Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

More than four years after gunshots silenced radio broadcaster Federico ‘Ding’ Gempesaw right on his own doorstep, the triggerman is behind bars, but the most crucial question remains unanswered: who ordered the hit?

Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Monday, Nov. 2, this city’s chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) voiced deep frustration over the stalled pursuit of the mastermind behind the city’s first reported media killing.

Gempesaw, a blocktime commentator for Radyo Natin, was gunned down outside his residence in Macanhan, Barangay Carmen, on June 29, 2022.

Maj. Joann Navarro, spokesperson for the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO 10), confirmed to the Inquirer that the suspected gunman is currently facing court proceedings following his arrest on Oct. 31 last year.

She identified the arrested suspect as Peter Zalso Quimada Jr.

The suspect, collared through a no-bail arrest warrant for murder, was positively identified by Gempesaw’s son, who now serves as a key prosecution witness.

However, Navarro noted that a second person – a ‘John Doe’ who fled with the gunman – remains at large.

While the media watchdog welcomed the arrest of the alleged gunman, it maintained a critical stance on the direction of the police investigation, which floated a personal grudge between the suspect and the victim as a probable motive.

The NUJP chapter, however, is pushing back.

‘Remembering Sir Ding amid the observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is also our way to remind authorities of their unfinished obligation to identify and arrest the mastermind behind the killing and hold all perpetrators accountable,’ Franck Rosete, chairman of NUJP Cagayan de Oro Chapter, told the Inquirer on Monday.

The group urged authorities to relentlessly pursue the mastermind to bring genuine closure to the Gempesaw family.

Gempesaw’s assassination adds to a grim and growing toll. According to NUJP, media killings under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration reached 12 following the murder of Albay-based broadcast journalist Adrian Loterte just last month.

Reaffirming their commitment to truth-telling amid the threats, the NUJP local chapter appealed for broader civilian support to protect an increasingly vulnerable press.

‘We vow to continue our work, and we call on the public to stand with us in demanding justice and defending media freedom and people’s right to know,’ the chapter said in a statement Monday.

At the national level, the government acknowledged the uphill battle in securing convictions.

‘Ending impunity means ensuring that attacks against journalists are not ignored, that cases are not forgotten, and that victims and their families can have confidence that justice remains within reach,’ Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), said in a statement issued Monday.

‘An arrest is an important step, but our collective responsibility does not end there. Cases must be diligently pursued, with full respect for due process and the independence of the courts,’ he added.

Torres noted that the occasion is both a tribute to fallen journalists and a call for concrete action to protect those who continue to report in the public interest.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Nov. 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in 2013, commemorating the murder of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in Mali.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could wrap up by the end of November, the House’s lead prosecutor said on Sunday, which could mark the end of a months-long proceeding that has exposed alleged misconduct by the early presidential favorite.

In a statement, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, the chief prosecutor in the impeachment case, said this was ‘possible’ if Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team limits its presentation to 10 trial days from 30 days under the Senate impeachment court’s June pretrial order.

Luistro’s projected timeline hinged on expectations that Duterte’s defense team will cut the trial days it will seek to rebut the allegations hurled by prosecutors.

‘They will be requesting 10 trial days, and it all will be a full day,’ the Batangas lawmaker said in Filipino. ‘If this extends beyond 10 trial days, it may spill over into December.’

Still, the trial will take far less time than what was initially expected after prosecutors streamlined the case to focus solely on the charge that Duterte amassed unexplained wealth and failed to truthfully disclose her assets, Luistro said.

‘What is clear is that the defense requested 30 trial days, according to our pretrial order,’ she pointed out. ‘However, those … pertained to four articles of impeachment. At this point, only one remains.’

‘But at any rate, we are all hoping and praying that, hopefully before Christmas, this impeachment trial will be concluded so we can have closure and we can all move on,’ Luistro added.

’16 votes’

In a separate statement, Deputy Speaker Janette Garin said prosecutors could likely secure 16 votes to convict Duterte if she would not appear in her Senate trial and explain the wealth she allegedly accrued while in office.

‘If the vice president chooses not to attend and fails to address or answer the questions raised by the [Anti-Money Laundering Council], the banks, the [Bureau of Internal Revenue], the [Securities and Exchange Commission], and our forensic analyst, reaching the 16 votes becomes highly probable,’ she said in Filipino.

Forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera, a prosecution witness, testified in September that Duterte may have hidden at least P817 million in assets since 2022.

‘That is precisely why it is crucial for our vice president to attend,’ Garin said in Filipino. ‘When you are the respondent in an impeachment trial, it is vital that your voice is heard and your explanation is presented.’

Duterte was initially charged with alleged betrayal of public trust, amassing unexplained wealth, violating the Constitution, committing graft and bribery, and issuing grave threats against President Marcos.

Last month, prosecutors withdrew three of the charges and only retained the unexplained wealth charge.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct a comprehensive investigation into incidents involving Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, following the discovery of 29 deceased dogs and cats allegedly dumped at a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Monday.

The 29 dead animals, packed into several large sacks, were reportedly dumped at the vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper early Thursday morning, October 29, by still unidentified individuals riding a white van.

Matibag said in a statement that he directed several NBI divisions-led by the Environmental Crimes Division-and all of their regional offices in Calabarzon and Central Luzon to look into the incident.

The investigation will look into possible estafa charges under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, particularly in cases where pet owners paid for cremation services that were allegedly not performed.

Investigators will also examine the crematorium’s business permits, equipment, CCTV footage and procedures for handling the remains of pets entrusted to the facility.

The NBI will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police and concerned local government units to inspect similar facilities, following a recommendation from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.

Matibag said the bureau would use forensic examinations and other scientific methods to determine whether the recovered remains belonged to pets brought to the crematorium and whether the ashes returned to their owners could be authenticated.

‘Ako po, bilang isang pet lover din, ay nakakaunawa at nakikiramay sa mga naging biktima sa mapanlinlang na gawaing ito. Hindi katanggap-tanggap na ang tiwalang binigay, kasama ang perang pinaghirapan, ng bawat pet owner ay sinuklian ng panloloko. Sa halip na maayos na cremation ay tinapon na parang basura,’ Matibag said.

(I, as a pet lover myself, understand and sympathize with those who have fallen victim to this fraudulent practice. It is unacceptable that the trust given, including the money they worked hard for, by every pet owner was repaid with fraud. Instead of a proper cremation, it was thrown away like garbage.)

‘Hindi lang ito failure of service-ito ay grave betrayal of public trust,’ he added.

(This is not just a failure of service-it is a grave betrayal of public trust.)

Matibag then encouraged affected pet owners to come forward and submit evidence, such as their receipts, cremation certificates, and other relevant communications, to the NBI headquarters in Pasay City to assist in the case buildup.

‘Sisiguruhin ng NBI na ang usaping ito ay maiimbestigahan nang masusi at ang mga karampatang kaso ay isasampa na naayon sa ebidensya,’ he said.

(The NBI will ensure that this matter is thoroughly investigated and appropriate charges are filed based on the evidence.)

The Inquirer reached out to the pet crematorium but had yet to receive a response as of posting time. Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla earlier ordered the closure of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium amid complaints from pet owners following the incident. /ms

Romblon State University (RSU) will implement a three-day work-from-home arrangement for its faculty and staff from Tuesday (November 3) to Thursday (November 5) to promote economic efficiency and work-life balance.

In an advisory, the state university said the arrangement would be implemented under Office of the University President Memorandum No. 154-00, series of 2026.

Faculty and staff will continue performing their duties remotely to ensure institutional productivity and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

Classes will also continue through synchronous or asynchronous learning modalities to avoid disruptions in instruction while considering the welfare of the university community.

Job Order personnel were advised to coordinate with their respective unit heads to finalize their work arrangements during the period.

The university also directed college deans, directors, unit heads and campus directors to implement security measures to protect university equipment, files and other properties in their respective offices and areas of responsibility.

Regular office operations and classes will resume on Nov. 9, the advisory said.

The northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is forecast to bring rain showers to Extreme Northern Luzon on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, the state weather bureau reported.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the amihan is expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley.

Pagasa weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the weather system is expected to intensify later on Monday and may affect the entire Northern Luzon.

‘This northeast monsoon, or amihan, is still expected to affect Northern Luzon tomorrow. But by Wednesday, the northeast monsoon will weaken and may affect Extreme Northern Luzon,’ he added.

Meanwhile, fair weather is expected to persist in Metro Manila and the rest of the country on Monday, although sudden rain showers may occur due to localized thunderstorms.

