billion.

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.

Angge Poyos admitted that blowing a two-set lead hurt for the University of Santo Tomas as they missed the outright chance to clinch a berth to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals.

But the Tigresses have no time to dwell on the loss, shifting their focus to their Playoff for No.4 against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘The loss hurts, but we have to move on right away. We’ll come in more confident on Saturday because our fate is in our hands. That’s what we’ll hold on to, giving our best no matter what,’ said Poyos after pouring in 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs.

Poyos kept UST afloat in the decider, but her attack error sent NU to match point before Vange Alinsug nailed the game-winning kill to clinch the No.2 spot with a come-from-behind 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13 win on Wednesday.

‘One factor was miscommunication, especially in crucial moments like when it was tied 13-all. There was a miscommunication with Ate Cassie (Carballo), so communication really played a big role,’ she said. ‘We struggled to close out the game. We were up 2-0 but couldn’t finish it in the third or fourth set.’

Poyos urged her teammates to keep their heads up with their final chance to keep their semifinal streak going.

‘It’s frustrating because we were already close, but still couldn’t get it. For now, our focus is recovery, rest tomorrow, then prepare for Saturday since that’s the most important game for us to make the semis,’ said the former league Rookie of the Year. ‘We just have to stay patient and move on quickly from what happened. We played well, but it still wasn’t enough to get the win.’

Although UST swept FEU in the elimination round, Poyos has no room for complacency in a do-or-die game for the right to face Adamson in the stepladder semis.

‘We just have to give everything, our 101%, and not doubt ourselves. It’s a do-or-die game this Saturday, and we know FEU will come back strong. We won’t just let this slip. We really want to make the Final Four. We’ll stay patient and just perform at our best,’ said Poyos.

Angelica Panganiban has warned the public against an online scam using the name and photos of her business resort.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 22, Panganiban informed her followers about a fake Facebook page posing as her business, Mangrove Resort Subic.

‘SCAM ALERT – PLEASE READ and SHARE. We have been informed of a fake Facebook page pretending to be Mangrove Resort Subic and illegally using our name and photos to scam guests,’ she wrote.

The actress stressed that her resort does not process transactions through unofficial channels.

‘We DO NOT accept payments through unofficial pages. We ONLY have ONE official Facebook page. Any similar pages are FAKE and NOT affiliated with us!’ she added.

Panganiban urged the public to remain cautious when dealing with suspicious online transactions.

‘DO NOT send payments, personal details, or booking information to any suspicious page. DO NOT click unknown links or entertain offers that seem too good to be true. Always verify by contacting us through our official page or direct contact details,’ she said.

The post included an official statement from Uy Coronel and Villamor Law Offices, which was hired by the actress as they plan to coordinate with authorities to address the issue.

‘If you have been contacted or victimized, please report immediately and inform us. We are currently working with authorities regarding this matter. Stay alert and help us protect others by sharing this post,’ Panginiban noted.

According to the law firm, the fraudulent page has been actively responding to inquiries and accepting payments without the resort’s knowledge or consent, with reports that several individuals have already been scammed.

Meanwhile, Panginiban has been generating online buzz following her daring role opposite Mylene Dizon, in which they play lesbian lovers in the Prime Video’s new series ‘The Silent Noise.’

A 40-year-old truck driver and three others were arrested by the police on Tuesday for the rape-slay of his 16-year-old daughter almost two weeks ago.

Col. Jay Baybayan, Bulacan police director, identified the arrested father of the victim as Daniel Gallano, of Purok 5, Poblacion, this town.

He and his cohorts, identified as Jeffrey Beluar, 27; brothers Ronel Laurio, 29, and Joel Laurio, 31, all from Poblacion, were arrested in police hot-pursuit operations in their respective houses.

Gallano on Saturday reported to the Bustos police station that he found the body of his missing daughter in a grassy area near Bustos River in the boundary of Poblacion and Barangay San Pedro.

Police Capt. Heherson Zambale, Bustos police chief, said Gallano told them that the victim left their house around 11 p.m. on April 11, after he and his wife scolded her when they caught her kissing her boyfriend near their house.

