Category: Philippine Star

These past days have been laden with earth-shaking realities. Our earth is groaning, and in its quiet silence it has shown how alive it is by moving. Its natural shift dominoed into changing so many lives that went with its movement.

The knee-jerk response came two-pronged from my vantage point. Fear and hope. In the area, people trembled with fear and anguish and the outpouring of support was a salve to their aching, questioning spirits, especially for those who lost someone dear aside from their hard-earned home.

In spite of heavy traffic on the onset, the first weekend since the North-quake sent many responders to the affected areas, bearing goods to help relieve the victims of the calamity. The least reached were the hinterlands that found some of the volunteers braving the tricky slopes and slight tremors that would briefly test their resolve to bring help to those in the far-flung areas.

On our end, we had to coordinate with local volunteers who knew the areas mostly affected so we could send some assistance of food and water to families that were hard to reach. With us were members of the Emergency Response Team of San Miguel Brewery Inc. and other volunteer employees. In spite of the bleary picture that first met our eyes we saw hope in the way people cooperated. We are grateful to the local governments of Bogo City, Tabogon and Borbon for their readiness to help us help others.

The youth, whose agility made climbs easier, trekked to the top where houses clung to the slopes. With the joy in the eyes that met us, one could also see tears brimming with reprieve. That was enough compensation for the climb, volunteers would share. There was hunger, not for food and water alone but for the company of humanity. That sense of feeling that one is not alone.

Through all these things we are brought to reflection. It seems like the earth has mimicked the shaking our country is experiencing.

We are being tested at various fronts. Our government is struggling with the cleansing that needs to be done in the system. Finger-pointing needs to transcend into mature surrender and resolve to right things. But again, this is better said than done. The consistent bullying in the West Philippine Sea is a blatant harassment that keeps us clinging to the clutches of tolerance. We are in a quandary to retaliate, not because our artillery is nil, but because we may ignite a worldwide conflagration in the process. Assuming, our allies will take our side, and not just sit on heir heels like some had to do in other wars against other nations.

Just as the earth has moved quietly after all the pile driving, and reactions to the changes in the environment, we are afraid of that aplomb that will affect not just our country but humanity in general. For the earth is connected underground, and on it, the sea of pride, deceit, and entitlement pervade.

What can we do to address all our issues. I see no human solution. There are attempts to correct and initial moves to better things, but they are immediately swallowed by confusion. For greed, pride, power and self-preservation will continue to rule hearts, unless it is the heart that changes.

That is the only solution that I can see for the moment. And that total overhaul will greatly depend on faith, and grace.

So let us get on our knees, now.

A Chinese fighter jet and military helicopter harassed a Philippine patrol aircraft while it was flying over Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday morning, October 15.

The Philippine Coast Guard said a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter flew directly beneath its aircraft during a low-altitude pass over Scarborough Shoal. Moments later, a PLA Air Force Shenyang J-16 fighter jet flew close and ‘endangered the safe flight path’ of the Philippine plane, which was carrying PCG personnel and several journalists.

This the latest in China’s moves to step up control over a feature it wants to turn into a “nature reserve.” These actions, according to the PCG in a statement Wednesday, were an ‘aggressive interference’ that placed their crew in danger and disrupted its surveillance mission.

‘Such actions pose a clear and unacceptable risk to the safety of PCG personnel and the journalists embedded on the mission,’ the PCG said.

Second buoy. During the same flight, the PCG also discovered a second yellow floating buoy at the northern tip of the shoal, days after spotting an identical buoy at the center. The agency said both were recently installed but did not specify by whom.

The PCG said its personnel also verified reports of a ‘structure’ seen inside the reef by cross-checking historical satellite imagery, which showed debris that had existed for at least two years, indicating there was no ongoing construction.

Heightened activities. The aerial hostilities occurred amid heightened Chinese activity in the waters off Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground located about 120 nautical miles west of Zambales province, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 after a months-long standoff, and has since maintained a near-constant presence of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the area.

Days before this patrol flight, the PCG also reported harassment from Chinese vessels in the waters off Scarborough Shoal while it was distributing provisions to Filipino fishers. During this particular incident, the PCG said it faced 11 CCG vessels and 11 maritime militia vessels that executed “dangerous maneuvers and blocking actions,” which delayed the deliveries.

