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Bulldogs devour Red Warriors to enter win column

National University punched in its first win in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament after mauling the University of the East Red Warriors, 76-56, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs built a substantial lead early on and kept their arm’s length against the Red Warriors to rise to 1-1 in the tourney.

UE, on the other hand, dropped its 22nd straight defeat in the UAAP, stretching back to UAAP Season 87.

Reinhard Jumamoy and Mo Diassana stood tall for NU, finishing with 12 points each. The former had four rebounds and three assists, while the latter had 12 boards.

Kenshin Padrones added 11 points and seven rebounds.

NU pounced on UE as early as the opening quarter, going up 25-8 after the first 10 minutes of action.

The lead grew to 23 points, 39-16, in the second quarter as they continued to press the attack.

The Red Warriors, though, showed signs of life, slicing the deficit to 12, 51-63, with 4:47 remaining after a Mo Tanedo layup.

But a 9-0 run, capped by a split from the line by Tebol Garcia, pushed the lead back to an insurmountable 72-51 advantage.

PJ Palacielo had nine points and 12 rebounds, while Garcia had seven.

Olamilekan Ajani and Toper Lagat had 11 apiece for UE. Lance Sabroso finished with nine.

Azerbaijan’s fuel exports give Armenia taste of peace dividend

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan’s recent statement to journalists vividly demonstrates the net benefits that freeing societies from the economic burden of regional conflicts and establishing trade relations in conditions of peace can bring. According to the minister, as a result of the start of fuel imports from Azerbaijan to Armenia, fuel prices in the country have been kept at a level below the sharp pace of increases in global markets. In economic terms, Azerbaijan has prevented a supply-side inflation shock in Armenia through its energy resources.

Of course, assessing the outcome of this process merely as a reduction in citizens’ daily transportation and commuting costs would be to see only the superficial side of the issue. When viewed from a deeper macroeconomic perspective, the picture becomes clearer.

As is known, following the Second Karabakh War (2020) and Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its sovereignty in September 2023, the geopolitical stagnation that had persisted in the South Caucasus for decades was disrupted. The phase of conflict that began in 1988-before the collapse of the Soviet Union-with Yerevan’s territorial claims against Karabakh and inflicted heavy socioeconomic losses on both sides came to an end. Armenia being compelled toward peace and the post-conflict realities opened the door to limited but strategically significant trade contacts between the sides.

The first fruits of these contacts became visible at a time when a global inflationary wave was raging. After the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains around the world, followed by geopolitical crises, fueled mass inflation. As a rule, the economies of developing countries are more vulnerable to macroeconomic factors and external shocks than those of developed countries. The world has still not fully recovered from the negative effects of the inflationary wave that began with COVID-19.

In economics, inflation is often referred to as an ‘unfair’ or ‘regressive tax.’ This is because it is a mechanism that is not officially regulated but ruthlessly erodes the purchasing power of the population, particularly low- and middle-income groups. In developing countries, food products constitute a large share of the inflation basket. Food inflation, in turn, directly intersects with fuel prices. Every stage, from planting and harvesting a product in the field to its processing, delivery to supermarket shelves, and arrival on the consumer’s table, is linked to transportation and energy costs.

Therefore, although Armenian officials may refrain from openly acknowledging it, fuel imported from Azerbaijan has significantly curbed overall inflationary pressures in Armenia and prevented a sharp jump in food prices. Every specialist familiar with the fundamental laws of economics can confirm that securing fuel from a cheaper and logistically advantageous source reduces production and delivery costs in a country, thereby directly supporting macroeconomic stability.

Now, let us imagine the bigger picture for a moment: If a final peace agreement is signed between the two countries, communications are opened, and trade relations are fully restored, how much could the regional economy benefit from this?

For years, Armenia, having become a hostage to its irredentist and occupation policies, allocated more than 5% of its GDP to military expenditures and, by this measure, became one of the most militarized countries in Europe. The elimination of the risk of war allows Armenia to reduce the burden of unproductive military spending and direct these resources toward education, healthcare, and socioeconomic infrastructure projects.

At the same time, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Azerbaijan as a regional logistics hub and energy center could help Armenia move away from its status as an isolated ‘economic island.’ Peace is not simply about disarmament; peace means the opening of transit routes, a sharp reduction in logistics costs, diversification of markets, and the inflow of foreign direct investment into the region.

