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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed his sympathy for the families of those who died in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu.

He also said that government agencies are on the ground giving aid to those in need.

In a statement, Marcos said: ‘I wholeheartedly extend my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I include in my prayers the safety of the injured and all those affected by the earthquake.’

‘Our cabinet secretaries are already in the affected areas to provide assistance and assess the damage caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks,’ the president also said.

According to Marcos, the Department of Public Works and Highways is making sure that the roads in the province are safe for travel, while the Department of Energy is working to restore power supply in affected communities.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, is deploying additional personnel to provide medical assistance, he said.

Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing relief goods and other essentials to the victims, he added.

‘The BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) is assisting in search and rescue operations, while the PNP (Philippine National Police) is focused on maintaining order and supporting rescue efforts,’ Marcos said.

‘The OCD (Office of Civil Defense) and the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) are leading the coordination of all agencies to ensure a swift and orderly response,’ he noted.

‘I urge everyone to remain vigilant and heed the advisories of your local government. Together, we will help our fellow citizens overcome this challenge and rebuild the affected communities,’ he further added.

Still assessing the damage

Meanwhile, in a chance interview in Masbate City, Marcos said the government is still assessing the damage caused by the quake.

‘We’re still assessing the damage there. The earthquake was very strong,’ he said.

‘So we’re assessing the damage, we’re assessing the needs,’ Marcos added.

The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity following the earthquake, which caused widespread destruction and left 36 people confirmed dead.

From this, 27 deaths were reported in Bogo City, the epicenter of the 6.9-magnitude temblor that struck at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

A male motorcycle rider was gunned down by unidentified assailants in front of a school along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, the police said.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) public information chief Maj. Jennifer Gannaban confirmed the incident in a message to the Inquirer, saying officers recovered an identification card from the victim but are still investigating his identity.

‘The victim was on a motorcycle and when the suspects shot the victim, they also took the victim’s motorcycle,’ Gannaban explained, citing a police report of the shooting.

The victim’s body was discovered and reported to the authorities by a concerned citizen early Wednesday morning, according to a QCPD statement.

‘Acting on this, QCPD immediately activated its Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough and focused probe,’ the police said.

‘As part of the investigation, QCPD is conducting CCTV (closed circuit television) forward and backtracking of possible suspect movements while also coordinating with specialized units for evidence gathering,’ it added

Every December, it feels like the calendar speeds up. Work deadlines bleed into gift shopping lists, the group chats never stop buzzing, and suddenly, the season that is supposed to be about warmth and togetherness feels more like another race against time.

For many of us, the holidays can feel like they have lost that glowing magic of Christmas past-when decorating the tree was a family affair, when twinkling lights filled us with awe, and when the simple act of being home felt like the season’s greatest gift.

This year, there is a way to bring that magic back. SM Home’s 2025 Magic of Christmas collection is all about recapturing the charm, joy, and love that make the holidays worth slowing down for. With six distinct themes, the collection offers more than just décor. It is an invitation to create moments that feel like home again, where every ornament tells a story and every detail brings a spark of wonder.

Here is a closer look at the curated themes that promise to transform your space and remind you of what makes the holidays truly special.

Golden elegance for the luxe decorator

Gold has a way of transforming a room, catching light like candle flames flickering against polished glass. Golden elegance channels that same radiance with rich hues of gold and brown paired with ornaments that glow against warm tones.

The look comes alive when textures are layered-think glossy baubles set against matte finishes, sequined details, or velvety accents. Oversized bows and poinsettia ornaments break up the metallic palette with sculptural dimension, while a Christmas village glowing on a console or gilded lanterns at the table extend the shimmer across the room. It is a style that turns any gathering into an occasion where evenings are remembered for their sparkle, laughter, and charm.

Design tip: Balance shine with texture. Mix metallic ornaments with matte and fabric finishes, then anchor the space with statement accents like poinsettias, bows, or lanterns for depth.