No gale warning is currently in effect in any part of the country.

Pagasa also reported that the cyclone outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), with the international name In-Fa, was last located 2,175 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

Typhoon In-Fa is carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 170 kph. It is moving westward at 15 kph.

The cyclone has no direct effect on the country and has a low chance of entering the PAR, Aurelio said.

Eric Olivarez and John Benedict Aguilar launch their respective bids for the crown Tuesday, November 3, but a deep and competitive field promises to make the opening rounds of the Mayor Edwin Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships anything but routine at the Olivarez Sports Center and Parañaque indoor clay courts in Sucat.

Olivarez faces David Abordo, while Aguilar squares off with Calvin Chung as the top two seeds look to establish early momentum in the week-long P415,000 tournament featuring the country’s leading campaigners and a promising crop of emerging talents.

But while the seeded players carry the weight of expectations, they can hardly afford to take their opening assignments lightly. The depth of the 32-player singles draw, coupled with the presence of seasoned campaigners and hungry newcomers, sets the stage for possible reversals and early-round surprises that could dramatically reshape the title chase.

Veterans Nilo Ledama, Vicente Anasta and Noel Damian are among those expected to provide stiff opposition, along with Eric Tangub, Loucas Fernandez and Elvin Geluz, all eager to make their presence felt in a field where experience, consistency and composure under pressure could prove decisive.

Beyond the competition, the annual championship underscores the Olivarez family’s continuing commitment to Philippine tennis, providing a regular competitive platform where established players can sustain their edge while rising talents gain valuable exposure and experience against stronger opposition.

Sponsored by Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Rep. Eric Olivarez, the tournament forms part of the family’s long-running effort to help develop the sport, nurture promising players and give both veteran and emerging campaigners opportunities to sharpen their skills and test themselves against the country’s best.

The singles champion stands to pocket P100,000, while the runner-up receives P50,000. The prize money extends down to the qualifiers and Round of 16 losers, ensuring that more participants share in the rewards of competing in the event, supported by Dunlop, Philta, ICON Golf and Sports, Universal Tennis Rating and Palawan Group of Companies.

Also on tap is the men’s doubles competition, where the winning tandem will take home P50,000. Headlining the doubles cast are the Olivarez-Ledama and Aguilar-Rolly Saga combinations, while Damian teams up with Brysl Libao and Geluz partners with Al-Zayeed Baid.

Still, much of the spotlight will remain on the singles competition, where several intriguing first-round matchups could produce early fireworks.

Ledama takes on Christian Gorges, Anasta battles Cristiano Calingasan, Damian collides with Lucas Go, Fernandez faces Hans Asistio, Tangub squares off with Gurkan Nasilbilirsen, while Geluz trades shots with Krelz Gecosala

Hi, are you the one on duty today? Are you ready to go on rounds?’ More than two decades ago, these were the questions posed to us as trainees on a daily basis. Being on duty meant that you were to be the first person to be called as well as the person in charge after office hours. In residency, that meant an almost 32-hour shift, with an allowable few hours of sleep after your 24-hour stint. The number of times that you go on duty is dependent on the number of people available on your team. This only meant that we had to go to work even if we were sick because breaking the schedule would impact on the lives and schedules of the other members. In those days, accredited subspecialty programs were limited. Getting into a training program was the primary goal and eclipsed all other concerns, including financial compensation. To give you an idea, my take-home pay barely covered my daily expenses. It was only when I went into further training in a public institution that I felt confident enough to be partially independent. The whole experience, from residency to fellowship training, had a lot of teachable moments and will always serve as reminders of how challenges and hardships will always have a way of molding and strengthening character. I use the word strengthen because at this stage, you already have a semblance of who you are and are equipped with the basic values, which would largely be courtesy of your upbringing.

Lessons learned and relearned.

If you take on a responsibility, live up to it. No one held a gun to your head. You chose to train and further your learning in a field that is going to be your lifelong career, so be ready to embrace whatever it may bring you. Do not ever play the victim. What you make of yourself is borne out of the choices, whether right or wrong, that you have made.

