Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Three police officers were wounded during a buy-bust operation that ended in an armed encounter in Batangas City on Monday night, police said.

Batangas police reported Tuesday that around 10 p.m. Monday, members of the city police intelligence unit were conducting a sting operation against suspected gunrunners led by a certain ‘Bonsai’ in Barangay Bolbok.

Investigators said the suspects realized they were dealing with undercover police operatives and opened fire using handguns, hitting a police major and two staff sergeants.

The three injured officers sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed by their colleagues to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Police said the suspects fled after the shooting and are now the subject of a police manhunt./coa/abc

Lexus Manila has recently relocated to its new home in BGC, offering customers a larger space that feels more like a car lover’s retreat than a showroom. Called Lexus Manila Gallery, the 3-story building includes a roof deck and invites customers to relax and discover Lexus in an environment shaped by Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship.

As Lexus Philippines’ largest facility yet, the expansive property not only offers a more immersive brand experience but also accommodates a significantly greater service capacity.

Lexus Manila Gallery coffee bar

Designed by Casas Architects, Lexus Manila Gallery was created following Omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of anticipating one’s needs. The result is a space that features a natural flow from the entrance that welcomes guests to the lounges arranged for conversation.

The design firm used natural wood, stone, and leather, following Japanese sensibilities, which add warmth and texture to the aesthetic. Keeping the environment mindful in the scheme, they also used low-VOC paints, eco-conscious tiles, and renewable finishes, including energy-efficient lighting, which casts the best light on the vehicles on display.

Beyond the car display, the showroom brings together a full suite of services for Lexus customers. Sales and after-sales support continue to be housed under one roof with improved dedicated spaces for consultations, new car releases, and vehicle servicing.

Lexus Manila Gallery driveway

Customers can also look forward to personalised assistance, including a coffee bar which will serve brews only found there, exclusive events, and a level of attention that mirrors the Lexus ownership experience.

The Lexus Manila Gallery redefines what a car showroom should be. It’s not only about the cars as the centerpiece, but how people feel while they are there. With Casa Architects shaping the vision paired with Lexus DNA, the Lexus Manila Gallery is a modern sanctuary in the heart of BGC and reflects the brand’s belief in precision, hospitality, and a lifestyle defined by care in every detail.

Alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has been in the hospital since Sept. 11 after being diagnosed with pneumonia, said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Tuesday.

According to the BJMP in a message to Inquirer, Quiboloy-who was detained at the Pasig City jail-was rushed to a public hospital on Sept. 11 after experiencing difficulty in breathing.

‘He was later diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (moderate risk),’ BJMP spokesperson Jail Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said.

Bustinera then said that the court handling his case has already issued an order authorizing his hospitalization after being informed of Quiboloy’s situation.

‘As of 30 September 2025, he is stable and recovering in a public hospital, in line with BJMP policies on medical care for PDL (persons deprived of liberty),’ the spokesperson said.

The televangelist leader and founder of the KJC is currently facing child abuse and human trafficking cases before the Quezon City and Pasig City courts, respectively.

Apart from his cases within the country, Quiboloy is also facing several criminal charges in the United States, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. /das

Five new undersecretaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon administered the oath-taking of the five new officials on Monday, September 29.

The five new undersecretaries are:

Arrey A. Perez-Undersecretary for Operations in charge of Convergence Projects and Technical Services

Arthur V. Bisnar-Undersecretary for Regional Operations

Charles T. Calima Jr.-Undersecretary for Special Concerns

Ricardo Bernabe III-Undersecretary, Office of the Secretary

Samuel Rufino J. Turgano-Undersecretary for Legal Services

In an interview on Tuesday, Dizon said that he is ‘happy’ now that the new undersecretaries are joining him in the agency. He also said that more appointees will be named in the coming weeks.

When asked why the new DPWH officials are fit for their positions, Dizon said that they are trustworthy.

‘Kilala ko sila. Kailangan trusted. It’s a good mix of technical people, may experience both sa gobyerno and private sector,’ Dizon said.

(I know them. They need to be trusted. It’s a good mix of technical people who have experience both in the government and private sector.)

