Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Suspected shabu (crystal meth) valued at P3.4 million was confiscated and four individuals were arrested in a Cavite buy-bust operation late Monday afternoon, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

In a statement, the PDEA noted that the operation targeted a compound along Niog Road in Barangay Niog Purok II in Bacoor City.

Operatives arrested garbage collectors ‘Daniel,’ 31, and ‘Sherwin,’ 42; painter ‘Arjay,’ 34; and construction worker ‘Antonio,’ 58, the agency further detailed.

‘Confiscated from the suspects were approximately 502 grams of shabu with an estimated (Dangerous Drugs Board standard drug) price value of P3,413,600,’ the PDEA explained.

‘Also seized were buy-bust money, deposit slips, disposable lighters, and an open transparent plastic pack,’ it added.

The arrested suspects will face a case for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

A Laguna businessman was arrested for allegedly possessing 16 unregistered firearms and two grenades, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Monday.

In a statement, the CIDG identified the arrested suspect as ‘Vince,’ who was caught during the implementation of a search warrant at his Biñan City home last Thursday morning.

The police noted that they confiscated a caliber 5.56 AR-15 rifle; three caliber .45 sub-machine guns; an AK-47 rifle, and a caliber 223 mini-14 rifle from the suspect.

They also supposedly recovered a caliber 45 pistol; two caliber 9mm pistols; three caliber .38 revolvers; a caliber .380 pistol; three 12-gauge shotguns; and two fragmentation grenades during the search warrant operation.

‘The arrested suspect is allegedly a gun enthusiast and a collector. However, he failed to present permits or licenses to own and possess the said numerous firearms,’ the CIDG explained.

It added that Vince will be charged before the National Prosecution Service for violations of Republic Act No. 9516, which pertains to the illegal possession of explosives; and RA No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Cha Eun-woo of Astro, who is currently serving in the military, was caught on camera at one of the Apec venues in Gyeongju, according to online communities.

A video of Cha Eun-woo, dressed in his military uniform and walking through a hotel lobby in Gyeongju, quickly went viral Friday afternoon, surprising fans who have been waiting for his discharge.

‘Even with most of his face hidden under a military cap, his good looks still shine through,’ one user wrote on X. ‘He’s promoting Korea just by looking that handsome,’ another commented.

The 27-year-old singer and actor, whose real name is Lee Dong-min, is currently serving with the Ministry of National Defense’s Service Support Corps and has been assigned to assist with the Apec event, according to news reports.

Cha enlisted on July 28 at Nonsan Army Training Center in South Chungcheong Province, a facility that provides basic training for Korean soldiers. He made headlines for serving as the representative trainee at the completion ceremony.

‘The First Ride,’ which he finished filming before his enlistment, remains strong at the box office, topping the daily ranking on Friday with 34,129 viewers and a cumulative audience of 138,062.

Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has called for an investigation into a Chinese company’s dredging operations near Zambales, noting that there are different issues brought by such an activity.

De Lima, in a statement over the weekend, said that Malacañang should check the China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) dredging in Zambales, as residents claimed that the operations endanger communities and the overall ecosystem.

According to the lawmaker, the fisherfolk and residents of San Felipe town in Zambales are primarily affected by the dredging.

‘This requires an urgent probe. We intend to file a measure to look into these alleged large-scale dredging operations that cause serious environmental destruction, threaten livelihoods, and endanger the safety of our countrymen,’ De Lima said in a statement over the weekend.

‘(There is a need to) determine the legality and scope of these operations, as well as their impact on the environment and the risks they pose to our coastal communities,’ she added.

De Lima also underscored that CHEC is reportedly a China-state owned company, under the China Communications Construction Company.

‘China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. is reportedly one of China’s state-run entities, being a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC),’ she said.

‘This Chinese infrastructure firm has already been reported to have a shady track record and to be involved in labor-related complaints-all the more reason for Malacañang to look into the situation in Zambales, as well as in other areas of the country facing similar issues,’ de Lima added.