Nature reserve plan. Beijing earlier announced plans to establish a ‘national nature reserve’ over part of Scarborourugh Shoal – a move the Philippine government formally protested as illegal and inconsistent with international law.

China has defended the move as part of efforts to “preserve biodiversity,” but observers see it as China’s further attempts to consolidate and assert control over the area.

Much of the coral at Scarborough Shoal has already been destroyed by years of giant-clam harvesting by Chinese fishers and poachers, leaving deep scars across the reef even as Beijing now seeks to designate the area as a nature zone.

After the aerial harassment, PCG vowed to continue regular patrols over the West Philippine Sea.

‘In the face of such aggressive actions, the PCG remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold international law and safeguard maritime jurisdiction,’ the PCG said.

Reymon Jaraula tapped into local knowledge and late-round brilliance to shoot a clutch four-under 68 on Thursday, seizing a one-shot lead over Rupert Zaragosa heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here.

With a three-day total of 14-under 202, the Bukidnon native catapulted himself from second to first, bringing him within 18 holes of a storybook redemption – and his fourth career victory on the Philippine Golf Tour.

‘Ang advantage ko dito ay home course ko ‘to at very familiar ako,’ said Jaraula, who turned adversity into opportunity after a bogey start and a costly double on the par-4 13th. He clawed back with a steady front nine capped by an eagle on the par-5 No. 9, then scorched the closing stretch with three straight birdies from No. 14 to seal a resilient 34-34 round.

‘First six holes, hindi maganda. Buti na lang nakabawi sa back nine,’ he said. ‘Inisip ko lang na relax lang at madami pa namang butas.’

Now standing on the brink of another triumph, Jaraula is determined not just to win, but to rewrite the ending of last year’s heartbreak at Del Monte, where he fell just one shot short of Clyde Mondilla. This time, he has the crowd behind him, course familiarity on his side, and a steely focus to match.

‘Gusto ko talagang manalo dito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kung dito ko makuha ang panalo,’ he said.

But chasing closely is the in-form Zaragosa, who carded a steady 71 for a 203 total and remained well within striking distance of back-to-back PGT titles following his dominant victory in Negros Occidental last month.

Though his red-hot 64 in the second round briefly vaulted him into the lead, Zaragosa grappled with inconsistency off the tee on Moving Day.

‘I struggled with my long game kaya konti lang ang chances na maka-birdie,’ he said.

But a dependable short game – particularly his pitch-and-putt precision – kept him in contention for the top P623,000 purse out of the P3.5-million total prize.

‘Most of the time, short game ang nag-work,’ he said. ‘Lalo na yung mga scramble ko for par.’

Fueling Zaragosa’s charge is something deeper than the leaderboard. He is playing with a heavy heart following the recent passing of his grandfather – a man he considered one of his biggest supporters.

‘Gusto ko talagang manalo for him,’ said Zaragosa, who headed straight to the range post-round to fine-tune his swing. ‘I know I still have a chance. Pero hindi ko iniisip yun masyado. I’ll just do my best at kung ano man ang resulta ay tatanggapin ko.’

As the two top guns battle it out, veteran Tony Lascuña quietly surged into contention with another vintage 68, his second straight, for a 10-under 206 total – just four shots off the lead.

At 54, the five-time PGT Order of Merit winner continues to defy expectations, but not without acknowledging the toll time has taken on his game.

‘Maganda ang tee shots and irons ko. Pero ang putting, maganda sa front nine, pero nawawala sa back nine,’ Lascuña said, alluding to a recurring pattern: strong starts followed by fading finishes. He’s shot 36 on the back nine all three days after a 34 and two 32s.

‘Siguro may edad na din talaga,’ he admitted with a smile. ‘Pero happy ako sa laro ko. Basta may chance pa, lalaban pa rin.’

Lascuña’s experience and composure could prove pivotal, especially if the leaders falter under pressure. While stamina may be his biggest hurdle, his track record proves he can’t be counted out.

The chasing pack also remained formidable. Japan’s Atsushi Ueda (68), Russell Bautista (69), Keanu Jahns (70) and Kuresh Samanodi (70) are all tied at 207, five shots off the pace. Korean Jaehyun Jung also made a move with a second straight 69 to join Dino Villanueva (70), Guido van der Valk (70), Mondilla (72) and Michael Bibat (73) at 209.

