The situation at the Manila North Cemetery remains orderly and peaceful on the eve of All Saints’ Day, according to the Philippine National Police.
BARMM stability seen as interim execs keep posts
The wish of most, if not all, members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to remain in their posts until duly elected officials assume office has been granted.
This after the Office of the President (OP) on Thursday affirmed that the 80-member BTA will continue to serve as the legitimate governing body of the BARMM following the Supreme Court’s decision postponing the Oct. 13 regional parliamentary elections to a date not later than March 31, 2026.
In a statement, Malacañang said that under Republic Act No. 12123, since no election has taken place, ‘the BTA shall continue to exercise its full powers and authority during the extended transition period until new officials are duly elected or appointed.’
It added that under the law, the authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the OP.
‘No formal reappointment is necessary, as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded,’ the statement said.
It added that the holdover of current officials, who are all appointed by the President, ‘ensures continuity of governance, legal stability and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro .’
A random survey showed that most of the current BTA members favor the extension of their mandate until after the next elections.
‘We welcome the clarification on the status of the BTA issued by the Office of the President. This clarification enhances the stability of the region at this critical time,’ said Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo.
Democratic process
Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema said members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expected the decision.
‘We in the MNLF Sema Group were confident that the President sees the propriety of continuity and consistency in the transition process despite the setbacks and challenges,’ Sema said.
‘We are confident that the President is guided by the collective idea that the peace process is not only hinged on the conduct of elections but on firming up the democratic process with a constitutionally sound system and laws that will make the process credible and reliable, allowing true democratic representation . [This is] because the democratic process is now the instrument of the liberation fronts [in] achieving the Bangsamoro aspirations,’ Sema said.
Their holdover mandate, he adds, means ‘that the President demands us to work, be present always and fulfill our mandate in the BTA until our successors have been elected or appointed.’
Top priority
The regional legislature is faced with the urgent task of hammering a law creating parliamentary districts in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Cotabato City and the Special Geographic Area, from where 32 of 80 members of parliament will be elected.
The absence of a valid districting law was the main reason for the high court to forego the Oct. 13 elections.
Newly elected Speaker Mohammad Yacob has vowed to make such legislation the parliament’s top priority to ensure that regional elections push through as decreed by the Supreme Court.
The BTA was created in February 2019 following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in a January 2019 plebiscite. Its members are appointed by the President.
The first set was appointed by then President Rodrigo Duterte. A new set was appointed by President Marcos and assumed office on September 2022. A third set assumed office in March this year.
2 nabbed for allegedly trading trademarked LPG tanks in Isabela
Police arrested two men for allegedly trading trademarked liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders without the trademark owners’ permission in Isabela province, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
In a statement on Friday, the CIDG identified the arrested suspects as a 32-year-old man named ‘Dan’ and a 50-year-old man named ‘Ped.’
They ‘were arrested for allegedly trading and having in their possession trademark infringing cylinders of LPG. They are not authorized by the trademark owners, rendering the operations illegal,’ the police explained. The bust came through a search warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code implemented last Monday at a facility in Barangay Tagaran, Cauayan City, the CIDG noted.
Authorities recovered 21 filled and 86 empty LPG cylinders bearing trademarks, all valued at P200,000.
Little guy Gomez ready to fill big shoes
La Salle’s smallest guy on the floor often receives the biggest ovation.
Gian Gomez, the Green Archers’ 5-foot-6 guard, always hears it from the La Salle crowd every time he enters the court-and Wednesday night was no different.
‘I wasn’t expecting much here; I know my role is to be a spark off the bench and I want to thank the crowd because they’re doing that for me,’ he told the Inquirer at Mall of Asia Arena after their 84-72 win over the University of the East in the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
‘Every time I enter the court, I feel them energizing me. That’s where I get my energy.’
Gomez only played four minutes for last year’s finalist. Yet, in those four minutes that he was on the hardwood, the crowd was at their loudest despite the game already looking like a runaway.
Gomez, a former La Salle Greenhills standout in the juniors’ division, finished with just three points but it was arguably the loudest three points of the game.
Much like any other small guy in a sport where height is a value, Gomez didn’t join La Salle burdened by heavy expectations.
His determination during his run with the Greenies last year, however, earned the trust of coach Topex Robinson.
But suddenly, Gomez’s value may have just shot up.
La Salle usually leads off with a 1-2 combination in the back court featuring Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez.
