Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Human rights group Karapatan is demanding accountability from the police for the death of a 35-year-old construction worker believed to have been caught in the crossfire between authorities and rioting protesters after the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest in Manila.

A funeral march was held on Thursday for Eric Saber, who was found to have sustained a gunshot wound in the neck, based on an autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun.

Based on Fortun’s findings, Saber was shot, injuring his spine. He developed pneumonia, which ultimately killed him.

‘This fact exposes the lies of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which repeatedly denied that they did not use firearms or tear gas that day. Who else bore firearms during the dispersal but the police forces, the SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team and agents who are not in uniform?’ said lawyer Maria Sol Taule, Karapatan deputy secretary general, who has also been helping protesters who were arrested without a warrant.

Taule said the untimely death of Saber, who was just passing by Mendiola when he was shot, is a reminder that ordinary people are ‘not safe from state violence and police brutality.’

Stark reminder

‘We demand accountability for those responsible for the killing of Eric Saber. We call for an immediate, independent and credible investigation into his case and into the many other rights violations committed by the police during the Sept. 21 dispersal,’ she added.

The number of protesters who were arrested and detained by the Manila police has reached 277 from the initial count of 216, based on the monitoring of Karapatan, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, Public Interest Law Center and Sentro para sa Repormang Agraryo.

The Manila Police District said on Monday that all minors who were arrested have been released. According to the Commission on Human Rights, 91 minors were processed by the PNP and the Department of Social Welfare and Development before they were released to their parents or sent to their respective local government units or a youth facility.

Sen. Loren Legarda was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, Major in Educational Management, Honoris Causa, by Nueva Vizcaya State University on October 3, 2025, in recognition of her decades-long commitment to education reform and national transformation.

This marks the third honorary doctorate conferred upon Legarda by leading state universities. In 2018, the University of the Philippines awarded her the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her service as a lawmaker, journalist, and advocate for social justice, human rights, peace, cultural diversity, environmental protection, education, and inclusive development. In 2025, the University of Antique also conferred its first-ever Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, upon Legarda, honoring her legacy as a proud daughter of Antique, her transformative support for the university, and in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the nation and inclusive public service to the Filipino people.

‘To be conferred this degree is to be entrusted with a responsibility larger than oneself,’ Legarda said in her acceptance speech. ‘It affirms the truth that education is the most powerful tool we possess to dismantle inequality, empower communities, and shape a nation that is truly free and just.’

Legarda, a four-term senator and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, emphasized that education has always been central to her legislative work. ‘Every measure I have authored or sponsored forms part of a larger design to secure the continuum of the Filipino learner’s journey, from early childhood to higher education, and to the unending pursuit of knowledge.’

She cited landmark laws such as RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act which she both authored and co-sponsored, RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which she co-authored and co-sponsored, and RA 9512 or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act which she authored. She also highlighted RA 10908 or the Integrated History Act, which affirms the plural identity of the Filipino nation.

Recent reforms under the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2, which Legarda now sits as co-chairperson, include RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, RA 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and RA 12028 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, which address the country’s learning crisis and promote safe, nurturing school environments.

Legarda also emphasized the importance of bridging education and employment through, RA 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act which she co-sponsored, and supporting adult learners through RA 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act which she also co-sponsored. ‘This law provides flexible pathways for our hardworking kababayans to earn their college degrees,’ she said.

In honor of Filipino teachers, Legarda co-authored and co-sponsored, RA 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which raises the teaching allowance to ?10,000 beginning 2025, and authored and co-sponsored, RA 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, which removes outdated promotion barriers. ‘Para sa inyo ito, Ma’am at Sir, at sa lahat ng dakilang guro sa bansa,’ she said.

Legarda also reaffirmed her commitment to funding and accountability. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2017, she allocated ?8 billion to begin funding free higher education even before it was signed into law.

Today, she continues to push for the correction of ?12.3 billion in deficiencies owed to state universities and colleges. ‘Beginning with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, this shortfall will no longer be allowed to stand.’ ‘This degree is not mine alone,’ Legarda concluded. ‘It honors the teachers who give more than they have, the parents who sacrifice, and the students who persevere despite hardship. When we invest in learning, we invest in the power of our nation to transform itself.’

Finally winning not just his first but also his second PBA championship-and getting Finals Most Valuable Player honors in one of those triumphs-is something Rey Nambatac will remember in his maiden season with TNT.

But Nambatac also admitted there were ‘what-ifs’ from that campaign after an injury kept him from helping out in the Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam bid that eventually fell short.

