Category: Philippine Star

President Marcos has ordered a lawful, non-violent arrest of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa after the government put up a P50 million bounty and gave the fugitive lawmaker one week to surrender, a Palace official said yesterday.

‘There should be no time wasted in enforcing the law. The police should act quickly and aggressively. That is the President’s order. Enforce the law and arrest those who need to be arrested,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said yesterday. But the President, Castro added, stressed that no lives should be lost in the process.

‘No one must die in the arrest of Senator Bato but they should not resist because our police force will not back down,’ Castro added.

‘Time is of the essence so we must act faster. The President supports the steps of the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), DOJ (Department of Justice) and law enforcers).’

Castro issued the statement following the Senate minority bloc’s appeal to the President and concerned agencies to work with Dela Rosa’s counsel ‘toward a peaceful resolution’ of the situation.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said It is better for Dela Rosa to surrender instead of playing a cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

Remulla issued the statement after the senator’s lawyer expressed concern over his client’s safety and questioned the legality of the government bounty for Dela Rosa’s arrest.

Dela Rosa’s counsel, Israelito Torreon, criticized Remulla for putting the senator’s life in danger, saying a bounty without a warrant from a local court does not promote law enforcement but ‘invites people to take the law into their own hands.’

Remulla said the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol has issued a red notice alert for Dela Rosa, who has a standing arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a co-conspirator of former president Rodrigo Duterte in his war on drugs.

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC in The Hague.

‘He (Dela Rosa) has a valid red notice from the Interpol. We will arrest him and accord him all what is due under the law,’ Remulla said in a Viber message.

Torreon insisted that the bounty is invalid as there is no warrant issued by local courts for the senator’s arrest.

Remulla brushed aside Torreon’s statement and maintained that manhunt operations to arrest Dela Rosa will not stop. ‘It is best he surrender,’ Remulla said.

Remulla described Dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police, as armed and dangerous, with a dedicated PNP task force sent out to locate and arrest him.

Warning vs ‘coddlers’

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. gave Dela Rosa one week to surrender and warned his coddlers they will face criminal cases for providing refuge to the senator.

The Senate minority bloc took the cudgels for Dela Rosa, defending his right to due process after the government put a bounty on his head.

In a statement released by the office of Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, the 10-member bloc defended Dela Rosa’s right to answer the charges before a domestic court and not before the ICC.

‘We understand the government’s desire to resolve this situation in the interest of law and order. We believe a peaceful resolution that respects our laws and protects lives remains possible,’ the minority bloc said.

‘The Secretary of the Interior and the Chief of the Philippine National Police have duties to fulfill. We respect those responsibilities and share their desire to bring this matter to a lawful conclusion. We offer our cooperation toward achieving that goal peacefully,’ they added.

The European Union and the Philippines have announced the launch of the EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab, expanding their digital cooperation under the Global Gateway Strategy, which now involves a total of euro 40 million in funding.

The new EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab, announced at the 2026 AI Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, follows a three-day joint mission organized by the EU and the Department of Science and Technology. The mission brought together experts from Europe and local private sector to strengthen AI cooperation.

The EU said the AI Lab, which will be established through the Department of Science and Technology under its National AI Center for Research and Innovation program, reflects the shared commitment of the EU and the Philippines to harness the opportunities of digital transformation and emerging technologies while promoting openness, trust, security and responsible innovation.

‘The EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab will foster a dynamic and inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem for the European and Philippine industry, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups as part of the National AI Strategy for the Philippines,’ the EU said.

These include developing AI infrastructure and data ecosystems; promoting principled, trustworthy technology adoption across industries; building skills and talent partnerships; improving market access and laying the groundwork to facilitate investments.

The EU and the Philippines intend to promote research and development opportunities between public and private sector organizations, foster the sharing of expertise, and support the translation of research into real-world applications and industrial impact.

‘It will advance the principled technology infusion of AI – the deep and seamless integration of digital tools, systems and innovation into business operations, services, curricula and complex engineering environments – so that AI becomes a core capability, not an add-on,’ the EU said.