This is not the first time CHEC has been embroiled in controversy regarding dredging operations. In March 2024, several residents of San Felipe have already raised concerns after seeing at least 14 dredging vessels with Chinese crew members near the said coastal town.

According to one of the residents, the dredging was also conducted by CHEC, particularly in Barangay Sindol and Sitio Laoag in Barangay Maloma.

During the same month, the Philippine Coast Guard detained the crew of at least 17 vessels involved in the dredging activities to allow authorities to check for possible violations of the government’s environmental protection, safety, and security protocols.

However, in October 2025, San Felipe residents once again protested the ‘large-scale dredging operations’ that were just 50 meters from the shoreline, noting that the activity had harmed the environment, reduced fisherfolk’s income, and contributed to floods due to sea-level rise.

‘If these large-scale dredging operations are left unchecked, we would be neglecting the welfare and concerns of our countrymen,’ de Lima said.

‘These foreign companies will just continue their activities, and we would not know, but days and weeks after, our natural resources may be irreversibly damaged, our fisherfolk without livelihood, and hopefully not, we might wake up one day to a disaster wherein a lot of our fellow Filipinos will be put in danger,’ she added.

This is not the first time De Lima has spoken about the harmful effects of dredging and mining operations. Last September, the lawmaker chided the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for allowing the continuous mining of black sand across the country, saying that the agency should be ‘proactive enough’ to oppose the practice.

De Lima urged the DENR to take a stand on black sand mining, as reports indicate that such activities continue in Zambales, the Ilocos Region, and Cagayan.

According to her, aside from the ecological impact of black sand mining, there are security concerns, as there is no clear explanation for where the mined sand is delivered or for what purposes it is used.

Previously, de Lima filed House Bill (HB) No. 1843, which seeks to declare the mining of the country’s black sand and other important minerals illegal, to address growing concerns about the activity’s impact on local ecosystems.

Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ – the Philippines’ entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars – brought home the Golden Spike or the Best Picture plum at the 70th iteration of Spain’s Valladolid International Film Festival (or SEMINCI).

‘Magellan’ tied for the Golden Spike with the Kelly Reichardt-helmed ‘The Mastermind,’ which was announced at the festival’s closing gala on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

According to the festival’s jury, ‘Magellan’ was chosen as a Golden Spike winner for allowing viewers to ‘immerse themselves in the past from the present’ and ‘reread colonial history through a complex and critical lens.’

The film’s ‘extraordinary aesthetic, photographic and temporal vision,’ as well as its ‘narrative ambition, formal rigor, and unique ability to intertwine historical reflection with cinematic experience’ was also praised.

Meanwhile, German film ‘Silent Friend’ by Ildiko Enyedi bagged the Silver Spike and Green Spike plums at the closing gala.

‘Magellan’s’ achievement was praised by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) on its Facebook page.

The Diaz-helmed film tells the story of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (Gaél Garcia Bernal) circumnavigating the world amid the tensions between Spain and Portugal’s colonial campaign. He then sails to the island of Cebu where he meets Rajah Humabon (Ronnie Lazaro).

The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival last May, and it was theatrically released in the Philippines four months later.

The municipality of Malay has advised tourists and residents to remain alert and take precautionary measures as Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) brings adverse weather across Western Visayas, temporarily affecting travel to and from Boracay Island. In an advisory issued Monday by the Malay Municipal Tourism Office, the local government confirmed that boat operations between Caticlan in mainland Malay and Boracay have been suspended due to strong winds and rough sea conditions brought by the typhoon, which has placed the town under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

Tourists stranded in Caticlan Jetty Port were urged to coordinate with their hotels, airlines, ferry, and land transport operators for rebooking assistance or temporary accommodation. The municipality released an updated list of available lodgings in Mainland Malay-including in Barangays Caticlan, Sambiray, Argao, and Nabas-ranging from budget inns to airport hotels with nightly rates starting at ?1,000.