Learn to be malleable and open to keep on building on what you have. Try to do your best in whatever you do. Do not succumb to the temptation of resorting to shortcuts. In an era when artificial intelligence (AI) can be both helpful and a threat, stay curious and analyze information that is readily available at your fingertips. AI largely acts on prompts from us humans, and it will always be up to us to ask the right questions that can assist, but not provide the solution to medical or even ethical issues, which can turn out to be very complex. AI cannot be held accountable for the decisions that you and your team made in managing a patient.

Prepare yourself for bigger responsibilities as you move up the ladder and even to the unenviable position of being the captain of the ship. As the head, the buck will always stop with you. Second to the consultant in charge, you are answerable for your younger colleagues’ actions, especially the ones who are still finding their footing. My seniors did a good job at being my lifeline. In the face of trying circumstances, do not ever be a fair-weather friend, leader or not.

Have the courage to ask for help. I have repeatedly mentioned that in dealing with lives, there is no room for arrogance. Learn to ask for help if you feel that you are at a loss, or worse, nearing the end of the rope. If you don’t ask, how will people know that you need assistance? There will always be a hand that will lift you up, even from those that you thought wouldn’t extend theirs. Be ready for that opportunity to offer yours.

Dig deep into your well of compassion and empathy even when you are in danger of running on empty. People are at their most vulnerable when they are ill and no longer able to fend for themselves. Avoid being reactive or even judgmental. As the doctor, you are not the one who is suffering the most from pain or indecision. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a sympathetic ear or a look of understanding are the most precious things that you can share.

In the last few months, as a pediatric community, we have lost beloved colleagues. A close friend shared how it felt losing the mentor who believed in her the most. Listening to her brought on a memory of how another beloved pillar served as the lifeline for a friend who wanted to fulfill his dream of becoming a pediatrician and readily welcomed him to the residency training program. These recounts have further deepened my admiration and respect. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you have achieved; what matters most are the intangibles you leave behind for others to hold close and learn from.

Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan on Monday urged the government to intensify its crackdown on hoarders, profiteers, and cartels as the country braces for the impact of a strong El Niño on food production and prices.

He also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Price Coordinating Council and other concerned agencies to strengthen market monitoring and enforce applicable price freezes in areas declared under a state of calamity.

He said these agencies should recommend the imposition of price ceilings when warranted under the law to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases.

‘We should not profit from the impending calamity that will further afflict our countrymen, especially farmers and fishermen who also buy food from the market. During times of crisis, consumers must be protected against exploitation,’ Pangilinan said.

According to him, authorities should investigate and prosecute individuals and entities engaged in hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities that seek to exploit the threat of drought and water shortages to manipulate food supply and prices.

‘[They should] gather evidence and pursue criminal and administrative cases against those responsible for illegal price manipulation. Enforcement must not end with frontline sellers. We must target the very top, the big business owners behind these syndicates,’ said Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.

Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10623, the prices of basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing levels or placed under automatic price control, unless otherwise declared by the president.

Pangilinan also warned that public officials who conspire in or knowingly conceal violations of the Price Act may be held accountable.

Filipino motorists will need to pay more for gasoline products this week, as oil firms plan to raise prices by about P3 per liter beginning Tuesday.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday that gasoline prices will go up by as much as P3.50 per liter.

Diesel and kerosene, meanwhile, will have price cuts of at least P1 to P1.90 per liter, respectively.

The country’s fuel inventory remains healthy, with supply enough for 52.95 days.

‘Diesel softened on easing supply outlook, supported by stock releases, Chinese exports, and Russian diesel exports,’ Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said over the weekend.

‘However, Asian gasoline balances remained tight despite the release of Chinese export quotas, as higher imported costs of crude.weigh on regional refining economics,’ he added.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) logged more than 23,000 passengers at ports nationwide by Monday midnight, as thousands traveled for the annual observance of All Souls’ Day.

The PCG said it monitored 12,108 outbound passengers and 11,414 inbound passengers between midnight and 6 a.m. Monday.

The Coast Guard District Western Visayas recorded the highest overall volume, with 3,942 travelers.

Meanwhile, authorities recorded 2,124 outbound rolling cargoes and 2,066 inbound rolling cargoes during the same monitoring period. The PCG also inspected 145 vessels and 122 motorbancas nationwide.

Total maritime passenger volume topped 1.18 million between Oct. 29 and early Monday, PCG data showed, with 623,957 outbound and 565,772 inbound travelers recorded at ports nationwide during the travel surge.