Author: Nouman Ali

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) Executive Committee has endorsed several key policy directions to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aimed at addressing the communist insurgency and advancing development.

In a press release on Thursday, the Presidential Communications Office said the committee recommended extending the Amnesty Program and prioritizing critical legislation.

The NTF-Elcac also endorsed expanding development funding and enhancing task force mechanisms to ensure more responsive governance at the national and local levels.

‘As the administration moves forward, the NTF-Elcac calls on all stakeholders, government agencies, local government units, civil society, and the Filipino people to remain united in advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, secure, and progressive Philippines,’ said Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., NTF-Elcac executive director, during their 9th Executive Committee Meeting in Malacañáng on Wednesday.

‘Through unity, we overcome division. Through development, we eliminate the roots of conflict. And through collective action, we secure lasting peace for every Filipino,’ he also said.

Torres said that while significant progress has been achieved, the NTF-Elcac recognizes that maintaining peace requires continuity, adaptation, and strengthened coordination. He added that the evolving nature of threats requires a responsive and institutionalized approach.

During the meeting, the task force also provided Marcos with updates on the implementation of the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development 2025-2028, a whole-of-nation approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) on Thursday warned residents of dangerous heat levels after the heat index in Calapan reached 43 degrees Celsius.

A day before, the heat index in the city was at 42°C.

In an advisory issued at 11 a.m. on Thursday, the CDRRMD said the heat index, recorded at the Calapan City Public Market monitoring station, is under the ‘danger’ classification.

At this level, prolonged exposure to extreme heat may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Authorities urged the public to take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing light and breathable clothing.

Residents were also advised to limit outdoor and strenuous activities during peak heat hours.

The CDRRMD reminded the public to remain vigilant as high temperatures continue to affect parts of the country, and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illnesses occur.

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.

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.

Philippines-Alexandria Luz Enriquez struck gold for the Philippines in the jiu-jitsu women’s ne-waza 63kg division of the 2026 Asian Beach Games, scoring a dominant 5-0 victory over Yeonni Lee of South Korea.

Her triumph handed the Philippine delegation its first gold medal of the Sanya Games.

‘I feel so much pride and joy. I was born in the Philippines. We immigrated to the States when I was a very young child-six years old-and to be able to come back and experience it as an adult and be a part of something much larger than I am is such a great honor,’ Enriquez said.

Enriquez controlled the final with technical precision, capping a strong run through her bracket against a tough field. She then won via advantage in the semifinal against Shamma Alkalbani to nab her spot in the gold medal match.

The gold also marked the country’s sixth all-time gold medal in Asian Beach Games history.

The victory came after Kaila Napolis earlier secured a bronze, boosting the Philippines’ campaign in the jiu-jitsu competitions.

‘Alexandria showed the heart of a true Filipino warrior today. To win gold here in Sanya, against the best in the continent, sets a high standard for our hosting in 2028. This is a proud moment for the entire nation,’ said chef de mission Don Z. Caringal.

With the jiu-jitsu events still ongoing, the Philippines looks to add more medals as it continues its campaign in Sanya.

The Bangsamoro government extended its gratitude to former presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. for his dedicated public service.

‘The Bangsamoro Government extends its sincere gratitude to Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. for his dedicated service and commitment as Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity,’ Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abuldraof Macacua said in a statement.

Galvez bowed out of public service on Tuesday, ending a 46-year career in government, starting as a soldier. He said he would focus on his family.

Galvez was replaced by former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Macacua also welcomed the appointment of Sarmiento, who took his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.

Macacua said he is looking forward to working closely together with Sarmiento.

‘I hope to build a strong partnership based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to sustaining the gains of the peace process, especially in the Bangsamoro region,’ Macacua said.

‘I am hopeful that, under the new leadership, we can sustain the momentum and complete the remaining priorities of the transition, so that the benefits of peace can be felt by all Bangsamoro people,’ he added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may start using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to flag improper waste disposal under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) in Metro Manila next week, General Manager Nicolas Torre II said on Thursday.

This came a day after Torre said that the NCAP will soon cover littering through monitoring of closed-circuit television cameras. The NCAP currently flags traffic violations in major roads in Metro Manila.

‘After one week, we may start implementing this using cameras and we will send notice of violation to erring individuals,’ Torre told reporters in an interview.

While Torre said that many local government units (LGUs) already implement policies on proper waste disposal, he noted that this is the agency’s initiative in instilling discipline to the public through the use of AI cameras.

Torre said that there will still be implementation of first, second, and third offense, with the amount of fines depending on the policies of every LGU.

