Authorities Prepare for Multiple Anti-Corruption Rallies in Metro Manila on November 30

Law enforcement agencies have mobilized early to secure key locations ahead of several anti-corruption demonstrations planned across Metro Manila and other provinces on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Among the notable rallies is the Trillion Peso March, set to take place at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, while the Baha sa Luneta 2.0 assembly will occur at Rizal Park in Manila. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety and order throughout the events. In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the DILG announced that adequate personnel will be deployed across critical sites to manage crowds, respond swiftly to any emergencies, and facilitate smooth traffic flow. Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated a policy of maximum tolerance but reaffirmed the authorities’ readiness to handle the rallies with professionalism and care. Residents and commuters in Metro Manila are advised to stay informed about potential road closures and disruptions due to the scheduled demonstrations. Officials continue to monitor the situation and will issue updates as necessary.

Malacañang Refutes Claims of US Recruiting Filipinos for Ukraine Conflict

MANILA – The Philippine government has categorically denied allegations that the United States is recruiting Filipino nationals to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Malacañang, citing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), emphasized that such reports are unfounded and constitute "fake news." Palace Press Officer Claire Castro referred to statements from DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila, both of which have refuted the claims. The controversy began after Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused an American private security firm of actively seeking Filipino recruits for the Ukrainian military. According to a report by a Russian news agency, these recruits are allegedly issued Schengen work visas through the consular section of the German Embassy in Manila and are purportedly employed by Berlin-based private security companies. Zakharova further alleged that once the recruits arrive in Germany, they are transferred to other countries, including EU members such as Poland and ultimately Ukraine. However, the German Embassy in Manila has promptly denied these accusations. The Philippine government’s dismissal of these claims reinforces ongoing efforts to prevent misinformation and protect Filipino citizens from being drawn into foreign conflicts without official sanction.

PNP Reports Peaceful Conclusion to Anti-Corruption Protests in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed late Sunday, November 30, that the anti-corruption demonstrations across Metro Manila concluded peacefully, particularly as most attendees began dispersing from the People Power Monument in Quezon City. Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. praised the steadfast commitment of commanders and police personnel who were deployed from early Saturday through the final clearing operations on Sunday night. \"I commend our ground commanders and personnel who remained steadfast throughout the day. You carried out your duties with professionalism and restraint. Your conduct reflects the values expected of the Philippine National Police,\" Nartatez said during monitoring operations at the PNP Command Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Security preparations for the protests began on November 28, with over 16,000 police officers assigned to oversee the Trillion Peso March events across Metro Manila. Firearms permits were canceled for the duration outside of residences, and barricades were established on roads leading to Malacañang Palace as precautionary measures. Nartatez highlighted that the diligent efforts of law enforcement contributed significantly to the generally peaceful completion of the assemblies nationwide. \"I extend my appreciation to organizers, marshals, and participants for exercising their rights responsibly and respecting public order. Your cooperation was key in ensuring the day’s activities ended without major incident,\" he emphasized. Despite minor disruptions caused by isolated individuals attempting to interfere with the proceedings, swift intervention by police quick response teams prevented escalation. As the crowd began to leave, police units shifted focus to securing main thoroughfares and facilitating the safe departure of attendees. \"These events demonstrate that peaceful assemblies and effective law enforcement can coexist. When rights are exercised responsibly and public safety prioritized, we strengthen our democratic institutions,\" Nartatez remarked. He concluded by affirming the PNP\'s ongoing commitment to community safety, stating, \"Your Philippine National Police will continue to protect our communities with fairness, vigilance, and dedication, long after the crowds have dispersed.\"

