P214.9M prize for Grand Lotto 6/55 still up for grabs, says PCSO

The P214.9 million jackpot prize for the Grand Lotto 6/55 is still up for grabs, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Saturday, October 4.

In its evening draw, no one matched the winning combination for the Grand Lotto 6/55, which was 25-28-01-42-13-50.

Jackpot prize would have been P214,989,254.80. Aside from this, PCSO likewise noted that no bettor won the Lotto 6/42 draw, which has an P8,895,388.00 winning prize.

The lucky combination was 41-06-40-04-36-01.

The Grand Lotto 6/55 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while the Lotto 6/42 is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

SK official, brother gunned down in Cotabato City

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his companion were gunned down in broad daylight on Saturday along Jose Lim Street, Barangay Poblacion 5 here.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, the city police director, identified the victims as Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, youth council chair for Poblacion 5 in Cotabato City.

His brother, Muamar Salvador Matanog, who was with him during the attack, was seriously wounded and immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. Police initial probe states that the victims were aboard a red Toyota Raize with plate number NFJ 8206 when they were fired upon by motorcycle-riding assailants.

Prince Mohaz sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, causing his instant death.

The Police Station 1 immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to a firefight with the suspects. One of the assailants was reportedly hit, while a patrolman was also wounded during the encounter. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered around 94 fired bullets from the crime scene as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Cotabato State University (CotSU) community is grieving for the death of Prince Mohaz, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. ‘This brutal and senseless act is an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for,’ Matabalao said.

He also offered a bounty of P500,00 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Body found, 2 still missing 17 days after Bukidnon floods

Seventeen days after the deadly flash floods that struck this city on the night of September 17, families and friends continue to offer prayers for the two people who remain missing.

One of the missing, Dina Consolacion, 48, of Purok 13, Poblacion, was found floating near Busco Bridge in Barangay Butong, Quezon, on the morning of October 4. Her body, already in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered by residents and later confirmed by authorities.

The discovery raised the death toll to six. Previously confirmed fatalities were Jaya Taña, 27; King Winston Adran, 13; Larry Labay, 53; Princess Kyarah Dacoycoy, 17; and Deejay Ark Taña Viña, 4. Search and retrieval operations led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continue for the two remaining missing individuals – Johnny Borbon, 63, and Andrea Vistal, 2.

CDRRMO chief June Ray Valero said responders would sustain the search until the city government issues an official directive on when to conclude operations.

Families of the missing have accepted the painful reality of their loved ones’ fate, offering prayers amid the devastation caused by the sudden cloudburst. The flash floods destroyed millions worth of property, livestock, infrastructure, and agricultural crops, and left hundreds of families displaced.

Valero added that relocation efforts are underway for affected residents still staying at the city gymnasium, which serves as the main evacuation center.

The city government plans to transfer displaced families once the subdivision plan and construction of housing units at the relocation site in Barangay Pinatilan are completed.

PBA: Scottie Thompson urges hungry Ginebra to end drought

MANILA, Philippines-Amid a lingering title drought, Scottie Thompson hopes Barangay Ginebra can turn its frustration into fuel as the PBA opens its milestone 50th season.

‘I think it’s important for us to come into the season with hunger to win,’ Thompson said as the crowd darlings prepare to face the Magnolia Hotshots in their Philippine Cup opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The renewal of the storied ‘Manila Clasico’ rivalry marks the start of Ginebra’s bid to capture its first title since the 2022-2023 Commissioner’s Cup, when it defeated the guest team Bay Area Dragons before a record crowd of 54,000 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Since then, the Gin Kings have fallen short in three straight Finals appearances, all against TNT-in the 2023 Governors’ Cup and in both the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups last season. Their latest Philippine Cup campaign also ended in disappointment, as San Miguel Beer ousted them in the semifinals before going on to win the championship against TNT. ‘Those will serve as our motivation going into the season,’ Thompson said. ‘But we have to take things one game at a time-reach the Finals [first], and hopefully finish with a championship.’

