Thursday, May 7, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 155

Atong Ang itinurong ‘utak’ sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero; nagbanta ng kaso laban sa whistleblower

MAYNILA. Itinuro ni Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, isang whistleblower at akusado sa kaso ng nawawalang mga sabungero, si negosyanteng Charlie “Atong” Ang bilang umano’y utak sa serye ng pagdukot sa ilang indibidwal na sangkot sa online sabong.

Sa isang exclusive report ng GMA News, sinabi ni Patidongan na katuwang umano ni Ang sina Eric Dela Rosa at Engr. Celso Salazar sa mga krimen. Inilahad pa niyang alam umano ng aktres na si Gretchen Barretto ang mga kaganapan, dahil palagi raw itong kasa-kasama ni Ang.

Dating chief of security ni Ang si Patidongan, at inutusan umano siya na hulihin at “iligpit” ang mga sabungerong nandaraya.

“Si Mr. Atong Ang… siya ang pinaka-mastermind,” ani Patidongan, at binanggit pa niyang may mga pulis na sangkot at inutusan upang isagawa ang mga pagdukot.

Ayon kay Patidongan, ngayon lamang siya lumantad dahil nagtitiwala siya kay PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre. “Lumutang ako dahil alam kong hindi siya kayang bayaran,” aniya.

Mariin niyang itinanggi ang mga paratang na sangkot siya sa mga krimen at iginiit na siya ay isang tagasunod lamang bilang farm manager. Pinabulaanan din niya ang akusasyong sinubukan niyang kikilan si Ang ng ₱300 milyon. Ayon sa kanya, si Ang umano ang nag-alok ng pera kapalit ng paglagda niya sa isang recantation, na tinanggihan niya.

Samantala, tinanggihan ng kampo ni Ang ang lahat ng alegasyon. Ayon kay Atty. Lorna Kapunan, abogado ni Ang, sinubukan umanong kikilan ni Patidongan si Ang at ilang miyembro ng board ng halagang ₱300 milyon.

“I think all the statements are lies,” ani Kapunan sa panayam ng GMA Integrated News. “They’re false. And I think it did come at a time when it became evident to him that Mr. Atong Ang was not going to give in his extortion.”

Binatikos din ni Kapunan ang kredibilidad ni Patidongan at binanggit ang mga nauna nitong kaso ng frustrated murder at robbery.

Inanunsyo rin ng kampo ni Ang na magsasampa sila ng reklamo laban kay Patidongan sa Huwebes sa Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office para sa attempted robbery, grave threat, coercion, at paninirang puri.

Tiwala naman ang panig ni Ang sa imbestigasyong isinasagawa ng Department of Justice (DOJ) at sinabing bukas silang makipagtulungan.

Thailand’s prime minister suspended over leaked phone call amid border dispute

BANGKOK. Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it investigates allegations that she breached ethical standards in a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian official regarding a recent border clash.

The court voted 7-2 to immediately suspend Paetongtarn from duty and gave her 15 days to respond to the accusations. The call, which was leaked to the public, reportedly showed her being overly deferential to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, raising concerns about her handling of a May 28 armed confrontation that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

Paetongtarn defended her actions, saying she aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed. “I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss,” she said after the court decision. She also apologized for any distress caused by the leaked conversation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has been appointed as acting prime minister, according to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil.

The leaked call sparked strong criticism, including from thousands of conservative and nationalist protesters who rallied in Bangkok demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation. In the recording, she appeared to downplay the concerns of a Thai military commander and referred to him as “an opponent,” while urging Hun Sen not to listen to his statements on the border issue.

The suspension adds to Thailand’s ongoing political volatility. Paetongtarn, 38, is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the prime ministership and now the third to face potential removal from office. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 coup and later exiled, while her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed by court order in 2014 before a military takeover.

Political observers say the suspension reflects deeper tensions within Thailand’s fragile democracy. “Without foundational reforms, any government, regardless of who leads it, will remain vulnerable to the same forces that have repeatedly disrupted Thailand’s democratic development,” said Purawich Watanasukh, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University.

The court’s decision comes as the country grapples with an economic slowdown and growing public dissatisfaction with the Pheu Thai-led government.

