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A 44-year-old fisherman from Bohol was killed while two others were wounded after they were reportedly shot while aboard their pumpboat in Sitio Mahayahay 1, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, last Sunday afternoon.

The fatality was identified as Efren Tancos. Meanwhile, the two wounded individuals were Marvin Duallo Moreno, 27, and Winston Cabigon Caparida, 25. All of them are fishermen from Inabanga, Bohol.

Based on initial reports of the Carbon Police Station 6, Caparida hired Tancos and Moreno and rented their pumpboat to transport him from Bohol to Cebu. Caparida was supposed to pick up his family from Barangay Ermita, Cebu City and bring them back to Bohol.

Police said that at around 2:15 P.M. that day, as the boat they were on was about to dock, shots rang out and Tancos was hit and killed.

Caparida and Moreno were also found covered in blood while aboard the wooden boat.

The victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention, but Tancos was declared dead on arrival.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) information officer Police Captain Charisma Gonzales confirmed that there are at least five identified suspects behind the shooting incident; their identities were not yet disclosed.

‘Na-consider pud nato sila na mga suspects kay sila ra man ang mga naay motibo ani nga hitabo,’ she said, adding that the victims and possible suspects knew each other.

She said that personal grudge is one of the angles the authorities are looking into to determine the motive of the crime, but investigators are also examining deeper and other possible motives.

Gonzales also said that upon investigating the case, they have not determined yet the specific firearm used by the suspects as they didn’t find any bullet casings.

‘Unfortunately, wala mi’y nakuha g’yud nga mga casing or mga empty (bullet) shells kay didto man sa dagat. So, basin nangalubog pa didto. Dili pa namo ma-identify unsay mga gipangamit na mga caliber sa firearms,’ she said.

Meanwhile, follow-up operations on the incident are still ongoing while the two wounded victims, who are currently recovering, are also being questioned to further determine the identities of the said suspects.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant is off to a rocky start after a heated exchange took place just as the ceremonial sashing of candidates was about to begin.

The pageant itself was in disarray following conflicting statements from the main Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and hosts Miss Universe Thailand (MUT), this despite the latter’s national director Nawat Itsaragrisil serves as MUO Executive Director.

MUO had branded a “Special Dinner and Talk Show” promoted by MUT was not officially sanctioned, however MUT stated the activity was part of its marketing campaign which hosts are allowed to oversee.

All the competing queens for Miss Universe 2025 had already arrived in Thailand and were set to kick off pre-pageant proceedings with the Sashing Ceremony, which MUT’s Facebook account was going to capture live.

Before the event could begin, however, Nawat took the opportunity to speak to all the gathered queens to reiterate MUT’s promotional activities are legal while also mentioning other issues like candidates not participating in promo shoots and sponsors linked to online casinos, which is illegal in Thailand.

Regarding the latter, Nawat asked queens who did not agree to MUT’s promo ideas to raise their hand. When the room remained silent, Nawat called on Mexico’s representative Fatima Bosch.

Nawat claimed reports from his staff that Fatima was ordered by her national director not to post anything about Thailand, prompting Fatima to explain her side.

After Fatima said that she’ll be able to follow Nawat’s orders, Nawat claimed that Mexico’s national director had been kicked out of the country.

“It’s not polite, it’s not good… if you follow orders from your national director, you are dumb,” Nawat said.

A few minutes later, Fatima stood up again for clarification, angering Nawat who repeatedly said he was still talking on the microphone.

“I’m still talking to everybody, why are you standing up to talk to me?” Nawat asked, to which Fatima replied “Because I have a voice…” but Nawat cut her off saying, “Yes you have a voice but you have to respect.”

“But you are not respecting me as [a] woman,” Fatima responded, to which Nawat called on security to escort her outside the room, resulting in audible gasps and groans from other candidates.

From the back of the room, Fatima can be heard saying “As a woman we are respecting and need to be respected. I’m here representing my country, it’s not my fault you have problems with my organization.”

The exchange resulted in reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig exiting the room, expressing to pageant media stationed outside her dismay with how the situation was handled.

“We have respect for everyone but this is not how things should be handled, to trash another girl is beyond disrespectful,” Victoria said, taking her leave.

Back inside the room, some candidates opted to follow Victoria and walked out, despite Nawat’s calls for everyone to stay in their seats.

“Sit down. If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls will continue,” Nawat said.