Unfortunately, Baclaan is currently dealing with an MCL injury after an unfortunate incident with the Red Warriors’ Wello Lingolingo in the first round of eliminations.
Gomez sees that as an opportunity to prove he can be a thorn to opponents.
‘Of course, I won’t change how I play as a spark plug. That’s my role in the team and my coaches aren’t telling me to change that.’
‘Since Kean is out, I have to learn faster that even if I’m a rookie, I have to mature faster because we’re two men down and this is my opportunity to learn more.’
PVL: PLDT wraps up Pool A with sweep of Nxled
PLDT dominated the winless Nxled, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, to finish Pool A strong in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Friday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Savi Davison once again led the High Speed Hitters’ offense with 19 points off 14 kills, three blocks, and two aces. She also anchored the floor defense with 10 digs and nine excellent receptions. Russian Anastasiia Bavykina had 10 points. Del Palomata added seven points, while Kath Arado had 10 digs to overcome Paola Martinez’s 29-point explosion for Nxled.
‘One of our main reminders going into this game was to learn from our last loss. We didn’t want to have another slow start. We knew Nxled wouldn’t make it easy, especially now that their import is really performing well. So our mindset was to stay patient and focus on how we could limit their import’s production,’ said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.
‘Thankfully, things fell into place. They still had the edge in attacks, but we were able to capitalize on their errors, and that helped us pull away toward the end.’ Arado said staying patient was key against the winless but gritty Chameleons, whose Spanish import was coming off a 38-point performance last week. ‘I can’t let myself get frustrated because not everything will go the way I read it. I’m not the only one on the court, so there’s no point stressing myself out when I make a mistake. We won’t win if I keep dwelling on my errors. We also can’t afford to lose patience with ourselves,’ she said.
PLDT tied Farm Fresh on top of Pool A with identical 4-1 records, facing the bottom Pool B teams, Galeries Tower, Chery Tiggo, and either Petro Gazz or Akari.
Martinez hammered 25 kills, two aces, and two blocks, while Chiara Permentilla had seven points and 11 receptions only to finish the first round with a 0-5 record.
Nxled battles unbeaten ZUS Coffee, Creamline, and either Akari or Petro Gazz in the second round, where it tries to enter the win column.
Party Island pauses: Boracay observes Undas with prayer, reflection
The world-famous party island of Boracay is taking a solemn pause this weekend as locals and visitors alike observe Undas 2025, joining the rest of the nation in remembering departed loved ones through prayer, reflection, and community worship.
According to the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office, the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish has released its full Undas 2025 schedule, with daily Masses, rosary prayers, and tomb blessings from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at various chapels across the island, including Balabag Church, Hagdan Chapel, Yapak Chapel, and Manocmanoc Chapel.
Special blessings at cemeteries will take place after morning Masses on Nov. 1 (All Saints’ Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) – days traditionally set aside by Filipino families to visit and honor their deceased loved ones. The parish encourages everyone, residents and tourists alike, to ‘reflect on the beauty of life, love, and faith that endures beyond the grave.’
While Boracay is often associated with its vibrant nightlife and beach parties, the observance of Undas highlights the island’s deep Catholic roots and sense of community. In previous years, local authorities and parish leaders have emphasized the importance of balancing faith and festivity, echoing similar sentiments across tourist destinations nationwide.
According to an earlier report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the observance of Undas has seen a gradual revival of traditional practices after the pandemic years, with families once again traveling to their hometowns for cemetery visits, lighting candles, and offering prayers – a reflection of enduring Filipino spirituality.
The Malay-Boracay Tourism Office reminds visitors to observe solemnity and respect in chapels and cemeteries, avoid loud gatherings during religious services, and dispose of waste properly to keep the island clean throughout the observance
NACOMYO urges fairness over First Lady’s donation to YOWICAN, announces political summit in Ado Ekiti
THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has expressed concern over the recent donation of seven hybrid buses by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN).
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by NACOMYO’s National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman Maigoro, and National Secretary-General, Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola, the organisation described the gesture as a deviation from the principles of fairness, inclusivity and national balance expected of the highest office in the land.
Meanwhile, the umbrella Muslim youth organisation will on Saturday, November 8, 2025, hold its political summit in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
On the First Lady’s donation to YOWICAN, NACOMYO acknowledged Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s prerogative to support youth initiatives, but viewed the gesture as a symbol of growing insensitivity and bias against Muslim youths.