If a peace agreement is concluded and all communications are opened, this will directly contribute to increased production volumes in both countries, the creation of new jobs, and economic growth. Establishing direct trade relations between neighboring countries primarily creates high profitability and a competitive advantage by minimizing logistical distances and transportation costs.

It is no coincidence that when we look at the geographical distribution of Azerbaijan’s foreign trade in the non-oil sector, we see that geographically close neighboring countries account for a significant share. Regional partners such as Russia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are among the top ten destinations in our export portfolio. With the restoration of communications and the liberalization of the trade regime, it is entirely realistic for Armenia to join this list as well. This would mean not only capital flows, but also increased business activity in border regions and the creation of thousands of new jobs on both sides.

We hope that Yerevan will free itself from the illusions of supporters of external policies, draw the right lessons from its history, and permanently abandon its irredentist claims. With the realization of Azerbaijan’s proposed peace agenda, the period of conflict that for decades led to the loss of human resources and the destruction of national wealth will be left behind, and the South Caucasus will enter a new development trajectory based on mutual economic benefit.

Village chief surrenders nephew wanted for drugs

A village chairman surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) his nephew who had been wanted for drug charges in this city on Tuesday.

Jaime Bustarde, chief of Barangay City Camp Proper, tapped the help of his sister, Lily Flora, in persuading their nephew, Jayson Sumera, to surrender.

Judge Maria Ligaya Rivera of the Baguio Regional Trial Court Branch 5 on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Sumera, who was wanted for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

After failing to find Sumera in his known address, the NBI sought the assistance of Bustarde, who asked his sister to bring their nephew to the barangay hall, where the suspect was arrested.

Gunda Power’s CSR initiative illuminates children’s futures through solar energy

From left Gunda Power Ltd., Managing Director Nirash-Goonewardena, Nonperiyal, Balangoda, R/B Vivegananda School Principal K. Amith Sanju, Gunda Power Director Dr. Nevil Goonewardena, Sustainable Energy Authority Project Head Padmadewa and Gunda Power Director Tracy Cao

Through its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘From Light to Life,’ Gunda Power is working to transform rural education in Sri Lanka by providing clean, reliable, and sustainable solar energy solutions to schools and communities.

Recognising the importance of equal educational opportunities, Gunda Power introduced the ‘From Light to Life’ initiative as a long-term social transformation programme that goes beyond solar panel installation. The initiative combines clean energy, educational development, environmental responsibility, and community participation to create sustainable benefits for future generations.

The first school selected under this initiative was R/B Vivegananda School, Nonperiyal, Balangoda, based on its rural location, economic challenges faced by students’ families, and the positive impact that access to clean solar energy could create. The school provides education from Grade 1 to Grade 9 for 38 students, including 20 boys and 18 girls, supported by 9 teachers and 4 non-academic staff members.

Through the installation of a solar power system, Gunda Power aims to reduce the school’s electricity expenses while improving the educational environment. The project will provide students with better access to digital learning resources, increase awareness of renewable energy, and encourage sustainable practices. By reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, the initiative also contributes to lowering carbon emissions and promoting environmental responsibility among students, teachers, and the wider community.

The vision behind ‘From Light to Life’ is that light represents more than electricity; it represents knowledge, hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. The program follows the principle:

Social Impact = (Clean Energy + Educational Development + Community Participation) × Long-Term Sustainability

This approach ensures that each project creates lasting benefits beyond the initial solar installation. Gunda Power aims to empower 10 rural schools by 2030, supporting thousands of students and helping develop environmentally responsible ‘Green Schools’ across Sri Lanka.

Each project begins by identifying schools with the greatest need, assessing their energy requirements, and designing suitable solar solutions. The programme continues with renewable energy awareness, sustainability education, and community involvement to ensure long-term success. All solar systems under this initiative are installed by Sunterra, Gunda Power’s trusted technical partner, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality renewable energy solutions. This hybrid solar system provides the school with uninterrupted access to electricity.

When illness evicts vanity

job with a strict dress code-and a boss who lives inside your bathroom mirror. Every morning, I face this boss, sighing at my thin, sparse hair and darker complexion-parting gifts from treatments and medication. I used to devote so much time and effort to dressing up, accessorizing and applying makeup-a dramatic production with me as director, star and harshest critic.

And then cancer renegotiated my priorities.