Filipino Worker Killed in Hong Kong Fire Was Returning Home for Christmas

Maryan Pascual Esteban, an overseas Filipino worker, tragically lost her life in the devastating fire at a high-rise residential building in Hong Kong. She was scheduled to return to the Philippines on December 16 to spend the Christmas season with her family and her 10-year-old son. Esteban, 40, had been working in Hong Kong for four years after a decade in Lebanon. Her family in Jones, Isabela, expressed deep sorrow and hope that her remains would be repatriated swiftly. "Our Christmas would have been so happy, but this happened," said Manayon Esteban Medina, Esteban’s mother, speaking in Ilocano. The family also mourned the birthday of Esteban’s father, Jaime, who said they could not bring themselves to celebrate amid their grief. "I hope they can hasten the return of her remains. I hope they can do it in three weeks," he added. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have assured the family of financial support and the immediate repatriation of Esteban's remains. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan personally visited Esteban’s young son in Cainta, Rizal. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has extended relief assistance to Filipinos affected by the fire, including financial aid and help in recovering lost documents. Esteban was planning to regain custody of her son upon her return. OWWA committed to providing educational assistance to support the boy through college. In a poignant moment, when asked about his future ambitions, the child expressed a desire to become a firefighter to prevent others from suffering the same fate as his mother. The tragic incident, which has claimed at least 151 lives, continues to impact Filipino migrant workers and their families deeply.

Taal Volcano Records Two Minor Eruptions, Alert Level Remains Unchanged

Taal Volcano in Batangas experienced two minor phreatic to phreatomagmatic eruptions in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in ash emissions and incandescent ejecta. Despite these activities, the alert level remains at level 1, indicating no immediate threat of a larger eruption. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the eruptions occurred at 12:58 a.m. and again at 1:04 a.m., each lasting approximately two minutes as confirmed by seismic data and camera surveillance. Both eruptions produced ash plumes that reached heights of up to 1,200 meters above the main crater before drifting southwest as observed via Daang Kastila thermal and Lower Calauit IP cameras. The second eruption also launched incandescent ballistic fragments some 300 meters above the lake surface. Phivolcs' 24-hour monitoring report recorded five volcanic earthquakes, continued inflation of the volcano island, and sulfur dioxide emissions measured at 208 tons per day. The main crater lake's temperature remained elevated at 58.1°C, while its acidity level was extremely high at pH 0.3, reflecting sustained hydrothermal activity. A minor plume rising approximately 600 meters was also noted drifting southwest from the crater area. Despite these developments, Alert Level 1 remains in effect, signifying abnormal volcanic activity without an imminent eruption risk. Phivolcs emphasized the ongoing prohibition of entry to Taal Volcano Island, particularly around the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissures, due to the hazards posed by sudden steam-driven explosions and poisonous volcanic gases. Residents near the volcano were advised to stay alert for potential ashfall and continued signs of unrest as monitoring continues. "We urge the public to comply strictly with the ban on entry and remain prepared for any sudden changes in volcanic activity," Phivolcs stated.

Iloilo City Mayor Celebrates Father Jerry Treñas's 69th Birthday

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu warmly wished her father, Buenaventura Geronimo "Jerry" P. Treñas, a happy 69th birthday today. In her message, she included heartfelt prayers for his health and happiness, alongside her husband Francis and their daughter Thea. Born in Poblacion Molo, Jerry Treñas has played a significant role in Iloilo City's political landscape. Currently, he serves as Special Adviser to the Iloilo City Government, a position appointed by Mayor Raisa through Executive Order No. 004, series of 2025, signed on June 30, 2025—her first day in office. In this advisory capacity, which is unpaid, the former mayor provides counsel on political matters as well as management and governance strategies to support the city’s administration. Mayor Raisa's public birthday tribute underscores the collaborative family effort behind Iloilo City's leadership team.

RTC Cebu Dismisses Criminal Case Against Three Romanian Nationals in ATM Skimming Dispute

