Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

LANDBANK continues to make agricultural financing more accessible with the integration of online applications under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, allowing farmers to conveniently apply for loans anytime and anywhere, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to simplify access to affordable credit. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. led the launch on 30 October 2025 at the Cadiz City Arena, attended by more than 1,700 farmers from Cadiz and neighboring towns.

They were joined by Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) President Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Deputy Executive Director Ma. Cristina G. Lopez, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador G. Escalante, Jr. and Vice Mayor John Vincent I. Escalante, EB Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva, Silay City Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, and Valladolid Mayor Ricardo P. Presbitero, Jr.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa LANDBANK at iba pa nating katuwang, titiyakin natin na ang benepisyo ng AGRISENSO Plus ay makarating sa lahat ng magsasaka at mangingisda, saan mang sulok ng bansa,’ said DA Sec. Laurel.

In 2024, Mayor Escalante shared his vision of transforming Cadiz and its neighboring towns into a primary agricultural hub in Negros Occidental, with the AGRISENSO Plus Program expected to

play a vital role in realizing this vision by improving farmers’ access to affordable financing and agribusiness support.

‘LANDBANK has seen how our farmers continue to face so many challenges – from the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, to the impact of climate change, unstable farmgate prices, and market access. This is why we designed AGRISENSO Plus to provide holistic and practical solutions to the challenges faced by our farmers and fisherfolk,’ LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz emphasized.

Inclusive and holistic agri financing

The Program, developed in partnership with the DA, ACPC, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private sector partners, is a value chain-based financing initiative that provides holistic support to agricultural stakeholders, with simplified documentary requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to technical and market support to help boost productivity and profitability.

It offers a lowered fixed interest rate of only 3.0% per annum – down from 4.0% – for small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), with competitive rates for their associations, cooperatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates.

Complementing the Lending Program is the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development), a capacity-building initiative that equips farmers and fishers with training in digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development.

As of August 2025, LANDBANK has released ?1.78 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program, supporting over 12,000 borrowers nationwide. The Negros Occidental rollout follows successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, Iloilo, and Palawan.

Expanding digital convenience for farmers and MSMEs

Further advancing its digitalization efforts, LANDBANK successfully piloted the first provincial rollout of its Person-to-Merchant (P2M) QR payment facility in Negros Occidental.

The P2M facility delivers a two-fold benefit for both consumers and LANDBANK-accredited merchants. It is an interoperable payment channel that allows consumers to avail of free transfer fees for purchases worth ?500 and below when paying via QRPh-P2M using the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA), other banking apps, or digital wallets. Meanwhile, participating merchants benefit from waived merchant fees for every transaction.

This digital innovation further empowers farmers and MSMEs by offering a faster, more convenient, and secure way to receive payments, while reducing their reliance on cash transactions and promoting wider digital adoption across agricultural communities. Business owners can enroll their existing LANDBANK accounts, with P2M activation completed within just 24 to 48 hours.

Enhanced reach in Negros Occidental with new one-stop hub

LANDBANK also strengthened its presence in Southern Negros with the opening of the Negros Occidental South Corporate Center in Kabankalan City, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to accessible and inclusive financial services.

The new facility will serve as a one-stop hub for farmers, fishers, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local government units (LGUs), and private depositors from the cities of Kabankalan, Sipalay, and Himamaylan, and the municipalities of Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni, Hinoba-an, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.

LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz and Negros Occidental 6th District Representative Mercedes K. Alvarez led the inauguration ceremony on 29 October 2025, joined by Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie M. Miranda and Vice Mayor Divina Gracia S. Miranda, Candoni Mayor Ray R. Ruiz, Sipalay City Mayor Maria Gina M. Lizares, other local partners, and LANDBANK senior officials. ‘Today’s inauguration of the LANDBANK Negros Occidental South Corporate Center reaffirms our deep commitment to stand with Kabankalan and the entire Negros Occidental. This new facility strengthens our presence in Southern Negros – so that together, we can continue providing every Negrense with better, more efficient, and more inclusive financial services,’ said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.

Located along Justice JY Perez Highway, the center houses the upgraded LANDBANK Kabankalan Branch – the first ‘phygital’ branch in Negros Occidental, with modern facilities and ample space that offers a comfortable environment for clients and staff.