‘Of course, there’s a sense of regret because we didn’t get a Grand Slam,’ Nambatac said in Filipino. ‘There was nothing you could do but cheer on your teammates, even when they’re playing hurt.’

Season 49 saw the arrival of Nambatac in a trade with Blackwater, and his part in the rotation paved the way for TNT’s conquest of the Governors’ Cup over crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra.

He replicated that success in the Commissioner’s Cup, but in a bigger spotlight as the southpaw guard took Finals MVP honors after surviving the same opponent in seven games.

Nambatac, however, sustained a groin injury in the Philippine Cup eliminations and was not reactivated for the playoffs when it appeared that he would be available. TNT still reached the Finals, despite injuries to key men, before losing to San Miguel Beer which cut short dreams of a rare trifecta.

That shortcoming is something Nambatac and the Tropang 5G will use as motivation going into the 50th season, especially with the All-Filipino as the opener.

TNT retooled in the offseason, bringing in Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill while also drafting Sean Quitevis. Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are set for full campaigns, and Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy return healthy.

Nambatac, now fully recovered, is also eager to regain his form. ‘I hope I can play the same way I did before the injury entering the all-Filipino,’ Nambatac said. ‘We will put a lot of effort to make sure that we make the playoffs again, and then we’ll see how far we can go.’

Early in my career at RFM Corp., I was assigned the additional responsibility of doing food service sales, a role that combined both sales and brand management.

This rare arrangement became a powerful learning opportunity. Managing both areas taught me how sales and marketing must work together, and how understanding both offers a strategic edge.

Years later, I started a direct sales company, driven by a growing curiosity about the different ways people sell, and why some approaches succeed while others don’t.

One lesson has stuck with me: great salespeople don’t just sell well; they know when to shift how they sell.

The problem with one-style selling

Many companies understand that selling today is no longer about product pushing or memorizing features. Customers are more informed, more strategic and under more pressure to find solutions that truly align with their goals.

And yet, many salespeople still behave like order-takers. They wait for the customer to ask, then respond with a brochure, a price list or a standard pitch. That may have worked in the past. It no longer does.

In today’s environment, the best salespeople act more like business partners. They listen, guide and, most importantly, adapt. They know when to shift from one selling style to another depending on the customer, the stage of the conversation or the complexity of the deal.

Let’s explore the four core selling styles every salesperson should master, and why knowing when to shift makes all the difference.

1. Solution selling: When the problem is known, but the path is unclear

Solution selling works best when the customer already feels the pain. They know something is not working. Maybe their system is outdated, their process inefficient or their results inconsistent. But they are unsure how to fix it.

In this scenario, your job isn’t just to sell a product. It’s to diagnose before you prescribe.

Ask smart, targeted questions. Get to the root cause of their problem.

Only then should you explain how your product or service fits as a solution.

Customers are quick to spot when you’re just pushing for a sale. They will trust you more if they see that your recommendation is based on real understanding, not just a desire to close.

2. Consultative selling: When the customer needs guidance

In some cases, the customer doesn’t even fully understand the problem.

They sense that something needs to change, but they are unsure where to start.

They are looking not for a product, but for a partner-someone who listens, advises and understands their business environment.

This is where consultative selling comes in. You move from being a salesperson to becoming a trusted advisor. To do this well, you must invest time in learning the customer’s industry, their goals and even internal dynamics like decision-making processes and political factors.

Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What are your top priorities this quarter?’ or ‘What’s holding your team back from hitting targets?’ These spark conversations that build trust.

In consultative selling, you’re playing the long game. Don’t rush. Build credibility and the sales will follow, even if it takes time.

3. Strategic (big account) selling: When the account is large and complex

Some clients aren’t just customers; they are strategic accounts. These are large organizations with multiple decision-makers, long buying cycles and high-stakes contracts. Here, you’re not chasing one deal; you’re building a presence inside a system.

Strategic selling requires structure. Who influences the decision? Who controls the budget? Who might block the process? How does procurement work?

In this environment, team selling is often essential. You may need to bring in product managers, technical experts or even your CEO for high-level meetings. Everyone must be aligned around a strategy.

This type of selling rewards patience, persistence and careful planning.

It takes time, but when done right, the value of the relationship can grow far beyond a single sale.

4. Challenger selling: When the customer doesn’t yet see the problem

What if the customer is happy with how things are? What if they say, ‘We’ve been doing it this way for years,’ and see no reason to change?

That’s when challenger selling becomes effective. Your job is not to wait for a problem; it’s to help the customer see what they haven’t yet noticed.

