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Talks in Pakistan falter as U.S.-Iran diplomacy loses momentum

Venus L Peñaflor
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Talks in Pakistan falter as U.S.-Iran diplomacy loses momentum

ISLAMABAD — Efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran lost traction over the weekend after Iran’s top diplomat left Islamabad and U.S. envoys canceled their trip on the orders of President Donald Trump.

The setback reflects a broader decline in prospects for diplomacy, with both sides hardening their positions amid continued military and economic pressure linked to the conflict.

Trump signaled that further engagement would depend on Tehran. “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!” he said on social media. He later indicated that the planned visit by his envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was canceled because he saw limited value in proceeding under current conditions. He added that Iran submitted a revised proposal shortly after the cancellation but did not elaborate, reiterating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central U.S. condition.

Iran, however, maintains that negotiations cannot proceed under pressure. Officials in Tehran have said meaningful talks would require the lifting of U.S. military measures, including the blockade of Iranian ports linked to tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday after consultations with Pakistani officials, according to sources familiar with the discussions. He traveled onward to Oman, which has previously mediated indirect talks, and is expected to continue diplomatic engagements before returning briefly to Pakistan and proceeding to Russia.

In remarks posted online, Araghchi said he presented Iran’s framework for ending the war but questioned whether Washington is prepared to engage seriously. Tehran continues to favor indirect negotiations, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries.

The latest developments follow earlier direct talks this month between U.S. officials led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Despite that initial breakthrough, subsequent actions at sea and on land have deepened mistrust on both sides.

The regional dimension of the conflict is also intensifying. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has come under renewed strain, with exchanges of fire reported over the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered intensified military operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, raising concerns of a wider escalation that could further complicate diplomatic efforts.

Although a U.S.-announced ceasefire with Iran remains formally in place, its effectiveness is increasingly uncertain. Military threats persist, and economic disruption continues to spread. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, has driven Brent crude prices significantly higher and disrupted shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas and other commodities.

Iran has warned of a strong response if U.S. actions continue, while Washington has reinforced its maritime posture, including orders to counter suspected threats to shipping. Key issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, its missile program and its support for allied armed groups in the region.

Recent incidents highlight the volatility of the situation. Iran has been accused of targeting commercial vessels, while the United States continues to enforce restrictions on Iranian ports. At the same time, Iran has resumed limited commercial flights from Tehran, signaling partial normalization of civilian activity despite ongoing hostilities.

The human toll continues to rise, with thousands reported killed across Iran and Lebanon and additional casualties in Israel and Gulf states. Military personnel and United Nations peacekeepers are among those affected.

A separate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by Washington and recently extended, remains fragile and has yet to deliver sustained stability. Hezbollah has not participated in the U.S.-led diplomatic process.

With negotiations stalled and conditions for dialogue deteriorating, the outlook for a durable ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains uncertain.


White House correspondents’ dinner disrupted after armed breach; suspect in custody

EDGARDO HERNAL
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White House correspondents’ dinner disrupted after armed breach; suspect in custody

WASHINGTON — An armed man carrying firearms and knives caused a major security disruption at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after charging toward the ballroom inside the Washington Hilton, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire and triggering panic among guests.

President Donald Trump, who was attending the annual media event for the first time as president, was not injured and was evacuated from the stage as shots were fired. Guests inside the ballroom dived under tables while security forces rushed the area.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after being tackled by Secret Service personnel. He is facing firearm-related charges, including assault on an officer with a deadly weapon. Officials said he appeared to have acted alone, although his motive remains under investigation.

Law enforcement sources said the suspect entered the hotel as a guest before moving toward restricted areas near the ballroom. Video circulating among attendees showed security officers pursuing the man through barricaded sections of the venue before the confrontation occurred.

One Secret Service officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover, officials said. The suspect was also taken to a hospital for evaluation before being transferred to police custody. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators recovered a long gun and shell casings at the scene and are interviewing witnesses.

Inside the ballroom, chaos erupted as the sound of gunfire was heard during dinner service. Guests were served a spring pea and burrata salad when the incident began. Some initially mistook the noise for dropped equipment before realizing shots had been fired. Attendees reported hearing between five and eight shots.