It combines physical and digital banking, featuring LEA (LANDBANK Easy Access) for paperless queuing, the LANDBANK Digital Online Banking System (DOBS) for faster account opening, four ATMs, a cash deposit machine, and meeting pods for client consultations.

The second floor hosts the LANDBANK Negros Occidental South Lending Center, offering easier access to loans and credit assistance, eliminating the need to travel to Bacolod City. Other LANDBANK units such as the Loan Operations Field Unit (LOFU), Field Support Services Center (FSSC), and Field Legal Services (FLS) are also housed in the building to provide integrated services.

LANDBANK currently operates 16 branches, two lending centers, 76 ATMs, four CDMs, and 51 LANDBANKasama partners in Negros Occidental, plus 80 ATMs in 7-Eleven stores where customers can withdraw cash free of charge.

Typhoon Tino (international name: ‘Kalmaegi’) slightly weakened as it batters through Visayas on Tuesday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, meanwhile, remains raised over several areas in Visayas and in Luzon.

According to the 2 p.m. advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Tino was last spotted 95 kilometers (km) within the vicinity of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental while moving westward at 25 km per hour (kph).

The typhoon currently carries maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph.

‘Tino has passed close over Camotes Islands and is forecast to traverse Visayas and northern Palawan until it emerges over the West Philippine Sea by [Wednesday] morning,’ Pagasa said in its latest typhoon bulletin.

‘It will then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by tomorrow evening or Thursday early morning,’ it added.

The list of areas still under Signal No. 4-or winds greater than 118 kph up to 184 kph expected in at least 12 hours-are as follows:

Luzon

Cuyo Islands

Visayas

The northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City)

The northern portion of Negros Occidental (San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso, City of Escalante, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay, Bacolod City, Murcia, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Castellana)

Guimaras

Capiz

Iloilo

The central and southern portions of Antique (Patnongon, Sibalom, Barbaza, Valderrama, Hamtic, San Jose, Bugasong, Culasi, Tibiao, Anini-Y, San Remigio, Belison, Tobias Fornier, Laua-An)

Southern portion of Aklan (Libacao, New Washington, Banga, Altavas, Madalag, Balete, Batan)

Signal No. 3-winds of greater than 89 kph up to 117 kph in at least 18 hours-is up in the following areas:

Luzon

The southwestern portion of Masbate (Balud)

The northernmost portion of Palawan (El Nido, Taytay, Dumaran, Araceli) including Calamian Islands

Visayas

The northern and central portions of Cebu (Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Alcantara, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Dumanjug, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay) including Bantayan Islands

The northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (City of Guihulngan, La Libertad, Jimalalud)

The northern portion of Negros Occidental (Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, City of Himamaylan)

The rest of Aklan

The rest of Antique including Caluya Islands

On the other hand, Signal No. 2 – or winds greater than 62 kph and up to 88 kph in at least 24 hours – is hoisted in:

Luzon

The western and southern portions of Masbate (Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, Cawayan, Milagros, Mandaon)

The southern portion of Oriental Mindoro (Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Bongabong)

The southern portion of Occidental Mindoro (Magsaysay, San Jose, Rizal, Calintaan)

The southern portion of Romblon (Santa Fe, Santa Maria, Looc, Alcantara, Cajidiocan, Odiongan, San Jose, Ferrol, Romblon, San Andres, Magdiwang, Calatrava, San Agustin, San Fernando)

The northern portion of Palawan (San Vicente, Roxas) including Cagayancillo Islands

Visayas

The western portion of Biliran (Almeria, Naval, Biliran)

The western portion of Leyte (Palompon, Merida, Isabel, Matag-Ob, Calubian, Leyte, San Isidro, Villaba, Tabango)

The northwestern portion of Bohol (Antequera, Tagbilaran City, Maribojoc, Loon, Dauis, Buenavista, Talibon, Getafe, Tubigon, Inabanga, Panglao, Clarin, Calape, Cortes, San Isidro)

The rest of Cebu including Camotes Islands

The central portion of Negros Oriental (Tayasan, Manjuyod, Bais City, Mabinay, Bindoy, Ayungon, City of Tanjay, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, City of Bayawan, Basay)