Nothing humbles this habit quite like serious illness. When your body decides to lose most of its hair, its glow or even the ability to stand upright, your inner diva quietly packs her bags and leaves. You realize that obsessing over a pore was a luxury reserved for the perfectly well, and surviving becomes much easier when you stop worrying about audience reviews.

In the past, mirrors were a battlefield. I didn’t just look. I audited. I tilted my chin to inspect every blemish. I applied three different serums before bedtime, hoping to reverse ‘the environment.’ Clothes shopping was my sport: fashion, my creative outlet. My hair was like a moody celebrity client. If one strand refused to cooperate, out came the gels and accessories to tame the rebellious traitor. After retiring from the corporate world, I gave away tons of clothes, shoes and accessories. The unexpected lightness I felt after decluttering was a quiet acceptance and affirmation of who I am now.

After most of my hair started to fall, I decided to wear a wig to feel normal. I’m not bald, but have lost much of my hair. At first, every fallen strand felt like another sad goodbye. I would throw the hair into a trash bag, disposing of evidence that made the loss feel less real. Eventually, I stopped caring. Peace arrived the day I realized I was spending more energy grieving my hair than celebrating the fact that I was still alive.

Sunblock, a light dusting of face powder, hair clips to style my wig, and a face mask to help protect me from infection are my new essentials. Light makeup is reserved for lunch dates with friends and nights out.

Illness has a remarkable way of stripping away the superficial. When your hair starts thinning, your skin darkens and your energy often runs out, the vanity factory simply goes out of business.

Your relationship with the mirror changes completely. You catch a glimpse of your nearly bare head and, instead of panicking, feel a sense of relief. The woman looking back no longer resembles the one you remember, yet she looks braver. You cannot fight illness and a bad hair day at the same time.

When survival becomes the goal, you discover that your worth was never tied to a full head of hair or flawless skin. Perhaps that is what God had been gently teaching me-that our value is never found in the mirror but lovingly placed within us long before we worried about wrinkles or appearances. Hardly-there hair and a tired face, it turns out, can be an exceptionally practical look. It requires almost no maintenance and lets you nap at a moment’s notice.

The true sign that life is returning to normal isn’t simply the return of your appetite. It is the unexpected desire to check whether your eyebrows look okay.

Vanity has returned like an old friend who disappeared during a crisis, then suddenly texts you when the drama is over. I find myself reaching for lipstick or styling my hair with colorful clips and I can’t help but giggle. Wanting to look good is a deeply human way of saying I’m ready to participate in the world again.

Today, I welcome vanity back-but as a pleasant visitor rather than a demanding supervisor. The mirror still greets me every morning, but it no longer gets the

Villar family faces graft complaints over PrimeWater deals

The Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal and administrative complaints against members of the Villar family yesterday over allegedly disadvantageous joint venture agreements of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. with local water districts.

Two counts of graft and administrative complaints – stemming from alleged poor water services – are now under preliminary investigation against Senators Camille and Mark Villar, their brother Paolo and their parents, former senators Manny and Cynthia Villar.

The Villars were identified by the Office of the Ombudsman as the owners of PrimeWater during the period being investigated.

Also included in the complaints are officers of PrimeWater, as well as local water district officials.

‘This is for violation of section 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This is the initial list and there are still more water districts under investigation, and expectantly more cases in the pipeline,’ Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the investigation stemmed from a report received by the anti-graft body from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), which stated that a total of 75 local water districts had entered into joint venture agreements with PrimeWater from 2015 to 2022.

These agreements cover the financing, development, rehabilitation, expansion, improvement, operation and maintenance of water supply and septage services in their respective jurisdictions.

The OGCC said PrimeWater failed to supply uninterrupted water service and even provided water that allegedly failed to meet drinking water standards, among other complaints against the company.

The anti-graft body also pointed out that such shortcomings have likewise been subject to complaints by the public and widely reported by various media outlets.

It also cited records from the Commission on Audit which show that adverse findings resulted in the issuance of notices of charge.?The anti-graft body said the COA had flagged PrimeWater’s non-payment for the use or consumption of materials and supplies inventory of the local water districts, amounting to over P65.6 million.

The initial list includes Quezon Metro Water District, Trece Martires City Water District and San Pedro (Laguna) Water District.

