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Two persons of interest (POIs), who were linked to the disappearance of three businessmen, surrendered to the police on Thursday night, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Friday.

Couple Henry Angelo and Margie Pantollana and their business partner Richard Cadiz were last spotted in Cavite last July 6 after supposedly meeting with a certain ‘Jeff’ at his Pasig City condominium, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission previously detailed.

The two POIs-a male and a female-were caught on security footage allegedly using credit cards under the names of Henry Pantollana and his sister, Hazel, CIDG National Capital Region chief Lt. Col. John Guiagui said in an interview in Camp Crame on Friday.

Guiagui did not name the pair but said they were Manila residents who ‘knew each other’ and supposedly bought at least three credit cards under various banks from a Quezon City seller-whom police are now tracking down.

He claimed the two POIs used the credit cards to buy over 50 cellphones valued at P1 million, had coffee and withdrew P5,000 in cash at shops in Quezon City, Parañaque City, Bulacan and Cavite.

‘They were able [to] generate IDs that were presented as proof that they were Hazel Pantollana, that they were Henry Pantollana,’ Guiagui said, adding that the two POIs allegedly sold the phones for a profit of P500,000.

Asked to comment while in Camp Crame, the pair confirmed that they used the credit cards under the Pantollanas’ names and detailed that they bought the cards from ‘junk traders’ (nagbabasura) in Payatas.

But they denied any knowledge or involvement in the Pantollanas’ and Cadiz’s disappearance, stressing that they came before the CIDG to explain. ‘We had no money. We were just looking for a side hustle. I just tagged along,’ one of them said.

Card fraud

Both POIs face a case for violations of Republic Act No. 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act, which penalizes the fraudulent use of credit cards, according to CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz in the interview.

Guiagui added that the male POI allegedly has a prior case in Makati City, also for violating RA 8484, but he did not expound on the incident.

Meanwhile, the certain ‘Jeff’-whom the Pantollanas and Cadiz supposedly met with before their disappearance-already came before the CIDG earlier this week, Guiagui said.

‘Jeff’ said the three businessmen were at his Pasig City condominium at around 11:30 a.m. on July 6 and that Henry Pantollana ‘had to take phone calls’ during their visit, then ‘rushed’ to go to another meeting, according to Guiagui.

The CIDG previously said it subpoenaed at least 13 individuals-whom it did not identify-as part of the investigation into the case.

Rufa Mae Quinto said that while she has yet to process the death benefits of her late husband Trevor Magallanes, she knows that they’re just there as her husband worked hard for them and wrote about them in his journal.

Quinto revealed this to select members of the press during the grand opening of a food and beverage ingredients store where she served as a celebrity guest on Friday, Oct 3, in Quezon City.

‘Wala pa kasi, una, hindi pa ako nakakabalik sa America [.] Yung benefit naman yan, forever na benefit na yan. Kaya, pag uwi ko doon, ‘yun ‘yung aasikasuhin ko. Para sa amin ‘yon na mag-ina, pinaghirapan ng asawa ko ‘yon. Lahat ‘yon ginawa niya. May journal siya. Sinabi niya na ‘yun ang gusto niya,’ she shared.

(I haven’t received anything because I haven’t been back to America [.] Those benefits are forever. So, when I get home, that [processing] is what I’ll take care of. It’s for us, mother and daughter; my husband worked hard for it. He did all that. He had a journal. He said that’s what he wanted.)

The comedian is occupied with work at the moment as she recently joined season 4 of ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar,’ alongside appearances for brand endorsements.

Quinto said that keeping herself busy is one of her coping mechanisms after her husband’s death, yet she admitted that she still weeps from time to time.

‘Nalilibang ako, pero minsan, after three days na busy, ganon pa rin; umiiyak pa rin ako. Never na siguro mawawala ‘yon, ‘yung never ka iiyak, pero magpapause kapag busy ako. I think, pinaka masakit mawalan ng asawa, may anak pa kami. Dalawa kaming nakakamiss sa kaniya,’ expressed the comedian.

(I have fun, but sometimes after three days of being busy, I still cry. It will probably never go away, the one where you never cry, but it would pause when I’m busy. I think the most painful thing is losing a husband; we have a child. We both miss him.)

The ‘Booba’ star expressed her gratitude to the people who are there for her and her daughter Athena, whom she shared is dealing with a trauma of her own due to her father’s loss.