Dizon noted that he needs lawyers, like Bernabe and Turgano, and investigators like Bisnar.

He also shared that Bisnar is a good friend of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and new Independent Commission for Infrastructure Special Advisor Rodolfo Azurin.

In a Senate blue ribbon panel’s hearing last Thursday, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo confessed that he committed ‘wrongdoings’ in anomalous flood control projects. He also vowed to cooperate in the investigation.

Meanwhile, former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was previously tagged by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson as the one who allegedly contacted Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto to request insertions in the proposed 2026 national budget.

Dizon earlier said that as Cabral denied the allegations to him, he told her to explain herself before the Senate. cb

The data center arm of PLDT Group has sealed a pact with two global technology leaders to give key sectors access to artificial intelligence’s (AI) full potential without hefty infrastructure investments.

ePLDT said on Monday that it teamed up with Dell Technologies and Katonic AI. They are launching the Philippines’ ‘first sovereign AI solutions stack’ dubbed Pilipinas AI.

Introducing this in the local market will help local businesses to break through challenges in deploying AI, such as complex integration requirements and the lack of AI specialists, according to the firm.

The group also said the service is hosted at its Vitro Sta. Rosa, the first AI-ready hyperscale data center in the Philippines.

The firm hopes to reach sectors, like banking and finance, business process outsourcing, health care, public services and academia. It said that the Pilipinas AI has the capability to detect fraud, provide AI-driven weather forecasting and AI-assisted medical diagnostics, boost customer experience and others.

‘By working with trusted, world-class tech partners, we are putting the right foundation in place for Philippine enterprises to embrace AI with confidence. Pilipinas AI gives them access to computing power and advanced tools that help accelerate adoption, streamline operations and drive innovation at scale,’ Victor Genuino, president and CEO of ePLDT and Vitro Inc., said in a statement.

Not if, but when

‘AI adoption is no longer a question of if, but when. With Pilipinas AI, we are making sure that when Philippine enterprises take that leap, they do so on solid ground,’ Genuino said.

ePLDT currently operates 11 data centers across the Philippines. These are in Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Parañaque, Subic, Clark, Cebu and Davao.

In the first six months of 2025, PLDT’s core income inched up by 1 percent to P17.6 billion from P17.3 billion a year ago. Consolidated service revenues also reached P97.1 billion, with data and broadband accounting for 85 percent. INQ

Biliran, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro were placed under a state of calamity on Monday amid widespread destruction in the three provinces caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

The declaration by the these provinces brought to five the total number of local governments in a state of calamity in the aftermath of Opong, which lashed through parts of Luzon and the Visayas between Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.

On Saturday, the province of Masbate and Calbayog City in Samar also approved similar declarations to speed up release of local quick response funds needed for their recovery from the storm that had displaced thousands, destroyed infrastructure, farms, homes and schools, and left at least 14 people dead.

Biliran registered the highest number of fatalities at 10, on top of widespread damage to crops and vital facilities.

In total, Eastern Visayas recorded 12 deaths attributed to the typhoon, including two fatalities from Tagapul-an and Calbayog City, both in Samar.

The worst

Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina described as ‘massive’ the destruction in the province caused by Opong.

‘This is the worst typhoon in years to hit Biliran, leaving massive destruction to both property and lives,’ Espina said in an interview with local reporters on Monday.

The governor appealed for national assistance, saying, ‘We hope President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government agencies will notice our province and extend the necessary aid.’

The declaration of a state of calamity was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) in a special session on Monday afternoon upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which Espina chairs.

With the declaration, the provincial government down to the barangay (village) level can now access their calamity funds to support rehabilitation efforts.

Based on Espina’s report, the typhoon killed 10 people-four each from the towns of Maripipi and Kawayan and one each from Caibiran and Culaba.

Damage to crops, mostly rice, was estimated at over ?140 million, while damage to various infrastructures reached over ?1.26 billion.

About 62 classrooms were also damaged, while power and water supply have yet to be restored in several barangays.

‘Out of our 132 barangays, 43 currently have no water supply, and many remain without electricity,’ Espina said.

He urged residents to remain resilient.

‘Let us not lose heart. We will rise again,’ Espina said.