The rest of Negros Occidental

Signal No. 1 – with winds 39 to 61 kph to be expected in at least 36 hours and intermittent rains – prevails in these places:

Luzon

The southern portion of Quezon (San Francisco, San Andres)

The southern portion of Marinduque (Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan, Boac)

The rest of Oriental Mindoro

The northern and central portions of Occidental Mindoro (Sablayan, Santa Cruz, Abra de Ilog, Mamburao, Paluan)

The rest of Romblon

The western and southern portions of Albay (Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Camalig, City of Ligao, Pio Duran, Daraga, Jovellar, Libon, Polangui, Oas)

The western and southern portions of Sorsogon (Bulusan, Magallanes, Santa Magdalena, Juban, Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, Pilar, Castilla, Donsol)

The rest of Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands

The central portion of Palawan (Puerto Princesa City)

Visayas

The western portion of Northern Samar (San Isidro, Victoria, Allen, Lavezares)

The western portion of Samar ( San Jorge, San Sebastian, Santa Rita, Villareal, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, Almagro, Calbayog City, Talalora, Jiabong, Pagsanghan, City of Catbalogan, Gandara, Motiong, Santo Niño, Tagapul-An, Santa Margarita, Tarangnan, Calbiga, Daram, Marabut, Paranas, Basey, Hinabangan)

The rest of Biliran

The rest of Leyte

The northern and western portions of Southern Leyte (Libagon, Hinunangan, City of Maasin, Silago, Padre Burgos, Saint Bernard, Malitbog, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Macrohon, Limasawa, Sogod)

The rest of Bohol

The rest of Oriental Mindoro

Siquijor

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for a proposed measure seeking to strengthen laws against cyberlibel and online hate speech, saying it will help promote accountability and responsible behavior in the digital space.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday said the police welcome the ‘Emman Atienza Bill,’ filed by Sen. JV Ejercito, as a timely update to the existing Cybercrime Prevention Act.

‘Right now, the Cybercrime Prevention Act already provides a strong legal framework against cyberlibel and other online offenses. However, with the rapid evolution of social media and digital platforms, there are new forms of online hate and harassment that are not fully covered by the existing law,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He stressed that the measure is not aimed at curtailing free expression but at ensuring accountability and protection for victims of online abuse.

‘We recognize the importance of updating our legislation, not necessarily to curtail freedom of expression but to ensure accountability and protection for everyone online,’ he said.

Ejercito’s bill, named after the late Emmanuel (Emman) Atienza, who reportedly faced online harassment before her death, seeks to impose tougher penalties on those found guilty of cyberlibel, online defamation, and digital hate speech.

Atienza, a 19-year-old social media personality and mental health advocate, died on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles, California. Her family announced her passing two days later, on Oct. 24.

Nartatez said, ‘if passed, the ‘Emman Atienza Bill’ could strengthen our efforts to promote responsible online behavior and protect citizens from cyberbullying, online defamation, and hate speech.’

‘Think before you click’

As part of its proactive approach, the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has been ordered to launch a nationwide ‘Think Before You Click’ information drive in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Education (DepEd), and major social media platforms.

The campaign aims to educate the public, especially young internet users, about responsible online conduct and the legal consequences of digital abuse.

‘Think before you click. Always be respectful and mindful of what you post online. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from accountability,’ the PNP acting chief.

The PNP also reminded the public that cases of online harassment or threats can be reported through police hotlines and the Unified 911 system.

She’s coy about it, but Palace press officer Claire Castro insisted she is not interested in becoming the next justice secretary.

In a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Castro again shut down rumors of her name being among the choices to head the Department of Justice (DOJ). But she was flattered by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima ‘kind words’ after describing her as ‘one of the best choices’ to become the next Secretary of Justice (SOJ).

‘Thank you very much for considering me, but I am not actually applying to be the SOJ,’ she said.

Castro told her critics: ‘So, maybe those who don’t want me to become the SOJ should just relax. I’m not applying for that position.’

De Lima, who served as justice secretary during the term of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel, mentioned that Castro and Batangas Rep. Gerville ‘Jinky Bitrics’ Luistro were among those ‘deserving’ to get appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new DOJ chief.

De Lima called Castro ‘brave and gutsy’ in her role as Malacañang’s de facto spokesperson.