Enchanted Christmas for the dreamer

There is something undeniably magical about a tree dressed in rich reds, velvety purples, and sparkling jewel tones. Enchanted Christmas is a theme that feels plucked from a storybook, where butterflies alight on branches, crystal berries catch the light, and ornaments shimmer like treasures from a forgotten kingdom.

Butterfly ornaments can add an ethereal touch as they appear to flutter through the tree, while plush characters such as a sitting reindeer, a snowman, or even Santa lend depth and a touch of whimsy when tucked into unexpected corners. Layering these elements transforms the space into a fantasy landscape where every glance reveals something new.

Design tip: Build a jewel-toned base, then layer butterflies and plush characters to create movement and dimension.

Whimsical holidays for the playful family

Pastel pinks and powder blues bring a sugar-spun charm to the season in a look that feels straight out of a storybook. This theme revels in childhood nostalgia with candy house ornaments, scoops of ice cream, pastel nutcrackers, cake slices, and oversized candy canes tucked among the branches.

Let the magic continue around the room with blush and powder blue wreaths softening the walls, gingerbread villages brightening tabletops, and pastel figurines scattered across shelves and consoles to create an immersive, confectionery wonderland.

Design tip: Work with scale and texture to keep the look dynamic by using oversized candy ornaments, paired with smaller frosted baubles. These bring rhythm, while velvet ribbons, plush wreaths, and cushioned throws anchor the palette with warmth.

Crystal wonderland for the modern cool

Cool, crystalline, and endlessly elegant, crystal wonderland captures the essence of winter with a palette of silvers, frosted whites, and icy blues. Ornaments look as though carved from ice itself, with faceted baubles, shimmering icicles, and delicate snowflakes sparkling like frozen lace.

Let the theme extend seamlessly across the home with metallic garlands along mantels, mirrored votives casting a frosty glow, and crystal figurines perched like treasures in plain sight. Layering glass, silver, and translucent accents creates a cohesive, luminous look that feels sleek and sophisticated-a modern take on a white Christmas.

Design tip: Play with reflection and light. Pair frosted ornaments with high-shine silver pieces to add dimension, and weave in snowflake details at different scales for a cohesive winter motif.

Bear-y Merry Christmas for the young at heart

Sometimes, Christmas is all about nostalgia and pure charm, and nothing captures it quite like teddy bears in every size and color. This theme layers classic reds, greens, and whites with bear ornaments tucked into sleighs, hanging from ribbons, or peeking out from branches. Plush bears perched on tabletops, nestled into wreaths, or arranged around gathering spaces create a whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere, inviting everyone to step into a world of festive imagination.

Enhance the tale by pairing them with equally enchanting accents such as a vintage-style television village, a classic train table centerpiece, or miniature cottages dotted across mantels. Together, these pieces transform the home into a living Christmas story, where every corner sparks memory, wonder, and the delight of holiday magic.

Design tip: Cluster teddy bear ornaments for impact, then layer in nostalgic accents like a train table, village scene, or even vintage-inspired wreaths to amplify the storybook feel.

Festive holiday for the timeless traditionalist

Nothing says Christmas like the classics-deep reds, forest greens, and the familiar cast of Santa, snowmen, and gingerbread men. Festive holiday embraces the timeless symbols of the season, filling the home with layers of tradition and warmth.

Garland-draped banisters, stockings by the mantel, and tabletop vignettes glowing with Santa figurines and gingerbread houses make the space both nostalgic and celebratory. It is a style that honors rituals, colors, and icons that never go out of season.

Design tip: Let Santa, snowmen, and gingerbread men take center stage, then frame them with classic red-and-green accents and cozy knit textures for contrast.

Discover the full Magic of Christmas collection, where every piece goes beyond décor to bring warmth, wonder, and festive charm into your home. From enchanting ornaments to storybook-inspired accents, browse a curated selection that invites you to create moments that are truly magical this holiday season. Available at SM Home in the SM Store.

Investment approvals by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) surged by more than 30 percent in the nine months ending September on strong investor confidence.