Fatima was among those who walked out and, with Iraq’s Hanin Al Qoreishy beside, addressed the pageant media, which were mostly Thai and Filipino.

The beauty queen expressed her love, respect and amazement for Thai people but lamented the comments made by Nawat, particularly about being “dumb.”

“I think that the world needs to hear and see this, because we are all empowered women. This platform is meant for our voice, and one can shut our voice,” Fatima said.

“Everyone at home, every woman, it doesn’t matter if you have a big dream or a crown, if it takes away your dignity, you need to go,” she ended.

Later in an Instagram story, Victoria posted a photo of delegates who walked out, including representatives from Palestine, Costa Rica, Panama and Puerto Rico.

“This is women empowerment. This is sisterhood. Forever and always,” the titleholder wrote, tagging the Miss Universe’s account.

If the schedule will proceed, the coronation night of Miss Universe 2025 will be on November 21 where Philippine representative Ahtisa Manalo is hoping to win the country’s fifth title.

Coincidentally, the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Thailand last hosted, by Ahtisa’s Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Weljon Mindoro is open to the possibility of becoming part of the Philippine boxing team to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

Mindoro along with his handlers Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango all agreed that being part of the national team is certainly a huge honor.

They’re just waiting for a formal communique from either the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines and Philippine Olympic Committee to make everything official.

During the presentation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games medalists on Monday, POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino mentioned the inclusion of the 25-year-old Mindoro in the boxing team list.

‘Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko ngayon mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,’ said Barcelango in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

‘So sa ngayon hindi kami mag-oo and hindi rin kami mag-hindi. Pero kung mapag-mitingan ng maayos, wala namang problema. Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.’

Mindoro, a native of Zamboanga Del Sur, previously competed in the Batang Pinoy where he was a bronze medal winner in Tagum, Davao del Norte, and Palarong Pambansa in which he snatched a silver medal in Pangasinan. And yet never made it to the national team.

And so representing the Philippine team in the SEA Games would be a dream come true for him.

‘Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,’ said Mindoro in the same public sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, POC, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

The 5-foot-11 Mindoro carries a fearsome record of 15-0-1 with 15 KOs and idolizes eight-time division champion Manny Pacquiao and Mexican boxing superstar and world champion Canelo Alvarez.

At the moment, Mindoro and his team are set to leave for Japan to continue his training and look for possible sparring partners who are actually lacking here in the country.

‘Lahat ng malalaking boxers dito sa Pilipinas inubos na lahat ni Weljon,’ said Balmes. ‘Kaya mag-stay kami sa Japan kasi may malalaking sparring partners doon. Yan ang plano ng team.’

Trainer Joven Jimenez and former IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas also attended the Forum to show their support to the upcoming Filipino fighter, who served as sparring partner of Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial for his last fight against Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares during the Thrilla in Manila 50th anniversary celebration.

‘Sakto pala na nagte-training siya kung sakali for SEA Games. Yan ang purpose namin na hindi puwedeng matengga lang si Weljon,’ added Barcelango.

With two new teams in the fray, the Sharks Billiards Association Season 2 beginning on November 10 promises to be even more exciting and interesting for the teams, players and fans as well.

Hadley Mariano, SBA founder, said the entry of Makati and Taguig for the coming season will definitely boost the competition and give Manila, Negros Occidental, Quezon City and Season 1 champion Taguig a run for their money.

‘Hindi mo masasabi sino ang malakas at sino ang dehado,’ said Mariano during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex conference hall.

Mariano said the team format makes the competition almost unpredictable from start to finish because ‘it will all depend on chemistry.’

The six teams will figure in a round-robin featuring the three formats: King of the Hill 5-on-5, Sharks Doubles and Standard One-On-One.

Matches are set at the Sharks Arena Sports Bar along Timog Ave. and is open to fans starting at 8 p.m.

‘Ang inaabangan ko are the new players from Makati and Paranaque, the new teams,’ said Mariano during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

Mariano said they are working non-stop to make the SBA more attractive for the fans.

‘Ang gusto ko mangyari is ma-doble ‘yung viewers from Season 1. And sana ma-reach namin ‘yung younger audience,’ he said.

A bust of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal has gone missing from its pedestal at Place Jose Rizal in Paris, France, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday, November 4.

The monument, a popular site for the Filipino community in France, was believed to have been removed overnight between October 25 and 26, according to a statement from the DFA. The Philippine Embassy in Paris has reported the disappearance to local authorities and is closely monitoring the investigation.