The advisory reminded visitors to stay indoors, avoid the shore and open areas, and keep communication devices charged for weather updates. Travelers were also told to monitor official announcements from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office, and other authorized agencies.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Tourism Office released a separate ‘Tourist Safety Tips During a Typhoon’ poster detailing emergency measures for travelers. The guidelines urge tourists to prepare emergency kits, keep documents in waterproof bags, and follow instructions from hotel and local authorities during evacuations or flooding.

For assistance, stranded travelers may contact the Malay Municipal Tourism Office at (036) 288-7108, 0905-219-1604 (Globe), or 0968-243-1919 (Smart).

The local government assured visitors that the safety of tourists remains a top priority and that updates will be issued regularly as Typhoon Tino continues to move across the Visayas region.

La Lola, everyone’s favorite home-grown churrería, is back! So is its signature crunchy Spanish-style churros and other sweet snacks, bites, coffee, fruit-based beverages, and soft-serve ice cream (served with two pieces of churros). Standing proudly at the heart of Evia Lifestyle Mall, Daang Hari Road, Las Piñas, La Lola’s red and green kiosk exudes a playful spirit, a friendlier vibe to signal its sweet comeback.

La Lola debuted in Rockwell, Makati in 2014 and immediately became a cult favorite whose growth and expansion across Metro Manila was welcomed by foodies who loved the extra-long and crunchy churros. Just like most businesses during the pandemic, its stores slowly closed down. With its long-awaited return, La Lola has been met with excitement from loyal fans who have eagerly awaited its comeback.

La Lola also introduces its updated menu that’s crafted for all ages-from kids discovering churros for the first time to grown-ups who never outgrew them. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a shareable treat, La Lola has something for everyone. Its freshly cooked Churros come in different sizes: 30cm Regular Churros, 40cm Long sticks, the bite-sized La Lola Bites, and the iconic Mini Churro Cone which are all perfect whether you want to sit down and enjoy them with La Lola’s hot or iced coffee or boba drinks, fruit-based juices, or its popular Yakult Iced Tea, or if you simply need a snack to go while wandering around the mall.

The concept also launches 9 indulgent dips including chocolate, mocha, ube, matcha, salted caramel, Belgian chocolate, and the Auro dark chocolate, giving fans more options on how best to indulge in their churros. To complete the list is the savory salted egg dip. And if you are looking for a churro bite with a bit of a bark, La Lola’s new Churro Dog, a playful spin on a corn dog, is definitely a fun and delicious choice.

What makes La Lola’s churros different from its counterparts is the fact that they are deep-fried in 100% olive oil, made to order, and are allowed to sit on a tray for two to three minutes so they remain hot, crisp, and fresh when served. ‘La Lola has always been about more than just churros; it’s about fun, indulgence, and creating joyful little moments, especially now that it’s friendlier and more shareable,’ said The Bistro Group which now proudly carries La Lola as part of its portfolio of restaurant concepts. ‘We’re excited to bring this comeback to life and reintroduce a brand that so many Filipinos have loved and missed.’

One bite of the most craved and crunchy Churros is comforting, nostalgic, and festive even, proving that with La Lola’s return, it will bring back the sense of indulgence and fun, only this time, it’s sweeter and more impossible to resist.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) urged Monday the Philippine National Police (PNP) to crack down on the unauthorized sale of police uniforms and equipment.

The urgency followed the discovery of a Halloween partygoer wearing a police uniform as a costume. The partygoer, Daryll Isidro, explained to Napolcom that the uniform originated from a tailor in Quiapo, Manila.

‘There should also be a crackdown on the general public’s access to police uniforms and paraphernalia. Where else would all this be from if not unauthorized access to PNP uniforms? We should solve it at the source,’ Napolcom Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan said in a press conference.

‘If the PNP is listening, that’s what we should talk about, on how we put safeguards as to how people should not buy police uniforms and paraphernalia. Only those authorized should be allowed to buy,’ he added.

Calinisan said he initially instructed Napolcom to file a case against Isidro for violating Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (the illegal use of uniforms and insignia).

