ICTSI Elite Junior Finals sets spotlight on rising golf stars

With strategy and communication set to determine the outcome, the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals blasts off Wednesday, October 1, at The Country Club, featuring the best junior golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) in a Ryder Cup-style showdown.

In true team golf fashion, the finals mirror the recently concluded Team Europe vs Team USA duel in the Ryder Cup. The format includes Four-Ball (Best Ball) on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and Singles matches on the final day. With 48 of the country’s top juniors competing, this promises to be a pressure-packed battleground of skill and willpower.

Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque laid down a simple but clear plan for Day 1’s Four-Ball format, where the boys’ 7-10 division opens play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and the 15-18 divisions. The girls’ teams start simultaneously on the 10th tee, ensuring action on both sides of the course.

The three-day event is open to the public, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch and support the next generation of professional golfers in action.

‘Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,’ Tambalque said, giving concise marching orders to his 24-player squad that emerged from a grueling seven-leg qualifying series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

However, Tambalque was quick to emphasize balance: ‘Let them enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players – lahat sila malalakas (they’re all strong), and they’ve been training independently. Whichever way we pair them, I know they’ll do their best.’

On the other side, Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion exuded quiet confidence. While he acknowledged the depth of Team North, he believes his squad holds the edge in talent, experience and resilience.

‘The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players. Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division,’ said Gaccion, who singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential game-changer.

‘The 15-18 girls will definitely be on top,’ he added, referring to his powerhouse lineup of Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo.

Team North’s counterpart in the girls’ 15-18 division includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.

While they lack the same level of regional dominance, Tambalque believes their chemistry could be the deciding factor.

‘This is a team event, and team play is the key to overcoming any disadvantage,’ said Gaccion. ‘Support for each other in Four-Ball and Foursomes will be the foundation.’

Though optimistic about an early lead, Gaccion knows the Singles matches will ultimately decide the championship.

‘Day 3 will be the game-changer. If we can take control early, it will boost the players’ confidence heading into the final round,’ he said.

Bonding could become a critical factor. Gaccion admitted his players come from different islands and haven’t had much time to train together.

‘We didn’t have the luxury of team practice or bonding. But this will be our own version of a ‘Team Europe’ style win – cohesive despite the distance,’ he said.

In contrast, Tambalque said Team North has developed camaraderie through regular tournaments and shared training.

‘We see each other almost every week, and even the parents have built rapport. That chemistry is a strength,’ said Tambalque.

Still, recent typhoons limited Team North’s full-team practices.

‘We weren’t able to train as a complete group, so we focused on division-specific practice sessions,’ added Tambalque.

Regardless of preparation, Gaccion and Tambalque believe their teams are ready and eager.

‘This is the first North vs South tournament of this kind, and the excitement is real – not just among the players but also the parents,’ said Tambalque.

The Four-Ball format rewards bold, aggressive play – with each player playing their own ball and the best score counting. Momentum shifts are common, setting the stage for fast starts and high drama.

On Day 2, the Foursomes format brings added pressure. Players alternate shots, making communication and trust paramount. A single misstep can doom a hole, while harmony can create upsets.

The Singles round on Day 3 pits players head-to-head, with each hole crucial in the race to collect points. With one point at stake per match, the first team to reach 24.5 points wins.

If the teams tie at 24-24, a sudden-death playoff will ensue. One age group will be drawn at random, and each captain must nominate a player to settle the match.

The complete rosters:

Team North

Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan (boys’ 7-10)

Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao (girls’ 7-10)

Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki and Jacob Casuga (boys’ 11-14)

Twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao and Alexie Gabi (girls’ 11-14)

Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales (boys’ 15-18)

Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada (girls’ 15-18).

Team South

Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida (boys’ 7-10)

Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy (girls’ 7-10)

Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban and Marcus Dueñas (boys’ 11-14)

Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos and Rafella Batican (girls’ 11-14)

Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon (boys’ 15-18)

Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo (girls’ 15-18).

Lawyer group accuses Manila police of torturing Sept. 21 detainees

Protesters arrested during the September 21 rallies were beaten, extorted and denied medical care, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said Tuesday, September 30.

The group of lawyers – who last week personally visited the Manila police stations where detainees were held – flatly rejected the Philippine National Police’s assertion that detainees received proper treatment.