Following the signature in July 2026 by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro of the Joint Statement elevating EU-Philippines relations to an enhanced partnership and the recently concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement, both sides are deepening cooperation to build a more robust, resilient and mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.

In practice, the AI Lab will establish the enabling AI ecosystem through infrastructure, cloud services, data sets – including Earth Observation Data from Copernicus, Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions and other DOST programs’ data – and development of AI use cases in priority sectors such as energy, health, environment and disaster resilience.

It will also drive a skills and talent partnership for AI deployment by connecting European and Philippine businesses and innovators with technical expertise, innovation advisory services and European technology know-how from European Digital Innovation Hubs and AI Factories, alongside public-private partnerships with EU private-sector actors in the Philippines and local universities.

To support promising AI solutions as they grow, the AI Lab will facilitate investment and market access by promoting technology standards and drawing on EU experience in interoperability, cybersecurity, data protection, intellectual property and human-centric AI governance, while enabling AI solutions to be tested under a ‘test before invest’ approach.

‘By bringing together public and private stakeholders, the AI Industry Lab seeks to create new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth and investment for both the Philippines and the EU,’ the EU said

Three drug suspects were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Friday.

The suspects, whose identities were not immediately known, were collared after selling an undetermined amount of shabu to an undercover agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay Kenram.

The arresting team seized from the suspects shabu with an estimated street value of P439,892 and marked money.

Aside from shabu, the suspects were reportedly supplying dried marijuana leaves in Isulan.

Probers said the marijuana leaves came from hinterland plantations along the border of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, which are reportedly maintained by a local terrorist group.

Instead of exchanging tirades on social media, the Philippine government and the Chinese embassy should sit down and talk to settle issues, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said.

‘We hope that they sit down and talk, instead of quarreling on social media,’ FFCCCII president Victor Lim told reporters yesterday during an education event in Quezon City.

He said the raging word war between Chinese ambassador Jing Quan and some Philippine officials has left businesses bearing the brunt of unabated oil price hikes and high inflation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara was present during the event where he personally acknowledged the contribution of the FFCCCII in building at least 6,500 classrooms.

‘Of course, with this kind of action, it will really affect the economy, our export to China will be affected, our import from China will be affected also,’ Lim added.

Lawmakers have filed resolutions seeking to declare Jing persona non grata over his remarks suggesting that China could easily win if it resorts in asserting its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea.

‘We hope it will calm down so that our economy will be moving. Right now, the oil prices are too high and then the inflation is high, of course, our businesses are being affected. I hope it won’t affect us. I hope we will calm down,’ Lim said.

He noted that the country will host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits which will be held in Metro Manila from Nov. 15 to 17.

The Chinese embassy announced that certain officials and personalities are prohibited from visiting China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier summoned Jing to convey the Philippines’ strong objection to his remarks, which Foreign Affairs Secretary Thereza Lazaro described as ‘provocative’ and ‘unacceptable.’

A bomb threat sent to the University of Santo Tomas prompted UST officials to cancel classes and order the evacuation of students, faculty and staff on Friday.

According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the threat was discovered at 4:30 p.m. when a student found a letter on top of a toilet tank on the fourth floor of the medicine building.

A housekeeping personnel found another letter on the second floor where the faculty restroom was located.

The letters said an explosive had been planted on school premises and at the main area of the Medicine Building and St. Raymund’s Building.

The Cebu provincial government has distributed P21.23 million worth of agricultural and fishery assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in southern Cebu, as the province prepares for the potential effects of El Niño on food production.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover of equipment and production inputs to beneficiaries from 26 towns and cities at the Sec. Cerge M. Remonde Sports and Cultural Center in Barangay Lamacan, Argao on October 19.

The assistance, worth P21,234,790, was provided through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) headed by Dr. Roldan Saragena. It included farm machinery, irrigation equipment, planting materials, and supplies for fisheries and marine conservation.

Among the items distributed were three high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages, 15 walking-type agricultural tractors, gas-powered water pumps with HDPE hoses, materials for marine protected areas, plastic drums, and organic fertilizers.

Beneficiaries also received cacao seedlings, sweet potato cuttings, and assorted vegetable seeds.

The distribution covered Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, Ginatilan, Santander, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, and Cordova.