Mondilla, the defending champion, briefly flashed his title-retaining form with back-to-back birdies bridging the nines, but a costly double bogey on the par-5 18th – the same hole he eagled the previous round – derailed his round and dropped him to joint eighth.

The Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will investigate the alleged connections between the Discaya couple and CLTG Builders, a construction firm associated with close allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ombudsman Boying Remulla said in a dzBB interview that couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya refused to explain their joint venture with CLTG Builders, which has been reported to have business ties with the family of a Duterte ally in the Senate.

‘Today, uumpisahan na namin ang pag-iimbistiga sa CLTG Corporation at ‘yung links nito sa Discaya Company simula 2016,’ Dizon told reporters. (Today, we will start investigating the CLTG Corporation and their links to the Discaya Company starting 2016.)

The probe comes as the Discaya couple declared they will no longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is conducting a separate inquiry into irregular public works contracts.

Charges vs Discayas. Dizon said the first set of charges against the Discayas is already being prepared for filing before the Sandiganbayan in the coming weeks.

The couple allegedly controlled nine companies involved in rigged biddings and ghost projects tied to public infrastructure spending.

Go distances self

Bong Go, a senator closely associated with Duterte has denied any involvement in his relatives’ businesses or any dealings with the Discayas, saying he is willing to cooperate with investigators.

He lamented, however, that the probe seems to be going backward.

‘Huwag niyo po ipahid sa ‘kin ang dumi para kayo ang pumuti. Huwag naman ganun,’ Go said in a statement. (Do not wipe dirt on me so you can look whiter. Do not do that.)

The senator also acknowledged the possibility that his name may have been used for influence without his knowledge during his time as Duterte’s special assistant.

Should his relatives be found guilty of such, the senator said he was willing to be the complainant if any cases were to be filed.

The Department of Health (DOH) will be submitting the list of the 297 ‘ghost’ health facilities to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tomorrow.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said he was invited to appear before the ICI tomorrow to testify about their findings on the non-functional and non-operational health centers nationwide.

The DOH previously found that 297 out of the more than 500 super health centers built under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program were uncompleted or non-operational.

Yesterday, Herbosa personally looked into one of the 297 super health centers located in Marikina. Only phase one of the proposed four-story health center has been completed.

Herbosa said P21 million has been allotted for the project that was allegedly inserted into the DOH budget under the General Appropriations Act.

‘To me this is a waste of money because the P21 million was stagnant. Did it serve a single patient? No,’ Herbosa pointed out.

He said he already instructed all DOH regional directors to check all the health centers in their jurisdiction and identify which projects are delayed and non-operational.

The proposed construction of super health centers started in 2021 but almost 300 are yet to be completed or have been completed but are still not operational today.

The construction of a health center to be operated by a local government unit costs between P12 million to P20 million, depending on the size. It takes around one to two years for it to be completed, Herbosa said.

The health chief said the DOH intends to make all 297 super health centers operational to prevent government hospitals from reaching their full capacity.

Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno yesterday questioned the inclusion in the 2026 national budget of the payment to the health workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘That raises a lot of questions. Why is it only now? It’s been too long and it is still there. Who has the accountability for this? Why is this happening? This should have been settled a long time ago,’ Diokno asked in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

‘We know how much sacrifice was made by our health workers in that time and they should have been duly compensated, ever since,’ Diokno said.

For many Filipinos, the holidays are an invitation to travel. They mean strolling through tree-lined boulevards in a new city, braving cobblestone streets for that perfect holiday market find, or standing in line at busy terminals with luggage in tow.

Sometimes, it’s those in-between steps and the hours spent walking, waiting, or wandering-that define how much of the journey you actually enjoy. And often overlooked but absolutely essential? The shoes that carry you through it all.

That’s where Allbirds steps in-the global footwear brand loved for combining comfort, style and sustainability. As recently described by Business Insider that Allbirds’ styles as ‘breathable, lightweight, low-maintenance and unapologetically comfortable,’ highlighting the brand’s temperature-regulating designs and use of natural materials.