‘I just have to be there beside her (Athena). ‘Yung pinakamagagawa ko lang, siyempre, ayusin ko ‘yung sarili ko. Then, ipakita ko sa kaniya yung mga bagay na maganda (The best I can do, of course, is fix myself. Then, I can show her the good things),’ she said.

Quinto previously revealed that Magallanes died in July of natural causes, and no foul play was reported in the autopsy for his sudden death.

Magallanes was a financial analyst and a police officer for the San Francisco Police Department in the U.S. He also worked in the U.S. Air Force before his death. /ra

Heavy to intense rain showers are forecast over Metro Manila and three provinces in Luzon on Saturday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

In its thunderstorm advisory issued at 2:25 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the following areas are expected to experience heavy to intense rain showers with lightning and strong winds within the next two hours:

Metro Manila

Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Zambales

The weather condition is already being experienced in the following areas, which may persist for two hours and may affect nearby areas:

Bulacan (San Ildefonso, Dona Remedios Trinidad, San Rafael, Angat, Pandi, Bustos, Baliuag, Santa Maria, Norzagaray)

Cavite (Kawit, Cavite City, Noveleta, General Trias, Imus, Dasmarinas, Tanza, Rosario, Trece Martires, Maragondon, Naic, Ternate, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Indang)

Bataan (Limay, Mariveles, Hermosa, Dinalupihan)

Batangas (Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Nasugbu, Tuy, Calatagan, Lian, Balayan, Santo Tomas, Tanauan)

Pampanga (Lubao, Floridablanca, Sasmuan, Candaba, San Luis, Apalit, San Simon)

Laguna (Pila, Victoria, Los Banos, Bay, Calauan, Nagcarlan)

Quezon (Burdeos)

Rizal (Cardona, Binangonan)

‘All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards, which include flash floods and landslides,’ Pagasa said.

The weather bureau earlier reported that even though Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, it still had a direct effect across Luzon.

Paolo was last located 440 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph. /mr

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured its fourth freeze order in a widening probe into substandard and anomalous flood control projects, immobilizing over P4 billion worth of assets, including a ‘luxury compound in an upscale district’ and a fleet of high-end cars.

The Court of Appeals (CA) on Friday granted the AMLC’s request to freeze 57 bank accounts, 10 real properties and nine vehicles of individuals linked to corruption in government-funded flood protection projects.

The move brought the total assets frozen in the investigation to 1,889-covering 1,620 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 163 vehicles, 40 properties and 12 e-wallets. The AMLC said the crackdown also netted virtual currencies and unit investment trust funds, underscoring the breadth of financial holdings tied to the alleged scheme.

‘These freezes are real actions that stop corruption,’ said Matthew David, the AMLC executive director, in a statement. ‘Every peso frozen is a peso that cannot be used to sustain corruption.’

The AMLC statement did not provide information on the ownership, location and other details involving assets covered by the freeze orders.

But the value of frozen assets, according to the AMLC, is expected to rise as the inquiry deepens.

Review of transactions

When a bank account is frozen, all activity-transfers, deposits, withdrawals and even account closures-will be suspended. Banks are then required to comb through the accounts and review past transactions to determine whether they were used for illicit activity. Their findings are sent to the AMLC.

The freeze orders also covered insurance policies because these can serve as vehicles for concealing or moving illegal funds. For now, the AMLC is prioritizing such assets because these are easier to identify, locate and freeze.

David earlier said the council might also scrutinize banks after a congressional inquiry flagged large cash transactions linked to the flood control scandal.

On Sept. 30, the AMLC signed a memorandum of agreement with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the body created by President Marcos to investigate corruption in flood control projects, for closer coordination, data sharing and joint efforts to trace, preserve and recover assets linked to illicit activity.

The agreement also reinforced the council’s authority to investigate money laundering offenses tied to corruption, malversation, plunder, bribery and related crimes.

JM Ibarra had no clear plan or idea of what he would do after his stint in ‘Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Gen 11.’ For all he knew, he would just return to his hometown in Quezon province and continue living a normal life. But at the urging of his screen partner, ‘PBB’ season’s winner, Fyang Smith, and those around him, he decided to explore showbiz and give acting a shot. Who knows, he may well discover a talent yet untapped.

Much to his surprise, after taking a crash course on the Meisner acting technique last year, Ibarra immediately fell in love with the craft. It was challenging-‘magulo sa utak, masakit sa damdamin’-but nonetheless fulfilling and eye-opening.

