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2 suspects arrested over Shariff Aguak ambush that killed 5 cops

Two men allegedly involved in an ambush that killed five police officers and injured three more in Shariff Aguak earlier this year were arrested, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the two suspects were arrested separately in operations in General Santos City, South Cotabato and in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, but he did not provide more details.

Co noted that the two suspects were taken into their respective local police’s custody, awaiting charges for five counts of murder and three counts of frustrated murder.

The ambush took place in a remote area in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak last March, targeting the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office while on their way back from a patrol operation.

Co added that police were still looking for around 30 more suspects in the ambush still at large.

‘These two [are] part of the group that we believe was also the group involved in the recent grenade-throwing incident targeting the Armed Forces of the Philippines,’ Co explained.

‘They are not the exact individuals who did that, but it’s the same group,’ he added.

The PNP public information chief was referring to an incident last July 18 in which a grenade landed inside the command post of the Charlie Company, 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat.

No one was hurt in the explosion, according to the military

HONOR robot phone makes surprise appearance during Spain’s World Cup celebration

HONOR has captured the attention of football fans and tech enthusiasts alike after what appears to be an unreleased HONOR smartphone was spotted in the hands of members of Spain’s world cup-winning squad during their post-match celebrations.

The surprise appearance quickly sparked conversations online, with fans speculating the identity of the device and what it could mean for HONOR’s upcoming innovations. The sighting further highlights the brand’s growing global presence on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

While HONOR has yet to reveal details about the device, the unexpected cameo has fueled excitement among consumers eager to see what’s next from the global technology brand.

FG, Anambra govt douse tension over murder of 4 herders

Federal and state authorities on Thursday move to douse tension over recent killing of four herders in Agu-Ifite community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State with calls for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Some yet-to-be identified gunmen had stormed the cattle camp of Alhaji Aminu Mohammed in Agu-Ifite in Awka South Local Government Area, killing four herders on Tuesday.

Speaking while leading an assessment team of the Federal Government on a fact-finding visit to the community, Head of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Enugu operations office, Mrs Priscilla Madukwe called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians

She said peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in necessary to ensure unity, security and development of the country.

She also condemned the killing of the herders, describing it as ‘senseless killing’, saying, ‘there is nothing better than living peacefully with your neighbours.

‘That is what we advocate for, peaceful coexistence among all communities. We are here to obtain firsthand information and report back to Abuja on what we have seen.

‘We pray that such an incident will never happen again.’

She said the delegation came on behalf of the federal government on a fact-finding mission and to commiserate with the families of the victims.

Also addressing members of the Hausa/Fulani community, Chairman, Awka South LGA, Mr Chinedu Okafor, urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

Okafor noted that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to live and work in any part of the country without fear or intimidation.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to zero-tolerance policy against crime and assured the community that those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

‘As the Commissioner of Police has already stated, investigations are ongoing and we must get to the root of this unfortunate incident.

‘I appeal to the Hausa/Fulani community to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies. Before long, those behind this act will be arrested and made to face the law,’ he said.

Earlier, Deputy Director, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs Ndidi Omega, also appealed for peace and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives.

Omega said that SEMA would submit its assessment report to the state government, while continuing to collaborate with NEMA in managing emergencies and mitigating crises across the state.

Responding, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki leader of the Fulani community in the state and Deputy National Director-General, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended the team for their prompt visit and show of concern.

Siddiki, who described the visit as a demonstration of leadership and compassion, added that in the past, government officials rarely visited affected communities immediately after such incidents.

He appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.

‘I have lived in Anambra since 1986 and raised my family here, the Igbo people are hospitable and peaceful,’ he said.

The Fulani leader said that criminal elements existed in every society and stressed that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire community.

He appealed to security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings were apprehended and prosecuted.

Siddiki expressed optimism that justice for the victims would help strengthen public confidence and preserve the longstanding peaceful relationship between the Fulani and their host communities in the state.

The assessment team inspected the affected settlement to obtain firsthand information on the incident and evaluate the level of destruction for onward report to the federal government.

The team also captured the burnt huts during the assessment as part of its documentation of the incident.

Members of the Nigeria Police Force were also on ground during the assessment visit to provide security and support throughout the exercise.

The Anambra Police Command had confirmed the incident on Wednesday through a statement by its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Electric bill shock traced to generation charges

THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Thursday said the rise in electricity bills for the past few months was driven by uncontrollable, surge-level generation charges, which are subject to strict regulatory oversight.