“These are all barefaced lies,” the NUPL said in a statement in reaction to the Philippine National Police’s remarks at a press conference yesterday, where it denied that detainees were tortured or maltreated during custody.

Some of the detainees’ open wounds from their arrest were left untreated after “volunteer doctors were barred from entering detention facilities,” the lawyers’ group said.

“Independent reports document detainees being beaten, extorted for money in exchange for ‘protection,’ and coerced into admissions of guilt,” the NUPL added.

Relatives of detainees waiting outside the police station were also turned away and denied information about their detained kin, the NUPL said.

On September 21, at least 216 individuals were arrested by police, including 91 minors, with the youngest being nine years old.

NUPL last week said it conducted visits to various police stations in Manila where the arrested individuals were held. During this visit, the 13 lawyers part of NUPL said they saw “widespread and systematic” abuse of detainees.

Many of the arrested, the group found out, were mere “bystanders” during the demonstrations and denied inflicting violence or damage to property.

On Tuesday, in its statement refuting the PNP’s claim, the NUPL cited the case of Edzel Santos, a person with disability who was reportedly beaten with a truncheon while a sack was placed over his head.

Santos continues to struggle with pain and trauma, breaking down when recounting the incident, and requires ongoing treatment, according to the group.

“To claim that children were treated with comfort and care while their parents stood outside begging for access is not merely implausible, it is insulting,” the statement said.

The PNP has said detainees were placed in air-conditioned rooms and provided with nutritious food, decent clothing, and medical care.

But the NUPL says the current situation of the detainees mirrors past police abuses. “This climate of impunity is grimly familiar and reminiscent of the Tokhang years, when blood ran in the streets even as authorities looked the public in the eye and denied what everyone could see,” it added.

The NUPL also said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno bears responsibility for the alleged abuses, noting that the Manila Police District falls under his operational supervision and control as local chief executive.

“When those functions result in violations of human rights, responsibility reaches his office as well,” the group said.

The NUPL called for the immediate release of all those it said were unlawfully arrested on September 21, urgent medical treatment for the injured, and a full independent inquiry into alleged torture and arbitrary detention.

The group said the police violated the Constitution’s prohibitions on arbitrary detention, torture, and cruel or degrading treatment, as well as domestic laws, including the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and the Anti-Torture Act.

“The police have had every opportunity to prove otherwise: through transparency, open access to lawyers, families, and doctors, and full independent investigation. Instead, they have chosen denial and whitewash,” the statement said.

Minors released

The Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday also said it continues to monitor the welfare of 91 minors arrested during the protests.

Around 68 minors have been turned over to their parents, while non-Manila residents were brought to their respective local government units. The rest are temporarily housed in a youth facility awaiting pickup by their parents, the CHR said.

The CHR said it continues to investigate possible violations related to the protests, including the handling of minors.

The commission said citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and to express grievances, but acts of violence and destruction of property cannot be condoned as they endanger public safety.

US flags Philippines’ lapses in shielding trafficking victims from POGO hubs

The Philippine government failed to sufficiently protect human trafficking victims in illegal scam hubs, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US Department of State.

The report said the Philippines retained its Tier 1 ranking after showing ‘serious efforts’ to combat trafficking, including prosecuting traffickers, sentencing most to significant prison terms, enacting laws to protect fishers, and taking steps to disrupt trafficking in online scam hubs.

It also cited the government’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were often used as fronts for trafficking foreign workers.

Despite these efforts, the State Department said the Philippines fell short in screening for trafficking victims during POGO raids.

‘The government did not report identifying any foreign victims exploited in these operations,’ the report said, noting that officials may have unjustly penalized individuals who were actually trafficked.

Unlike in 2023, when authorities identified 362 foreign trafficking victims in cooperation with an international organization, no such victims were reported in 2024.

Authorities deported thousands of Chinese and other Asian workers, but the failure to identify victims undermined those efforts, the Department of State said.

‘Officials deported the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals it arrested from these operations without identifying them as trafficking victims-totaling at least 3,000 foreign nationals during the reporting period,’ the department said.

Decline in victim identification

The mass crackdown on POGOs followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to ban offshore gaming.

Authorities, however, lacked reliable statistics on the total number of trafficking victims, including those linked to POGOs.

This, the report said, “contributed to the deportation of some unidentified victims to countries where they may have faced retribution or hardship, and in some cases, prosecution in their country of origin solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked.”