With Jamie Malonzo leaving in the offseason to play in Japan’s B.League, Thompson, Stephen Holt, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and Japeth Aguilar are expected to shoulder a bigger load for the Gin Kings.

Ginebra also fortified its lineup with rookie Sonny Estil and veteran big man Norbert Torres, who transferred from rival Meralco.

Pope Leo XIV names Edwin Panergo as new bishop of Boac

The Diocese of Boac in Marinduque is no longer ‘sede vacante.’

This is after Pope Leo XIV on Saturday named Fr. Edwin Panergo of the Diocese of Lucena as its new bishop.

In a statement on Saturday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) noted that before Panergo’s appointment, the Diocese of Boac had been vacant since November 2024.

‘During the vacancy, the diocese was administered by Fr. Elino Esplana, who served as diocesan administrator,’ the CBCP said. Father Panergo

Panergo, the 54-year-old newly designated Boac bishop, was born in Lucena City, Quezon.

He serves as rector of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary in Sariaya, Quezon. He is also the director of the Diocese of Lucena’s Commission on Vocation. The bishop-elect studied philosophy at St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary in Lipa City and theology at St. Alphonsus School of Theology in Lucena.

He likewise holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from St. Louis University in Baguio City as well as a licentiate in sacred theology from Notre Dame de Vie in Venasque, France.

Panergo was ordained a priest at Lucena Cathedral on September 8, 1997.

Following his appointment in the Diocese of Boac, Panergo will succeed Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., who led the diocese for about nine years before being transferred to the Diocese of San Pablo in Laguna province last year.

PBA: Paul Lee hopes LA Tenorio era ends Magnolia’s title drought

Magnolia’s new era under coach LA Tenorio comes with sweeping changes-and Paul Lee hopes those adjustments finally lead to the end of the team’s seven-year title drought and its reputation as the PBA’s ‘Introvoys.’

‘I hope Coach LA is the answer to those questions,’ Lee said in Filipino as the Hotshots prepare to open their campaign in the PBA’s 50th season against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Since his appointment in late July, Tenorio has wasted no time reshaping the roster, highlighted by the addition of former Terrafirma forward Javi Gomez de Liano.

Lee said the veteran playmaker has also introduced a more deliberate offensive approach compared to the fast-paced, run-and-gun style of former coach Chito Victolero.

‘He’s teaching us to slow down a bit on offense,’ Lee explained. ‘Coach LA wants us to control the tempo and read the situation, instead of always pushing the pace.’ Still, Lee emphasized that Magnolia’s trademark defense-its calling card throughout Victolero’s tenure-remains firmly in place.

‘You have to give Coach Chito credit for instilling that defensive mindset,’ he said. ‘That part has been easier for Coach LA because our defensive sharpness is already there.’

The Hotshots have been bashed as ‘Introvoys’ because of their penchant of starting strong before eventually fading late in the conference.

Hearings suspended in Iloilo, Cebu, Roxas courts for building check

The Supreme Court has ordered a five-day suspension of work in select courts in Iloilo City, Cebu City, Bogo City, and Roxas City from October 6 to 10 to allow structural and electrical engineers to inspect the Halls of Justice following last week’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Under OCA Circular No. 291-2025, issued on October 4 by Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, the suspension covers all first- and second-level courts in the affected areas. Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen authorized the measure after the tremor damaged parts of Cebu province and was felt across the Visayas.

During the suspension, courts will remain available on an on-call basis for urgent judicial action such as bail applications, release orders, petitions for habeas corpus, and marriage solemnization. Judges were also encouraged to conduct videoconferencing for time-sensitive proceedings such as arraignments and pre-trials to prevent delays. Executive and presiding judges were instructed to find alternative hearing venues and coordinate with their respective regional court managers.