Vice President Sara Duterte was among the most vocal in denouncing even rumors of Castro’s name being among the shortlist of those being considered as the next justice secretary.

Castro, a litigation lawyer by profession, indicated that she preferred to continue in her communications role at the Palace rather than transition into the legal and administrative responsibilities of the DOJ.

The agency has been at the center of several high-profile cases, including ongoing investigations into the flood control project controversy, making the post a critical role in the administration’s agenda.

The DOJ has had no full-time head for almost a month now, following the appointment of Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla as the new Ombudsman.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida as DOJ officer-in-charge, a designation that has limited powers confined to administrative functions.

The local government of Tandag City has ordered forced evacuations in low-lying, coastal, landslide-prone, and riverine areas as part of precautionary measures against Typhoon Tino.

The directive follows Executive Order No. 46-1, issued by Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel early afternoon of November 3, which suspends work in all government and private offices, as well as classes and outdoor tourism activities, effective immediately.

As of 11 p.m. on Monday, evacuees from coastal barangays are temporarily sheltered at Jacinto P. Elpa National High School, the Surigao del Sur Multi-Purpose Hall, and the EDM and Mabua covered courts.

Pimentel, who also chairs the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), personally oversaw the operations of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure efficient coordination, deployment, and activation of various response clusters. Relief goods have also been prepositioned in key areas.

Meanwhile, several motorbancas were lifted from the waters and moored inside the Tandag City Port to ensure the safety of the sea vessels amid the storm.

Under the latest order, classes in all levels remain suspended in both public and private schools on November 4, so is work in all government offices, private establishments, and businesses.

Authorities urge residents to remain alert and heed official advisories amid the threat of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding, as the city government continues to implement comprehensive response operations to safeguard residents and visitors alike

Emergency crews and local officials in Talisay City in Cebu moved Tuesday to secure animals at Crocolandia, a small wildlife park in Barangay Biasong, after floodwaters reportedly breached parts of the facility’s perimeter as Typhoon Tino’s rain inundated low-lying areas.

Initial field reports from barangay responders said sections of a wall had collapsed due to swiftly rising water, prompting a precautionary sweep of the grounds and adjacent waterways while staff worked to reinforce barriers and transfer animals to safer enclosures.

Authorities said there was no confirmed escape of crocodiles or other dangerous wildlife as of press time but urged residents living downstream to keep away from flood-filled creeks and to report any animal sightings to disaster officials immediately.

Crocolandia-known for housing saltwater crocodiles (including long-time resident ‘Lapu-Lapu’) as well as snakes, birds, and other rescued fauna-has operated for years as a conservation-oriented mini-zoo and education park in Talisay, the city next to Cebu City and the gateway to southern Cebu. Its collection and public programs have been covered by mainstream Cebu media and national outlets over the years, underscoring the potential public-safety risks officials must weigh during extreme flooding events.

The precautionary measures came as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration’s (Pagasa) morning bulletins warned of continuing heavy rain, gale-force winds, and dangerous coastal conditions linked to Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), with subsequent advisories to be issued throughout the day.

Local governments across Cebu, including Talisay City, had earlier suspended classes and mobilized disaster teams in anticipation of flooding and landslides from the typhoon, which placed parts of the Visayas and Mindanao under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal warnings earlier this week.

City responders said the priority at Crocolandia is to account for all animals, erect temporary barriers where needed, and stage traps and transport carriers as a fallback if any movement of wildlife is detected.

The public was reminded not to approach or attempt to handle any animal found outside the facility and to immediately call the barangay, CDRRMO, or police hotlines. Officials added that updates would be released once the floodwaters receded and a full assessment was completed

Global environmental advocates are calling for a major reset in the stalled United Nations plastics treaty negotiations following the formal announcement by Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador that he is stepping down as chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), a network of grassroots environmental justice groups, stated that Valdivieso’s exit leaves a critical leadership vacuum that must be filled by someone from the Global South-especially amid mounting concerns that powerful states and fossil fuel interests are undermining efforts for a strong treaty.

‘After the catastrophic leadership of INC-5.2, we need a chair willing to reflect the will of the ambitious majority in the treaty text, be independent from [UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP)] partisan and reckless stewardship of the treaty negotiations, and uphold the 5/14 mandate to cover the full life cycle of plastics,’ said Ana Rocha, Plastics Program Director at GAIA.