Some officials also failed to apply ‘trauma-informed practices’ in victim screening, it said.

EFCC unit seals two companies in Sokoto

The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), on Monday, September 29, 2025, sealed the business premises of two Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in Sokoto.

The SCUML is a unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that supervises Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering, counter-financing of terrorism, and related regulations.

The companies, Iman Multi Structures Ltd and Daraja Motors, were sealed by the EFCC unit for non-compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the EFCC AML/CFT/CPF Regulations, 2024.

Both entities had previously been sanctioned and fined for regulatory breaches; Iman Multi Structures Ltd on June 18, 2025, and Daraja Motors on August 13, 2025. However, they failed to comply with the payment directives issued by the government.

An investigation conducted by SCUML’s Zonal Coordinator, Ahmadu Bello, revealed that the deadline for payment expired more than a month ago, with no remedial action taken by the affected organisations.

Accordingly, their premises have been sealed and will remain so until full compliance with all applicable regulations is achieved.

Tinubu reveals untold truth about human rights lawyer Tunji Abayomi at 75

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dr. Abayomi as a ‘dogged fighter for democracy’ whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey remain invaluable.

Tinubu praised the Chairman of Human Rights Africa and Pro-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, for his lifelong commitment to justice, civil liberties, and the defence of the oppressed.

‘Dr. Abayomi remains a consistent voice defending democratic rights. In the dark days of military regimes, he was a thorn in the flesh of the power usurpers, sacrificing his freedom at various times to advocate for the enthronement of people’s power,’ Tinubu said.

He added that the activist has ‘continuously championed the rights of the downtrodden, insisting that every Nigerian deserves to speak and be heard.’

Naira Marley makes shocking purchase amidst controversy

Nigerian singer Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley has made a multi-million Naira purchase.

The singer who bought a brand new 2025 electric Mercedes G-Wagon, was said to have spent over 740 million Naira on the automobile.

This shocking move by Naira Marley comes amidst the controversy surrounding the death of a former record label singer, Mohbad.

The artist who was accused of being involved in Mohbad’s demise recently spoke up concerning the issue, while asking that the case be reopened for investigation.

Naira, however, has been active on social media since airing his side of the story. The artist was congratulated by his fans for the luxurious purchase.

Independence: Jonathan urges Nigerians to embrace patriotism, faith amid challenges

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, despite prevailing economic and security challenges.

In his goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Jonathan described the occasion as a time for sober reflection on the nation’s journey from colonial rule to its current struggles with development.

‘Our nation marks another significant milestone in its journey to nationhood. As we celebrate 65 years of independence, this moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey of nation-building; on the challenges we have faced, and on the vast possibilities that still lie ahead,’ Jonathan said.

Acknowledging the realities of insecurity, economic hardship, and weak institutions, he cautioned against despair.

‘It is true that we face challenges that could test our sense of hope. Yet, as citizens, we must not lose faith. We must continue to nurture hope and sustain belief in the nation’s enormous potential and the resilience of the people.’

The former President underscored Nigeria’s strengths, pointing to its natural endowments, cultural diversity, and the ingenuity of its citizens both at home and abroad.

Jonathan urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism and unity as a compass for national rebirth.

‘Let us hold firmly to optimism and faith, knowing that the greatness of our country is within reach if we remain united and steadfast. May our nation continue to rise in strength and purpose.’

What we’ll do about FIFA’s points deduction – South Africa

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has strongly condemned FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from its tally in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, describing the move as unfair and without precedent.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association expressed shock and disappointment, insisting that it was not given the opportunity to defend itself before the disciplinary ruling was handed down.

According to SAFA, the decision was reached by a single member of FIFA’s disciplinary committee and came without a clear explanation or justification.

‘We are deeply concerned by this development. It is unprecedented that such a weighty decision was made without affording us the chance to present our legal arguments,’ the association noted.

FIFA had earlier confirmed the much-anticipated sanction, cutting South Africa’s total from 17 points. The ruling has thrown Group standings into uncertainty and sparked debate among fans and stakeholders across the continent.

SAFA stressed that it will continue to pursue all available legal and diplomatic avenues to challenge the ruling, which it says undermines the principles of fair play and natural justice.

