Thursday, May 7, 2026


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Mga pulis sa missing sabungeros, tumatanggap ng payola mula kay Atong Ang — whistleblower

MAYNILA. Ilang opisyal at miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang umano’y nakatanggap ng regular na payola mula sa negosyanteng si Charlie “Atong” Ang, ayon sa whistleblower na si Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alyas “Totoy.”

Sa isang panayam sa telebisyon, inihayag ni Patidongan na may isang Police Colonel na umano’y tumatanggap ng hanggang P2 milyon kada buwan mula kay Ang. Bukod dito, sinabi rin niya na may iba pang mga pulis na binabayaran sa tuwing may itatrabaho o papataying sabungero.

Ipinakita ni Patidongan ang mga diumano’y “petty cash vouchers” bilang ebidensyang nagpapakita ng mga halagang ibinayad umano sa mga pulis. Isa sa mga voucher ay nagpapakita ng P2.6 milyon na ibinayad sa isang yunit ng pulisya, na may label na “intel.” Aniya, “Kapag sinabing intel, ‘yun na ‘yung P500,000, ‘yun na ‘yung bayad sa mga pinatay nila.”

Ayon pa sa kanya, “Yung overall naman na kinukuha ng isang colonel, ang monthly niya ay P2 million.”

Nauna nang itinanggi ni Atong Ang ang lahat ng akusasyon at naghain na ng mga kaso laban kay Patidongan.

Sa mga naunang rebelasyon, sinabi ni Patidongan na umabot sa 100 sabungero ang pinaslang, higit pa sa 34 na naunang naiulat na nawawala. Ayon sa kanya, mula sa mismong sabungan ay kinukuha ang mga sabungero na nasangkot umano sa pandaraya sa pustahan, kung saan sinasadya raw nilang ipatalo ang kanilang manok upang tayaan ang kalaban.

Si Patidongan ay dating manager sa mga farm ni Ang at nagsilbing aide nito sa loob ng 15 taon. Ngunit ayon sa kanya, napilitan siyang isiwalat ang mga impormasyon matapos umanong makatanggap ng banta ang kanyang pamilya.

“Sa totoo lang, kaya ko naman sana dalhin hanggang libingan itong sikreto namin ni Atong Ang. Ang problema, pamilya na ang pinag-uusapan dito,” pahayag ni Patidongan.

Texas flood death toll climbs to 43, dozens still missing

HUNT, Texas. At least 43 people, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead following massive flash floods in central Texas, as rescue efforts continued on Saturday to locate dozens still missing, authorities reported.

Heavy rains early Friday morning caused rivers in the region, particularly around the Guadalupe River near Kerr County, to rise rapidly to 29 feet, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and campers. The National Weather Service said up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain fell in just a few hours, half of the region’s average yearly rainfall.

Among those unaccounted for are 27 girls from the Christian-run Camp Mystic in Kerr County, according to City Manager Dalton Rice. While 27 individuals are officially missing, Rice said authorities are unable to confirm the total number of people affected. “We will not put a number on the other side because we just don’t know,” he said.

More than 850 people have been rescued, with some clinging to trees before being pulled to safety by emergency teams. In Travis County, four people have died and 13 are still unaccounted for. One death was also confirmed in Kendall County. Some news agencies have placed the overall death toll at 52, although this has not been officially confirmed.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 17 of the 43 confirmed dead have not yet been identified. “We know that the rivers rise, but nobody saw this coming,” added Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.

Camp Mystic, which had 700 girls in residence during the flood, was devastated. Mud lines in one cabin indicated floodwaters reached six feet from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses, and belongings were left caked in mud, and some structures had broken windows or missing walls. Another nearby girls’ camp, Heart O’ the Hills, confirmed the death of its co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present at the time.

In the downstream town of Comfort, large trees were uprooted and roads were blocked by debris. Several smaller bridges were damaged, though the main highway from San Antonio remained passable.