‘The Embassy continues to coordinate with French officials and the Filipino community in Paris to pursue all avenues for the recovery or replacement of the monument,’ DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona told reporters.

Escalonda said the Philippine embassy decided to wait for initial information from the City of Paris – under whose jurisdiction the site falls – before releasing a public statement, to ‘ensure accuracy, prevent undue speculation, and respect the integrity of the investigative process.’

The DFA said it remains committed to preserving Rizal’s legacy and ‘the memory and values the monument represents’ as efforts continue to either locate or replace the missing bust.

The Rizal bust was put up there in June 2024 to commemorate the Filipino hero’s legacy and martyrdom. It is the “only public bust” of a Filipino icon in Paris, according to the DFA.

The Philippine National Police has ordered a policeman to explain his ‘Bring Me Challenge’ video that asked netizens to bring a drug user, street-level pusher and unregistered gun in exchange for cash.

‘The act is a clear violation of the police operational procedures, which serves as the Bible of every member of the Philippine National Police,’ Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, PNP public information office chief, said.

Tuaño said the PNP has ordered Pat. Johnny Amolo of the Talisay City Police in Cebu to explain his actions.

The video went viral on social media, but has since been removed from online platforms.

Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, Anti-Cybercrime Group director, said investigators were able to preserve a copy as part of the ongoing ACG digital investigation.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said during a briefing at Camp Crame that authorities are treating the matter seriously.

‘We have our police operational procedures, and what he did is not part of that,’ Nartatez said.

Amolo has been placed under administrative relief pending the results of the investigation as Tuaño reminded all PNP personnel to follow existing guidelines on social media content.

‘The PNP has clear policies and memoranda governing online conduct,’ Tuaño said.

‘Our members must ensure that what they post or share reflects professionalism and does not violate operational rules,’ he added.

One of the reasons that I write so often about the concerns of children is because their vulnerability is compounded by their invisibility. They have historically been disregarded or exploited, just as any other vulnerable group would be at the hands of the ruthless and powerful. Children are among the most vulnerable groups because the power that protects them usually comes from outside of themselves. It is adults that enact legislation and who control the organs of the State, it is adults that are entitled to hold and control the resources needed to protect them, it is adults who vote and hold other adults in public office accountable. The leverage that other vulnerable groups may exercise – voting, boycotts, immigration – are simply unavailable to children that the law does not recognize as having full legal capacities.

That means that the onus and responsibility for their protection lie solely with us adults. And as World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence comes on Nov. 18, it is a good time to reflect on what we can do and the huge task ahead.

Children today are faced with the threat of harm from both tradition and modernity, in all spaces from the real to the virtual. To protect children we must meet them where they are, where the threats to their welfare can be found – at home, in school, on the internet, even in youth detention centers.

In the home, corporal punishment remains a concern, even if studies have consistently shown how this ‘traditional’ practice harms rather than helps the development of our youth. As I wrote before, such violence inflicted on kids has worsened their relationships with parents, and may cause mental health problems, greater aggression, greater antisocial behaviors, lower cognitive ability and lower self-esteem. Even in the short term, there is evidence that corporal punishment is not actually any more effective at forcing compliance than other methods, such as the use of a barrier/time-out room.

A report from UNICEF stated that as of 2022, three in five children – or nearly 60 percent of one- to 14-year-olds in the Philippines – experienced at least one form of ‘violent discipline.’ Furthermore, 11.6 million children, or more than 50 percent of this age group, reported experiencing physical aggression; 9.1 million, or 39 percent, were subjected to physical punishment; while nearly 800,000, or 3.4 percent, suffered ‘severe’ physical punishment. The UNICEF report also included alarming figures for child labor (828,000) and child marriage (460,000).

At school, where there is already great difficulty in equipping our children with fundamental knowledge, we have not devoted enough resources to arming them with the proper understanding of consent, power structures and the means to identify manipulative techniques that lead to abusive relationships.

While sex education is an essential part of protecting children, there must also be a renewed focus on the social aspects of relationships, to allow our youth to critique outmoded gendered expectations and recognize manipulative behaviors. We need to speak more freely to our children about sexual pressure and coercion, about manipulative behavior and emotional blackmail. We have to build upon the simplicity of ‘No Means No’ and teach children the ways unscrupulous individuals will use to make them say ‘yes’ to something they do not want. We have to reinforce that ‘consent’ acquired through manipulation or coercion is not consent at all.