‘Just because there are no enforcers, you can do what is wrong. We will just want to make sure that we are implementing laws uniform and consistent using the technology,’ Torre noted.

He explained that AI cameras are programmed to detect if an individual will dispose of their trash elsewhere. If the incident happens along the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, the cameras will flag the vehicle details to identify the violator.

He also said that with AI cameras being concentrated near creeks, the cameras will capture the individual for the agency to send to their respective barangays to identify them.

‘We are not doing this for surveillance purposes. We want to equally implement the law so if you did not do anything wrong, you have nothing to be scared of. If you did something bad, there is a consequence,’ he expressed.

With this, Torre said that they expect this initiative to help in mitigating flooding during the rainy season as they collect around 7,000 tons of garbage from creeks every year.

Actor Song Joong-ki made his first official public appearance alongside his wife Katy Louise Saunders, as the couple took the classical music stage together as narrators.

The couple appeared at Gaon Soloists’ seventh regular concert, titled ‘Kinderszenen,’ held on April 18 at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, according to a YouTube video posted by the ensemble on Tuesday. The chamber group, which brings together musicians with and without disabilities, organized the event to mark the 46th Day of Persons with Disabilities.

During the performance, Song and Saunders served as narrators for the opening segment, reading a passage from Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals, specifically ‘Introduction and Royal March of the Lion.’

In the video, Saunders begins the narration in English, followed by Song in Korean, as the two sit side by side on stage. Their reading, which lasted about one minute, conveyed a message about courage, loyalty and compassion, before giving way to the musicians’ performance.

The appearance marks the couple’s first official joint public engagement since their marriage. The two were introduced through mutual acquaintances in 2021 and registered their marriage in 2023, the same year they welcomed their first son. Their daughter was born in November the following year.

Last year’s Typhoon Tino dropped a month’s worth of rain over the course of a few hours, and left behind hundreds of deaths and millions of pesos in agricultural and structural damage. For some, Tino was an unavoidable tragedy and the direct result of an unforeseen natural disaster. But with questions of flood control and ghost projects, to others, it was an example of how corruption and institutional incompetence directly resulted in the loss of Filipino lives.

After firsthand accounts and videos of murky, mocha-colored flood waters surfaced in Barangay Guadalupe during the typhoon, many pointed to Slater Young’s The Rise at Monterrazas as a significant contributor to the flooding in Cebu. That is, on top of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) slamming a cease-to-operate order on the project last November.

However, after the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 7 (Central Visayas) confirmed that it lifted the cessation of operations order (CDO) against the Monterrazas project, Young broke his silence on the matter.

‘That tragedy was real, and it deserves real answers, not speculation, not misinformation,’ said the content creator/civil engineer in a statement posted on YouTube. ‘We also know that what we experienced is nothing compared to the suffering of those who were directly affected by the flood. We tried to never lose sight of that, and we waited for the truth.’

Slater’s defense

‘When the accusations were made against the Monterrazas project, our first instinct was to respond immediately, but we held back because we believed that the right thing to do was to let the proper investigations run its course, to let the science and evidence speak rather than to add to all the noise and confusion,’ added Young, putting forward an independent study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) Environmental Hydrology Laboratory at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

‘These were done by scientists with no connection to the project, no stake in the project,’ he added. ‘They found that Monterrazas did not cause or worsen the flooding. What caused it was the sheer volume of rain.’

According to the study, the Monterrazas project helped mitigate the occurrence of flash floods during Tino. Its detention ponds acted as stopgaps that held incoming rainwater, allowing it to flow slowly rather than having it all go down at once. The study also produced models and comparisons to prove that flooding levels would have been the same even without the existence of the Monterrazas site-and in fact, the project is said to have reduced overall flooding in the area by around two percent compared to if the area was left undeveloped.

‘The science does not just say we did not cause the flooding, it says that the systems we had built in place helped reduce it. This is not our conclusion; this is theirs. This study is public, and anyone who wishes to go through it is free to do so,’ shared the Pinoy Big Brother winner.

Though, despite the facts and figures Young has put forward, public opinion has largely been left unchanged, with others unconvinced of the validity of the UP study cited. Although Young claims that several third-party researchers have peer-reviewed the findings and have reached similar conclusions, all we have so far is a Facebook summary that won’t hold up as an undeniable fact.

Should the IESM Environmental Hydrology Laboratory publish the complete study and its findings are supported by more environmental organizations, then this would likely result in greater support for Monterrazas. But even then, it’s also safe to say that even that won’t have much impact on the court of public opinion.