Eyewitnesses described the aftermath with shock. Tonia Fucci, a visitor from Pennsylvania, said: “The devastation was such that I’m still in shock today. And with the rescues going on and helicopters, you just know there’s so many missing children and missing people. But it’s not going to be a good ending.”

Videos posted online showed flattened homes, debris-strewn riverbanks, and rescuers forming human chains to reach stranded residents. Vehicles swept away by floodwaters were later found abandoned, some with smashed windows and doors.

President Donald Trump offered prayers and support on social media, praising first responders. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he requested a federal disaster declaration to provide aid, which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed would be approved.

Noem criticized the National Weather Service’s failure to forecast the severity of the rainfall. She cited ongoing cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which have left many weather offices understaffed. Former NOAA Director Rick Spinrad warned that these reductions in personnel may undermine timely warnings in future disasters.

“This inevitably means additional lives will be lost and probably more property damage,” Spinrad said.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with flood watches remaining in effect for the wider Texas Hill Country area, known for its rugged terrain and popular riverside attractions.

Lipa Archbishop inihalal na bagong pangulo ng CBCP

MAYNILA. Inihalal ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) si Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera bilang susunod na pangulo ng samahan, ayon sa anunsyong inilabas nitong Sabado.

Si Garcera, 66, ay opisyal na uupo bilang pangulo ng CBCP simula Disyembre 1, 2025, kapalit ni Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David ng Kalookan, na magtatapos sa kanyang ikalawa at huling termino sa Nobyembre.

Sa kasalukuyan, si Archbishop Garcera ay nagsisilbing regional representative para sa Southeast Luzon sa CBCP Permanent Council. Dati rin siyang naging tagapangulo ng CBCP Commission on Mission at Commission on Family and Life, ayon sa pahayag ng CBCP.

Naordinahang pari si Garcera noong 1983 para sa Archdiocese of Caceres, at itinalaga bilang Obispo ng Daet noong 2007.

Naging aktibo rin siya sa Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, kung saan siya ay nagsilbing chairman ng Office on Laity and Family, at direktor ng Synodal Leadership for Asian Bishops Seminar.

Noong 2014, isa si Garcera sa tatlong obispo mula sa Pilipinas na naging delegado sa Synod on the Family na ginanap sa Vatican.

Ang kanyang malawak na karanasan sa lokal at pandaigdigang simbahan ang inaasahang magiging mahalagang bahagi ng kanyang pamumuno bilang bagong pangulo ng CBCP.

Iran’s supreme leader reappears in public during Ashoura ceremony

TEHRAN, Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday since the war between Iran and Israel erupted 12 days ago, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura in the capital city of Tehran.

Khamenei, 86, was seen waving and nodding to a crowd of supporters who rose to their feet as he entered a mosque near his residence and office. The event was heavily secured, with Iranian officials, including the parliament speaker in attendance. State television aired footage of the ceremony, but did not broadcast any public remarks from Khamenei.

His absence from the public eye during the conflict had fueled speculation that the Supreme Leader had been moved to a secure location or bunker, although this was never officially confirmed by Iranian authorities.

The war began after Israel launched preemptive strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military leaders, and scientific infrastructure, claiming that Tehran was advancing toward the development of atomic weapons. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted. The missile barrage killed 28 people and caused widespread damage.

The United States became directly involved in the conflict by striking three key nuclear sites in Iran. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued warnings to Khamenei via social media, stating that while the U.S. knew his location, there were no immediate plans to assassinate him, “at least for now.”

Following a ceasefire, Khamenei issued a prerecorded statement on June 26, declaring that Iran had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a U.S. air base in Qatar. He warned against further attacks from either the United States or Israel.

Iran has confirmed the deaths of over 900 people and thousands more injured during the conflict. Significant damage to its nuclear infrastructure has also been acknowledged, though Tehran has denied access to international inspectors from the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On Wednesday, Iran formally suspended cooperation with the agency, limiting its ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program.

The extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear sites, including whether enriched uranium or centrifuges were moved before the strikes, remains unknown. It also remains uncertain whether Iran is still open to negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear ambitions.

Saturday’s ceremony, held by Khamenei, commemorated the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, a central figure in Shiite Islam. The event featured red flags symbolizing Hussein’s blood and black mourning garments, while men engaged in traditional chest-beating and self-flagellation as a demonstration of religious fervor. Some participants sprayed water on mourners to provide relief from the intense heat.

Shiites comprise over 10% of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. In Shiite-majority Iran, Ashoura holds deep religious and cultural significance, symbolizing sacrifice, resistance, and identity amid centuries of Islamic division.

Himalayan town comes alive for Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration

DHARAMSHALA, India. Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists, monks, and supporters gathered on Sunday in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, as the exiled spiritual leader reaffirmed his intent to reincarnate after his death.

Despite persistent rain, hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns made their way through the narrow streets toward the main Dalai Lama temple, accompanied by Tibetans bearing ceremonial offerings. The celebration drew visitors from across the globe, including celebrities and officials from India and the United States.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. His birthday celebration comes just days after he confirmed that he intends to reincarnate, ending speculation that he might be the last to hold the title. He emphasized that his successor should be found according to traditional Buddhist practices.

In the past, the Dalai Lama has said that his reincarnation would likely occur outside of China, in a “free world.” Many Tibetans in exile fear that Beijing will attempt to install its own chosen successor, a move seen as a strategy to tighten control over Tibet. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, insists it has the sole authority to approve the next Tibetan spiritual leader and has warned it will not recognize any successor chosen without its consent.

Recognized globally by his red robes and characteristic smile, the Dalai Lama refers to himself as a “simple Buddhist monk,” yet he is revered by millions as the living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion.

The Dalai Lama was recognized as the spiritual leader of Tibet in 1937. In the 1950s, Chinese forces took control of the region, forcing him and thousands of his followers to flee to India. From Dharamshala, he established a government in exile and has spent more than seven decades preserving Tibetan identity and advocating for autonomy through nonviolent means.

Under his leadership, the Tibetan diaspora has remained united in cultural and spiritual resilience, and the Dalai Lama continues to be one of the world’s most prominent voices for peace and compassion.

Monks donate food for the long-life prayer to celebrate the upcoming birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang (Getty Images)

Mangyan graduates receive chromebooks for licensure review

ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro. In a significant step toward digital inclusion and Indigenous empowerment, two Iraya Mangyan graduates from Occidental Mindoro were recently awarded Chromebooks under a sustainable technology initiative jointly spearheaded by BolunTurismo PH, SulatKamay, and the APO Midwest Alumni Association.

On June 28, Rhodora Matingnan-Sales and Dario Matingnan, both graduates of Bachelor of Science in Education, received the devices to support their preparation for the upcoming Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers. For these aspiring educators, the Chromebooks provide much-needed access to review materials, online classes, and examination simulations, resources that are often unavailable in geographically isolated Indigenous communities.

“This is not just about giving gadgets. It’s about building bridges toward accessible education for the Indigenous youth of Mindoro,” said Venus Funtanilla, Chairperson of the Chromebook Grant Project Philippines.

The initiative follows a sustainable model: once the recipients pass the board exam, the Chromebooks will be returned and reassigned to the next set of scholars, creating a cycle of opportunity and educational continuity. The project is led by Gary Hernal (Chairman, Chromebook Grant Project USA), Venus Funtanilla (Chairman, Chromebook Grant Project Philippines), and John Harvey Calabia (Project Coordinator for Occidental Mindoro).

More than a donation, this effort represents a shared vision for equitable access to education, cultural upliftment, and long-term community development.

Rhodora Matingnan-Sales and Dario Matingnan, both graduates of Bachelor of Science in Education, received the devices to support their preparation for the upcoming Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers.