On top of these longstanding threats, a slew of new ones have appeared with the advent of modern technologies. I have written before about how online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) has spread, and how it can be incredibly difficult to discover, investigate and properly prosecute. The first Scale of Harm study, conducted by the International Justice Mission and released in 2022, dealt with the extent of the selling of livestreams, images and videos of child sexual abuse in the Philippines, and revealed that close to half a million Filipino children were trafficked to produce new child sexual exploitation material that year.

Another looming online threat comes with the expanded capabilities of so-called generative AI in recent years, alongside other emergent technologies. Organizations such as the Council of Europe have already issued warnings about the capability of such technologies to facilitate online abuse of children and create harmful content – we have already seen on social media how AI can be used to falsify videos that feature facsimiles of real people, and this can include children. While there is potential in the use of AI in the automated prevention of online distribution of exploitative content, the more immediate threat is its unrestricted use to impersonate and harm. It is no longer within the realm of science fiction for bad faith actors to use a video of a parent or the voice of a friend to lead the unwary astray.

In the face of such diverse threats and needs, it is imperative that our country commit to a multidisciplinary, whole-of-nation approach to stopping violence against children. The legal framework should be made robust, and there should be a renewed push for the enactment of stronger and updated laws that would protect the rights of children and punish offenders. We should also push for the passage of laws that promote children’s welfare such as those concerning corporal punishment. Schools must be given the training and support necessary to have programs ready to teach children not only about sex but about consent and coercion, and the red flags of abusive relationships.

The Anti-OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) law should be strictly enforced and internet intermediaries, particularly social media networks and those that traffic in generative AI, should be able to produce tangible safeguards for children – as both potential users and potential subjects – before their products can be made available (or continue to be available) to the public. Internet intermediaries should be compelled to install measures designed to prevent, detect, respond to or report OSAEC.

This battle must be fought on many fronts, with the commitment of resources to match. But our children cannot defend themselves from these threats – it falls on us to give them the protection they are entitled to, and the future that they deserve.

How many times have you searched for the perfect timpla-that rich, savory taste that makes every meal complete and so satisfying? It’s not about being too salty or not sweet enough; it’s the quest for a flavor that makes it truly complete. For many home cooks, the search for this well-balanced flavor can be a familiar struggle.

Recognizing this challenge, McCormick Philippines, a brand trusted worldwide for its quality herbs and spices and flavor expertise, made it their mission to solve it. Their answer? Harnessing the power of umami, the ‘fifth taste.’

Umami is the rich, savory flavor that makes dishes taste fuller, deeper and more satisfying. Umami adds a unique depth that balances and elevates every bite. It’s the secret that transforms simple meals into memorable ones.

Hence, McCormick’s flavorful solution is here: the McCormick Umami Burst Seasoning Mix, which makes this powerful flavor accessible to every Filipino kitchen. A true flavor revolution, it brings the seriously rich, savory and versatile taste of umami directly to every household kitchen.

McCormick Umami Burst balances and elevates your dish’s natural flavors with McCormick’s quality herbs and spices without overwhelming your dish. It is an all-in-one seasoning mix that promises to be a game-changer for Filipino home cooks and chefs.

What makes Umami Burst the new kitchen essential?

Balanced and reliable flavor: A deep, savory taste layered with McCormick’s signature herbs and spices. It enhances natural flavors of the dish without overwhelming it.

Ultimate convenience: No need for complicated recipes or multiple condiments. Umami Burst makes cooking easier than ever-just sprinkle, rub, mix or use it as a flavor base. It’s an everyday seasoning that completes everyday dishes.

Unmatched versatility: Umami Burst is designed to be used on anything! From rice or noodles, to stir-fries, grilled meats, soups and even eggs, this seasoning fits every dish and every occasion.

Great value for money: At an accessible price point, consumers get that McCormick quality that’s easy to try and easy to keep coming back to. A single 8g pack is good for 500g of meat, with an 18-month shelf life. The packs are available in a convenient bundle of 16 sachets, priced at just P78.9 SRP per bundle.

Finally, umami has McCormick

Through the recent launch of Umami Burst, McCormick is now making umami a part of every home’s cooking routine. Now, the flavor that Filipinos love is more accessible, versatile and consistent than ever before, helping home cooks make everyday dishes more satisfying.