Generation rate, a major component of an electric bill, is the cost of producing or purchasing electricity. This a pass-through charge paid by Meralco to its power suppliers. Meralco does not earn from this.

‘The recent electricity price increases pertain to generation charges, which reflect the spike in international fuel prices and peso depreciation as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,’ said Meralco senior vice president Atty. Jose Ronald Valles. ‘The effect of these factors on the generation charges are beyond the control of Meralco.’

Besides, Meralco’s procurement of its power requirements could not happen without the regulators’ approval. ‘The procurement by distribution utilities of electricity is affected by international fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations. The procurement by distribution utilities [DUs] of electricity supply is heavily regulated by the government,’ Valles said.

Valles said the Department of Energy (DOE) and ERC established competitive public guidelines with which all DUs must comply. These guidelines ensure equal opportunities for all eligible power generation firms, regardless of affiliation, and mandate that supply contracts be awarded to those that offer the lowest prices.

‘During the regulatory proceedings and public hearings, the ERC determines whether such contract complies with the distribution utilities mandate under the EPIA to provide customers with the least-cost supply.

All the power supply agreements of Meralco were approved by the ERC, a testament to its compliance with the least-cost mandate under the law,’ said Valles.

He said Meralco’s distribution rates have declined by 18 percent since 2014. The distribution component of an electricity bill goes directly to Meralco. ‘Customers are paying less today for the distribution-related charges of Meralco compared to more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, prices of basic commodities like food and transport as part of consumer price index increase annually by an average of 4.1 and 2.7 percent, respectively,’ said Valles.

Meanwhile, the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development [CEED] is calling for a suspension of pass-through charges, saying that these fees allow power generation companies to pass volatile fuel costs to consumers.

‘One of the primary drivers for increasing rates of electricity are pass-through provisions within power supply agreements [PSAs]. Generation companies are allowed to pass volatile fuel prices and other variables like foreign exchange rates onto consumers.

This burdens Filipinos with expensive electricity every single month. In the Meralco franchise area, 83 percent of electricity comes from coal and gas, whose prices fluctuate wildly,’ said Atty. Avril De Torres, Deputy Executive Director of CEED.

For the ERC’s part, the chairperson confirmed that distribution rates were last adjusted over 10 years ago.

‘They have not moved for a decade. If we look at that specific component of our bill regulated by the Commission, it does not change month-to-month. It remains constant because distribution utilities can only adjust it after filing an application, undergoing hearings, and receiving a Commission decision on the appropriate rates,’ said Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan.

TRINIDAD-RESCUE-Crew member rescued at sea dies

The Trinidad and Tobago government late Wednesday night confirmed that one of the six crew members aboard the fishing vessel, St Vincent VII, who were reportedly rescued alive after spending several days in distress at sea, has died.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that ‘in the hours following the rescue of the six-member crew of the fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII, one member of the rescued crew, 66-year-old Trinidadian Anthony Murray started exhibiting signs of shallow breathing, although appearing stable and showing no signs of pain or discomfort.

‘The Ministry of Defence was subsequently advised by the crew of the MV MARVEL KITE that Mr. Murray appeared lifeless within a few hours of the observation, whilst the vessel was en route to St. Lucia for a rendezvous with the crew of Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard vessel CG25.’

It said that following the passing of Murray, a decision was made to divert to St. Vincent for the delivery of the body and a formal declaration of death as well as for medical examination and treatment of the remaining rescued crew members.

The ministry said that once medically examined, the remaining rescued crewmen would be returned to Trinidad by the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.

‘The Ministry apologizes for the delay in disseminating this announcement as a decision was taken to withhold the announcement of the passing of Murray until his immediate family members were first notified.

‘The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago wishes once more to express its heartfelt gratitude to the crew of MV MARVEL KITE and all others who participated in the search and subsequent rescue of the crew of ST VINCENT VII and to offer sincere condolences to the family of Murray upon his untimely and unfortunate passing.’

The vessel departed Chaguaramas on July 6 with a six-member crew employed in the yellowfin tuna fishing industry. Four of the crew are Trinidad and Tobago nationals, while the others are a Vincentian and a Guyanese captain, Eshwar Persaud, also known as ‘Shanie’.

According to relatives, the fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. (local time), on July 13 while the vessel was operating near the maritime border between Suriname and French Guiana. There has been no contact with the crew since then.