Musical highway in UAE plays Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’

FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates. A stretch of highway in the UAE’s eastern emirate of Fujairah is turning heads and tuning ears, as a new art installation uses road rumble strips to play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for passing vehicles.

Along nearly one kilometer of the E84 highway, also known as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, motorists driving in the right-hand lane can experience a musical surprise. As car tires roll over specially designed grooves on the asphalt, the familiar melody of “Ode to Joy,” the final movement of Beethoven’s symphony and the official anthem of the European Union, comes to life.

The “Street of Music” project was developed by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy in collaboration with local authorities. Academy director Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti said the initiative aims to promote art culture by blending classical music into everyday life.

“The ‘Street of Music,’ of course, is an art project that exists in some countries, but we wanted this project to be in our country,” Al Hefaiti said. “I think the project is focused on spreading the art culture. The combination of music in our lives and our normal lives.”

Drivers are advised to travel at around 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) to hear the melody played correctly by the rhythm of their wheels hitting the grooves.

Though similar musical roads exist in countries such as Iran, Al Hefaiti believes this is the first of its kind in the Arab world. Since its unveiling, the road has gone viral on social media, attracting visitors to one of the UAE’s lesser-known but culturally vibrant emirates.

Some drivers have been seen slowing down to experience the musical lane, while curious pedestrians listen from the roadside. The installation has sparked both local and international interest, making Fujairah’s mountain highway a destination in itself.

When asked why a European composer was chosen for a project in the UAE, Al Hefaiti explained that his academy encourages students to explore different cultures and global artistic traditions.

Beyond the novelty, the project underscores a broader message: integrating art into daily life can make even the most ordinary experiences, like driving, unexpectedly beautiful.

Pope Leo XIV resumes papal summer retreat, tackles church challenges behind the scenes

VATICAN CITY. Pope Leo XIV is reviving a long-standing Vatican tradition by taking a six-week summer retreat to Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence overlooking Lake Albano, marking his first break since his historic election on May 8. But even in rest, the new pontiff carries a heavy workload.

Known for his humility and quiet leadership style, Pope Leo told cardinals during his first homily that Church leaders must “make oneself small,” so only Christ remains. Since then, he has embraced a discreet, non-protagonistic approach to his role, in contrast to his predecessors.

While Leo will be out of the public eye, those close to him say he intends to spend his time in deep reflection and preparation. The new pope is expected to review key issues facing the Church, including internal appointments, Vatican finances, abuse cases, and liturgical unity.

Among his top tasks is appointing a new prefect to lead the office responsible for vetting bishop candidates, his own former position. He also must decide whether to retain Cardinal Pietro Parolin as Vatican secretary of state, a role equivalent to prime minister, or appoint someone new.

Pope Leo also faces mounting pressure to address the Vatican’s financial instability. The Holy See is operating with a structural deficit of €50–60 million and a €1 billion shortfall in its pension fund.

He inherits unresolved sexual abuse cases, including that of Father Marko Rupnik, a prominent mosaic artist accused of abusing over two dozen adult women and nuns. Though the case involves no minors, it has drawn fierce criticism over allegations of preferential treatment during the previous papacy. The Vatican recently appointed external canon lawyers to finally hear the case.

Another legal concern involves Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted in 2023 along with eight others over financial crimes related to the Vatican’s failed €350 million London property deal. As the case moves to appeal, allegations have surfaced of improper coordination between Vatican prosecutors and the star witness. While Pope Leo may wish to avoid direct involvement, he will eventually need to clarify Becciu’s status within the Church.

Promoting unity and healing liturgical divisions is also high on Pope Leo’s agenda. Many conservative Catholics hope he will reverse Pope Francis’ restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass. Cardinal Raymond Burke recently urged Leo to end what he called a “persecution of the faithful” who prefer the old rite.

Beyond internal matters, Pope Leo is also exploring how the Church should approach global issues like artificial intelligence. A formal Church document on the topic may be forthcoming.