Earlier Tuesday, before the court’s suspension order, King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a Cabinet reshuffle following the exit of a major coalition party. Paetongtarn had also been appointed culture minister, though it remains unclear whether she will be allowed to assume the new role.

In addition to the Constitutional Court case, Paetongtarn faces separate investigations by another agency over the leaked call, which could also lead to her removal from office.

Meanwhile, her father Thaksin is confronting his own legal troubles. On Tuesday, he appeared in court on a charge of defaming the monarchy in 2015 and is also under investigation for how he was allowed to return from exile in 2023. Though sentenced to eight years in prison for corruption and abuse of power, he was swiftly transferred to a hospital and later granted clemency due to his age and health.

Critics argue Thaksin did not serve his sentence properly and could still be forced to return to prison. His controversial return and deal-making with former rivals have also alienated many of his longtime supporters.

The developments have cast uncertainty over the Shinawatra family’s political future and Thailand’s path toward democratic stability.

Protesters gather at Victory Monument demanding Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Trump says Israel agrees to 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept deal

WASHINGTON. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and called on Hamas to accept the deal, warning that conditions will only worsen if it is rejected.

Trump’s announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, as the former president intensifies efforts to push both Israel and Hamas toward an agreement to end the conflict and release hostages.

“My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day ceasefire, during which time we will work with all parties to end the war,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that Qatar and Egypt would relay the final proposal.

“I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better—it will only get worse,” he warned.

The proposed deal, which Trump described as his best and final offer, may face resistance from Hamas. The group has previously rejected ultimatums, even during previous ceasefires. It continues to demand a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war as a condition for releasing hostages. Israel, in turn, has said it will only end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and goes into exile.

Trump views the current phase of the conflict, which has left more than 56,000 people dead in Gaza, according to the local health ministry, as a critical opportunity for a breakthrough. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its casualty reports.

While Hamas continues to pose a threat to Israeli forces, U.S. officials believe the group’s command structure has been significantly weakened after nearly 21 months of war. Meanwhile, Iran, a key Hamas backer, was hit hard by recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear infrastructure.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the ceasefire plan, regional security, and Iran with senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Earlier in the day, Trump expressed optimism that a ceasefire deal could be finalized next week. Speaking to reporters during a visit to a new immigration facility in Florida, Trump said Netanyahu was ready to strike a deal. “He wants to,” Trump said. “I think we’ll have a deal next week.”

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled over the core issue of whether the ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the war. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.

Trump’s announcement coincided with a joint call from over 150 humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, urging the dismantling of the current aid distribution system in Gaza. They cited chaos and violence at aid distribution sites, including a recent incident where at least 10 Palestinians were reportedly killed while seeking food.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 37 people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital. “Tents, tents, they are hitting with two missiles?” said Um Seif Abu Leda, whose son was among the dead.

Elsewhere, tensions escalated after the Israeli military reported missile launches from Yemen, which were intercepted by defense systems. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of potential retaliation, stating that Yemen could face the same response Israel delivered to Iran.

A Houthi official, Nasruddin Amer, vowed continued attacks unless the blockade on Gaza ends. “Yemen will not stop its support for Gaza … unless the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza is lifted,” he posted on social media.

Netanyahu has not disclosed specific details about his upcoming visit to Washington but confirmed he would discuss trade and, likely, regional security matters, including Iran.

P14-M sibuyas na nasabat, positibo sa E. coli at salmonella

MAYNILA. Positibo sa E. coli at salmonella ang sibuyas na nasabat ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa Port of Manila na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng mahigit P14 milyon, ayon sa Department of Health (DOH).

Sa inilabas na resulta ng pagsusuri ng DOH, hindi na ligtas kainin ang nasabing produkto dahil sa kontaminasyon ng mikrobyo na maaaring magdulot ng matinding pagtatae, dehydration, at sa ilang kaso, kamatayan.

Ayon sa DOH, patunay ito ng panganib sa kalusugan ng publiko na dulot ng mga smuggled na pagkain na hindi dumaan sa wastong inspeksyon at pagsusuri.

Ang mga sibuyas ay kabilang sa mga kargamentong nasabat ng BOC na inilagay sa anim na 40-foot container, kasama ang tinatayang P20 milyong halaga ng frozen mackerel na galing umano sa China.