Security personnel, including heavily armed counterassault teams, immediately secured the stage area. Vice President JD Vance was escorted out first, followed by President Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Trump briefly stumbled while exiting the stage before being assisted by security officers.

The president was initially taken to a secure presidential suite inside the hotel before being returned to the White House after consultation with the Secret Service. Authorities later confirmed the event would not continue and guests were evacuated.

Trump, speaking later at the White House, said the suspect was believed to be a “lone wolf” and emphasized heightened security concerns. He also noted that this was the third incident involving a direct threat in his vicinity since 2024, referencing previous security breaches including an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

FBI Director Patel said the agency is examining forensic evidence and continuing interviews with witnesses. Police have not yet confirmed a motive.

The White House Correspondents’ Association initially attempted to resume the program after the incident, with staff resetting tables and preparing the stage. However, organizers later announced the event would be postponed and rescheduled.

Association president Weijia Jiang said the gathering would proceed at a later date. Security personnel, including National Guard members, remained deployed throughout the hotel as guests were gradually escorted out.

Political leaders expressed concern following the incident. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife were “praying for our country tonight,” while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for an end to “violence and chaos.”

Security at the Washington Hilton, which has hosted the event for years, has traditionally focused on the ballroom area rather than full hotel screening, a structure that officials said may have contributed to the breach. The hotel has a long history with security concerns, including the 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan nearby, which led to enhanced protective measures.

Despite tighter security in recent years, the presence of public areas within the hotel has occasionally created vulnerabilities during large events.

Saturday’s dinner, which brings together journalists, political figures and public personalities, was already under heightened scrutiny due to strained relations between the Trump administration and the media. Trump had attended the event for the first time as president, an appearance that was expected to highlight those tensions.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how the suspect bypassed security and reached restricted areas of the venue.

Trump rushed off stage after shots fired during White House Correspondents’ Dinner

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump rushed off stage after shots fired during White House Correspondents’ Dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents after reports of possible shots being fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday.

Vice President JD Vance and several members of the U.S. Cabinet who were in attendance were also evacuated from the venue as security protocols were activated.

According to a source cited by CNN, Trump is safe. Two other sources said Vice President Vance was safely removed from the event, while an administration official confirmed that Cabinet members were also unharmed.

Pool reports indicated that Secret Service personnel shouted “shots fired” during the program, prompting an immediate security response. The U.S. Secret Service later confirmed on X that one individual is in custody.

A senior administration official said Trump was taken to a secure location and later informed authorities that he intended to return to the dinner, pending security clearance.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a “shooter has been apprehended” and praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He also suggested the event could resume in some form, depending on security decisions.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer said he was “a few feet away” from an armed individual during the incident, describing a sudden escalation as shots were reportedly fired.

Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, told attendees that the program would resume once the situation was stabilized, though she did not provide a timeline.

Authorities have not yet released full details on the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to provide further updates.

HDO laban kina Escudero at Ngu inaasikaso ng Ombudsman

Venus L Peñaflor
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HDO laban kina Escudero at Ngu inaasikaso ng Ombudsman

MAYNILA – Hiniling ng Office of the Ombudsman sa Sandiganbayan na magpalabas ng precautionary hold departure order laban kina Senador Chiz Escudero at negosyanteng si Maynard Ngu, kaugnay ng patuloy na imbestigasyon sa flood control anomaly.

Sina Escudero at Ngu ay iniimbestigahan sa mga kasong plunder, graft, at indirect bribery na may kaugnayan sa mga proyektong sinasabing isiningit sa pambansang budget.

Na-raffle na sa Sixth Division ng Sandiganbayan ang nasabing kahilingan ng Ombudsman.

Ayon sa affidavit ni dating Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, diumano ay dumaan kay Ngu ang 20 porsyento o humigit-kumulang P160 milyon mula sa P800 milyong halaga ng isiningit na proyekto sa Valenzuela City sa ilalim ng General Appropriations Act. Sinabi pa ni Bernardo na ang naturang halaga ay nakalaan umano para kay Escudero.

Inilahad din ni Bernardo na si Ngu ay kanyang malapit na kaibigan at personal na nagdala ng pera sa kanyang opisina sa Maynila. Dagdag pa niya, si Ngu rin ay tinukoy bilang campaign contributor ni Escudero.

