Category: Philippine Star

The government dangled a P20-million reward for information leading to the capture of gambling tycoon Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang.

If estimates of his earnings from gambling were accurate, Ang probably offered 10 times that amount to evade arrest over the kidnapping and suspected murder of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, whose department has jurisdiction over the Philippine National Police, announced recently that Ang had slipped out of the country through the southern backdoor and was last seen in Cambodia. This story has been circulating since Ang went missing following his indictment, but Remulla said that this time, it appeared to be true.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the Bureau of Immigration, which is under his department, has no record of Ang’s departure from the country. But with an arrest warrant for a non-bailable offense, Ang is unlikely to have exited the country through BI-controlled gateways or ports.

He is not the first high-value fugitive to slip out of the country through the backdoor. Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, reportedly left the country for Malaysia in July 2024 through a yacht that she boarded in the city of Manila.

At the time, Guo was already wanted for multiple offenses including qualified human trafficking related to Philippine offshore gaming operations in Bamban.

POGO links also led to an arrest warrant for human trafficking for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who surfaced in the United Arab Emirates in September 2024 and is currently seeking asylum in Europe.

The immigration bureau also has no record of Roque’s departure, but he was reportedly spotted in Tawi-Tawi shortly before he was seen in the UAE.

Guo’s escape by yacht highlighted the porousness of the country’s borders, and the ease of slipping out through unregulated and poorly policed private ports.

The problem persists, not only allowing fugitives to flee but also facilitating the smuggling into the country of all sorts of contraband, from guns to drugs and even motorcycles.

If ever the arm of Philippine law reaches Ang, authorities must determine how he left the country. Those who abetted his escape must also face the harshest penalties.

The Philippine peso sank to a fresh record low of P63.615 to $1 on Friday, October 23, marking the 31st time this year that it closed at an all-time low.

The peso weakened by 9.5 centavos from Thursday’s P63.52 finish, which had set the previous record.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said Thursday that the central bank was not raising interest rates to support a particular exchange rate.

The central bank, however, may step into the foreign-exchange market to curb sharp swings that could fuel inflation.

“We do intervene a little bit in the foreign exchange market, but that’s mainly to avoid swings in the exchange rate that tend to be inflationary. We have estimates of how much the peso has to move before it becomes inflationary, and that’s when we tend to intervene,” Remolona said.

His remarks followed the Monetary Board’s decision to raise the BSP’s benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, its fourth consecutive increase.

The BSP described the larger move as a response to broadening price pressures and further risks to the inflation outlook, rather than an attempt to defend the peso.

A weaker currency can make dollar-priced imports, including fuel, more expensive in peso terms and add to inflation. That gives the central bank reason to limit disorderly exchange-rate swings even as it allows the market to determine the peso’s level.

Police are hunting down dismissed colleagues who are allegedly working as henchmen of scam operators.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed to pursue accountability for any PNP personnel protecting clandestine Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs.

‘Any active or dismissed PNP personnel caught enabling or shielding these rogue outfits will face swift criminal prosecution and total institutional purge,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said scam hubs are using dismissed police officers and military personnel as muscle for their operations despite the government’s ban on POGOs.

PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said yesterday that any police officer, whether active or no longer a member of the police force, should not get involved in scam operations and other illegal activities.

‘If it is proven that they are acting as henchmen, as reported or as stated by our secretary, we will enforce the law and all legal proceedings against them,’ Co said.

On our way to work, me and my wife Denise usually pass by the NBC network office at the Rockefeller Center along 48th St. as there is a cheap Chinese take-out diner in the vicinity. After we bought our food last Monday morning, there was a sizeable crowd gathered around a pop-up store on 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Since we still had a little time, we checked what it was all about.

It was the final two days of the NBA Tip-Off Comic Drop showing limited-edition superhero inspired comic books featuring stars of all 30 NBA teams. This is NBC Sports’ promotional campaign celebrating Year 2 of the NBA on NBC and was the first time that a network had telecasted an NBA Tip-Off triple header. Yes, I completely forgot about this as the comic giveaways began in the first week of October in selected areas around Manhattan.

The promotional issue has five collectible covers with designs that show the triple header opening night matchups, the New York Knicks starting five and the main stars of the opening night matchups on three other covers – Cade Cunningham (DET) and Jayson Tatum (BOS), LeBron James (PHI) and Jalen Brunson (NYK) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) and Victor Wembanyama (SAS).