You lead the conversation by teaching, provoking thought and reframing their assumptions.

You might highlight risks they underestimated or opportunities they overlooked. For this to work, you need deep knowledge of their industry, market trends and competitive threats.

If done well, challenger selling creates what is called constructive tension, a sense that staying the same might actually be riskier than taking action.

But always do this with respect. Boldness earns trust when it’s backed by insight and genuine intent to help.

Why shifting styles is essential

Customers aren’t one-dimensional, and neither should your selling approach be.

Even within a single company, you might need to consult with one stakeholder, challenge another and offer tailored solutions to a third.

Rigid selling limits result. Flexible selling builds trust, unlocks value and closes deals more effectively.

The best sales professionals read the room, listen closely and adapt intentionally. They don’t rely on one method; they use the right method for the moment.

What sales leaders must do

If you manage or train salespeople, your job isn’t just to boost confidence, it’s to build capability.

If your team is trained in only one selling style, they will eventually hit a wall. Maybe they perform well with warm leads, but struggle with complex deals. Or they pitch well, but can’t challenge a complacent buyer.

Help your team become more situationally aware. Role-play diverse scenarios. Provide feedback. Show them how to recognize when their default style isn’t working, and how to shift into one that does.

Teams that can shift selling styles are more resilient, win more competitive deals and earn lasting client respect.

It’s no longer about the seller

In the past, customers adjusted to the seller. Today, the seller must adjust to the customer.

Sales success isn’t about who talks the best, or who knows the most product specs.

It’s about who listens, who understands and who can flex their approach to meet the customer where they are, and take them where they need to go.

So ask yourself: ‘Am I selling the way I want to sell, or the way the customer needs to buy?’

The best salespeople don’t just master selling. They master shifting, and in doing so, they lead customers through a buying journey that creates value for both sides. -CONTRIBUTED

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is studying ways to improve local milk production.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk Plant at the Global Aseana Business Park 2 in San Simon, Pampanga, Marcos also said the government is coordinating with the private sector to provide support to farmers.

‘We are currently studying ways to increase local milk production and how to attract more investments in the dairy industry,’ he said in Filipino.

He added that the dairy plant would bring opportunities to farm workers and boost the health of children.

‘This will also provide opportunities for our farmers and farm workers here in the community to earn a livelihood,’ the president said in Filipino.

‘Apart from more efficient production, this will also offer a better future for our youth,’ he added.

During the event, Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility and toured the production plant at Building 3.

He also inspected the mixing, pasteurization, bottle labeling, filling, and packaging areas.

Farm Fresh Milk, Inc. is the Philippine subsidiary of Farm Fresh Berhad, a Malaysian dairy company.

Its manufacturing operations in San Simon, Pampanga began in August last year, producing a range of milk, yogurt, and plant-based products./mcm

The Magat Dam in Isabela will open six spillway gates by 5 p.m. Friday as relentless rains from Typhoon Paolo continue to swell its reservoir, the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) announced.

Floodgate releases began at 1 p.m., with one gate being opened every hour until all six are fully raised by late afternoon, releasing water at a cumulative elevation of 12 meters. This is in addition to the three spillway gates opened earlier in the day.

Engr. Edwin Viernes, chief of the dam and reservoir division, said the total volume of water to be discharged would reach 1,761 cubic meters per second.

He warned that floodwaters may rise to half a meter at Buntun Bridge in Tuguegarao City within 20 hours of travel downstream.

Meanwhile, Paolo’s landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela, left a trail of damage across the Cagayan Valley. Uprooted Gmelina trees and toppled signage were reported along major highways, while thousands of sacks of palay and corn left out to dry were soaked, worsening farmers’ losses

A total of 949 evacuation centers in La Union have been prepared, along with food packs to be distributed to affected residents, while rescue assets and teams are ready for mobilization in anticipation of the effects of Typhoon Paolo (international name Matmo).

Eight rescue teams, each with five members, are also on standby at key locations. Additionally, assets such as ambulances, rescue vehicles, rescue trucks, jet skis, and rubber boats have been inspected and are ready.

La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, in a statement on Friday, said their monitoring continues in coordination with partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure immediate response to any emergencies or incidents.

‘LGUs in the province are now on heightened alert and fully prepared. Their command centers are operational and evacuation centers have been opened,’ he said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to red alert status after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed the northern parts of La Union under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the remaining areas remain under Signal No. 3.

Based on the weather bureau’s 11 a.m. bulletin, the towns of Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, and San Juan are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, while the rest of La Union remains under Signal No. 3.