Mariin namang itinanggi nina Ngu at Escudero ang mga paratang na may kinalaman sila sa kickback sa mga flood control project.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa nasabing usapin.

US-Iran peace hopes fade as Trump scraps talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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0
US-Iran peace hopes fade as Trump scraps talks

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON — Prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran dimmed at the start of the week, as negotiations remained stalled and both Tehran and Washington showed little sign of easing their positions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi concluded a weekend visit to Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, without securing progress. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Islamabad by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, dealing a further setback to efforts aimed at de-escalating the two-month conflict.

The continuing deadlock between the United States, the world’s largest economy, and Iran, a major oil producer, has contributed to rising global energy prices, renewed inflationary pressures, and concerns over slowing economic growth.

In a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would not engage in what he described as imposed negotiations conducted under threats or blockades, according to an official statement. He added that Washington must first remove operational constraints, including its blockade on Iranian ports, before meaningful discussions could begin.

Araqchi described his discussions in Pakistan as constructive. However, an Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad indicated that Tehran would reject what it considers maximalist demands from the United States.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Florida, said he called off the envoys’ visit due to the costs and travel involved, as well as what he viewed as insufficient concessions from Iran. He said Tehran had made offers, but these did not meet U.S. expectations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also cited internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, claiming there was confusion over decision-making authority. He reiterated that the United States holds a position of strength and said Iran could initiate talks if it chose to do so.

Tensions in the region were further heightened after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to his office, testing a fragile three-week ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iran has largely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas, while the United States continues to enforce measures blocking Iranian oil exports.

Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there had been some indications of progress from the Iranian side and noted that Vice President JD Vance remained prepared to travel to Pakistan following an earlier round of talks that did not yield an agreement.

The conflict, which is currently under a ceasefire arrangement, began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, U.S. bases, and locations in Gulf states.

Chinese automakers showcase rapid innovation at Beijing auto show

Venus L Peñaflor
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Chinese automakers showcase rapid innovation at Beijing auto show

BEIJING — China’s leading automakers unveiled a wave of new vehicles and next-generation technologies at the Beijing Auto Show, underscoring the country’s growing influence in the global automotive industry as competition intensifies.

The biennial event, which opened to media on Friday and runs until May 3, features more than 1,450 vehicles, including 181 global debuts. Analysts say the scale and sophistication of the displays highlight how Chinese manufacturers are advancing quickly in key areas such as electric vehicles, battery systems, and intelligent driving technologies.

BYD drew attention with its latest generation of fast-charging “blade” battery, capable of reaching near full charge in about nine minutes. The company also demonstrated battery performance under extreme cold conditions, reinforcing its focus on durability and efficiency.

Another highlight came from Yijing, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Huawei. The partnership introduced the X9, a six-seat flagship SUV equipped with advanced features, including a next-generation Qiankun intelligent driving system and an in-car operating platform based on Huawei’s HarmonyOS.

Battery manufacturer CATL also presented an upgraded version of its Shenxing battery, which can charge from 10 percent to 98 percent in roughly six and a half minutes, further intensifying competition in the fast-charging segment.

Industry analysts say the developments on display reflect the speed of innovation in China’s automotive sector. Consultancy executives noted that Chinese companies are setting the pace in electric mobility, battery performance, and vehicle software integration, often bringing advanced features to market faster than international competitors.

China has become the world’s largest car exporter, supported by large-scale manufacturing capacity and government backing that has enabled rapid rollout of new models. However, the domestic market remains under pressure. A prolonged price war has reduced vehicle prices significantly over the past two years, while reduced subsidies for electric and hybrid vehicles have dampened local demand.

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed passenger car sales fell 23 percent in the first quarter compared to a year earlier, totaling around 4 million units. In contrast, exports surged 63 percent to nearly 2 million vehicles, driven by growing demand in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Research firm Omdia forecasts China’s passenger vehicle exports will grow by about 14 percent in 2026. Meanwhile, consultancy AlixPartners reported that intense competition has pushed average vehicle prices down by roughly 20 percent over the past two years.

Despite rapid progress, some of the advanced technologies introduced at the show may face regulatory and safety hurdles before reaching international markets. Analysts say, however, that these innovations signal capabilities that can eventually be adapted for global deployment.

