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The Philippine National Police has mobilized its full resources to assist communities in Cebu and other parts of Visayas after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck late Tuesday night, resulting in fatalities, power outages and widespread structural damage.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday he ordered Police Regional Office 7 to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group, account for all deployed personnel, and conduct rapid damage assessments.

‘Our men and women in uniform are on the ground securing affected areas, assisting evacuations, and ensuring public order as we continue to assess the full extent of the damage,’ Nartatez said.

Initial reports confirmed structural damage in several areas, including a fire at SM Consolacion, a collapsed tunnel in Mambaling, damage to commercial establishments in Cebu City and the collapse of a church in Daanbantayan.

Power outages were also reported in Talisay City, Bogo, Danao, Toledo and other northern municipalities.

Nartatez said police are working closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, local governments and other agencies to coordinate relief and security efforts.

Additional police resources from neighboring regions are on standby for deployment.

‘The PNP is working in lockstep with all agencies concerned under the guidance of the president,’ he said.

The musical-comedy ‘Kakabakaba Ka Ba?’ was chosen as the closing film of the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which ends on Oct. 11.

The festival’s closing and opening films were announced on its social media platforms on Monday, Sept. 29, while inviting filmgoers to show support for local cinema.

The Mike De Leon-helmed film tells the story of Onota (Boboy Garovillo) who struggles to smuggle contraband into the Philippines, until his master (George Javier) offered him to try using the unassuming cassette tape in another attempt. This led to Onota slipping the cassette tape in the belongings of a passenger named Johnny (Christopher de Leon).

It turns out that the particular contraband caught the interest of many groups, forcing Johnny, Melanie (Charo Santos), Nonong (Jay Ilagan) and Nancy (Sandy Andolong) in chase beyond their control. They soon disguised themselves as priests and nuns and set off for Baguio, where they unwittingly discovered a bigger stream of syndicate activities.

‘Kakabakaba Ka Ba?’ will be screened at 8 p.m. of Oct. 11 at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong.

Meanwhile, ‘The Elysian Field’ (originally titled as ‘Ha Lyngkha Bneng’) will be the festival’s opening film, scheduled for an Oct. 3 screening at Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema.

Directed by Indian filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, it tells the story of Livingstone (Albert Mawrie) and his fellow villagers living at Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, India, in the year 2047.

After a months-long wait, this year’s Cinemalaya will be held from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11.

I didn’t know how often I lay in my room, alone and cold, in the middle of the summer, ruminating about how isolated I was with no safe place to go. The fan blew hot air over me, circling the tiny space I had seemingly memorized. The window remained closed, blocking me from the overwhelming light that threatened to spill over the hollow lines, as if reaching to fill the cave inside of me. Despite the heat that should’ve engulfed me as the sun rose, as its silent presence then loomed over me, I could not feel the warmth, and I simply sat on my bed unmoving.

Mechanical, rational, and agonizing thoughts clawed at my chest-overwhelming me, until loneliness gave way to emptiness. I struggled to breathe, but I memorized how to calm myself down: inhale, exhale, repeat. When I managed to calm down, the desire to be normal slowly settled painfully, and with that, the unexplainable self-pity kicked in-it was hard to accept that these were the closest access I had to my feelings, to the real me, yet it was still as vague as an unnamed thing. Perhaps this was exactly one of the reasons why I wanted to learn more about the social sciences-the discipline for so long looked at me like a mystery waiting to be unraveled. And maybe not so much of a plot-twist it was when, somehow, I landed in the sociology program at PUP Sta. Mesa.

The word ‘anomie’ introduced itself to me in my freshman year. To Merton, anomie is the disjunction between goals and means due to structural inequality; to Durkheim, it is, at its simplest form, the breakdown of norms due to rapid social change and lack of moral regulation. The varying definitions spoke to me, that more than just a simple alienation-that word bearing the weight as if the excruciating grief of being different was my fault-I am the product of the construct of the world that I knew was quite wrong, I just didn’t have the knowledge to name it. So I held onto these six letters.

It was the closest word that could possibly explain the undesirable void that occasionally visits me without any warning. I wanted to chew it, recite it, and use it to reason out myself like a comfort, molding its form into something that I can grasp. With this knowledge, I could almost move on from everything that did me wrong in my past.

Yet as I once again drown in the darkness, the familiarity of the abyss pulling me in, it simply looks at me fall from above with indifference. I realized that I could simply not just discard and leave what made me different. I could almost visualize its face-the same face of people I knew who would repeatedly choose comfort over disturbance with or without a second thought.

For so long, interacting feels like performing, and if you ask me at the end of the day, relationships-a concept that values harmony-feel as if I am inside a bubble.

Yet inside those same fragile spaces I once occupied were a number of people who chose to be disturbed by me, reaching, like an attempt to touch, something akin to love. Those bubbles held an expectation that was meant to be shattered by my inability to be contained, and I couldn’t quite swallow the profound experience of feeling something as close to love and recognition that holds the power to define me incorrectly.