However, Isidro met with Calinisan earlier on Monday morning, prompting him to withdraw his directive to file a case and tear up the show-cause order the partygoer was supposed to receive.

‘Calm down’

Calinisan first brought attention to the issue on social media on Sunday.

On Sunday night, on his social media, Sen. Francis Pangilinan appealed to Napolcom to instead focus on more pressing issues.

‘My advice to Napolcom is to understand the situation and feelings of those who pay our salaries, the people, who are seething with anger against all the corrupt in the government, as well as the corrupt in the PNP,’ Pangilinan said.

‘Sa halip na ikagalit ito ng kapulisan at mauwi pa sa kasuhan, mas mainam na unawa ang mangibabaw at hindi ang galit. Ika nga, kalma lang,’ he added. (It’s better for understanding to prevail over anger. As the saying goes, just stay calm.)

‘Instead getting upset over the issue and [ending] up with the filing of cases, it’d be better if reason were to prevail and not anger, just calm down.)

Calinisan said he respects Pangilinan’s statement but raised the issue due to ‘national security concerns.’

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed a bill seeking to address the growing wave of cyberbullying, fake news, and online defamation in the country, especially against vulnerable users such as the youth.

He particularly referred to it as the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, also known as the Emman Atienza Bill.

‘While social media serves as a platform to advocate for truth, it has also given room for ruining reputations, spreading fake news, rumors, false accusations, and violence,’ Ejercito said.

‘In reality, there are no delete or edit buttons for the ones we have hurt,’ he added.

In filing his bill, Ejercito noted that many young people have fallen victim to online bullying, including Emman Atienza, the late daughter of his friend and TV personality Kim Atienza, after whom the bill is named.

‘With the primary objective to protect individuals from online harassment, this bill seeks to strengthen the implementation of laws that deter cyberbullying and online hate,’ Ejercito said.

‘And as Emman used to always say, to promote a little kindness,’ he added.

The senator then proceeded to explain that his recently-filed Senate Bill No. 1474 expands the protection of citizens under existing laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act, which he describes as limited in scope.

Under the proposed legislation, acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, including expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on one’s gender or sexuality, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information will be explicitly penalized.

It affirms that fair commentary, satire, criticism, and opinions, especially those directed at public officials, remain fully protected except when they contain false or defamatory statements.

Pursuant to the measure, digital platforms will be required to act swiftly by removing or blocking harmful content within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders.

They must also suspend or ban offending users, preserve digital evidence, and provide accessible reporting and redress systems. Failure to comply may lead to penalties or affect their authority to operate in the Philippines.

To ensure that victims receive the help they need, the bill mandates a Victim Support and Protection Program that offers psychosocial support and counseling through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, as well as legal aid and protection through the Department of Justice, including assistance in securing protection orders when necessary.

Ejercito said the cost of these services will be borne by the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, perpetrators of online abuse will face stiff sanctions, including imprisonment and fines ranging from PHP 50,000 to PHP 200,000, depending on the gravity and frequency of the offense.

For many Filipinos, saving money can often feel like an uphill battle-especially when everyday expenses demand immediate attention. But Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CLB) believes that every Ipon Moves-no matter how small, can lead to lasting change and help Filipinos turn their dreams into reality.

This World Savings Day 2025, CLB joins the global celebration of financial empowerment through its nationwide campaign, ‘Ipon moves this IPON MOnth,’ an inspiring call for Filipinos to make saving a daily habit. Through this initiative, the bank continues its mission to make financial inclusion accessible to all and to empower every Ka-Cebuana to take control of their financial future.

‘Ipon Moves’ underscores the power of consistent saving and how even the smallest effort can lead to greater stability and success. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, clients gain an easy, secure, and reliable way to manage their funds and plan ahead. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, which offers this service, is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ?1,000,000 per depositor.