Foreign automakers continue to face declining market share in China, though some are attempting to regain ground. Volkswagen Group announced plans to integrate advanced artificial intelligence systems into vehicles designed for the Chinese market and introduced new electric models developed in partnership with local firms.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are expanding their global footprint by investing in overseas production. New facilities in countries such as Hungary and Turkey are expected to support growing international demand and help mitigate trade barriers.

According to AlixPartners, Chinese automakers could nearly triple overseas production to 3.4 million vehicles by 2030, up from 1.2 million last year, reflecting a strategic shift from exports to localized manufacturing in key markets.

CA nagpalabas ng freeze order sa mga ari-arian ni Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Remulla

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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CA nagpalabas ng freeze order sa mga ari-arian ni Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Remulla

MAYNILA – Naglabas ng freeze order ang Court of Appeals laban sa mga ari-arian ni dating House Speaker at kasalukuyang Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla nitong Sabado.

“Si former Speaker Martin Romualdez, na-freeze na ‘yung kaniyang…, may freeze order na. From Court of Appeals kasi doon talaga dinadala ang freeze orders ng AMLC. Diyan talaga pinakukuha ng court order,” ayon kay Remulla sa kanyang programa sa radyo, batay sa ulat ng GMA News.

Ang tinutukoy ni Remulla ay ang Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), na una nang nag-ulat na nakakuha ito ng freeze order laban sa mga ari-arian ng isang “prominent incumbent legislator” na umano’y sangkot sa mga iregularidad sa flood control projects.

Hindi pinangalanan ng AMLC ang mambabatas, pati na rin ang isang business associate at isang corporate entity na kasama rin sa saklaw ng freeze order. Ayon sa ahensya, kaugnay ang mga ito sa imbestigasyon sa umano’y anomalya sa mga proyekto.

Ayon sa AMLC, sinaklaw ng freeze order ang ilang bank accounts at insurance policies na nakarehistro sa pangalan ng nasabing mambabatas.

Batay pa sa AMLC, nakita ng Court of Appeals ang probable cause na nag-uugnay sa mga ari-arian sa posibleng paglabag kabilang ang plunder sa ilalim ng Republic Act 7659, direct at indirect bribery sa Revised Penal Code, at paglabag sa Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act o RA 3019.

Sinabi ni Remulla na bahagi ito ng mas malawak pang mga kasong inihahanda ng kanilang tanggapan.

“Actually, isang kaso pa lang ‘yan. Pero we have around five to six cases lined up. Sunod-sunod siya i-file within the next two weeks,” aniya.

Dagdag pa niya, isasailalim sa preliminary investigation ang kaso at paiiralin ang due process.

“Ang kalaban namin dito, akusado sa pagnanakaw sa gobyerno. Ito, tiga gobyerno ito. Ito, maraming pera, may kapangyarihan. Hindi ho madali labanan ito,” aniya.

Humingi na ng reaksyon ang GMA News Online mula sa kampo ni Romualdez at sa AMLC, ngunit wala pa silang tugon hanggang sa oras ng paglalathala.

Ayon sa AMLC, saklaw din ng freeze order ang karagdagang mga account kabilang ang iba pang bank accounts, insurance policies, investment account, at mga ari-arian na nakapangalan sa business associate at corporate entity na kaugnay umano ng kaso.

Wala pang naisasampang kaso laban kay Romualdez sa korte, ngunit hiniling ng kanyang legal team sa Office of the Ombudsman na itigil ang imbestigasyon. Iginiit na diumano’y na-prejudge na si Romualdez at nilabag ang due process.

Sa kanilang liham, binanggit ng kampo ni Romualdez ang umano’y pahayag ng ilang opisyal na tinawag siyang “master plunderer” kahit wala pang naisasampang kaso.

Kinuwestiyon din nila ang ipinalabas na precautionary hold departure order laban sa kanya kaugnay ng kontrobersiya sa flood control projects.

Tugon ni Remulla sa panawagang mag-inhibit ang Ombudsman, hindi raw ito maaaring gawin dahil sa kanilang tungkulin sa Saligang Batas.

“Ang inhibition goes down to the fairness of the judicial process. Prosecutors are supposed to side with the victims of crimes. Ngayon, ano ba ang Office of the Ombudsman? Ang origin namin sa Pilipinas, Tanodbayan. Kami ang bantay ng bayan para ‘yung corruption ay bantayan, ‘yung pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan ay maawat natin, matigil natin, at maparusahan,” aniya.