‘We understand that for some, no study or finding will ever be enough. Grief does not follow a timeline, and we respect that,’ Young added. ‘But Cebu deserves real solutions and real solutions can only come from correctly identifying the real cause-that is, work that is ongoing, and Monterrazas is committed to being a part of it; I am committed to being a part of it.’

Reactive, never preventive

After the Monterrazas development was placed under scrutiny following Typhoon Tino, DENR initially halted the project, citing several breaches of forestry and environmental laws, notably the Forestry Code of the Philippines, the Clean Water Act, the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System, as well as lapses in their Environmental Compliance Certificate.

It’s also important to note that more than 700 trees were reportedly cut down within Monterraza’s 140-hectare property.

In short, these violations were happening right under our noses, and it took a region-wide disaster and several viral TikToks for anything to be done about it. And to make things worse, while Young’s statement addressed the flooding aspect of the controversy, nothing regarding the violations was ever discussed.

According to EMB-7 Regional Director John Edward Ang, the order was lifted on the basis of ‘documented remedial works, compliance milestones, and settlement of penalties’ by The Mont Property Group, Inc., meaning, penalties were paid off, and lapses were made up for-after hundreds of lives were lost to Typhoon Tino. Again, too little too late.

But as easy as it is to solely direct anger and attention towards Young and Monterrazas, DENR and the Cebu local government are also to blame. Frankly, the spotlight on Young has directed attention away from the P26 billion in flood control funds Cebu received from 2016 to 2025 that have amounted to nothing, and the rules and regulations that allowed Monterrazas to operate to begin with.

Through DENR and the Cebu local government, penalties can be paid off and cease to operate orders can be simply lifted. Meanwhile, the people of Cebu lost their friends and family, their property, and their livelihoods. But Young and The Mont Property Group, Inc.? Barely anything by their standards. A few hate comments, a slap on the wrist, and the approval to carry on with the project.

In the coming months, when typhoon season hits again, what will be their solution? Will it be to simply add more compliance checks? More detention pools? What about improving environmental compliance standards to begin with? Why not outright ban developments in flood-prone areas? In the end, Young and Monterrazas are only playing by the rules they’ve set.

Developers can handle the fines and penalties this game of trial and error asks for. But everyone else? The best they can do is survive the flood.

So yes, as Young says, Cebu deserves real solutions. But simply adhering to the bare minimum set by DENR and the local government won’t be enough. After all, it’s that bare minimum that got the people of Cebu to where they are today.

The Blackwater players showered new coach Pat Aquino with water the moment he entered the team’s dugout on Wednesday, in celebration of his first career PBA victory.

And it was no ordinary victory.

This one came at the expense of powerhouse San Miguel Beer-a 126-120 decision at Ninoy Aquino Stadium that Aquino will definitely cherish for a long time.

‘One for the books, of course,’ Aquino said after the Bossing snapped out of a four-game slump in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The former Gilas Pilipinas women’s coach finally got his milestone win on his third game after replacing erstwhile Blackwater mentor Jeffrey Cariaso.

It’s not much of a win for the Bossing at this stage, as their 2-6 record still leaves them at the bottom of the standings, staring at a very narrow path to qualifying for the playoffs.

But considering where he is now, Aquino will gladly take the win, which was fashioned behind the efforts of import Robert Upshaw III, Sedrick Barefield, debuting rookie CJ Austria and BJ Andrade.

Cone next

‘It’s so tough to win here in the PBA,’ Aquino said. ‘A lot of challenges, a lot of good coaches around the league and this is professional. We got to deal with it like you got to perform and do your best all the time.’

Another great coach awaits the Bossing-Aquino’s idol, in fact-as they hope to keep their bid afloat against Barangay Ginebra and chief tactician Tim Cone on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Upshaw went off for 35 points, the bulk of which came in the first half when he buried four four-point shots that catapulted Blackwater to a 22-point advantage.

Barefield chipped in 29 points, hitting his lone three at a crucial time as Blackwater went ahead 120-116 entering the final two minutes.

Austria proved to be a steal of a pickup as he registered 11 points and six rebounds, aside from the toughness that he was known for during his UAAP career with La Salle. Blackwater signed Austria after he was curiously placed on the unrestricted free agent list by Titan Ultra, the team that selected him in the Rookie Draft.

Andrade added 13 points and seven rebounds, providing quality minutes during the homestretch.

San Miguel dropped to 4-5 despite 38 points from Bennie Boatwright in the second game of his return, 28 points and 13 rebounds from June Mar Fajardo and 24 points from CJ Perez.