We didn’t know that they were already giving away those comic books early that morning, so we proceeded to work. Denise got off early afternoon and on the way home, she passed by the area and decided to line up. After an hour and 15 minutes on the line, she got a copy. Clueless, she sent me a photo asking me who’s the player inside the booth. It was Ron Artest/Metta World Peace interacting with the crowd.

The contents mainly are a recap of the previous Finals and a preview of all 30 teams done in typical comic book artwork. LeBron has overstuffed biceps, Stephen Curry as a Roman warrior, Kyrie Irving looks like a western gunslinger, Kevin Durant depicted like a Voltes 5 hybrid, Tatum looking like a toned-down Green Lantern, Wemby as an elongated Django and Luka Doncic looks like Iron Man who forgot his mask.

We went early the next day and when we got to 30 Rock before 9am, there was already a long line. Denise asked the first guy on the line what time he was there and said he came in a little past 7am. The things you do for freebies. Long story short, we got our comic books, a copy of the NYK starting five and three copies of the tip-off matchups as you can’t choose which.

For the love of the game and for collectibles, I lined up. Denise, since she got off earlier than me, lined up again in the afternoon. Not for the love of the game but for the love of the husband. Charot.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating how fugitive businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang managed to elude law enforcement authorities and leave the country.

Ang, the alleged mastermind in the kidnapping and killing of cockfighting aficionados or sabungeros, has fled the Philippines and is reportedly in Cambodia, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said there is an ongoing probe on Ang’s reported departure in coordination with other concerned government agencies.

‘We will be investigating all circumstances surrounding this development,’ he said at a news briefing in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Ang is accused of ordering the systematic murder of hundreds of sabungeros who allegedly cheated in cockfight games, with most of the bodies allegedly buried in Taal Lake, Batangas.

Co assured the victims’ families they will not stop until Ang is arrested and brought to court to face trial.

‘Regardless of his current whereabouts the PNP remains committed to serving the warrant of arrest, bringing him before the courts to answer for the charges against him,’ he said.

Lifestyle and travel show ‘I Heart PH’ is returning to Hong Kong for a new season featuring the city’s cultural attractions, culinary destinations and local businesses which will premiere on October 25 in GTV.

In partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the award-winning show will feature destinations that highlight the city’s blend of heritage, creativity and modern lifestyle.

The upcoming episodes were previewed during the ‘I Heart PH’ media launch at Winford Resort Manila recently.

Chian Jia Liew, HKTB regional director for Southeast Asia, welcomed the partnership, which aims to encourage Filipino travelers to explore Hong Kong beyond its familiar tourist attractions.

‘We are delighted to partner with I Heart PH once again to showcase the many experiences that can be found Only in Hong Kong,’ Liew said.

‘Hong Kong is a city where you can experience dynamic contrast of East and West, heritage and innovation, vibrant city life and stunning nature, all within easy reach,’ she added.

The show will feature five destinations and experiences, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which houses collections of Chinese art and historical artifacts, and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, where visitors can see wax figures of international personalities.

Among the Filipino celebrities featured at Madame Tussauds are boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, actress-host Anne Curtis and actress Kathryn Bernardo.

The program will also visit Ma Wan 1868, a former fishing village that combines historical landmarks, creative spaces and local dining spots. Visitors can explore the area’s Tin Hau Temple and enjoy views of the Tsing Ma Bridge.

Another featured experience is the Ding Ding Foodie Tour, which takes visitors around Hong Kong Island aboard an air-conditioned tram while introducing them to the city’s food culture, history and neighborhoods.

The season will also include Hong Kong Disneyland, which offers attractions, themed lands and entertainment inspired by Disney stories. Its Christmas activities are scheduled to begin on November 20.

Beyond tourist attractions, ‘I Heart PH’ will spotlight businesses that reflect Hong Kong’s culture and creative identity.

Among them is Bakehouse, an artisanal bakery founded by Grégoire Michaud, who previously served as executive pastry chef at Four Seasons Hong Kong.

The show will also feature Kingstone Engraving, which preserves the traditional craft of hand-carved personalized stamps, and TeemTonefai, an ice cream and gelato brand known for its distinctive flavors and towering gelato creations.

Goods of Desire (G.O.D), meanwhile, offers accessories and home decor inspired by Hong Kong’s architecture, traditions and everyday life. Its founder and designer, Douglas Young, established the brand to celebrate the city’s cultural identity through locally inspired products.

The program will also visit Dara, a Filipino restaurant that serves familiar comfort food to Filipinos and other diners in Hong Kong.