‘From the very beginning, the Global South has led the charge for a strong treaty-in this pivotal moment in treaty negotiations, we need that leadership more than ever. We encourage the Bureau to elect a Chair that represents the Global South vision and commitment to justice,’ Rocha added.

A broken process, not just a broken chair

While Valdivieso’s resignation has been welcomed by many campaigners, critics stress that the issue extends beyond leadership.

‘The paralysis in the UNEP-led plastics treaty negotiations stems not from who holds the gavel, but from the process itself,’ said Nadine Wahab of Sustainable Network Egypt Eco-Dahab. ‘As long as the INC continues to operate without agreed rules of procedure-and as long as decision-making remains trapped in a consensus-only model – injustice will persist.’

‘A system that allows a handful of countries to block progress denies equity to the majority of states that are ready to act,’ she added.

Wahab and other advocates from the Global South are demanding the adoption of formal rules of procedure that would enable democratic decision-making when consensus fails. Currently, the talks operate without an agreed voting system, giving effective veto power to a few opposing states-a key point of contention that many say has doomed the negotiations from the start.

‘Consensus without justice is not agreement, it’s coercion,’ Wahab added. ‘The legitimacy of the plastics treaty depends on restoring fairness and functionality to the negotiations.’

‘A wake-up call’ amid collapse

The call for stronger leadership comes just months after the fifth session of the INC-dubbed ‘INC-5.2’-in Geneva ended in chaos, confusion, and collapse, with negotiators failing to agree on a path forward.

The release of a revised treaty draft-described by observers as a watered-down text that removed key provisions on plastic production limits and chemical hazards-triggered widespread backlash, especially from African, Asian, and Latin American delegates. Some likened it to entrenching the status quo for decades.

Rafael Eudes of Aliança Resíduo Zero Brasil said Valdivieso’s announced resignation presents a rare opportunity to confront the deeper, systemic failures in the process.

‘Plastic pollution is a colonial crisis,’ Eudes said. ‘To restore legitimacy, the INC must move beyond the tyranny of consensus and empower leadership grounded in justice and science.’

‘The Bureau now has a critical role to play: ensuring transparency, resisting political pressure, and honoring the ambition that the Global South has consistently brought to the table.’

Behind the scenes: Pressure, UNEP rifts

Valdivieso’s departure was first reported by The Guardian in an exclusive published on October 7, which revealed that the Ecuadorian diplomat had already been preparing to step down amid internal tensions and behind-the-scenes pressure.

In his interview with The Guardian, Valdivieso confirmed he was resigning for ‘personal and professional reasons,’ though he acknowledged ‘some challenges in the process.’ He also lodged a formal inquiry with the UNEP, after reports surfaced that some of its staff held a covert meeting aimed at pushing him to resign-a claim that the agency has denied knowledge of.

‘This is a member state-driven negotiation, and I’ve been defending that, until the last day of my chairpersonship,’ Valdivieso said, as quoted in the report.

He maintained that the first controversial draft, which many countries rejected, was never intended to be the final version. Nevertheless, critics said it set the tone for a chaotic end to the Geneva talks.

A test for the Bureau

The Bureau of the INC, tasked with appointing a new chair, has not yet confirmed when the vote will take place. Environmental groups are urging the Bureau to select someone from a ‘high-ambition country’ and to resist further interference.

‘It is essential that they come from a high-ambition country, one that is genuinely committed to driving real change,’ said Salisa ‘Yam’ Traipipitsiriwat of the Environmental Justice Foundation Thailand.

‘[M]ore importantly, we need to monitor the process itself, which has shown to be in the way of the outcomes the world urgently needs to end the plastic crisis.’

Whether the next chair can overcome the deep procedural and political rifts remains uncertain. But for advocates, one thing is clear: the leadership-and legitimacy-of the plastics treaty process now hangs in the balance, especially as the INC prepares for a leadership transition.

Seven Filipinos have been recognized by the Philippine Roman Catholic Church as ‘new martyrs,’ whose deaths were considered acts of faith and devotion.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in a statement, said the list of the new martyrs was submitted to the Vatican’s Commission on New Martyrs-Witnesses of the Faith for the Jubilee Year 2025.