Crafted from merino wool, eucalyptus fiber and organic cotton, Allbirds has redefined what everyday shoes can be: sleek, responsibly made, machine washable and remarkably comfortable for all-day travel wear.

So no matter where the holidays take you-there’s an Allbirds pair built for the ride:

Wool Runner – Because chilly flights deserve cozy comfort

The holidays often mean chilly mornings and long flights, which is why choosing the right shoes can make all the difference. The Wool Runner, globally recognized by Time Magazine as one of the ‘World’s Most Comfortable Shoes,’ is crafted from soft merino wool that naturally regulates temperature.

It provides cozy warmth without overheating, making it perfect for long-haul flights, overnight bus rides, or crisp holiday mornings when all-day comfort is a must.

Tree Runner – Because warm-weather getaways call for breathable ease

Holiday travel often mixes it all-mall marathons, airport rushes and side trips to the beach. The Tree Runner’s eucalyptus fiber knit makes it lightweight and breathable, keeping your feet cool and comfortable wherever your adventures take you.

As Business Insider notes, ‘Three years after testing them, these are still both my go-to travel shoes and my favorite pair of Allbirds. They’re comfortable, noticeably cooling and perfect for all-day wear,’ making them the ideal sneaker for sun-soaked destinations or city explorations during the holidays.

Tree Dasher 2 – Because active adventures need extra support

Not every holiday trip is about lounging. For travelers who like to squeeze in a hotel jog, hike with family, or even a quick fitness session between feasts, the Tree Dasher 2 delivers the cushioning and stability you need. Built with performance in mind, it’s the sneaker you’ll be glad to pack when your holiday itinerary gets active.

Tree Glider – Because long journeys should feel effortless

When your itinerary involves hours of nonstop travel, you need shoes that keep up. The Tree Glider’s slip-on design makes it easy to breeze through check-in and boarding, while its lightweight build ensures comfort from takeoff to touchdown. Sleek, versatile and effortless-it’s made for travelers always on the move.

Canvas Piper – Because looking sharp should still feel easy

Traveling light means packing shoes that do double duty. The Canvas Piper is just that-a low-top sneaker that works for casual strolls and evening plans alike. It’s the perfect choice for travelers who want style without sacrificing comfort.

With Allbirds, every journey goes beyond comfort-it’s also about mindful travel and care for the planet. By using renewable materials and transparently labeling its low carbon footprint, each pair lets you journey through the holidays in comfort while treading more gently on the Earth.

So when you slip on a pair this holiday season, you’re not only making your travels easier, you’re also making a more mindful choice for the planet.

Find your pair for the holidays at Allbirds stores in SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM Megamall, and its online shop allbirds.com.ph. Also available in selected Res|Toe|Run, The Travel Club+, Bratpack and Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) Stores.

In one of the most gripping finales of the season, Sarah Ababa clawed her way back from five strokes down with a fearless charge on the closing holes, then outlasted Chanelle Avaricio in a pressure-packed second playoff hole to capture the ICTSI Del Monte Championship in dramatic fashion on Thursday.

Trailing for most of the day and facing what looked like an insurmountable deficit, Ababa summoned the composure and tenacity of a seasoned warrior. She birdied three of the last five holes with clinical precision, capping a final round 70 that put her at 211 – just enough to catch a faltering Avaricio, who stumbled home with a 72 after a sizzling start.

‘I didn’t expect to win – I was 2-down with two holes to go,’ admitted Ababa, who trailed by as many as five shots midway through the final round after Avaricio scorched the front nine with a 33 while she managed only a 36. ‘Sobrang kaba ko talaga.’

But golf, as ever, is a cruel test of nerves.

With steely resolve and near-flawless execution, Ababa mounted a stunning comeback that forced a sudden-death playoff at five-under total. The two players matched par on their return trip to the par-5 18th. But on the second playoff hole, Ababa delivered under pressure – unleashing a crisp drive and second shot then following it up with a precise approach from 75 yards to set up a winning birdie. Avaricio, clearly rattled, couldn’t respond.

‘It was the perfect yardage for me – 75 yards. I’m really confident from inside 100 yards,’ said Ababa, who pocketed the P125,000 top purse for her fourth career title in a 12-year pro journey.

The victory was especially sweet for the Davaoeña veteran, who lost in similar sudden-death fashion to Princess Superal at the Caliraya Springs Championship last August.