Amanda Suraj, the wife of crew member Shannon ‘Joey’ Mohammed, had appealed for immediate assistance from neighbouring countries and vessels transiting the area.

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) has since been informed that ‘another of the rescued crewmember’s condition is deteriorating’. The sources did not provide the name or nationality of that crew member.

EAC unveils regional virus research centre to strengthen health security

The East African Community (EAC) has operationalised its Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen the region’s capacity for virus research, specialised laboratory training and disease surveillance.

The facility, hosted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe, Uganda, was officially launched on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.

The centre is expected to serve as the region’s leading hub for advanced virology research, laboratory diagnostics, scientific training, disease surveillance and knowledge sharing, enabling EAC partner states to better prepare for and respond to public health threats, including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. Launching the centre, Ms Nabbanja described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening regional health security, saying East Africa must continue investing in scientific research and innovation to address evolving disease threats.

‘The world is changing rapidly, together with its health challenges. We have learnt that a nation capable of studying its own pathogens is a self-reliant nation. Uganda remains committed to increasing investment in research,’ she said.

The EAC Council of Ministers Chairperson, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, said the establishment of the centre came at a critical time when infectious diseases continued to pose serious risks across the region and beyond.

She said lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that diseases do not respect national borders, making regional cooperation essential in preventing and responding to outbreaks.

Ms Kadaga added that although EAC partner states had strengthened their laboratory systems in recent years, disparities in technical expertise, infrastructure and resources remained.

She said the new centre would bridge those gaps by promoting scientific collaboration, specialised training and the sharing of expertise among partner states.

Representing the EAC Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Mr Ariik Malueth said the centre was among seven Regional Medical Diagnostic Centres of Excellence identified under the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework 2018-2028, approved by the 19th Summit of EAC Heads of State.

He said the centre would ensure specialised scientific knowledge developed in one partner state became a shared regional resource benefiting all East Africans.

‘Uganda’s selection reflects the Uganda Virus Research Institute’s internationally recognised expertise and decades of contribution to virus research, disease surveillance and outbreak response,’ he said.

UVRI Director, Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, said the institute was committed to supporting regional health security through cutting-edge virology research, specialised laboratory training, diagnostics, surveillance and scientific collaboration.

He noted that UVRI already played a regional role by confirming laboratory samples submitted by partner states before disease outbreaks were officially declared, ensuring public health decisions were guided by scientific evidence.

The operationalisation of the centre has been supported through the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases Project, with financial support from the German government through KfW and technical assistance from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM).

Uganda’s KfW country director, Jan Alber, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting East Africa’s health security, saying stronger laboratory systems and scientific partnerships were essential for building resilient health systems capable of responding to future disease outbreaks.

Luistro on Robin’s ‘one-sided’ remark: Impartiality rests with senator-judges

THE House prosecution panel has rejected calls for neutrality in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, stressing that its constitutional role is to advocate for the case, while ‘impartiality rests with the senator judges.’

Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro made the clarification after Senator-Judge Robinhood Padilla remarked that the prosecution appeared ‘one-sided.’

‘With all due respect to Senator-Judge Robin Padilla, apparently this impeachment trial is adversarial,’ Luistro said.

Luistro, who represents Batangas, explained that impeachment proceedings are inherently adversarial. In such a process, the prosecution is tasked with establishing the case and presenting evidence, while the defense is responsible for protecting the respondent and challenging the claims.

She emphasized that it would be unusual for prosecutors to act neutrally or defend the respondent, adding that neutrality is expected only from the judges. Senator-judges, she said, must remain impartial as they evaluate arguments from both sides before reaching a decision.

Deputy Speaker Janette Garin echoed this view, noting that the House acts as prosecutor after determining that an impeachment complaint meets legal requirements and is backed by probable cause. She added that more than 250 lawmakers voted to impeach Duterte before the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate.

Garin, who represents Iloilo, stressed that neutrality lies with the senator-judges, who must carefully hear, analyze, and deliberate on all aspects of the case before deciding.

Private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan also expressed respect for the senator-judges, saying there was no intention to offend Padilla and acknowledging his active participation during proceedings.

‘We’re very appreciative that Senator Robin always brings color and surprise and excitement,’ Kapunan said.

‘There was really no intent to disrespect him,’ she added.

Prosecutors Terry Ridon and Kaka Bag-ao, meanwhile, reiterated that presenting and proving the Articles of Impeachment is their defined role and should not be confused with the impartial duty of the court.