According to the statement, the donation, coming from the office of the First Lady, a public institution sustained by national resources, raises constitutional, ethical and moral concerns about the selective nature of government-backed benevolence in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.
NACOMYO warned that the perception of favouritism toward a particular religious group, especially at a time when the nation is in dire need of unity and equitable leadership, undermines public confidence in government impartiality and fuels feelings of marginalisation among Muslim youths who have been partners in national development.
The organisation emphasised that, from an Islamic perspective, leadership must be anchored on justice, fairness and equity toward all citizens regardless of faith or background.
It noted that selective generosity contradicts the ethical principles of governance, which obligate leaders to act with trust and benevolence toward all citizens equally.
NACOMYO stressed that even symbolic offices such as that of the First Lady should embody universal justice and serve as unifying institutions rather than expressions of sectarian preference.
Expressing particular concern over what it described as the systematic sidelining of Muslim youths, NACOMYO said such acts of exclusion threaten social cohesion and deepen religious fault lines.
The organisation urged the First Lady to ensure her office remains a platform for inclusion and unity. It warned that singling out one religious group for high-profile gestures risks reinforcing division at a time when the country needs healing and trust-building among faith communities.
NACOMYO therefore called on Senator Oluremi Tinubu to extend similar support to the Muslim youth constituency in the spirit of fairness, justice and inclusivity.
The group also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to uphold the principles of equity across all arms and offices of government.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and moral leadership, NACOMYO pledged to continue speaking truth to power wherever fairness is compromised and the dignity of Nigerian Muslims is undermined.
Meanwhile, the organisation said the political summit, which is slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, will bring together Muslim leaders, youth and other stakeholders from across the country, and has as its theme: ‘Empowering Muslims for Sustainable Developments: Lessons from History, Realities of the Present, and Visions for Tomorrow’.
It will be chaired by former governor of Niger State, Umar Muhammad Bago, while the Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, will serve as the chief host.
According to a separate statement signed by Alhaj Mas’ud Akintola, National Secretary-General of the Council, a frontline legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, the statement said, will provide a platform for the discussion of critical issues and meaningful dialogue geared towards the advancement of Islam and the Ummah in Nigeria.
Humanity First reaches 600 families in multi-state relief effort
HUMANITY First Nigeria (HFN) has completed a multi-state disaster relief mission across Jigawa, Borno, Plateau, and Lagos states, reaching more than 600 vulnerable families affected by floods and conflict.
The operation, coordinated by the Disaster Relief and Programmes Team (DRPT) under the leadership of Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi, was supported by Humanity First Germany and locally co-funded by Humanity First Nigeria.
The mission began in Raju Village, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where 175 families received food items and essential supplies.
The team then proceeded to Maiduguri, Borno State, where 202 internally displaced families were supported at the Bulumkutu Primary School Camp.
From there, the relief effort moved to Mangu, Plateau State, where 165 flood-affected families received assistance, and concluded in Oke-Eletu, Ijede Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, with 102 families supported at the local community hall.
In total, Humanity First Nigeria distributed food and relief materials, engaging 89 volunteers who collectively rendered more than 1,900 man-hours of service.
Despite logistical challenges and difficult terrain, the team pressed on with resilience and commitment.
‘Our mission was challenging, but every mile travelled was worth it when we saw the relief and gratitude on people’s faces,’ said Team Lead of the DRPT, Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi.
He added that Humanity First Nigeria plans to acquire a dedicated logistics vehicle and expand its rapid response capacity to reach affected communities faster in future emergencies.
Beneficiaries across all the locations expressed appreciation to Humanity First Nigeria for its compassion and timely intervention.
In Maiduguri, a female beneficiary who lost most of her property to flooding thanked HFN for its thoughtfulness.
Similarly, the Director of the IDP Camp in Mangu, Mr Sohotden Ibrahim Mathias, commended the organisation, saying the supplies would bring temporary relief to displaced families.
In Lagos, the Vice Chairman of the New Era Community Development Association, Oke-Eletu, Oko Ope area, Ijede LCDA, Mr Ayodeji Adeboboye, who received and helped distribute the items, also lauded HFN and noted that the community remains open to further support.
Dialogue: Ladigbolu cautions FG on new tax law, wants fairness, public sensitisation
Renowned cleric and former Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. (Rtd.) Ayo Ladigbolu, has cautioned the Federal Government to approach the implementation of the new tax law with sensitivity, fairness, and adequate public enlightenment.