In a statement on Tuesday, Peza said it had approved P154.7 billion worth of investments in the January to September period, 33.5-percent higher than the P115.89 billion posted in the same period last year.

‘These approvals demonstrate enduring investor confidence in the Philippines. Backed by sustained momentum and robust investment activity, we are on track to attain our P250 billion goal and strengthen our standing as a leading investment destination in Asia,’ Peza Director General Tereso Panga said.

‘These investments reinforce our position as a premier hub in Asia and affirm that the Philippines is fast becoming the destination of choice for global industries,’ Trade Secretary and Peza Chair Cristina Roque added in a statement.

2025 target

However, the end-September number means that Peza has so far just achieved 61.9 percent of its goal this year of P250 billion.

In the first nine months, Peza said it had approved 215 new and expansion projects that are expected to generate 50,430 direct jobs and $4.49 billion in export revenues.

Of these, P123.79 billion came from 24 big-ticket projects.

The manufacturing sector drove investments in economic zones with 98 projects, followed by the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector with 55 projects, and domestic-related activities with 18 projects.

Japan regained its position as the top country investor, accounting for 9.55 percent or P14.78 billion in new and expansion projects.

‘Japan’s return as our leading partner reflects the fruit of our investment missions and strong collaborations with stakeholders. With nearly 10 percent of this year’s total project approvals coming from Japanese companies, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and highly competitive hub in Asia,’ Panga said. INQ

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it would be seeking the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to compel former Police Colonel and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma to come home and face charges of murder and frustrated murder over the 2020 killing of former PCSO Wesley Barayuga.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the investigating team has already reached out to Interpol agents in the country, who would relay the matter to counterparts in Malaysia, where Garma is presumed to be staying since leaving the Philippines on Sept. 7.

‘We will coordinate with Interpol. And Malaysia has been cooperative with us. we would let them know that Garma has a standing warrant of arrest against her,’ Santiago told a news briefing.

He noted that the Interpol agents in the Philippines would be the ones who would coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, including Interpol.

Branch 279 of Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court has issued a warrant of arrest against Garma, former National Police Commission (Napolcom) chair Edilberto Leonardo, Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza as well as former police officers Nelson Mariano and Jeremie Causapin for the killing of Barayuga on July 30, 2020.

On Wednesday, NBI presented Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza and former police officer Nelson Mariano, who are both in custody of the bureau after they surrendered to authorities last month and confessed their role in the killing.

The two served as ‘middlemen’ between the hitman and implicated Garma and former National Police Commission (Napolcom) chair Edilberto Leonardo as masterminds, NBI said

The local government of San Remegio, Cebu, confirmed that a 10-year-old child died during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

In an interview with Inquirer, Maria Divina Nacionales of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the child was struck by a hollow block after their house in Barangay Looc collapsed during the quake.

According to initial information from the MDRRMO, the child’s entire family was asleep when the earthquake occurred, leaving the child inside.

‘There was also an elderly companion with them who was rescued first, and the child was left behind,’ Nacionales said.

She added that they have received up to four reports of casualties, but as of this writing, they could not yet confirm them due to difficulty reaching affected areas.

‘Our situation is very difficult right now. We cannot respond quickly because a bridge also collapsed, making those areas inaccessible,’ Nacionales said.

As of now, the San Remegio MDRRMO and the police are still verifying reports of other casualties in the town

The Philippine National Police (PNP) tasked the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7) to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group.

‘[Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.] further instructed PRO7 to provide real-time updates to the National Headquarters, particularly on the extent of damage, affected communities, and the operational response being undertaken on the ground,’ the law enforcement agency said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

‘Additional resources from the National Headquarters and nearby regions are on standby to reinforce PRO 7 in safeguarding communities and restoring normalcy at the soonest possible time,’ the PNP added.

This came after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

At least 26 people were reported killed and 147 were reported injured as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

San Remigio, Cebu, was placed under a state of calamity after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the province Tuesday evening.

In a Facebook advisory, the San Remigio local government said the quake caused ‘widespread damage and disruption to the lives of our constituents.’