They explained that the prosecution and defense naturally take opposing positions in a trial. They emphasized that this does not undermine fairness, as both sides are given the opportunity to present their arguments before an impartial tribunal.

They clarified that while the prosecution advocates for accountability, the defense is equally free to contest the evidence. Meanwhile, senator-judges are responsible for weighing both sides and deciding based on the record.

The panel also dismissed claims that Padilla’s questions had discouraged them, saying differences in legal interpretation are expected in open proceedings. They maintained that their responses would remain respectful and grounded in the rules of the impeachment court.

Bag-ao, who represents Dinagat Island, added that such exchanges could help the public better understand the roles of the parties and the importance of accountability in the process.

Meanwhile, Luistro also voiced confidence that senator-judges would uphold their constitutional duty of impartiality despite intense public scrutiny. She said questions raised during proceedings-even those that may seem favorable to one side-should be seen as part of efforts to fully understand the evidence.

‘Well, we wish to believe that they remain conscious of their constitutional duty, especially when it comes to maintaining political neutrality. Let’s consider their statements and questions as expressions of curiosity rather than bias,’ Luistro said.

She underscored that Senate rules require decisions to be based on the evidence presented and constitutional standards governing impeachment trials.

Kapunan, for her part, noted that not only the vice president but also the senator-judges are effectively under public scrutiny. She urged Filipinos to carefully evaluate the evidence, testimonies, and conduct of all participants in the trial.

She also reminded the public not to be swayed by perceived bias and instead focus on the facts presented in court, emphasizing that the truth should ultimately prevail.

Araghchi: Our defense principle is ‘eye for eye’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Wednesday that the country’s defense doctrine is “an eye for an eye,” in the wake of United States President Donald Trump’s threats, AzerNEWS reports.

“Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” Araghchi wrote in a post on his X account, adding that “those who contribute to such aggression, whatever the kind of support, will also be considered as legitimate targets.”

Earlier in the day, Trump threatened Tehran with attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants, and warned that Iran will “pay a big price” for killing US troops.

On the other hand, Iran threatened to target the region’s energy infrastructure if attacked.

PP attacks changes to welfare card terms

The People’s Party (PP) has criticised the government’s revised state welfare card criteria, saying the changes reflect poor policy coordination and could exclude vulnerable people from assistance.

Veerayooth Kanchoochat, a party-list MP and chairman of the House committee on economic development, said confusion over eligibility was not solely the responsibility of the Finance Ministry or Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, but of the cabinet as a whole.

He said the revised criteria were approved by the cabinet on July 14 and so represented a collective decision. He questioned why ministers responsible for transport, social development and other sectors had failed to scrutinise issues such as vehicle ownership and disability classifications before the policy was endorsed.

“This is the second revision and problems remain,” he said, referring to an earlier controversy in June when some people lost eligibility because their names had been used by their children in tax deduction claims.

Mr Veerayooth also raised concerns about criteria affecting farmers. Under current rules, applicants may be disqualified if they own more than 10 rai of land or have agricultural debt exceeding 100,000 baht.

He said the thresholds did not reflect conditions in rural areas. According to agricultural data, the average farmer owns about 17 rai, while many carry debts above the current limit. Using land ownership alone as an indicator of wealth could unfairly exclude low-income farmers whose earnings depend on crop yields and fluctuating market conditions, he said.

He urged the government to adopt a more comprehensive assessment system using data from multiple ministries instead of relying on individual indicators such as vehicle ownership, landholdings or debt levels.

ATHLETICS-CARIFTA-Guyana to host 2027 CARIFTA Games, Barbados to play host in 2028

Guyana has stepped forward to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, just one week after St Kitts withdrew its bid to host the Caribbean’s top athletic sporting event.

Guyana’s decision to host the Games was revealed by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) on Thursday, which also announced that Barbados had taken responsibility to host the Games in 2028.

The news comes exactly one week after St Kitts pulled out of hosting the 2027 Games, with the St. Kitts-Nevis Athletics Association and the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee citing that it was ‘not the most ideal time’ for the island.

NACAC Athletics said the commitments followed the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government.

‘On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,’ NACAC Athletics President Mike Sands said during a media briefing.

‘I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.’

NACAC is expected to engage the relevant authorities in Guyana and Barbados to support early planning for both editions while continuing discussions with CARICOM leaders on a more sustainable framework for athletics and major youth sporting events in the Caribbean.