“Paano natin mapaparusahan ‘yan kung mag-i-inhibit ka? Duty mo ‘yan eh. ‘Yan ay katungkulan po namin sa Saligang Batas,” dagdag niya.

“No such thing as inhibition. Sabi ko sa abogadong nagsasabi niyan, baka absent ka noong tinuturo ‘yan. Go back to law school,” ayon pa kay Remulla.

Iran rejects “maximalist demands” as Pakistan hosts renewed ceasefire push

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran rejects “maximalist demands” as Pakistan hosts renewed ceasefire push

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON — Iran signaled it will not accept what it called “maximalist demands” from the United States as Pakistan hosted a renewed diplomatic push to salvage ceasefire talks over a conflict that has entered its ninth week, killed thousands, and disrupted global energy markets.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday and met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military and political leaders. The visit comes as Washington prepares to send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to the Pakistani capital, part of efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to revive negotiations. However, Tehran ruled out direct talks with U.S. officials, insisting that any communication would be conducted indirectly through Pakistani mediators.

An Iranian diplomatic source said Tehran would not agree to sweeping U.S. conditions, underscoring a persistent impasse. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has an opportunity to reach a “good deal” if it abandons its nuclear weapons ambitions in verifiable terms. The White House, meanwhile, reported signs of limited progress in recent days and expressed hope for further movement.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following military action by the United States and Israel, has severely disrupted global oil flows. Iran has largely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor that typically handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments, while the United States continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian exports. Shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with only a handful of vessels transiting daily compared with about 130 before the war.

Oil markets have reacted sharply to the uncertainty. Brent crude prices surged earlier in the week, climbing to multi-year highs amid fears of prolonged disruption, though prices later fluctuated following policy adjustments such as a U.S. extension of waivers to ease energy transport constraints.

Despite the tensions, an indefinite ceasefire announced by Trump and extended this week has largely paused major hostilities. Iran has partially reopened its airspace, resuming international commercial flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport for the first time since the war began. Flights to destinations including Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina have restarted, offering a tentative signal of stabilization.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the talks, with checkpoints, road closures, and heavy troop deployments disrupting daily life across the city.

The broader regional picture remains volatile. In Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group erupted shortly after the war began, a separate ceasefire has been extended by three weeks following U.S.-brokered talks. However, violence persists in southern Lebanon, with reported casualties from recent Israeli strikes and ongoing military operations near the Litani River.

Casualty figures across the region continue to rise. Iranian authorities report more than 3,000 deaths, while Lebanon has recorded over 2,400 fatalities. Additional casualties have been reported in Israel, Gulf states, and among international peacekeepers.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary, seeking to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. For now, diplomacy remains indirect and fragile, with both Washington and Tehran holding firm to core demands as global markets and regional stability hang in the balance.

Kaso ng human trafficking isinampa laban sa asawa at anak ni Mike Defensor

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Kaso ng human trafficking isinampa laban sa asawa at anak ni Mike Defensor

MAYNILA — Nagsampa ng mga kaso ang National Bureau of Investigation laban sa asawa at anak ng dating kongresista na si Mike Defensor kaugnay ng umano’y pagkakasangkot sa isang human trafficking case.

Kinumpirma ito ni NBI Director Melvin Matibag sa isang panayam noong Biyernes. Ayon sa kanya, inihain sa Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office ang reklamo laban kina Julie Defensor at Miguel Defensor, kasama ang 24 iba pa, para sa paglabag sa Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act at sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Batay sa corporate records na nakalap sa imbestigasyon, nakarehistro umano sina Julie at Miguel bilang mga may-ari ng establisimyento kung saan isinagawa ang pinaghihinalaang sexual exploitation laban sa 54 kababaihan.

Sinabi ni Matibag na ang mga biktima ay pinagtatrabaho bilang “customer care assistants” ngunit umano’y isinasailalim sa sexual exploitation kapalit ng bayad na tinatayang umaabot sa P15,000.