‘Our goal has always been to make financial services accessible to every Filipino, especially those who have limited access to traditional banking,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘Through Micro Savings and initiatives like Ipon Moves, we aim to nurture a culture of saving that empowers families to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life,’ he added.

This year, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank also took its ‘Ipon Moves’ campaign on the road-visiting various Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank branches across the country to celebrate the inspiring spirit of saving among Filipinos. As part of the activity, the CL Bank set up a ‘Wish IPON a Dream’ Wall, where clients were invited to post their personal dreams and motivations for saving. Each note reflected a story of hope, perseverance, and love-proof that every Filipino’s ipon has a deeper purpose.

Among those who shared their goals on the Wish IPON a Dream Wall was Rossini Abriola, a 63-year-old mother from Las Piñas City, who has shown how saving can be an act of perseverance and love. Her goal was simple yet profound-to see her son graduate. Through small, consistent deposits, she has been able to support his studies by setting aside part of her savings for his daily allowance. She continues to save diligently, hoping to one day buy him a laptop that will help him in his schooling.

‘Ang pag-iipon ang nagturo sa’kin ng tiyaga at pananampalataya,’ Rossini said. ‘Hindi madali, pero gusto kong ipakita sa anak ko na kayang abutin ang pangarap basta’t nagsusumikap. Bawat pisong naiipon ko, para sa kanya talaga.’

From Laguna, Arnel Peralta, a 52-year-old single father and person with disability, has turned his ipon into a promise of hope. Despite his health challenges, Arnel faithfully saves through his Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account, determined to open a small sari-sari store that will help support his two children.

‘Hindi madali mag-ipon lalo na kapag araw-araw may kailangang gastusan,’ Arnel shared. ‘Pero kapag naiisip ko ang mga anak ko, lalo na’t mga bata pa at nag-aaral, sa kanila ako kumukuha ng inspirasyon. Kahit maliit lang ang naitatabi ko, basta tuloy-tuloy, makakarating din sa pangarap.’

In Cebu, Rizchel Canillo, a 48-year-old single mother of four, shows how saving can keep dreams alive even in tough times. Working as an e-bike driver, she sets aside ?50 from her daily earnings to save for a new e-bike battery. When her wish finally came true, she felt deep relief, knowing she no longer had to rent one just to continue earning for her family.

‘Patuloy pa rin akong nag-iipon kahit natupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ko,’ Rizchel shared. ‘Minsan na ring nakatulong ang ipon ko noong kinailangan ng nanay ko ng tulong sa pagpapagamot. Kaya para sa’kin, ang ipon laging may silbi, lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan.’

Down south, Maria Robilyn Sabanto, a 26-year-old breadwinner from Cagayan de Oro, sees saving as her way of giving back. Working at a service center, she sets aside a portion of her salary to buy her 69-year-old father a mountain bike-a symbol of gratitude and care for the man who raised her.

‘Para sa’kin, ang pag-iipon hindi lang tungkol sa pera, kundi tungkol sa pagmamahal at responsibilidad,’ Robilyn said. ‘Nag-iipon ako kasi gusto kong maibalik kahit papaano ang lahat ng ginawa ng tatay ko para sa’kin. Sa pag-iipon, nagkakaroon ako ng paraan para maipakita kung gaano ko siya pinahahalagahan.’

Because of their determination to save and their touching stories of hope, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, through its ‘Ipon Moves’ campaign, surprised them by granting the dreams they had shared on the Wish IPON a Dream Wall.

Rossini received a brand-new laptop for her son’s studies, helping her continue to support his education. Arnel was given grocery packages to help him start his long-awaited sari-sari store. Rizchel was granted a new e-bike battery, easing her daily struggles and allowing her to earn more for her family. And Robilyn received a mountain bike for her father-a heartfelt token of gratitude for the man who inspired her to keep saving.

Through their stories, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank reminds every Filipino that saving is more than a financial act-it’s a declaration of hope, discipline, and love for the people who matter most. Every Ipon Move-no matter how small-brings Filipinos closer to the life they dream of and the future they deserve.