‘These individuals shed their blood between the year 2000 and the present because of violent opposition to the good brought by the Gospel,’ CBCP secretary general Msgr. Bernardo Pantin said.

The CBCP said among them was Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian missionary abducted by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan province in 2000, tortured for his faith, and killed after 44 days in captivity.

Four others, namely Junrey Barbante, Janine Arenas, Evangeline Aromin, and Riza Danie, were also included.

According to the CBCP, the four died in a bombing incident at Mindanao State University in Marawi City during a Sunday Mass on Dec. 3, 202,3, and were allegedly carried out by militants linked to the Islamic State group who targeted Catholics in the predominantly Muslim city.

Fr. Marcelito ‘Tito’ Paez of Nueva Ecija was also included in the list. Known for his lifelong advocacy for human rights, social justice, and the welfare of the poor and marginalized farmers, he was fatally shot on Dec. 4, 2017, after helping secure the release of a political prisoner from the provincial jail.

Another martyr identified was Alberto Pinagawa, a lay leader and Eucharistic minister, who was slain on Dec. 24, 2009, for opposing illegal logging and mining operations in Mindanao.

The list was submitted after Pope Francis in 2023 created a special commission to study the modern-day killings of Christians and identify those he calls ‘new martyrs’ of the 21st century.

The pope then entrusted the mission to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints’ Commission on New Martyrs-Witnesses of the Faith, tasked with compiling a global catalog of Christian witnesses.

The CBCP said the initiative seeks to ‘help Catholics rediscover and preserve the memory of faithful disciples whose lives continue to inspire holiness and hope in their local churches.’ /cb

Metro Manila mayors agreed on Tuesday to implement the PalengQR Plus program, which provides digital wallets for market vendors and public transport drivers to use in cashless transactions with consumers.

The PalengQR Plus program is an initiative by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that uses QR codes to allow cashless transactions in wet markets, sari-sari stores, and tricycles.

With the QR PH, merchants will only need one QR code that connects to the digital wallet or bank of their choice, which is more convenient compared to having multiple QR codes for each e-wallet, according to BSP Director Mynard Bryan Mojica.

‘Just scan the QR code and pay instantly. It works with any app, and only one QR is needed,’ Mojica said at the Metro Manila Council meeting.

Mojica also said that with the program, the merchants’ funds are safe, and it also avoids the health risks that come with cash transactions, citing the rise of e-transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several banks and e-wallets will be invited to register to the QR PH, and merchants will also be able to open their own accounts, Mojica added.

Mojica also assured that the BSP, and DILG are set to offer financial literacy workshops upon implementation of the program.

He also called on the local government units to incentivize the use of the QR PH and to conduct orientations to the target beneficiaries of the initiative.

The PalengQR Program has already been launched in other provinces across the country, including Davao, Bohol, Quezon, and Negros Occidental, among others.

In Metro Manila, Parañaque, Pasig City and Quezon City have already adopted the PalengQR Plus program, and with the program’s adoption into an official resolution, the rest of the local government units are anticipated to implement the initiative.

Carl Tamayo got the better of Arvin Tolentino in the Changwon LG Sakers’ 80-75 win over the Seoul SK Knights at Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium on Sunday.

Tamayo logged an all-around game of 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists to push Changwon to an 8-3 record.

Tolentino, meanwhile, recorded 12 points and two rebounds in just 19 minutes in the Knights’ seventh loss in 11 games.

Elsewhere, Rhenz Abando’s Anyang JKJ Red Boosters turned back Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners, 78-75.

Abando turned in 11 points, four assists and three rebounds for the league-leading Red Boosters, who rose to 8-2.

Quiambao had a solid game of 17 points and four rebounds on an efficient 50 percent shooting from the field but it wasn’t enough as his Skygunners dropped to a lowly 3-8 record.

Meanwhile, SJ Belangel’s Daegu KOGAS Pegasus trounced JD Cagulangan’s Suwon KT Sonicboom, 71-60.

Belangel dropped a team-high 18 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists to pace the Pegasus, which won just their second game in 12 outings.

Suwon slid to a 7-4 card. Cagulangan struggled, tallying just six points, two rebounds and three steals.