Following the governor’s directive, the PDRRMO held a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting on Thursday to discuss preparations by various offices and agencies for possible effects of the typhoon.

Ortega on Thursday night announced the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools across the province for Friday. Likewise, government offices will close starting at noon on Friday.

Moreover, the PDRRMO has warned fishermen to refrain from going to sea because waves may reach up to three meters along the coast. People living in flood- and landslide-prone zones are advised to stay alert, prepare accordingly, and evacuate to designated shelters if necessary.

According to the weather bureau, Paolo is expected to move west-northwest and is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.

As the hospitality industry embraces a new era of healthier choices and mindful living, Novotel Manila Araneta City is set to ignite the movement with its very first Weekend Wellness Festival, Find Your Balance, happening on October 4, 2025. In celebration of the hotel’s 10th anniversary, the festival will be held across the 6th floor (In Balance Fitness and Pool, The 6th Manila) and the 7th floor (Versailles Tent, Garden and Courtyard), offering guests a unique backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation. This groundbreaking event is more than a festival, it’s a one-day immersive wellness experience designed for a generation that craves balance, energy, and transformation.

From sunrise to sunset, guests will embark on a full-day journey to recharge the body and calm the mind. The program kicks off with registration at 8AM, followed by the official start of activities a 9AM, and wraps up at around 6PM. To extend the celebration, an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5 will also be offered for in-house guests, giving them a second day of mindful movement and renewal.

Expect heart-pumping HIIT and Bootcamp workouts powered by Technogym Philippines, alongside comprehensive fitness and health assessments to help participants better understand their personal wellness journey. Guests can also cool down with a refreshing and revitalizing ice bath led by OCA Collective (movement and recovery studio designed for everyone seeking balance and inspiration), complemented by the relaxing steam bath and rejuvenating massages brought by In Balance Spa (Asmara Spa) using Yoga Love Ph products.

For mindful movement, participants can strengthen their core through a mat Pilates class with OCA Collective, and experience the grounding calm of sound healing sessions. Culinary wellness also takes the spotlight with a healthy and sustainable lunch prepared by Novotel’s Culinary Team, a ‘Make Your Own Energy Drink’ activity with Oster, and a calming tea tasting session courtesy of Dilmah.

Adding expertise and inspiration to the festival are seasoned coaches and wellness practitioners. Angelica Arciga of Technogym Philippines will energize participants with dynamic HIIT and Bootcamp sessions, while Pamela Maia of OCA Collective will guide them through an invigorating ice bath. Jennifer Anne Odronia-Aquino, also from OCA Collective, will lead the mat Pilates class, helping guests build strength, flexibility, and mindful movement from within. Naz Nekoudast of OCA Collective will share her holistic approach to mind and body renewal through sound healing and an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5, open only to in-house guests. Luisa Tonelada will introduce a calming tea ritual experience in partnership with Dilmah, while experts from In Balance Spa, featuring Yoga Love Ph products, will provide rejuvenating massages. To complete the wellness journey, specialists from Technogym Philippines will conduct fitness and health assessments to support each guest’s personal path to wellness.

The hotel itself is also proudly taking part in this journey, as Executive Sous Chef Athena Tuble and the Novotel Culinary Team prepare a healthy and sustainable lunch for the day. ‘We’ve mindfully crafted a menu that highlights healthy macros without compromising flavor,’ shares Executive Sous Chef Tuble. ‘Our goal is to give guests a nourishing dining experience that supports their wellness journey, while showcasing the fresh and sustainable ingredients Novotel is known for.’

The experience goes beyond movement. Each guest will receive an exclusive welcome kit filled with wellness essentials, including a Novotel Manila sports bag from My Novotel Manila Boutique’s The Gift Shop. They will also enjoy full access to the In Balance gym, pool, and steam room, along with a sustainable, nourishing lunch paired with all-day wholesome refreshments to keep the energy flowing.This isn’t just about attending an event, it’s about embracing a lifestyle where health, balance, and community take center stage. ”Find Your Balance’ is more than just a festival, it’s a wellness movement,’ said Mischa Cruz-Tongo, Recreation Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City. ‘We see people today making conscious choices to live healthier, more sustainable, and more mindful lives. As we celebrate 10 years of Novotel Manila, we’re proud to host this first-ever wellness festival to inspire our community to embrace a lifestyle of balance and well-being.’