Romblon, Oriental Mindoro

In Romblon, the provincial board placed the entire province under a state of calamity on the recommendation of its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) based on the extent of the damage it suffered, including the destruction of homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and the loss of power and communications, the Romblon Provincial Information Office (PIO) said in a statement.

The Romblon PIO said more than 9,800 homes and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by the typhoon in the province.

In Oriental Mindoro, the declaration was made during the 13th regular session of the Provincial Board (PB, as announced by Vice Gov. Antonio ‘Jojo’ Perez Jr. in a Facebook post on Monday. Perez, the PB’s presiding officer, led the approval of the resolution, which aims to fast-track rehabilitation efforts, implement necessary emergency measures, and ensure the immediate distribution of aid to all affected families across the province.

Masbate rehab starts

Masbate province, meanwhile, has started the slow process of rehabilitation, with aid coming from its neighbors in the Bicol region – the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Catanduanes – that have sent manpower, equipment and relief goods – to help in the cleanup and restoration of basic services on the island-province.

A team of linemen from the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative also arrived in the province on Monday, ‘rolling up their sleeves and helping us fix and restore our power lines,’ according to a Facebook post of the Masbate Electric Coop, Inc. Opong destroyed over 600 classrooms and affected some 30,000 students in Masbate, according to a report from Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol.

Classes in the province would be suspended for a week starting Monday, said a memorandum issued by Nelson Morales Jr., superintendent of the Masbate Schools Division. DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad, in a private message on Sunday, said classes in Masbate would resume through asynchronous learning, adding the agency has yet to finalize the cost of the damage, as reports were still being validated.

In a separate message, DepEd Bicol information officer Mayflor Marie Jumamil said that based on initial rapid damage assessments, 43 schools were flooded and 11 others were hit by landslides.

At least 138 classrooms were rendered unusable, while 303 sustained major damage. Another 250 classrooms suffered minor damage.

Given the extent of the destruction, DepEd estimated it will need 564 temporary learning spaces to allow classes to resume.

‘If in-person classes resume, they may be held in makeshift classrooms. If there are still available and usable classrooms, a shifting schedule may be adopted,’ Jumamil said.

Across Bicol, over 200,000 learners were affected by storm-related class suspensions, Sadsad said. INQ

CIBI Information Inc., the Philippines’ first credit reporting agency, warned of a rise in hiring fraud that could expose companies to steep losses unless they adopt more rigorous verification systems.

The firm pointed to a mix of economic pressures, intensifying competition and the easy availability of online tools as factors that have made it simpler for job seekers to misstate or embellish their qualifications.

Common tactics include falsifying academic records, inflating work experience, inventing technical skills and, in some cases, manipulating personal identities to secure an advantage in the hiring process, CIBI said.

It added that companies risk hiring underqualified employees, which could lead to productivity setbacks, wasted recruitment investments, compliance issues and even reputational damage if third parties are affected.

‘Growth is important, but it must go hand in hand with integrity,’ Pia Arellano, president and CEO of CIBI, said in a statement on Monday.

‘By embedding proactive verification into hiring, businesses protect themselves, their people, and ultimately the strength of the country’s labor market. Integrity in hiring is more than just a business process; it’s a public service,’ Arellano added.

Steep losses

Citing a global study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, CIBI said organizations could lose an estimated 5 percent of annual revenue to fraud. In a fast-moving labor market like the Philippines, the credit agency said such losses could increase costs and disrupt daily operations.

These risks, CIBI said, highlighted the need for stronger and more proactive safeguards in the hiring process, adding that traditional background checks and interviews alone no longer suffice as validation for applicant information.

‘Employers require more reliable ways to ensure that new hires truly possess the qualifications and integrity their applications suggest,’ it said.

‘Beyond protecting businesses, stronger verification systems also safeguard honest candidates who may otherwise be disadvantaged in a hiring market clouded by fraudulent claims,’ it added.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of its proposed P216.1 billion budget for 2026.

The amount is P39.4 billion more than the agency’s previous allocation of P176.7 billion.

The increase stems from a major realignment ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who diverted over P250 billion from controversial flood control projects toward agriculture, education, and social welfare.