Jermaine Bunoan, Dara’s co-founder and head of operations, said the restaurant draws inspiration from the simplicity and familiarity of home-cooked Filipino meals.

Through its new season, ‘I Heart PH’ aims to introduce viewers to Hong Kong’s diverse attractions, from historical sites and culinary experiences to creative enterprises and places that offer a taste of home for Filipinos living abroad.

So far, so good.

That was how Nxled coach Guidetti Ettore viewed his Chameleons after roaring to a third straight victory following a 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19 victory over ZUS Coffee yesterday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the MOA Arena.

‘It’s nice to see that we have the same resilience that we showed in the last part of the PVL on Tour as well as the Invitational,’ said Ettore. ‘Definitely following the same line of determination and they’re more serene when faced with difficult situations.’

While there was a slip of concentration in the second set, Nxled was relatively calm almost all throughout in carving out a third straight triumph.

The Highrisers went down to their third loss in a row.

It helped that Jonah Sabete-Escamillan stepped up when Brooke Van Sickle struggled, and unloaded a 22-point performance that she spiced up with 18 kills, three blocks and an ace. Van Sickle wound up with just 12 hits but helped preside over the squad’s floor defense with a match-best 13 digs.

For Sabete-Escamillan, quickness was their weapon. ‘Knowing matatangkad sila, kailangan namin ng fast game,’ she said.

The Chameleons have been riding high on their runner-up finish – their best finish in franchise history – in the Invitational just a month ago. And the way they’re playing right now, there is a strong chance they may end up going all the way.

Murder charges have been filed against eight suspects tagged in the murder of a barangay chairman in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The charges were filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Sto. Tomas on Wednesday afternoon.

Of the eight suspects, only Michael Ben Calalo, 30, was arrested. The rest including two businessmen, two drivers, a former politician, a barangay kagawad and the gunman remain at large.

Calalo allegedly helped the gunman, who was reportedly his cousin, escape after killing Dennis Austria in Barangay Anastacia on Oct. 15.

Calalo and the assailant sped away on a motorcycle before transferring to a Toyota Vios.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday at his alleged hideout in Barangay Balagtasin in the nearby town of San Jose.

Police said the arresting team recovered the Vios, which was reportedly registered under the name of Calalo.

Video footage of a closed-circuit television camera showed Calalo and the gunman transferring from a motorcycle to the Vios.

Calabarzon police deputy chief Col. Mario Mayames Jr. said Calalo signed an extra-judicial confession, admitting his participation in the crime.

The mastermind of the murder reportedly promised the gunman P250,000.

With the filing of the charges, Mayames said the Austria murder case is considered solved.

Col. Oliver Ebora, Batangas police director, urged anyone with information about the case to coordinate with the police, to help strengthen the charges and ensure conviction of those responsible.

It’s a crucial PBA Governors’ Cup duel against Blackwater that looks all too familiar for Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Last game of the group stage, two ways to advance to the playoffs.

Seal it with a win. Or at the very least, get the Last-8 ticket by emerging on top of a potential three-way tie at 4-6 with Meralco and the Bossing (3-6) after tiebreak.

Thanks to their +30 points differential against the Bolts (+7) and Pat Aquino’s Bossing (-37), the Gin Kings can still afford to drop tonight’s Group B windup at Ynares Center-Antipolo and move forward – as long as the losing margin won’t reach 24.

Otherwise, it would drag Cone and his bunch to second among the three, allowing Meralco to catch the last bus to the crossover quarters instead.

For the Bossing to overtake the two in a tiebreaker, they must to beat Ginebra by a whopping 45 points.

The national government is actively pursuing full monetary restitution and criminal accountability against rogue contractors involved in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, according to Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Responding to queries during an inspection of ongoing dike repairs in Calumpit, Bulacan last Wednesday, Dizon assured the public that the government has not written off the public funds lost to substandard, overpriced infrastructure projects previously executed by controversial firms like those owned by private contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya as well as Wawao Builders.

‘The legal process is moving forward,’ Dizon said. ‘Government agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Justice, are handling the cases. Most of the personalities involved are already detained, while authorities continue to track down remaining fugitives.’

Dizon emphasized that the prosecution strategy includes forcing errant contractors to reimburse the full cost of defective and unfinished flood control assets under the legal doctrine of restitution championed by the ombudsman.

‘It is not enough that they are behind bars; they must return every peso stolen from the public,’ he said. ‘While the justice system handles the recovery and prosecution, the DPWH’s job today is to fix the flood defenses in Calumpit and ensure that future projects are built correctly and transparently.’