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch XI in Cebu City has dismissed the criminal case against three Romanian nationals accused of illegally withdrawing more than P150,000 from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) accounts through ATM skimming. The accused—Ion Costel (also known as "Alin Dumitru Chirita" and "Daniel Dawis"), Ionut Alexandru Mitrache, and Razvan Aurelian Stancu—were charged under Section 9(c) of Republic Act 8484 in connection with Section 4(a)(1) of Republic Act 10175 following unauthorized withdrawals from LBP accounts at the Capitol Branch on Escario Street and the Banilad Extension Office in Cebu City during February and March 2017. According to amended information, the defendants conspired with another individual identified as Mircea Iordan alias "Josef Gal" to use cloned ATM cards and skimming devices to gain unlawful access to account information. The fraudulent transactions targeted several accounts, including that of Marie Fe Francis W. Seville-Ang, resulting in total unauthorized deductions amounting to P150,101. The case arose after multiple LBP depositors reported suspicious ATM activities. Diebold technicians who inspected the Banilad ATM discovered evidence of a skimming device that had been installed and removed. Security camera footage showed a Caucasian male conducting numerous transactions with different cards during unusual hours, raising suspicions. Branch Manager Monico Balingit and security guard Ahmed Masong testified that the suspect used multiple ATM cards to withdraw large sums consecutively, with one transaction totaling P50,000 at Land Bank Bacolod and another P100,000 at other banks. However, during the trial, witnesses conceded that the CCTV only provided side views of the individual, making it impossible to conclusively identify the accused as the culprit. Crucially, vital CCTV recordings were rejected as evidence due to improper marking and the removal of the USB drive containing the footage. An investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) traced the accused to units 605 and 2010 of Padgett Place Condominium in Lahug, Cebu City. Search warrants executed on these units led to the recovery of items linked to skimming activities, including passports, laptops, microchips, clothing, and cash totaling approximately P30,000. The NBI also identified a red Ford Mustang with a horse emblem believed to be used by one of the suspects. Surveillance and witness statements described the accused's movements, including entering the condominium and leaving in the vehicle. Nonetheless, the court noted procedural ambiguities surrounding the search warrants, which shared the same serial number, causing confusion as to which units were subject to search. Additionally, the seized items, including the Mustang, were not clearly itemized in the warrants. On November 28, 2025, the RTC ruled that the prosecution failed to definitively prove the accused's identity as the perpetrators of the unauthorized ATM withdrawals. The court highlighted the prosecution's reliance on circumstantial evidence and testimonies deemed insufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. "Branch Manager Balingit admitted lacking firsthand knowledge of the actual withdrawals," the decision stated. "Security Guard Masong's suspicions were based on hearsay and the appearance of the red Mustang." The crucial CCTV evidence was excluded from the record, and inconsistencies related to the search warrants compounded doubts. There was no direct connection established between the seized items and the alleged ATM transactions. The defendants had posted bail of P120,000 each and pleaded not guilty back in October 2017. With the dismissal, the RTC granted the defendants' Demurrer to Evidence, concluding the charges were unsubstantiated. This decision underscores the judiciary's standard of requiring clear, direct evidence in prosecuting cybercrime-related offenses such as ATM skimming.

Youth-Led TobaccOFF NOW Organization Hosts Summit in Cebu to Combat Tobacco Use Among Minors

The TobaccOFF NOW Organization, a youth-driven campaign dedicated to combating nicotine addiction among minors, convened a youth summit on November 29, 2025, at One Central Hotel in Cebu City. The event, organized in collaboration with the Philippine Youth Summit, brought together various student and youth groups from institutions including Abellana National School, Cebu Normal University, University of Cebu, University of San Jose–Recoletos, Code Green, and the Rotaract Club. Established on June 20, 2025, TobaccOFF NOW aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by tobacco products, such as vapes and heated tobacco devices, and to thwart the industry's efforts to target younger demographics. The morning session featured a panel discussion addressing tobacco companies' strategies to attract youth. Speakers included SK Chairman Dan Joshua A. Bautista from Lucena, Project Officer Irrah Kerstien Davocol from Iloilo, and social worker Nurr Faizal Dama from Cotabato City. They underscored tactics like enticing vape designs tailored to minors and the rise of e-cigarette use fueled by insufficient awareness. "Turn peer pressure into peer power," Davocol urged, emphasizing community influence. Dama called on the Philippine government, including the President, to take stronger regulatory measures against tobacco proliferation. Bautista inspired attendees by stating, "We are the writers and actors of our community." The panel also touched upon the recent developments from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s COP11 meeting, concluding with an interactive forum that engaged participants in dialogue. In the afternoon, event host Ace Licop Abu presented TobaccOFF NOW’s history and ongoing initiatives, highlighting the organization’s commitment to long-term advocacy. The session’s focal point was a "Futures Thinking" presentation by learning futurist Sugar Araña, who led youth participants through exercises envisioning possible scenarios for the tobacco industry's future. Araña remarked, "The future holds many doors… our role is to prepare for all of them." Attendees shared their reflections on the summit’s impact. Carlix Navaja expressed, "This experience inspires us to take action… Tobacco may profit manufacturers, but it costs lives—and futures." Dama revealed his personal motivation, noting the prevalence of tobacco use among 10–18-year-olds in his community and how being the only non-smoker in his family drove his commitment. Joining TobaccOFF NOW has empowered him to foster sustainable change. Participant Aerona Christine Sabello remarked, "TobaccOFF NOW is more than an anti-tobacco movement. It empowers young people to shape public health policies and protect their communities." This summit reinforces TobaccOFF NOW's role as a pivotal force mobilizing Filipino youth against the tobacco industry's influence and advocating for healthier, tobacco-free future generations.