‘This increased budget brings us closer to President Marcos’s vision of a food-secure Philippines-where agriculture is modern and investment-worthy, and farming is a viable, profitable venture,’ said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

The budget hike, endorsed during plenary debates on Monday, will fund farm-to-market roads, cold storage facilities, and solar-powered irrigation systems, among other flagship projects.

A portion will also support coconut replanting, expanded crop insurance, fish port upgrades, farm-to-mill roads in sugar-producing areas, and modern post-harvest facilities.

Pampanga Representative Anna York Bondoc, who defended the DA budget, said the increase reflects the government’s recognition of agriculture as a key economic driver, employing one in every five Filipinos and contributing 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.

‘These additional funds are a powerful testament of our recognition that our investment in agriculture is an investment into our shared future,’ said Bondoc.

‘It means direct support for hardworking farmers, better technology for our fisherfolk, and a more stable and resilient food supply for every Filipino family,’ she added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday it has submitted additional evidence to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the long-running probe into the disappearance of individuals linked to online cockfighting operations.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group turned over five flash drives and new witness affidavits to prosecutors handling complaints of murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

The complaints were filed by the missing individuals’ relatives against businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and several others.

‘The submission of these files is part of our continuing effort to build a strong and credible case,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He added that the PNP cannot disclose details due to the sensitivity of the case.

‘We believe they will help establish accountability and aid in the identification of those responsible,’ Nartatez added.

At least 34 men linked to online cockfighting, or e-sabong, went missing in separate incidents between 2021 and 2022. This prompted investigation on their disappearance.

Nartatez assured the victims’ families that the PNP remains committed to resolving the case.

‘We recognize their long and painful wait for answers, and we continue to exert all efforts to bring closure,’ he said, adding that the police are working closely with the DOJ to pursue all leads.

‘The PNP operates on the principle that no one is above the law,’ he added.

‘We will not allow power or connections to interfere with the investigation or the pursuit of justice.’

There’s a kind of joy that only toys can bring-the kind that lights up a child’s face the moment they step into a store filled with color, imagination, and endless possibilities. This September, MR.TOY invites families to rediscover that joy through its ‘September to Remember’ celebration, a month-long fiesta of play, surprises, and unbeatable deals.

From September 1 to 30, MR.TOY transforms select malls across Metro Manila and beyond into playgrounds of wonder. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect reward, a grandparent planning early Christmas shopping, or simply a kid-at-heart, this is your chance to unwrap happiness-one toy at a time.

Playtime Picks That Spark Imagination Step inside MR.TOY and you’ll find shelves brimming with toys that do more than entertain-they inspire. Highlights include:

Girls Villa and Flying Moco Villa Block Sets – Designed for young dreamers, these building sets encourage storytelling, creativity, and hands-on learning. With charming details and light-up pieces, they’re perfect for kids who love to build their own worlds.

The Infrared R/C Military Dinosaur delivers a roaring fusion of robotics and prehistoric fun, thrilling kids with LED lights, sound effects, and remote-controlled action. Meanwhile, the RoroJump Series brings creativity to life with cheerful brick sets-from birthday boards and pen holders to buildable vehicles-transforming everyday moments into imaginative adventures.

Blast off into playtime with this dynamic duo: the Astronaut-Themed Rubber Bouncy Balls bring lightweight fun and cosmic charm to any celebration, making them ideal for party favors or classroom rewards, while the Carwash Garage Playset-with its rollers, ramps, and rinse stations-invites kids to dive into imaginative storytelling and hands-on motor skill development.

Why Parents Love It Too

MR.TOY isn’t just a hit with kids-it’s a lifesaver for parents. With generous discounts all month long, it’s easier than ever to stock up on gifts, reward good behavior, or surprise your little one ‘just because.’ And with the holidays fast approaching, September is the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping early-minus the stress and crowds.

Where to Find the Fun? Visit any of these MR.TOY stores near you:

Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall

Ayala Malls Feliz

Ayala Malls Marikina

Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Ayala Malls Harbor Point

Let the Play Begin!

Follow MR.TOY on Facebook and Instagram or visit mrtoy.com/ph for updates and exclusive promos.