Ladigbolu who gave this warning at the Southwest Summit on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal held in Akure, called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Ministry of Information, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on massive public engagement to educate citizens on the objectives and implications of the new tax regime.
In his paper titled ‘A Reflection on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal,’ the cleric urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic about the ongoing economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government.
He expressed strong confidence that the country would reap substantial benefits if the process was pursued with transparency and consistency.
Ladigbolu outlined potential gains of the reforms, including enhanced revenue generation for infrastructure development, improved electricity supply, and a gradual transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
He noted that the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products could be significantly reduced through policy consistency, which would in turn protect the environment, strengthen local industries, and encourage the use of gas-powered vehicles and cooking gas among households.
The retired Archbishop also emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue between the government, private sector, and civil society, warning that any reform lacking human face and public trust could trigger resistance from citizens.
‘We must work together as one region, one people and one voice to secure the future of our democracy’.
In his keynote address titled ‘A New Chapter in the Annals of Democratic Governance of the Southwest Region,’ the Chairman of the Southwest Summit Steering Committee, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, cautioned against allowing the summit to become a one-off event.
He urged that it be institutionalized as a statutory fixture within the Southwest Governors’ Cabinets to ensure continuity and measurable impact.
Onigbinde noted that the region’s greatest challenge is not external opposition but the risk of neglecting sustained citizen-government dialogue as a permanent feature of governance.
He emphasized that the summit’s deliberations must translate into concrete actions, with government representatives required to produce evidence-based reports and be held accountable for their commitments.
Onigbinde further charged participants to engage public officials with respect and candour, insisting that active and sincere citizen participation remains central to the region’s growth and democratic renewal.
On his part, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among Southwest states to fast-track regional growth and deepen citizen-government engagement.
Oyeleye urged leaders in the region to consolidate efforts toward innovation, industrialization, and infrastructure development, stressing that ‘the burden of regional progress is too heavy for any single state to bear.’
Ex-UI Chief Imam urges FG to ensure Nigerians feel impact of policies
THE immediate past Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Mufutau Oloyede AbdulRahmon, has advised the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians truly feel the positive impact of its policies.
AbdulRahmon gave the advice in Ibadan on Sunday during a book launch organised by the University of Ibadan Muslim Community in honour of his retirement and 70th birthday.
The book is entitled ‘Frontier of Civilisation: The Trajectory of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Yorubaland’.
The retired Chief Imam, who commended President Bola Tinubu for being a listening leader, said reeling out statistics was not enough, stressing that translating them into tangible improvements in people’s well-being should be the government’s priority.
‘Leaders must ensure that the policies, packages and executions have positive effects on Nigerians; that is when people will know that they are doing something.
‘Reeling out statistics are just mere numbers, but we thank them for the little they are doing and they should continue to do more so that Nigerians can feel the positive impact,’ he said.
AbdulRahmon, who noted that the last five years before his retirement were challenging, expressed gratitude to God for the grace to serve and to be celebrated.
He appreciated everyone who stood by him as pillars of support and motivation throughout his service years.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, called on God-fearing Nigerians to venture into politics in order to bring meaningful change.
Alli noted that merely staying outside politics and complaining would not yield results.
He added that God-fearing politicians might initially face difficulties and suffering in pursuit of their mission but would ultimately be rewarded for their perseverance and consistency.
Describing AbdulRahmon as a role model and shining example, the senator said he seldom made major decisions without seeking the celebrant’s counsel.
He also urged the University of Ibadan Muslim Community to sustain and build on the legacy of the retired Chief Imam.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, described AbdulRahmon as a scholar and educator who made significant contributions to Islam and humanity.
The monarch was represented by the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaiman Ajewole.
The guest lecturer, Dr Saheed Timehin of the Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University, challenged leaders to inspire others and not become obstacles to their progress.
Delivering his lecture titled ‘Legacy Etched in Letters: Reflections on Being a Preacher-Teacher and Mentor’, Timehin described AbdulRahmon as an embodiment of true leadership and a figure worthy of emulation.
Meanwhile, the President of the University of Ibadan Muslim Community, Prof. Musiliu Onilude, said the Muslim community in the institution had come a long way and would continue to advance.
He congratulated the retired cleric and pledged that the community would continue to build on his legacy.
Among dignitaries present were Prof. Dawud Noibi, former Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN); the Iya Sunnah of Akureland, Dr Munirat Ogunlayi; and the Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Rasheed Omookuorun.