‘As custodians of South African football, we cannot stand by while decisions of this magnitude are imposed on us without transparency,’ the statement added.

The development has cast a shadow over Bafana Bafana’s qualifying campaign and raised questions about FIFA’s disciplinary processes, with analysts warning that the dispute could escalate if not swiftly resolved.

Umahi threatens Winhomes with EFCC over claim of $250m loss to Coastal highway

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has threatened drag a company, Winhomes Global Services Ltd. to the EFCC over claims that Nigerians in the Diaspora invested $250 million in its estate affected by the realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi who made the threat during inspection of the highway on Monday also said he doubted the claim of Winhomes that it bought 12 hectares of land in the area for N50 million.

‘Winhoomes says it bought 12 hectares of land in 2022 for the sum of N50 million.

.

‘ I don’t know if the villagers have been terribly cheated, if the purchase went through the normal process for you to buy 12 hectares of land for N50 million in 2022 with all this development all around the place.

‘What we have done here, in passing the coastal highway, is that not more than four hectares have been taken; so, you still have eight hectares left,’ Umahi said.

He said that it was the Lagos State Government that had legal right over the land.

‘Our own is for Lagos State Government to give us the right of way where we need; so, it has revoked it, it has gazetted it. The matter has gone beyond the Federal Ministry of Works.’

He noted that Winhomes had taken the ministry to court over the matter.

‘The court has ruled that we are right.

‘Let me make it very clear that I never invited Win Homes for any negotiation, I never called it for any meeting. The matter is closed in court.

‘ I am going to be writing to EFCC to investigate; the woman (Winhomes chief executive officer) claimed that there was no MTN cable passing through the coastline that made us to divert.

‘We have the letters,’ he said.

The minister said that passing the road through the coastline would be more profitable for the ministry but it would mean destroying over 8,000 property.

‘The president directed me not to cut any cable of MTN or True Africa Network in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

He emphasised that Winhomes claimed that USD250 million was invested in Winhomes Estates located at Okun Ajah Town, Off Orchid Hotel Road in Lagos State.

‘Before infrastructure is developed in Lagos State, there must be proof of that – they have to stamp it.

‘Where are those approvals?

‘ Also, remittance from diaspora carries evidence through CBN. How did it pass?

‘Who and who paid this money? Can they publish those who paid and how much they paid?

‘If you are talking about 250 million U.S. dollars and we can’t locate where it is, we can’t locate those who paid it, we can’t locate the means by which they paid it, then, it is a fraud, to me.’

He demanded an apology from Winhomes within seven days if it would fail to provide relevant documents to support its claims.

Hat-trick hero Mbappé leads rampant Real Madrid to five-goal rout

In a commanding performance on foreign soil, Real Madrid crushed Kairat Almaty 5-0 in Almaty, with Kylian Mbappé delivering a clinical hat-trick that underlined his growing influence in Europe’s top competition.

Arriving after a bruising 5-2 derby defeat in La Liga, Madrid sought redemption.

The hat-trick, coupled with goals from Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz, ensured a spectacular response.

The opener came in the 25th minute, when goalkeeper Sherhan Kalmurza brought down Franco Mastantuono in the box. Mbappé stepped up and struck the penalty into the net, calming any early nerves.

Through the remainder of the first half, Kairat showed flashes of spirit, pressing along the left flank and probing Madrid’s high defensive line, but the visitors held control heading to the break.

Within minutes of the restart, Madrid doubled their lead. A long clearance from Thibaut Courtois bypassed Kairat’s back line; Mbappé timed his run perfectly to lob the advancing keeper and make it 2-0.

Kairat thought they’d been given a lifeline in the 69th minute when Dani Ceballos was penalised for a foul on Valeriy Gromyko, but after review, the referee overturned the decision following a VAR check.

Mbappé struck again in the 73rd minute, completing the hat-trick with a thundering mid-range strike into the top corner. He was played through by substitute Rodrygo, marking the Frenchman’s third goal of the night.

Ten minutes later, Eduardo Camavinga added Madrid’s fourth with a clean header off a Rodrygo assist. In stoppage time, Brahim Díaz capped the night by finishing off a move set up by Gonzalo García.

Madrid boss Xabi Alonso praised Mbappé’s impact, saying: ‘Mbappé is decisive in practically every game. He’s clinical in front of goal. We need his quality to flourish.’