The event, fittingly titled, ‘Get Set for a Flavor Explosion!,’ was a vibrant celebration of taste and fun. The dazzling circus atmosphere greeted guests from food experts, sales teams, distributors, to content creators like Elaine and Jeremey of The Lovey Life, Chuckie Dreyfus, Fourth Solomon, Maymay Estrada and Luigi Muhlach. Amid the lively entertainment, McCormick showcased how its new seasoning is set to become a staple in every Filipino household and business.

McCormick Umami Burst is now available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide and online via McCormick’s official Lazada and Shopee stores.

Employees of the government will get Christmas bonuses early this year, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, November 5.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that government employees will get their Christmas bonuses early, with an additional P5,000 cash gift.

The government has allotted P63.69 billion for the year-end bonuses of government workers in 2025, with an additional P9.24 billion for the cash gift.

A total of 1.85 million government employees will receive this bonus and cash gift, Castro said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) further explained that the order was made official by the Budget Circular No. 2024-3.

In the said order, the said bonus and cash gift will be released on the first payroll of November.

‘We know how much government personnel look forward to this time of the year not just because it’s the season of giving, but because it’s a well-deserved recognition of their service and sacrifice,’ DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

To qualify for the bonus, employees must have rendered at least four months of service since January 1, and they must be in government service as of October 31.

The year end bonus is equivalent to one month of basic pay as of October 31, said the DBM.

The budget for the bonuses has already been released to the different agencies, so there should be no delay in the release, the DBM said.

Cebu’s residential landscape is undergoing a structural shift as condominiums surpass subdivisions to become the dominant housing type, reflecting the region’s rapid urbanization and evolving consumer preferences.

According to real estate consultancy KMC Savills, condominiums now make up 63 percent of Cebu’s total residential stock, up sharply from less than half a decade ago, data presented by Alex Samuel, KMC Savills’ director for consultancy and valuation, showed.

Subdivisions account for the remaining 37 percent catering mostly to value-conscious buyers seeking units below the ?3.6 million VAT-exempt threshold.

‘The acceptance of vertical living has grown alongside the fast-paced urbanization of Metro Cebu,’ Samuel said at the recently held Subdivision Housing and Developers Association-Central Visayas Housing Summit.

‘Developers have recognized the potential in the upper markets, while affordable condominiums have become financially unviable due to rising land costs.’

Mid- to high-end developments are now driving the condominium market, with upscale and luxury projects nearly neck-and-neck, accounting for 44 percent and 45 percent of supply, respectively.

Strong buyer appetite has kept absorption high-89 percent of all condo units launched between 2015 and 2025 have been sold, according to KMC Savills.

Tight inventory in the affordable condo segment has further intensified demand, even as developers concentrate on premium vertical projects in key business districts such as Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park.

Despite being overtaken by vertical projects, subdivision developments remain resilient, particularly in northern and western Cebu. Absorption rates average around 75 percent with prices ranging from P800,000 for socialized units to P50 million for luxury homes.

Developers are also extending projects to emerging municipalities like Bogo and Bantayan, though market activity outside Metro Cebu remains modest.

Townhouses continue to attract both middle-income and affluent buyers, with 92 percent of all townhouse and single-detached inventory launched in the past decade already taken up. Analysts attribute this to improving household incomes and developers’ more flexible financing schemes.

Housing Gap

Despite robust demand across market segments, the Philippines continues to face a housing deficit of 6.5 million units, including roughly 600,000 in Central Visayas, according to government estimates. Without sustained intervention, the shortfall could rise to 22 million units by 2040.

Private developers remain cautious about entering the socialized housing market, citing rising input costs, limited urban land, weak infrastructure in secondary areas, and bureaucratic delays.

‘Rising construction costs and lengthy permitting processes significantly deter private sector participation in affordable housing,’ Samuel said.

The government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program aims to address the gap by promoting a mix of vertical and horizontal housing.

Around 13,000 units are slated for delivery in Cebu under the initiative. Other proposed measures include raising socialized housing price ceilings-recently increased to P850,000 from P550,000-and granting tariff exemptions on key construction materials.

Passage of the National Land Use Act could also expand the supply of land available for residential development.

‘Ultimately, solving the housing deficit requires a holistic approach,’ Samuel said. ‘Private developers, national agencies, and local governments must align efforts to create inclusive, sustainable communities.’