But this one, she said, meant the most.

‘Sobrang special tong panalo na ‘to kasi hindi ko in-expect. Sobrang layo talaga ni Chanelle,’ said Ababa, who also drew inspiration from her parents, who came all the way from Davao to support her. She was especially motivated by her father, former pro golfer Edgar, who served as her caddie for all three days.

The win couldn’t have come at a better time, serving as a major confidence booster as the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour heads to her hometown of Davao for the next two legs at Apo Golf and South Pacific.

For Avaricio, the loss was a bitter pill after a dominant opening. The former Alabama State standout seemed poised to run away with the title after carding a scorching 33 on the front nine, building a sizeable cushion with poise and command.

Avaricio, who settled for P82,000, unraveled under the mounting pressure of the back nine, bogeying Nos. 10, 11 and 12 in rapid succession. Though she momentarily steadied with a birdie on No. 15, a bogey on the 17th left her clinging to a one-shot lead entering the final hole.

She had one last chance to close it out, but failed to convert on the reachable par-5 18th while Ababa calmly rolled in a six-foot birdie to force extra holes – and ultimately snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The loss marked a stinging reversal for Avaricio, who had dominated at Forest Hills earlier in the season. But on this day, with the trophy in sight, it was Ababa who had the mettle to finish the job.

Meanwhile, Martina Miñoza closed strong with three birdies over the last six holes, carding a 68 to secure a career-best third-place finish at 212 worth P66,000.

Meanwhile, last year’s Order of Merit champion, Harmie Constantino, saw her late charge stall with a string of pars, settling for fourth at 213 after a 70.

Tiffany Lee also delivered a solid finish, birdieing two of her last three holes to post a 68 and claim solo fifth at 215. She hopes to carry this momentum into the upcoming Davao legs at Apo and South Pacific.

Daniella Uy, who was just one stroke behind leader Avaricio after 36 holes, struggled in the final round. She went birdie-less and carded a 76, marred by a double bogey on the 17th, slipping to sixth place at 216. The 2023 champion couldn’t replicate her previous success.

Velinda Castil stumbled with a 74, dropping into a tie for seventh at 217 alongside Kristine Fleetwood, who faltered with a 75. Mafy Singson, coming off a strong second-round 69, also fell back with a 75 to finish ninth at 218.

Florence Bisera, riding high after a comeback win in Negros Occidental and a breakthrough victory in Thailand last month, turned in a disappointing final round of 74. She ended in 10th place at 220 in the sixth leg of this year’s LPGT.

Humanity’s fate cannot be left to an algorithm.’

With this stark warning, UN Secretary-General António Guterres captured both the promise and the peril of technology at the recent Security Council Open Debate on Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security, presided over by President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea. AI, he said, was already rewriting human existence in real time, transforming how we learn, work, communicate and even what we can trust.

However, in the wrong hands, AI could unleash cyberattacks in minutes, fuel disinformation that corrodes democracy and create autonomous weapons capable of killing without human control. ‘Technology must be our servant – not our master,’ Guterres urged, as he called for universal guardrails, global norms and above all, human dignity at the core of AI governance.

The Philippines echoed this cautionary optimism. As Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro stressed in her address to the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) last month: ‘Technology is the other defining force of our age: a connector, an enabler, an equalizer. Artificial intelligence offers promise but carries profound risks. We must help build digital societies that bridge development divides rather than widen them, conforming with safeguards against misuse.’

Even as the UN enters its 80th year, the debates at the UNGA once again revealed different visions of how to address today’s complex challenges. Despite diverse voices and competing perspectives under one roof, the UN remains, eight decades on, as relevant as ever.

For Korea, this is not an abstract conviction but a lived reality. President Lee reminded the UNGA of this self-evident truth: ‘If someone asks what the UN has achieved, I would confidently reply, Look at the 80-year history of the Republic of Korea.’ Indubitably, Korea’s resilience and prosperity as a vibrant democracy and advanced economy is inseparable from the UN. And in this proud history, Korea’s relationship with the Philippines, a founding member of the UN, stands out. Seventy-five years ago, more than 7,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) fought in defense of our freedom and democracy. That bond of trust and camaraderie, forged in the crucible of war, carried through generations.