Municipal Mayor Mariano Martinez said the local government aims to facilitate immediate response and relief efforts, including mobilizing resources, providing assistance to affected communities, and implementing measures to prevent further harm.

‘The Sangguniang Bayan will convene an emergency session as soon as possible to formalize this declaration through a resolution,’ he said.

‘In the meantime, the local government will work closely with national agencies and stakeholders to address the needs of our constituents,’ he added.

The mayor urged the public to ‘remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in responding to this disaster.’

Based on the latest update from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the center of the magnitude 6.9 quake-initially reported as 6.7-was located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, at a depth of 5 kilometers.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected and property damage may occur.

The agency also issued an advisory for possible minor sea-level disturbances following Tuesday evening’s quake./mcm

Detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy has been in the hospital for nearly three weeks due to pneumonia, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said on Tuesday.

The BJMP told the Inquirer in a message that Quiboloy was taken out of the Pasig City Jail and rushed to a public hospital on Sept. 11 after he experienced difficulty in breathing.

‘He was later diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia (Moderate Risk),’ BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said.

The court in charge of Quiboloy’s case has already issued an order authorizing his hospital confinement after it was informed of the KOJC leader’s condition, Bustinera added.

‘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 BJMP spokesperson said.

Multiple charges

The televangelist leader and spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte-who is also detained in The Hague, the Netherlands over the thousands of killings under his drug war-has been charged with child abuse and human trafficking cases before courts in Quezon City and Pasig, respectively.

These are in addition to the criminal charges he is facing in the United States, which include 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.

On Nov. 8 last year, Quiboloy was taken to the Philippine Heart Center for a routine check, but it led to his confinement for an ‘irregular heartbeat.’

He was brought back to the detention center at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City on Nov. 16 after the Pasig court denied his request for hospital arrest.

Previous confinement

On Jan. 23, the KOJC leader, who calls himself the ‘Son of God,’ was hospitalized for pneumonia. He was transferred to the Pasig City Jail on Feb. 12.

Quiboloy was arrested in September 2024 after hiding for 16 days in the 30-hectare KOJC compound in Davao City as he tried to evade arrest by authorities.

The operation to take him in involved 4,500 police officers and cost the government P35 million, according to then Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who led the hunt for the religious sect leader. At the time, Torre headed the Davao Police Regional Office. He later became acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and then PNP chief.

As CIDG chief, Torre also spearheaded the arrest of Duterte on Mar. 11 based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity over his crackdown on drugs as Davao City mayor and then as president.

The House of Representatives is coordinating with local government units and authorities from areas affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said on Wednesday.

Dy, in a statement, said the House leadership is also asking district representatives about how best to assist residents in quake-stricken areas.

‘We are currently conducting coordination talks with agencies and local government units to ensure that the assistance needed would be immediately provided, particularly quick medical service and basic needs for areas hard hit by the earthquake,’ Dy said in Filipino.

‘We are currently coordinating with the representatives of affected districts to support their goal of bringing help to their constituent[s],’ he added.

Dy said the House extends its sympathies to the families of those who died.

As of posting time, the Office of Civil Defense said the death toll could reach at least 60, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said that the death toll has risen to 61.

‘Congress sends its heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones and to all those affected by the earthquake in Cebu and nearby provinces,’ Dy said, speaking in Filipino.

‘Your Congress is ready to be a partner in crafting the needed programs to respond to those affected by this calamity, and to ensure that the country is ready for similar incidents in the future,’ he added.

Late Tuesday night, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the waters northeast of Bogo, Cebu, damaging heritage churches and other structures and knocking out power in parts of the central Philippines.

In Bogo alone, at least 27 people were confirmed dead, according to the PDRRMO.

Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to 6.9. The tectonic tremor was recorded at a shallow depth of five kilometers.

Phivolcs warned of a possible ‘minor sea-level disturbance’ and urged residents of Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran to avoid coastal areas. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat.

‘Our people are not alone in this tragedy. The people and the entire House of Representatives are with you in helping you recover,’ Dy noted.