The ombudsman said the acts may constitute malversation of public funds, while acts of government personnel involved may constitute grave misconduct under Rule 10, Section 50(A), No. 3 of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases on the Civil Service.

‘This is only the initial list, and the ombudsman expects further investigation and the filing of additional complaints,’ it said in a separate statement.

‘The ombudsman will pursue accountability wherever government resources and public interests are placed at a disadvantage – regardless of who is involved or how high their position may be. The public’s right to reliable and adequate water services must be protected,’ the office added.

Villar: We respect the legal process

Manny Villar, in a statement yesterday, expressed confidence that they can successfully defend themselves against the graft complaints, vowing to answer the allegations in the proper forum.

‘We respect the legal process and will respond to the complaints at the appropriate time and in the proper forum,’ Villar said.

‘We are confident that, once given the opportunity to examine the allegations and the evidence supporting them, we will be able to fully and properly defend our rights and address the matters raised against us,’ he added.

DFA: No asylum info on Zaldy Co, Harry Roque

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cannot verify the asylum status of former congressman Zaldy Co and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque in Europe due to the region’s strict privacy regulations.

During the DFA’s budget hearing yesterday, Senate foreign affairs committee chairman Sen. Erwin Tulfo pressed Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro on whether countries like France notify the Philippine government when a citizen applies for asylum.

‘Mr. Chair, the European Union, France included, has very strict privacy issues. So if he has filed for asylum, we will not be given information because this is their law,’ Lazaro explained.

She noted that the Philippine embassies are denied this information upon inquiry, adding that the same restrictions apply to Austria regarding Roque’s status.

The DFA only learned of Co’s whereabouts through a tip from another European official.

‘I think in the past, we only learned that Mr. Co is in France because it was mentioned to me by the minister of… Czech Republic,’ Lazaro told the panel.

‘The foreign minister told me, he was taken and was already in France. That was the only information,’ she added.

When Tulfo asked if the DFA could confirm reports that Roque’s asylum bid in Austria was denied, Lazaro reiterated that the Philippine embassy in Vienna has ‘no information at all’ due to the host country’s basic tenets of strict privacy.

To address these legal barriers, Lazaro stated that the DFA consistently requests three key agreements during bilateral political consultations: extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance.

However, she admitted that the Philippines currently lacks these specific treaties with the European countries involved.

’Deep dark web’ influenced South Cotabato school shooter – DILG

The student who opened fire at Banga National High School in South Cotabato had been heavily involved in activities on the ‘deep dark web,’ the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators also found notes on the 14-year-old student’s cellphone detailing his depression, as well as evidence of his heavy social media and internet activity involving violent content.

‘Upon investigation, he was heavily into the deep dark web. He was into the deep dark web, which influenced him,’ the DILG chief said in a press briefing on Saturday, September 19.

‘According to his phone, he left several notes detailing his depression at tuloy-tuloy ito,’ he added.

(According to his phone, he left several notes detailing his depression and this went on.)

Remulla said the student’s parents had noticed signs as early as April 2026 and tried to intervene.

Parents urged to watch for warning signs

The DILG chief urged parents to pay attention to their children’s online activities and watch for signs of depression, saying families should seek professional help when needed.

‘Depression is real. Depression among kids is real. And we must give the warning signs and we must give access to proper psychiatric health care,’ Remulla said.

Remulla said parents can approach local government officials so children can receive psychiatric assessment at municipal or provincial hospitals.

‘It starts [at] home,’ he said.

The DILG chief also warned parents about the type of content their children can access online, including violent material and online communities that could encourage criminal behavior.

‘Tingnan ninyo. It is not a privacy issue. Anak n’yo ‘yan… Nalulublob sila sa malalalim at madidilim na websites,’ he said.

(Look at what they are doing. It is not a privacy issue. They are your children… They are immersing themselves in deep and dark websites.)

Three killed, several injured

The shooting happened at around 1 p.m. Friday, September 18.

Three people were killed in the incident, including the shooter, while the number of those injured was reported at six to eight as authorities provided updates. Most of the casualties were students.

Authorities cordoned off the classrooms where the shooting took place as investigators processed the scene.

The firearm used in the attack belonged to the student’s father, a Department of Education disaster risk reduction officer, according to Remulla.

The father had three licensed firearms that were not properly secured, allowing the student to access and take one of them, he said.