‘I enjoy stepping into a different world through my characters, and leaving JM behind for a while. It makes me realize that the world is so much bigger and doesn’t just revolve around my own outlook’

‘I enjoy stepping into a different world through my characters, and leaving JM behind for a while,’ he says at a recent press conference. ‘It makes me realize that the world is so much bigger and doesn’t just revolve around my own outlook.’

First film lead role

From reality television to fan meetings and online content, Ibarra is now embarking on full-fledged acting projects. These include the fantasy romance digital series ‘Ghosting,’ opposite Smith, and his first movie lead role in ‘Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana,’ which is an entry to the ongoing Cinemalaya Film Festival-a surprise, he admits, since he didn’t expect to be doing indie films this early in his career.

JM Ibarra stars in ‘Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana’ | Photo from JM Ibarra/Facebook

‘It’s nerve-wracking seeing my face on the screen, reading the script, and hearing ‘3, 2, 1. action!” the 25-year-old shares. ‘Pressure!’

Directed by Tim Rone Villanueva, ‘Child No. 82’ is a fantasy dramedy that explores themes of social issues and family identity. The film follows Max (Ibarra), a 16-year-old high school student rumored to be the 82nd illegitimate child of the recently deceased Maximo ‘Boy Kana’ Maniego Jr. (Vhong Navarro)-the biggest action star in Philippine cinema.

‘It’s nerve-wracking seeing my face on the screen, reading the script, and hearing ‘3, 2, 1. action!” the 25-year-old shares. ‘Pressure!’

With his pregnant teenage girlfriend and their baby’s future on the line, Max embarks on an adventure to prove he is Boy Kana’s son and secure an inheritance. But first, he must reach Boy Kana’s casket before the public viewing ends at midnight. However, hundreds of fans and not a few villains stand in his way.

A timely concept

The premise effectively makes his character a nepo baby-a concept that feels especially relevant today.

‘It’s a social issue, so marami talagang makaka-relate dito na Pilipino,’ Ibarra says of the film. ‘It touches on a very current issue, because Max, the character I portray, is the illegitimate child of a famous figure. So technically, he’s an unacknowledged nepo baby.’

JM Ibarra | Photo from JM Ibarra/Facebook

In his desperate quest for identity and inheritance, Max inevitably faces a daunting choice: Will the glittery promise of his father’s celebrity status blind him, or will he find the clarity he needs in the complicated legacy of the man who was ‘Boy Kana’?

‘Mabubulag ba siya sa luxury? O malinawan ba siya sa katotohanang sasambulat sa kanya habang nilalakbay niya ang pagkakakilanlan ng ama niya?’ Ibarra says.

‘Now that I’m earning my own money, you start to understand better what people are fighting for,’ Ibarra relates. ‘Where do our taxes really go?’

Amid the ongoing flood control corruption scandals and the public outrage over the lavish lifestyles of ‘nepo babies,’ Ibarra couldn’t help but reflect on the issue. Truth be told, the subject of taxes rarely crossed his mind, and it never really occurred to him that buying the things he enjoyed already meant he was actively contributing to the government.

‘Now that I’m earning my own money, you start to understand better what people are fighting for,’ Ibarra relates. ‘Where do our taxes really go?’

Lessons from the veterans

Ibarra admits that he’s still not fully confident in his acting skills. But thanks to his more seasoned co-stars-Navarro, one of his favorite actors growing up, and Rochelle Pangilinan, who plays Max’s mother-Ibarra has grown more confident in his role and more comfortable on set.

JM Ibarra with co-star Rochelle Pangilinan | Contributed photo

‘More than technique, I also learned about socializing. Since I’m shy and reserved, they made an effort to approach and encourage me on set,’ Ibarra shares. ‘They guided me from start to finish, so I was really touched by their kindness.’

Beyond acting, he also learned that while talent is important, it’s not the be-all, end-all of the entertainment industry. Attitude is just as important-a reality Navarro reminded him of. ‘You have to be good at taking care of relationships. You have to be respectful to everyone-the director, co-stars, the staff, ‘ he says. ‘That’s something I won’t forget.’

‘You have to be good at taking care of relationships. You have to be respectful to everyone-the director, co-stars, the staff, ‘ he says. ‘That’s something I won’t forget’

From Pangilinan, Ibarra realized that new coworkers bring new opportunities to learn. ‘The more jobs I take on, the more people I meet-and I can learn from all of them if I stay open,’ he says. ‘Now, every time I start a new project, I try to be like a sponge, soaking it all in.’