Police Officers Highlight Unique Peacefulness of Uyugan, Batanes

UYUGAN, BATANES — Assigned to the tranquil municipality of Uyugan in Batanes since last October, Patrolmen Robert Pugong and Angelito Resulta have found their daily duties far removed from the typical hazards associated with police work elsewhere in the country. Fresh into their deployment, the officers expected to encounter the usual array of small-town disputes and community disturbances. However, their experience has been markedly different, characterized instead by an overwhelming sense of calm. "Since we arrived here, we have not witnessed any serious crimes," Resulta shared, noting that the few incidents they respond to typically involve minor matters such as marital disagreements. Indeed, only a single reported case has occurred during their tenure, underscoring Uyugan’s longstanding reputation for safety and order. Their primary responsibilities involve maintaining a visible presence, conducting routine patrols, and reinforcing the local community’s sense of security. Pugong emphasized the stark contrast between his previous assignments and the peaceful environment of Batanes. "Police work is often a life-risking job," he explained. "But here, we feel safe because the community is peaceful." The officers credited this tranquility to the Ivatan people’s values — known for their honesty, discipline, and strong community ties. Neighbors look out for one another, conflicts rarely escalate, and there is a high level of trust in law enforcement. For both patrolmen, this unique setting has reshaped their perspective on policing, shifting from crisis response to proactive community engagement. They devote more time to building relationships, visiting remote barangays, and collaborating with local officials to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. "Police work is much quieter here," Resulta observed. "The slower pace allows us to focus on prevention and being present in the community rather than constantly intervening in conflicts." Uyugan’s exceptionally low crime rate reflects the broader situation across Batanes, consistently ranking among the safest provinces nationwide. For officers accustomed to high-tension environments, this posting offers a valuable example of how policing can thrive in peaceful conditions. With a smile, Pugong expressed appreciation for the assignment: "There isn’t much trouble here. We hope all places can be like this." This experience highlights the potential for community-centered policing to foster safety and harmony in even the most remote areas of the country.

Broadcasters' Group Condemns Murder of Former Broadcaster and Councilor Gerry Campos

BUTUAN CITY – The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) chapter in Butuan City has strongly condemned the recent killing of Gerry Campos, a former broadcaster who was elected as a municipal councilor in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Campos was fatally stabbed on Saturday morning near a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Cruz. Authorities apprehended his attacker, a 42-year-old man, on the same day following a police pursuit. In a statement released Saturday evening, the KBP-Butuan City Chapter expressed sorrow and outrage over the incident, emphasizing the need for a "thorough and impartial investigation" and insisting that justice be delivered "swiftly and without compromise." "This senseless act of violence is a profound loss not only to Gerry’s loved ones but also to the media community and the public he served so diligently," the group stated. Before winning a seat on Marihatag’s Sangguniang Bayan this year, Campos held key roles in broadcasting, including serving as a director at Radio Mindanao Network in Butuan City and as the manager of Radyo Serbato. Radyo Serbato also mourned his passing through a Facebook tribute, referring to Campos as their first station manager and a dedicated public servant. "Your leadership, service, and kindness have left a legacy we will always remember. Rest in peace, Sir Gerry. Your Radyo Serbato family will forever honor your memory," the station posted. The tragic death of Campos highlights ongoing concerns over violence targeting media workers and public officials, with calls for heightened protection and accountability continuing across the region.