‘Mayroon siyang tatlong licensed firearms na hindi secured enough na nabuksan ng bata at kinuha ‘yung baril,’ Remulla said.

(He had three licensed firearms that were not secured well enough, allowing the child to open them and take one of the guns.)

Remulla said the incident was the third case he had encountered in which an improperly secured firearm was used.

Police examine student’s gadgets

In the same press briefing, Philippine National Police chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators were examining the student’s actions and personal belongings to determine what led to the shooting.

‘For one thing, hindi natin mabasa ang pag-iisip ng isang tao but we can investigate or look into the actions before these incidents,’ Nartatez said.

(For one thing, we cannot read a person’s mind, but we can investigate or look into their actions before these incidents.)

Police are examining the student’s notes, cellphone, gadgets and other personal effects for possible forensic evidence.

‘Record shows that he’s into heavy activities with the social media as well as internet activities showing violent activities,’ Nartatez said.

Authorities earlier said the Grade 9 student allegedly warned classmates before the attack.

He reportedly told them to go home after lunch because he would do something that could put them in danger. His classmates, however, thought he was joking. The student later left his classroom and opened fire in an adjacent classroom.

The South Cotabato shooting happened less than three months after a June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two students allegedly opened fire, killing at least three schoolmates and injuring around 20 others.

On August 18, another school shooting was reported at the junior high school building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where a student armed with two pistols allegedly shot and killed a schoolmate.

Filipino Elite braces for fierce Damosa Land 5150 duel

Rising Filipino endurance stars James Earl Ting, Edgie Arances and Anisha Eunice Caluya take center stage in a frenetic battle for the Filipino Elite crowns as the Damosa Land 5150 unwraps Sunday in Samal Island, Davao del Norte.

Ting and Arances are expected to engage in a fierce men’s duel, while Caluya headlines the women’s side as the country’s emerging elite triathletes vie for top honors on the Olympic-distance course featuring a 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run.

Beyond the medals, however, the Filipino Elite Category provides a vital platform for the country’s next generation of endurance racing stars. The specialized division gives top-tier local athletes and national team members an opportunity to test themselves in championship conditions while sharpening the speed, race strategy and competitive experience needed for bigger domestic and international battles.

EDITORIAL – Unsafe for learning

Just two weeks after the Department of Education conducted a National Simultaneous School Safety Drill in both private and public elementary and high schools, at least three Grade 8 students were killed and six wounded in yet another shooting incident yesterday afternoon, this time in South Cotabato.

Authorities said a 16-year-old ninth grader took the 9mm of his father, an employee of the local government, and managed to bring the weapon into the Banga National High School.

After the shooting rampage, the boy turned the gun on himself. His mother, a DepEd employee, reportedly said she had planned to take the boy to a psychologist because he had become part of the True Crimes Community, an online subculture revolving around the glorification of mass killers and violent criminals.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the shooter was reportedly a ‘recruiter’ for True Crimes.

It was the third deadly school shooting since June 22, when two boys aged 14 and 15 brought guns into the San Jose National High School in Tacloban and began firing randomly, killing three students and wounding 20 other people. Both boys were reportedly addicted to the sandbox video game GoreBox that features extreme violence.

Nearly all the shots were fired by the 14-year-old using the 9mm service pistol that he took from the home of his aunt, police S/Sgt. Arla Ray Paciencia, who now faces administrative and criminal complaints and may be dismissed from the service.

On Aug. 18, a Grade 8 student of the Ateneo de Zamboanga also brought two guns to the university’s junior high school building and began shooting, fatally hitting another student.

The gunman then went up to the fourth floor of the building and shot himself. He had taken the guns belonging to his father, who had left the firearms in the car that brought the boy to school.

Apart from losing his son, the father, Lt. Lars Jalani II, has been sacked as district commander of the Bureau of Customs Enforcement and Security Service at the Zamboanga port. Like Paciencia, Jalani faces administrative and criminal complaints.

Following these tragedies, authorities had reminded law enforcement personnel to ensure the proper safekeeping of their guns, keeping the weapons away from other people particularly minors.

The warning apparently went unheeded in the case of the shooter in Banga town.

Since the shooting in Tacloban, all schools are also supposed to have tightened security. And then there was the launch on Sept. 3 of the nationwide school safety drills.

Yet here we are again, facing another deadly tragedy involving students in a high school. What will it take to make schools truly safe spaces for learning?