It’s the first time that a Korean leader chaired a Security Council meeting as its president, and also the first time that a Security Council Open Debate focused on AI at the leaders’ level. In his statement, President Lee drew on an interesting metaphorical image – originally coined by Professor Geoffrey Hinton – to describe the two sides of AI: a very cute tiger cub. ‘This tiger cub before us may well grow into a predator that devours us, or it may become a beloved companion like Derpy from KPop Demon Hunters.’

For Korea, this undertaking was not only symbolic but also reflective of its journey: from a nation that once relied on international support to one that is ready to share its perspectives and innovative ideas on other defining agenda of our age.

Korea’s leadership in responsible AI extends beyond the UN. With the Netherlands, it co-leads the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Initiative, a global platform ensuring that defense applications of AI remain transparent, accountable and firmly under human control. The REAIM Initiative reflects Korea’s belief that innovation and ethics must advance as one, and that even in matters of security, humanity’s fate should never be left to an algorithm.

Korea affirmed this commitment through the passage of the AI Basic Act – set to take effect in January next year – establishing the country as a global pioneer in the development of reliable and forward-looking AI.

On top of these, President Lee has secured a landmark partnership with asset manager BlackRock to help make Korea a regional hub for AI. An MOU with the Ministry of Science and ICT is expected to drive hyperscale AI data centers powered by renewables, underscoring global confidence in Korea’s AI potential and opening new avenues for growth across the Asia-Pacific.

Momentum was also building on the innovation front. Earlier this year, OpenAI announced it would open its first office in Seoul, in recognition of Korea’s ‘full-stack AI ecosystem’ as one of the most promising in the world. With Korea now the second-largest market for paid ChatGPT subscriptions after the United States, global leaders in both finance and technology have been looking to Korea as a strategic hub for the AI era.

This global conversation, launched at the UN, would naturally carry forward to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju at the end of October. There, AI and other emerging technologies are expected to feature prominently. For Korea, it would be an opportunity to present its vision of AI for peace, security and human dignity not only as a security challenge, but also as an engine for sustainable growth.

It would be equally important for the Philippines. The dialogue at APEC would seamlessly carry into 2026, when the Philippines assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN, ensuring continuity in shaping the regional agenda.

Korea and the Philippines, bound by history and trust, would again find themselves at the heart of this dialogue, shaping the future of our region and contributing to a safer, more just and more humane world.

As Winston Churchill once said: ‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ In many ways, that is the challenge before us: to steer AI into a transformative opportunity, one that, if guided with wisdom, responsibility and cooperation, can define the next chapter of the UN, Korea, the Philippines and our shared global future.

Lee Sang-hwa is the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.

Capital1 rode on a conference-high 39-point effort by Sasha Bytsenko as it repulsed Nxled, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 25-12, in the PVL Reinforced Conference for its first triumph in two starts.

Bytsenko’s effort erased the previous conference best of 38 scored by Eli Rousseaux and came six points shy of matching the league record 46 set by another Capital1 import Marina Tushova in this same conference a season ago.

‘We played like a team, I felt the energy,’ said Bytsenko.

The Chameleons stumbled to 0-2.

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. has formally assumed office as chairperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), replacing Gilbert Cruz, who led the agency since 2022.

Acorda took his oath of office on Thursday, October 16, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Leadership transition. Cruz’s tenure at the PAOCC was marked by a series of major operations against illegal scam and gaming syndicates. The agency spearheaded the nationwide crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which led to the outlawing of illegal POGO hubs and the deportation of undocumented foreign workers.

The PAOCC also played a role in the arrest and detention of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who has been linked to POGO-related activities.

In June 2024, the commission began a campaign against illegal online lending apps, responding to more than 13,000 public complaints about predatory lending practices.

Anti-crime mandate. Created in 2000, the PAOCC leads the government’s efforts to identify and prosecute organized crime groups and public officials who protect them.

The commission also coordinates with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to dismantle syndicates involved in trafficking, fraud, and cybercrime.

Who is Acorda? Acorda, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, served as PNP chief from April 2023 to April 2024. Before his appointment, he was PNP Director for Intelligence and previously headed the Police Regional Office 10 in Northern Mindanao.

He is considered a pioneer of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and has also led the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, which investigates police misconduct.