As for travel, Leo has a pending invitation to Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, potentially in November. He has also been invited to visit the United States, Ukraine, his former diocese in Peru, and even Argentina, which never saw a papal visit under Pope Francis.

Castel Gandolfo residents are thrilled to host a pope again after 12 summers without one. During Pope Francis’ tenure, the estate was converted into a public museum. Locals hope Pope Leo’s stay will revive the retreat’s legacy as a place of prayer, writing, and quiet reflection.

“Remember, many encyclicals were written here,” said Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the local parish priest, expressing optimism about what this summer might bring for the Church under Pope Leo’s thoughtful leadership.

A serene view of Lake Albano from Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV is spending his summer retreat while reflecting on the Church’s major challenges ahead.

Gretchen Barretto, bomoto na iligpit ang missing sabungeros — whistleblower

MAYNILA. Isinangkot ng whistleblower na si Julie Patidongan alyas “Totoy” ang dating aktres na si Gretchen Barretto bilang isa sa mga miyembro ng umano’y “Alpha Group” na bumoto para iligpit ang mga nawawalang sabungero.

Ayon kay Patidongan, nagsagawa ng pulong ang Alpha Group, na pinamumunuan ni Atong Ang, upang pag-usapan ang umano’y “pagwalis” sa mga sabungerong sangkot sa pangti-tiyope o pandaraya sa online sabong. Isa umano si Barretto sa mga nagpahayag ng pagsang-ayon sa desisyon ni Ang sa pamamagitan ng pagtaas ng kamay.

Sinabi pa ni Patidongan na ang naturang hakbang ay bahagi ng tinatawag na “cleansing” operation laban sa mga sabungerong pinaghihinalaang nagsusumbong o nagbebenta ng impormasyon sa mga kalaban ni Ang sa larangan ng sabungan.

Mariin namang pinabulaanan ng kampo ni Barretto ang mga akusasyon. Ayon sa kanyang legal counsel na si Atty. Alma Mallonga, imbento lamang ang mga paratang at gawa-gawa ng ilang indibiduwal na nagnanais umanong kotongan si Barretto.

Samantala, inihayag ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na hawak na ng Department of Justice ang ilang ebidensiya na umano’y magdidiin kay Ang, kabilang ang CCTV footage at isang USB stick na matagal nang nasa poder ni Patidongan.

Ayon kay Remulla, batay sa testimonya ni Patidongan, isang police colonel ang unang may hawak ng USB stick at inutusan siyang sirain ito nang lumabas na ang isyu. Dagdag pa niya, pinasunog rin umano ni Ang ang cellphone ni Patidongan upang mawala ang mga ebidensiya, bago siya binigyan ng bagong cellphone na maaari raw mamonitor.

15 pulis na iniugnay sa missing sabungeros, hinigpitan ng DOJ

MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng Department of Justice (DOJ) na isinailalim na sa “restricted duty” ang 15 miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na sangkot umano sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero.

Ayon kay Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, hindi na pinapayagang sumali sa anumang operasyon ang naturang mga pulis at inatasang mag-report na lamang sa mga itinalagang opisina.

“There are now restrictions on 15 members of the Philippine National Police involved in the missing ‘sabungeros’ case. They are now on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices so they can no longer participate in operations,” pahayag ni Remulla.

Tiniyak din ng kalihim sa mga kaanak ng mga biktima na patuloy ang hakbang ng DOJ upang maresolba ang kaso. Nakipagpulong si Remulla sa mga pamilya ngayong Biyernes para magbigay ng update.

Matatandaang inihayag ng whistleblower na si Julie “Totoy” Patidongan na isang sindikato, na binubuo umano ng 20 makapangyarihang negosyante na tinaguriang “Alpha” group, ang nasa likod ng serye ng pagdukot. Ayon sa kanya, may ilang tiwaling pulis na kasabwat sa operasyon, at ilan sa mga biktima ay itinapon umano sa Taal Lake.