Isinagawa ng mga ahente ng NBI ang entrapment at rescue operation noong Abril 21 matapos makatanggap ng impormasyon hinggil sa umano’y patuloy na sexual exploitation sa nasabing lugar. Sa operasyon, nasagip ang 54 biktima at naaresto ang 16 sa 26 na kinasuhan, kabilang ang mga manager, opisyal, facilitator, at customer.

Narekober din umano ng mga awtoridad ang ilegal na droga sa isang mesa, at napag-alamang ang isang silid ay tila ginawang “drug den.”

Sa isang pahayag, itinanggi ni Julie Defensor ang mga paratang at tinawag itong “baseless” at “malicious.”

“Let me be absolutely clear regarding the recent NBI operation: we have absolutely no connection to the targeted establishment or its operations. Any attempt to link our family to the abhorrent acts allegedly committed there is a deliberate, dangerous, and desperate lie,” aniya.

Idinagdag pa niya, “This is part of a relentless pattern of harassment, and the collateral damage is devastating. Because of these political attacks, approximately 1,000 hardworking employees across various companies have abruptly lost their jobs simply due to a perceived association with my husband, Mike. These are 1,000 families stripped of their livelihoods in the middle of a crisis.”

Direkta rin niyang tinugunan si Matibag: “if you have a political or personal grievance with Mike, have the courage to resolve it with him directly.”

“Stop using me, our daughter, and hundreds of innocent, displaced workers as collateral damage in a dispute that has nothing to do with us,” dagdag pa niya.

Itinanggi naman ni Matibag ang alegasyon na “politically motivated” ang operasyon, at iginiit na nakatuon ito sa pagsagip sa mga biktima ng human trafficking.

“Upon rescuing them, that’s the only time we discovered, upon seeing the documents, that the owner turned out to be Mike Defensor’s wife and son,” ani Matibag.

Ayon pa sa NBI director, mas mainam na harapin na lamang ng mga Defensor ang mga kasong isinampa at patunayan ang kanilang pagka-inosente sa tamang proseso.

Pope urges US and Iran to resume peace talks, condemns capital punishment

EDGARDO HERNAL
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0
Pope urges US and Iran to resume peace talks, condemns capital punishment

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo XIV called on the United States and Iran to return to negotiations to end ongoing conflict, while also strongly condemning capital punishment during a press conference en route home from his Africa visit.

The pope urged a shift toward what he described as a “culture of peace” and away from recurring cycles of violence in international conflicts. His remarks followed a trip marked by public exchanges between him and U.S. President Donald Trump over the war.

Pope Leo said the central issue is not regime change in Iran but how to uphold shared values without the loss of civilian lives. He also shared that he carries a photograph of a Muslim Lebanese boy killed in the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict, noting the child had once welcomed him during a visit to Lebanon.

“As a pastor I cannot be in favor of war,” he said, adding that global responses to conflict should be rooted in peace rather than hatred and division.

On reported executions in Iran, the pope said he condemns “all actions that are unjust” and explicitly included capital punishment in his remarks.

“I condemn the taking of people’s lives. I condemn capital punishment. I believe human life is to be respected and that all people from conception to natural (death), their lives should be respected and protected,” he said.

He added that when governments take unjust decisions resulting in loss of life, such actions must be condemned. The Catholic Church under Pope Francis had already declared capital punishment immoral in all cases.

Pope Leo also addressed migration policy, affirming that states have the right to regulate their borders but warning against inhumane treatment of migrants.

“I personally believe that a state has the right to impose rules for its frontiers,” he said, while also asking what wealthier nations are doing to address conditions in poorer countries that force migration.

Migrants, he stressed, must always be treated with dignity and not “worse than house pets, animals.”

On internal church matters, the pope reiterated the Vatican’s position regarding blessings for same-sex couples. He noted that while informal blessings had been permitted, formalized or ritualized blessings were not approved.

He said the issue of unity in the Catholic Church should not be centered on sexual morality alone, arguing that broader concerns such as justice, equality, and religious freedom carry greater weight.

“I think it’s very important to understand that the unity or division of the church should not revolve around sexual matters,” he said.

Pope Leo also reflected on his Africa trip, describing his approach as pastoral rather than political, and emphasizing the Vatican’s diplomatic work, including efforts to secure the release of political prisoners.

He said discreet diplomacy can sometimes achieve more than public condemnation, even as he acknowledged that his visits were interpreted through political and social lenses in the countries he visited.

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