It is quite safer to mentally remain in the chamber of change, and what I made home of darkness that makes it easy to leave. Therefore, when they let me break through the bubble, when it got so uncomfortable already, they have proven that it was meant to be simply just a bubble, and to me, this feels like their noiseless abandonment of me, a slip of betrayal.

I go about my day pretending that I do not carry an invisible weight of accountability like a responsibility, but I occasionally spiral down with the same emptiness that perhaps may have only masked the piled up hatred over everything. I long to be normal, to dream so big that reality would not be able to discourage me. I want relationships and life to feel more than just a duty. I long to be the person who has no inkling of difference that takes me away from the light or makes people I want to love leave me like a pattern. I hope to be preconditioned in my system, so that no amount of unkind people who do me dirty can bring out the worst of me.

Tonight, greeting the ‘ber’ months, as I lay in the same old room of mine, I realized I did it again. I let relationships die like they were nothing. Except this time, the light was blinding white and the room was cold, and I did not mourn nor blame myself for being too much or too little. I swallowed the consequences, and little by little, I am learning to embrace, unapologetically, who I became as a result of anomie.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has refused to provide any statement after attending the hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on the flood control anomalies investigation.

Bernardo was exiting the ICI building in Taguig City at around 12:40 p.m. this Wednesday with his counsel, when the media tried to get his comment about the ICI hearing he had just attended. undersecretary In his testimony before the Senate blue ribbon committee last week, Bernardo alleged that Escudero, as well as former Senators Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, received kickbacks from allocations for projects of the DPWH.

He also tagged Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who recently resigned as a member of the House of Representatives, on the anomaly.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said over 200 classrooms were damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off Cebu.

Based on a situation report, DepEd said it has so far received 54 initial reports involving the earthquake, covering 2,220 learners and 97 teaching and non-teaching personnel.

The reports showed that 198 classrooms suffered minor damage, 26 classrooms with major damage, while 34 classrooms were totally damaged by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, six water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were also damaged.

DepEd said the reports covered 11 School Division Offices, particularly, Canlaon City, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Bohol, Carcar City, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, and Bonogan City.

On the other hand, no injuries among learners were reported.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Cebu on Tuesday night, according to state seismologists.

The Office of the Civil Defense said as many as 60 individuals reportedly died due to the strong quake.

Voting 15 affirmative, 3 negative, and two abstentions, the Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to place former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 144, signed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, emphasized that in view of the advanced age and deteriorating health of Duterte, the ICC should designate a physician or medical doctor to examine the former President and ascertain that he is fit to withstand regular detention – and should the medical findings prove that his detention will further worsen his medical condition, allow the former president to be detained under house arrest.

‘Such house arrest, or a similar appropriate arrangement, will be subject to conditions restricting liberty to be imposed by the ICC, presenting no risk to the integrity of the ongoing trial,’ the resolution reads.

In the same measure, the senators argued that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provided that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity o fthe human person.

‘The Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the ICC allows persons being tried there in interim release, subject to conditions restricting liberty, including staying at a particular address, not contacting directly or indirectly victims or witnesses, and responding when summoned b y an authority o r qualified person designated b y the ICC,’ it adds.

Meanwhile, in his sponsorship speech, Cayetano said the wheels of justice are already moving at present – may it be in the country or the ICC.

‘It is not against the tenet of human rights to allow any person, especially a former president, to be under house arrest or to be under a country supervised under ICI, especially in the condition of president Duterte who is 80 years old,’ said Cayetano.

Zubiri, for his part, said his personal stand on the issue does not have anything to do with politics. He said it is only based on his point of view as a son to a father who is now 85 years old and ailing.

Aside from Zubiri and Cayetano, the other senators who voted in favor of the resolution were Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Mark Villar.

Those who opposed the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan.

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained.

‘I am faced with two equally important issues affecting life and liberty,’ Sotto said.

‘To afford PRRD with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity. I am supportive of any efforts to bring home PRRD and to uplift his well-being during this crucial time,’ the Senate president said.

‘However, my choice or decision, in conscience, in my conscience, might even help in further dividing the nation. Therefore, I register an abstention,’ Sotto explained.

In explaining his vote, Sotto said he faced two equally important issues affecting life and liberty.

‘To afford [former president Duterte] with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity,’ said Sotto.

The Senate president said he is supportive of any efforts to bring home the ex-chief executive and ‘uplift his well-being during this crucial time.’

He, however, noted that his choice ‘in [his] conscience might even help in further dividing the nation.’

This, according to Sotto, is why he abstained.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros – who was among the three senators who voted against the measure – emphasized that there are no indications that the ICC is neglecting the health and well-being of the people in their custody.

She then proceeded to emphasize that the drug war’s atrocities are not mere hallucinations.