Baricuatro said her administration intends to strengthen local agricultural production to reduce Cebu’s dependence on outside food sources, particularly with the threat of prolonged dry conditions that could affect harvests and food availability.

‘Mao na nga karon, sa akong administrasyon, siguroon nako nga ang Cebu dili na ta food insecure. Sustainable na ta diri. Kita na’y mananom sa atong pagkaon,’ the governor said.

She added that agriculture would receive greater attention in the coming year, stressing the need to ensure a more sustainable food supply for the province.

‘Mao na nga next year ato gyud tagaan og pagtagad ang agrikultura. Because we need to be sustainable sa atong pagkaon,’ Baricuatro said.

The governor also announced a proposed P400-million allocation for the PAO in 2027, subject to the approval of the Provincial Board.

The funding is intended to support the province’s agricultural programs as it works toward strengthening food production.

Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo welcomed the assistance. He said the distribution would allow farmers and fisherfolk to benefit from public funds collected through taxpayers’ contributions.

‘Kini timaan sa pagpangga sa atong gobernador kanato’ng mga kaigsuonan,’ Sesaldo said.

He said the inputs represented a way of sharing the taxes collected by the provincial government with the people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on farming and fishing.

‘Kini naabot kanato tungod sa kaayo sa atong gobernadora. Kini timaan sa iyang good governance,’ the mayor added.

Ronda High Value Crop Development Program coordinator Leonora Llenos also expressed appreciation for the equipment and supplies, noting that such resources could help farmers carry out their work and improve productivity.

‘Dili ing-ana kasayon nga makaangkon ka’g ingon ani. So, salamat kaayo sa Probinsya sa Sugbo sa inyong gipaambit para sa among mga farmers,’ Llenos said.

She thanked the provincial government for providing machinery and other assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing the value of access to equipment that may otherwise be difficult for agricultural communities to obtain.

Alegria farmer Henry Runillo Villarubia, meanwhile, welcomed the planting materials. He said these would give farmers crops they could cultivate for food production.

‘Lipay kaayo mi kay naay amoang ikatanom na crops. Malipayon sad mi sa hinabang para namong mga farmers kay para gyud sa atong pagkaon, panagat, ug sa mga magbabaul,’ Villarubia said.

Villarubia noted that some of the crops could be harvested in as little as three months, potentially providing food for their communities ahead of the expected El Niño early next year.

Also present during the turnover were Provincial Board members Stanley Caminero, Raymond Calderon, and Cesar Baricuatro; Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega; other municipal officials; and barangay captains

After 107 days of group play and stop-and-go action, it’s quarterfinals time in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

It’s that pivotal stage where eight teams that have worked so hard since the opener in July to make it to this point must dial it up several notches more to advance their title aspirations.

And the Final 8 features an interesting mix.

Defending champion TNT, the fourth-ranked squad of Group A, and Magnolia, the topnotcher of Group B, are up for an explosive showdown of heavyweights.

Ditto reigning Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel Beer, the Group A No. 2, and current Commissioner’s Cup kingpin Barangay Ginebra, the Group B No. 3.

On the other side of the quarter final draw are Group A No. 1 NLEX against Group B No. 4 Phoenix and Group B No. 2 Rain or Shine versus Group A No. 3 Converge. The Road Warriors, Fuel Masters and FiberXers are in pursuit of their first finals appearance and title while the Elasto Painters are out to make the championship series again after more than a decade.

Unlike in the two previous conferences, these quarterfinals will be best-of-five affairs. No twice-to-beat advantages for the higher ranks, no twice-to-win disadvantages for the lower seeds. Everyone stands on the same starting line.

And so expect the combatants to go all out for first blood when the playoffs get going beginning today at Ynares Center Antipolo.

First up are NLEX and Phoenix, which dispute a 1-0 running start at 5:15 p.m. Magnolia and TNT seek the same in their 7:30 p.m. tiff.

‘Katulad ng sinasabi ko sa mga players ang pinakamahirap tawirin is the quarters, whether you have advantage or disadvantage, whether it’s a best-of-three, best-of-five, it’s the hardest part,’ said Hotshots coach LA Tenorio, whose charges got the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Tropang 5G as opponent as ‘price for being No. 1 in their group.’