And soak it in, he will, as he continues to expand his career beyond the love team. While Ibarra enjoys working with Smith-and fans are hoping that they do more projects together-he points out that growth wouldn’t be possible if they box themselves in.

‘We’re happy, and our friendship grows every time we work,’ Ibarra says. ‘But we also want to explore as much as we can. That’s part of our vision as actors.’

Sen. Loren Legarda reaffirmed her commitment to Indigenous Cultural empowerment and inclusive development during the Ummong Festival held at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) on October 3, 2025.

Addressing local leaders, educators, students, and Indigenous cultural bearers, Legarda emphasized the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in shaping national identity and safeguarding the country’s cultural wealth.

‘In our celebration of Ummong, we forge a chapter of unity, dignity, and renewed hope for our communities,’ Legarda said in her opening remarks, paying tribute to the province’s enduring contributions to its indigenous communities.

The Ummong Festival, now on its fourth year since its launch in 2022, is a cultural gathering organized by NVSU. Rooted in the word ‘ummong,’ meaning fellowship and reverence for one’s origins, the event brings together IP communities from across the province to showcase traditional songs, dances, crafts, and customs, promoting the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, and a staunch advocate of cultural preservation, highlighted key initiatives she has championed in support of Indigenous rights.

‘With all my heart, I fought for and continue to push for laws and programs that strengthen the rights, culture, and livelihood of Indigenous Filipinos,’ she said, citing the Cultural Mapping Law, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the establishment of Schools of Living Traditions such as the Kalahan Academy in Sta. Fe.

The four-term senator also underscored the importance of language preservation through the Bantayog ng Wika program, noting the installation of a monument in Bayombong honoring the Gaddang language.

‘We also promote the Bantayog ng Wika to preserve and give honor to our Indigenous languages and traditions,’ Legarda said.

Legarda called for continued support for Indigenous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their role in strengthening local economies.

‘Our support continues in order to strengthen the livelihood and self-sufficiency of communities,’ she affirmed.

Reflecting on the spirit of the festival, Legarda described Ummong as ‘a celebration of unity and respect for our origins, way of life, and wisdom.’ She further urged communities to continue passing on indigenous knowledge and values to the next generation: ‘Let us continue the respect and solidarity, the learning, teaching, and transmission to the youth of the wisdom and skills of your community.’

Continuing her Asian swing, Alex Eala is set to compete in the 2025 Wuhan Open qualifiers in China.

Seeded fifth in the qualifying draw of the prestigious event, Eala faces Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the opening round on Saturday, no earlier than 5:30 p.m.

Eala is ranked No. 58 in the world, while the 24-year-old Uchijima sits at No. 92.

The Wuhan Open is the final WTA 1000 tournament of the 2025 calendar. It offers eight qualifier spots in the 56-player singles draw.

Eala flew to Wuhan immediately after her quarterfinal exit in the Suzhou Open WTA 125 on Friday.

In her second tournament in Asia, Eala played all three matches in Suzhou in grueling three-setters-including a round-of-16 duel that lasted more than three hours.

‘Some crazy matches this week. Back to the drawing board with a bit more experience and a lot of sweat lost,’ Eala wrote in an Instagram post.

She also competed in the Jingshan Tennis Open late last month.

The Wuhan Open marks Eala’s return to a WTA 1000 event since the Canadian Open last July.

The number of individuals who died from the major earthquake in Cebu has reached 70, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday.

In its latest update, NDRRMC said almost half, or 32, of the fatalities were from Bogo City, Cebu, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 quake that struck on the night of September 30.

Meanwhile, 15 deaths were recorded in San Remegio, 14 in Medellin, six in Tabogon, and one each in Sogod, Tabuelan, and Borbon, Cebu.

NDRRMC likewise said 559 individuals in the province sustained injuries due to the tremor.

It was around 10 p.m. on September 30 when the quake struck in Cebu, one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the province in recent history.

Following the quake, more than 5,000 aftershocks-ranging in magnitude from 1 to 5.1-have been recorded as of Saturday. /mr

Erring engineers and other professionals at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may face the permanent revocation of their professional licenses if they are found to have been involved in anomalous infrastructure projects at the public works department.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said an agreement he signed with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chair Charito Zamora on Friday morning would make the arrangement.

According to Dizon, the agreement was in line with President Marcos’ directive to ensure the ‘legitimate, quality and beneficial’ projects being implemented by the DPWH nationwide.