Although Iloilo did not sustain major physical destruction reports comparable to Cebu, the knock-on effects-power outages, infrastructure stress, and concern over structural integrity-appear to have motivated precautionary action from the judiciary to protect court personnel and litigants.

The suspension of court work allows structural and electrical engineers to assess the safety of court buildings in Iloilo and other affected jurisdictions before normal operations resume. As of now, no reports have surfaced of major damage to court buildings in Iloilo City directly attributable to the quake. But the judicial branch’s move reflects a more conservative posture in response to regional seismic risk and the potential for latent structural vulnerabilities.

The September 30 earthquake killed at least 70 people, mostly in northern Cebu, and injured hundreds, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Hospitals in Cebu City were forced to evacuate patients to open grounds, while widespread brownouts hit Iloilo City shortly after the tremor struck. INQ

Brian Poe pushes for compassion, responsibility toward animals

As the world observes World Animal Day on Saturday, October 4, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe called on Filipinos to show greater compassion and responsibility toward animals, pointing out that the first step begins with a simple reminder: Do no harm.

‘On World Animal Day, we are reminded that compassion begins with the simplest act: to do no harm. The very least we can do for animals is to ensure they are treated with kindness, respect, and dignity,’ Poe said in his statement.

He warned that animals are too often the silent victims of cruelty, neglect, and exploitation, stressing that society has a moral duty to protect them. ‘Our duty as human beings is to protect them, care for them, and recognize that their well-being is closely tied to the kind of society we want to build,’ he added.

Poe also highlighted his legislative push for stronger protections through House Bill No. 1746, or the Revised Animal Welfare Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen animal welfare laws, impose stricter penalties for cruelty, and promote responsible ownership and care.

‘If we strive for a more humane and compassionate Philippines, we must include in that vision the care and protection of creatures who cannot speak for themselves,’ he emphasized. ‘Let us never forget to rescue and safeguard our animals, for they too deserve protection and care in times of crisis,’ Poe reminded, noting that the Philippines has recently been struck by natural disasters.

The lawmaker has been actively supporting animal welfare initiatives. On September 28, 2025, Poe joined animal welfare advocates and pet owners in celebrating Mars Global Adoption Weekend, an annual event promoting pet adoption and responsible ownership.

Animal advocacy runs in the family, as his mother, former Senator Grace Poe, championed a Senate version of the Animal Welfare Bill during the 19th Congress.

Cagayan de Oro launches relief drive for quake-hit Cebu

The local government here has launched ‘Tabang Kauban,’ a relief drive for the province of Cebu many of whose residents were affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) chief Nick Jabagat said the city will send non-food relief items, including mats, tarpaulins, and ropes for setting up tents and sleeping arrangements. The items are expected to be dispatched as soon as possible.

Jabagat said residents who wish to contribute may coordinate with the CDRRMD.

Jabagat added that they hope to provide sleeping-related supplies amid the dire need for shelter, especially among those who were left homeless.

UAAP: UP defense delivers as NU suffers first defeat

University of the Philippines stifled National University for a 66-59 win on Saturday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Fighting Maroons improved to 2-2 and handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the young season after a 3-0 start. UP clamped down defensively when it mattered most, holding the Bulldogs to just 10 points in the fourth quarter after trailing by one entering the period, 49-48.

Fighting Maroons’ assistant coach Christian Luanzon credited the squad’s defensive showcase to their stellar communication inside the court.

‘What’s important was, everyone was involved in communication, everybody was on the same page with our coverages,’ Luanzon said. ‘I thought we did a better job in the second half for being on the same page.’

At one point in the final frame, the Fighting Maroons built a 13-point cushion, 65-53, off a Reyland Torres mid-range jumper with 34 seconds remaining.

NU tried to rally late but never got close enough to threaten a deadlock before the final buzzer.

The Fighing Maroons’ twin towers of Francis Nnoruka and Gani Stevens finished with 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Steve Nash Enriquez paced NU with 16 points, while Gelo Santiago added 10 in the losing effort.