Tickets are now available at special anniversary rates: Walk-in guests at PHP 5,999 nett, In Balance Wellness Members at PHP 4,499 nett, Accor Plus Members at PHP 4,299 nett, and limited Early Bird slots (limited slots are also available via My Novotel Manila Boutique) at PHP 3,999 nett. With only 20 participants welcomed into this intimate wellness experience, slots are extremely limited. Pre-registration is required through www.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com. Participants must be 18 years old and above, physically fit to join the activities, and are advised to wear comfortable workout attire and rubber shoes for an enjoyable and safe wellness event.

With this pioneering wellness festival, Novotel Manila Araneta City strengthens its role not only as a destination for world-class hospitality but also as a hub for health, balance, and mindful living right in the heart of The City of Firsts, Araneta City. This weekend wellness festival is supported by Technogym Philippines, OCA Collective, Oster, Yoga Love Ph, Asmara Spa, and Dilmah.

A storm surge warning was raised over parts of Luzon on Friday morning as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela, the state weather bureau said.

In its 8 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge may affect the following coastal areas within the next 24 hours:

Areas with 2.1 to 3 meters of storm surge heights

Aurora: Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Baler, Dipaculao, San Luis

Cagayan: Abulug, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Calayan

Isabela: Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan

Ilocos Norte: Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud, Pasuquin

Areas with 1 to 2 meters of storm surge heights

Ilocos Norte: Badoc, Currimao, Laoag City, Paoay

Ilocos Sur: Cabugao, Caoayan, Candon, City of Vigan, Magsingal, Narvacan, San Esteban, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sinait, Tagudin

La Union: Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Caba, San Fernando, Luna, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas

Pangasinan: Agno, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Bolinao, Burgos, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual

Quezon: Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo

Zambales: Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, Santa Cruz

For storm surges ranging from 1 to 2 meters, communities are placed under a moderate risk level. Pagasa said minimal to moderate damage may occur in coastal areas, particularly affecting homes and marine infrastructure near the shore.

The agency added that localized flooding is possible in low-lying coastal zones, which can disrupt daily routines, including fishing and other marine activities.

Storm surges reaching 2.1 to 3 meters fall under the high-risk category. Pagasa said these can cause moderate to significant damage to coastal communities, marine facilities, and livelihoods that depend on the sea.

Paolo was tracked some 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 125 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph, according to Pagasa./mcm

Two persons of interest (POIs) in the disappearance of three business persons surrendered to the police on Thursday night, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) said on Friday.

Couple Henry Angelo and Margie Pantollana, and their business partner Richard Cadiz, were last spotted in Cavite last July 6 after supposedly meeting with a certain ‘Jeff’ at his Pasig City condominium, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) previously detailed.

The two POIs – a male and a female – were caught on security footage allegedly using credit cards under the names of Henry Pantollana and his sister, Hazel, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Chief Lt. Col. John Guiagui said in an interview in Camp Crame on Friday.

Guiagui did not name the pair but said they were Manila residents who ‘knew each other’ and supposedly bought at least three credit cards under various banks from a Quezon City seller – whom police are now tracking down.

He claimed the two POIs used the credit cards to buy over 50 cellphones valued at P1 million, had coffee and withdrew P5,000 in cash at shops in Quezon City, Parañaque City, Bulacan and Cavite.

‘They generated IDs that were presented as proof that they were Hazel Pantollana, that they were Henry Pantollana,’ Guiagui added.

He further claimed the two POIs allegedly sold the phones for a profit of P500,000.

Asked to comment while in Camp Crame, the pair confirmed that they used the credit cards under the Pantollanas’ names and detailed that they supposedly bought the cards from ‘junk traders’ (nagbabasura) in Payatas.

The POIs also denied any knowledge or involvement of the Pantollanas’ and Cadiz’ disappearance, stressing that they came before the CIDG to explain.

‘We had no money. We were just looking for a side hustle. I just tagged along,’ the female POI claimed.

Both POIs face a case for violations of Republic Act No. 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act, which penalizes the fraudulent use of credit cards, according to CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz in the interview.

Guiagui added that the male POI allegedly has a prior case in Makati City also for violating RA 8484, but he did not expound on the incident.

Meanwhile, the certain ‘Jeff’ – whom the Pantollanas and Cadiz supposedly met with before their disappearance – already came before the CIDG earlier this week, Guiagui said.

‘Jeff’ said the three business persons were at his Pasig City condominium at around 11:30 a.m. on July 6 and that Henry Pantollana ‘had to take phone calls’ during their visit, then ‘rushed’ to go to another meeting, according to Guiagui.

The CIDG previously said it subpoenaed at least 13 individuals – whom it did not identify – as part of the investigation into the case.