Suspected shabu (crystal meth) valued at P3.84 million was confiscated and one individual was arrested by authorities in an operation in Taguig City early Wednesday morning, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

The drug bust took place along Diamond Street in Barangay Pembo, according to a statement from the SPD.

Authorities recovered seven pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets allegedly containing shabu weighing 565.6 grams.

‘The arrested suspect was identified as alias ‘Rowel,’ a 26-year-old male resident of the barangay,’ the SPD said.

The confiscated drugs were turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.

The arrested suspect is detained at the Taguig City Police Station, facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Petro Gazz has appointed Gary and Lisa Van Sickle-parents of reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, to lead the team in the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Gary takes over as head coach, replacing interim mentor Brian Esquibel, while Lisa will serve as assistant coach. Esquibel had guided the Angels following the departure of Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara during the PVL On Tour. The club announced the news on Tuesday night, describing the appointment as the start of a ‘new era’ under the Van Sickles.

‘They nurtured greatness at home, now they bring that same passion to the sidelines to guide our team to greater heights,’ the team said in the announcement.

Gary previously played for the University of Hawai’i from 1988 to 1990, while Lisa suited up for Hawaii Pacific University.

Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has called for a stop to the sale of lipstick products reportedly contaminated with lead and their removal from the market, in time for the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this October.

EcoWaste made the call on Wednesday as the nation marks the Consumer Welfare Month, while the lead poisoning prevention week will occur from October 19 to 25.

The group’s statement also followed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) issuance of six advisories warning the public against the purchase and use of imported Qianxiu lipsticks that are illegally being sold without the required authorization.

Among the Qianxiu Lipstciks flagged by the FDA are Hello Kitty #07 (pink canister), #06 (black canister), #03 (black canister), #11 (pink canister), #10 (pink canister) and #02 (black canister) through Advisory Numbers No. 2025-0927, 2025-0928, 2025-0929, 2025-0946, 2025-0947 and 2025-0948.

‘Sold for P35 each or three for P100, the Qianxiu lipsticks were found laden with up to 43,640 parts per million (ppm) of lead, way above the 20 ppm limit for lead as a heavy metal contaminant under the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD),’ EcoWaste said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘We urge consumers not to use Qianxiu and other unauthorized lipsticks from dubious sources and with unknown composition as they may contain banned ingredients like lead, which is a well-documented neurological and reproductive toxicant. We further urge government regulators to have these toxic lipsticks removed from the market,’ said EcoWaste National Coordinator Aileen Lucero.

Based on the X-Ray fluorescence screening it conducted, the group found that Qianxiu #02, #03, and #06 (black canisters) contained 17,690 ppm, 43,640 ppm, and 31,520 ppm of lead, respectively. Moreover, Qianxiu #07, #10, and #11 (pink canisters) contained 13,610 ppm, 27,390 ppm, and 9,640 ppm of lead, respectively.

The group revealed that Qianxiu lipsticks were among the products it reported to the agency last March for containing ‘high levels of lead.’

EcoWaste added that Qianxiu lipstick has no certificate notification, which means that the products under this brand are being sold without the necessary quality and safety assessment by the FDA.

The group noted that this violates the Republic Act No. 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009.

‘The science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxicant and can be dangerous even at small doses. Medical experts are clear that any level of lead exposure is unhealthy,’ EcoWaste said, quoting a report from the US-based advocacy group.

It warned that lead is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical and can cause hormonal changes among women, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, and a host of other health problems that may also affect unborn babies.

Vice President Sara Duterte is in Cebu until October 2 to visit communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province, her office announced Wednesday night. ‘Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is currently in Cebu province to extend her sympathies to those affected by the earthquake,’ the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said in an advisory.

The OVP said Duterte will remain in Cebu until Thursday to visit the areas affected by the tremor.

In a separate video statement, Duterte offered her condolences to the families affected by the quake, urging them not to lose faith despite the hardship they experienced.

‘I know that the pain you feel and the hardships you now face are beyond measure. Yet, in the midst of the destruction left by this tragedy in your families and communities, may you never lose faith and hope,’ Duterte said in Bisaya.

‘May you become sources of strength, kindness, and inspiration to all,’ she added.

She then extended her prayers to the communities in Cebu and nearby provinces, hoping for their safety and enduring resilience amid the continued aftershocks being experienced in the area.

‘May you find strength in one another, and may the legendary Visayan warmth and resilience shine through amidst this deep sorrow,’ she said.

Duterte went to Cebu after she ordered the OVP’s satellite offices to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.

Her trip also coincides with the House of Representatives’ plenary debates for the OVP’s proposed budget for 2026, which was postponed for the second time until Thursday after she – or an official of the appropriate level – failed to appear before the plenary. House Deputy Majority Leader Arnan Panaligan earlier said that tomorrow is the last chance for the OVP to defend its proposed budget as Thursday is the House’s last day for its plenary debates.