Minimum wage earners in Western Visayas including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will receive an increase of P40 to P45 in their daily pay following the approval of a wage hike petition by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

RTWPB-Western Visayas chairman Sixto Rodriguez Jr. said the board approved Wage Order No. 30 on Oct. 21 and submitted it to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) the following day for affirmation.

Under the new wage order, workers in the agriculture sector will receive an increase of P45, raising their daily minimum pay from P520 to P565.

Workers in non-agriculture establishments employing more than 10 people will get an increase of P40, raising their daily minimum pay from P550 to P590.

Those in non-agriculture establishments with 10 or fewer workers will also receive an increase of P40, raising their daily minimum wage from P525 to P565.

The wage order also covers household workers or kasambahays who will get an increase of P500, raising their minimum monthly salary from P6,500 to P7,000.

The new wage rates will take effect in the middle part of next month following the required publication and completion of other processes, subject to the affirmation of the NWPC and approval by the Department of Labor and Employment.

Although Negros Occidental is now part of the newly created Negros Island Region, the province remains under the jurisdiction of RTWPB-Westen Visayas, pending the establishment of a separate wage board for the NIR.

Typhoon Rosal, the most powerful cyclone this year, has stepped out of the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, October 24.

No tropical cyclone wind signals remain in effect but strong winds and dangerous seas may still affect parts of the country, PAGASA said in an advisory.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said Rosal was 525 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, outside PAR.

The typhoon had weakened further, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.

It was moving east-northeastward at 20 kph toward the East China Sea.

Earlier Saturday, Rosal had maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and was moving southwestward after making a counterclockwise loop over the sea east of Taiwan.

Strong gusts may persist

Despite Rosal’s exit from PAR, its periphery may continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts Saturday over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, northern Quezon, Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Strong to gale-force gusts may also affect Batanes, the Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte on Sunday.

PAGASA said local winds may be stronger in coastal, upland and mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing winds.

Dangerous seas over Northern Luzon

The cyclone may be gone, but its expansive wingspan has lingering effects. A gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

Very rough seas with waves reaching as high as 5.5 meters are forecast along the northern seaboard of Batanes, while waves may reach 4.5 meters along the northern seaboard of the Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky for vessels of all types and tonnage in these areas. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

Rough seas are also forecast over several coastal waters of Northern Luzon.

Waves may reach 4 meters over the remaining seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

Waves of up to 3.5 meters are forecast over the remaining seaboard of Ilocos Norte and the seaboard of Ilocos Sur.

Up to 3-meter waves may affect the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, the western seaboard of Pangasinan, the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes.

Mariners of small vessels, including motorbancas, were advised not to venture out under these conditions.

The abuse of visa-free entry privileges by some foreigners could have contributed to the apparent resurgence of small-scale scam hubs in parts of the country, according to the Department of Justice.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty reported that some of the foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, apprehended in recent raids on scam hubs, particularly in Zamboanga Sibugay earlier this month, entered the Philippines under a visa-free arrangement.

‘We cannot deny that this is a privilege we granted to Chinese tourists and that, to some extent, it has been exploited, contributing to this problem,’ Ty said at a media briefing last week, acknowledging that the privilege granted to Chinese tourists may have been exploited and contributed to the problem.

Around 200 foreigners were apprehended during the operations. Ty added that some of the foreigners could have been overstaying.

He also said that Chinese nationals recruited to work in local scam hubs may have been instructed to target fellow Chinese citizens before accepting job offers that brought them to the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs restored visa-free access for Chinese visitors on Jan. 16, allowing visits of up to 14 days strictly for tourism or business purposes.

The arrangement is subject to review before it expires a year after its implementation.

Asked whether Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and scam hubs were indeed making a comeback across the country, Ty said it was possible.

However, he maintained that the operations were smaller than those previously uncovered, both in scale and in the number of foreign nationals found in the facilities.

‘Remember, before, the composition was very international, mostly Chinese, but there were also many Vietnamese, Indonesians and people from Myanmar, Nepal and Africa. Now, those being found are mostly Chinese,’ he said.