Authorities found the victim’s body already in the decomposing stage.

The police’s backtracking of closed-circuit television footage and a witness led them to Beluar, who was hiding inside a shanty in a community in Poblacion known as ‘Banana Island’.

According to the witness, the last person he saw with the victim was Beluar. Beluar then pointed to Gallano and the Laurio brothers as his cohorts.

About two hours earlier, Beluar escaped the police who went after him in a piggery farm where he was working.

Zambale told the Inquirer that Gallano bears scratches on his body, which indicate that the victim struggled and resisted.

The chief of police said all four suspects face rape and homicide charges before the Bulacan Prosecutors’ Office.

Community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma was among 19 people killed in a clash between government soldiers and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental province on Sunday, Altermidya Network confirmed on Wednesday.

The Philippine Army earlier reported that Sunday’s series of armed encounters with supposed NPA remnants resulted in 19 rebels slain, but it has yet to release the full list of fatalities.

Altermidya, in a statement on Wednesday, said it mourns the killing of Ledesma, writer and editor of Paghimutad Negros Island Alternative Media and its coordinator in the region, from Sunday’s incident.

Ledesma, 30, was killed in a supposed military operation at Barangay Salamanca in Toboso town, but he was in the area doing community work and immersion, reporting on the effects of renewable energy projects on farming communities, Altermidya said.

It identified Ledesma as a community journalist, editor and poet, a career path he chose after his stint as student leader and campus writer.

He served as editor in chief of Spectrum, the student publication of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, where he graduated with a degree in psychology. Since 2020, he led Paghimutad Negros, an alternative media outfit focused on human rights reporting and grassroots storytelling.

He later joined Altermidya as coordinator for the Negros Island Region.

‘Highest honor’

Ledesma’s recent work documented the struggles of communities facing displacement due to large-scale renewable energy projects, including the expansion of solar farms, windmill installations, and hydropower ventures, Altermidya said.

He also reported on reclamation projects in Bacolod City, the expansion of a palm oil plantation in Candoni, and the conditions of ‘sakada’ (farm laborers) and sugar farmworkers, it added.

Paghimutad Negros, the community media outfit that Ledesma led, had long been subjected to Red-tagging and vilification, the group said.

Human Rights Advocates Negros said Ledesma was not in the initial clash site at Sitio Sinugmawan in Barangay Salamanca. He was attacked in a separate community at Sitio Plariding during a pursuit operation by government troops also on Sunday.

‘We give the highest honor to our colleague RJ, who until his last breath served marginalized communities by immersing and reporting on their stories. Together with his family and colleagues, we demand justice for RJ Ledesma,’ Altermidya said.

Ledesma was the seventh nominee of the Kabataan party list in the 2022 elections.

The Inquirer on Wednesday reached out to the Army but had yet to receive a response.

In October 2022, the Facebook page of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Brigade called one of Paghimutad’s human rights reports as ‘propaganda’ and linked it to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. The post circulated across police and military platforms, including the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Western Visayas, Altermidya said.

Paghimutad also reported on coordinated attacks against the radio program ‘Kaling Kag Tugda,’ as well as cases of journalists in Negros being profiled or followed by suspected government intelligence agents. It stressed that these efforts aimed to hide from the public the worsening human rights violations in their communities, it added.

An unexpected power interruption affected parts of Olongapo City on Thursday after a snake came into contact with electrical equipment at a local substation.

In an advisory, Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company (OEDC) reported that the reptile had climbed onto a gantry structure within one of its substations.

The animal’s contact with energized components caused a line-to-ground fault, prompting protective systems to activate and automatically shut down the affected power feeders, the OEDC explained.

The shutdown, while disruptive to residents and businesses, was a safety measure designed to prevent further damage to the electrical network and ensure public safety, it added.

Utility personnel immediately responded to the incident, clearing the obstruction and conducting necessary inspections before restoring power to the affected areas.

OEDC confirmed that electricity service has since been fully restored.

The company apologized for the inconvenience caused by the sudden outage and expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and understanding.