Dizon pointed out that 20 engineers and a certified public accountant (CPA) were tagged as involved in the construction of faulty flood control projects, especially in Bulacan and were included in the complaint he filed at the Office of the Ombudsman last month.

These 20 engineers were the first set of professionals whose licenses were being sought to be revoked by the PRC under the newly signed MOA.

Among the 20 whom Dizon described as the ‘superstars,’ whose licenses are up for revocation, were Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza and Paul Duya, who were all earlier dismissed from the DPWH.

Aside from them, the list also included the project engineers and even the cashier, whom Dizon said the DPWH determined as a CPA.

‘The evidence we presented [for the revocation] are the cases that we have filed and the COA (Commission on Audit) fraud audit reports, as well as the internal audit service of the DPWH,’ Dizon told reporters at a press conference after the MOA signing.

‘Again, this is just the beginning. We have more to file with the ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) and all of those will also be turned over for the filing with the PRC based on our memorandum of agreement,’ he pointed out.

Cases piling up

Zamora, for her part, explained the PRC’s rules on the revocation of professional licenses, wherein the respondent will be given a period of 15 days to file a reply to the complaint, followed by a position paper, which has to be submitted within another 15 days.

But this time, she assured that their rules have been amended to expedite the process of revoking one’s professional license.

‘And this is really a heavy case to deal with, because the Filipino people are seeking accountability and with the criminal charges filed against them, this is a lot heavier,’ Zamora said.

The controversial construction firm Sunwest Inc., linked to former Ako Bicol party list Rep. Elizaldy Co was among contractors facing bid-rigging complaints. DPWH officials and employees are also among those facing charges with Sunwest Inc.

This was on top of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s move, asking the Office of the Ombudsman to recommend filing of graft complaints against Co and 17 others, including DPWH officials and Sunwest, over an allegedly substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro worth P289.5 million.

Also, the DPWH, named in another complaint, Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corp., SYMS Construction Trading, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and officials and employees of the DPWH in connection with flood control projects unearthed during congressional hearings.

About three months after confirming the breakup of her three-year relationship with Katrice Kierulf, Klea Pineda declared that she has moved on and has been getting better by the day.

Pineda opened up about this in an interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Friday, Oct. 3. The actress visited the show along with Jasmin Curtis-Smith to promote their upcoming queer film ‘Open Endings.’

‘This is about love, heartbreak and exes. Have you moved on, Klea?’ show host Abunda asked.

Pineda initially laughed off how the host smoothly injected the topic into their conversation, then answered, ‘Have I moved on? I think yeah. Paunti-unti (little by little).’

Pineda, however, admitted that her recovery process has not been linear. ‘May mga pasulpot-sulpot na feeling. Normal naman ‘yon after ng breakup pero I think nagiging better naman ako every day.’

(I still feel things here and there. It’s normal after a breakup, but I think I have been getting better every day.)

Further speaking about her relationship with her ex-girlfriend, the actress said they are not enemies but are also not friends.

‘We’ll get there,’ Pineda continued, expressing hopes to rebuild her friendship with Kierulf. ‘Sa ngayon, masyado pa kasi sigurong fresh.’ (For now, it’s still fresh.)

‘Sa ngayon, siguro wala pang reason para mag-connect kami ulit and nire-respeto ko rin ‘yung healing process niya,’ she added. (Maybe there is no reason for us to reconnect at the moment, and I also respect her healing process.)

During the interview, Pineda also intrigued the host when she was asked during the Fast Talk segment about her thoughts on having a relationship with a co-star.

‘Why not?’ she said.

Abunda later asked Pineda about Janella Salvador, her other co-star in ‘Open Endings’ who is being romantically linked to her and is also being accused as the supposed third party in her split with Kierulf.

‘I think nadamay lang naman ‘yung pangalan ni Janella kasi nga magkasama kami sa film,’ Pineda spoke in defense of her fellow actress. ‘Maraming rason kung bakit kami naghiwalay ni Katrice pero labas si Janella do’n. Walang third party.’

(I think Janella only got involved because we were working together in a film. There are a lot of reasons why Katrice and I broke up, but Janella is not one of those. There is no third party.)

Pineda and Curtis-Smith then expressed their admiration for Salvador, nodding in agreement with the show host’s remarks about the celebrity mom being ‘blooming.’

Then asked if Salvador is the type she would fall in love with, Pineda replied, ‘Why not? Walang reason na hindi magugustuhan si Janella.’ (There’s no reason to not like Janella.)

Both Pineda and Salvador have remained mum on the real score between them. /ra