Kasama ang Department of Agriculture, isinagawa ng DOH at BOC ang inspeksyon sa mga naturang produkto. Wala pa namang inilalabas na resulta ang DOH hinggil sa kalagayan ng mga nasabat na frozen mackerel.

Movie review: ‘Jurassic world rebirth’ revives the franchise with thrills, heart, and stunning dinosaurs

“Jurassic World Rebirth” brings the long-running dino saga back to life in spectacular fashion, delivering the most satisfying installment the franchise has seen in years.

Helmed by Godzilla director Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp, who penned the original Jurassic Park, the film strikes a balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, the story centers on a high-stakes heist for dinosaur DNA, unfolding across the original island now overtaken by nature, and towering Cretaceous creatures.

Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali headline as extraction specialists tasked with obtaining DNA from three live giants: the Quetzalcoatlus, Mosasaurus, and Titanosaurus. The goal? A pharmaceutical breakthrough. The mission? Insanely dangerous — because the dinosaurs have to be alive during extraction.

The film cleverly divides into three suspense-filled chapters, each focused on a different dinosaur encounter. Along the way, a stranded family, a shady villain (Rupert Friend), and a nerdy paleontologist (Jonathan Bailey) add humanity and humor to the perilous adventure.

Edwards leans into Spielberg-style suspense, blending it with stunning visuals, from twilight boat shots to cliffside descents. A standout moment sees two Titanosaurs entwine their necks to the emotional swell of John Williams’ iconic theme, reminding us why this series once defined blockbuster cinema.

There are also clever callbacks to other film classics, Indiana Jones, Jaws, E.T., and even a convenience store dino attack echoing the original kitchen scene. Plus, a bonus final act teases mutant dinosaur hybrids lurking in the shadows, offering an unexpected horror twist.

With breathtaking landscapes filmed in Thailand and a strong mix of action, emotion, and monster-movie fun, Jurassic World Rebirth succeeds in bringing real awe back to the franchise. Even the candy, a recurring motif from Snickers to Altoids, adds quirky charm.

Rated PG-13 for intense action, violence, and suggestive content, the film runs 133 minutes and earns 3.5 out of 4 stars. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this installment proves there’s still real bite in the Jurassic brand.

Senegal’s luxury sheep parade showcases prestige and high prices

DAKAR, Senegal. In one of the most unique spectacles of prestige in West Africa, Senegal’s annual beauty pageant for sheep took center stage in the capital, Dakar, drawing crowds and fireworks, not for models, but for the prized Ladoum sheep, a breed known for its grandeur and astonishing market value.

The event, featuring more than a dozen of these so-called “Ferraris of sheep,” saw breeders proudly leading their animals onto an elevated stage, where they were judged on beauty, size, horns, height, and body texture. The sheep, categorized into adult male, adult female, and young/promising, were greeted with music, cheers, and traditional Assiko rhythms, while judges tallied scores.

This year’s top prize for Best Adult Male went to Prive, a 1-year and 7-month-old Ladoum estimated to be worth more than $100,000. “It feels good to be here. I cherish him so much,” said breeder Isaiah Cisse, beaming as he massaged his award-winning sheep.

The Ladoum, a crossbred sheep exclusive to Senegal, is not typically used for food or as a sacrificial offering. Instead, it is considered a status symbol, with some older specimens fetching as much as $70,000 compared to just $250 for regular sheep. Buyers from across the globe come to Senegal, where livestock remains a vital source of livelihood for the country’s 18 million people.

Weighing up to 400 pounds and standing about four feet tall, the Ladoum is prized for its impressive horns and sleek, polished coat. “You can’t see a sheep like this in Africa or even in the world,” said Judge Elhadji Ndiaye. “Ladoum is special.”

The event also drew young aspiring breeders, including 12-year-old Ibrahim Diagne, who dreams of competing one day. “My parents like this and have always done it, so I like it too,” he said.

The passion for sheep rearing runs deep in Senegalese culture, passed down through generations. This year’s Best Junior Male sheep, Alou, continued a winning family legacy, much to the pride of breeder Maniane Ndaw. “It shows that the lineage is a good one,” he said.

From seasoned champions to young hopefuls, Senegal’s sheep beauty contest celebrates not just luxury and livestock, but heritage and honor.

57% ng mga Pilipino, pabor na muling sumali ang bansa sa ICC — OCTA

MAYNILA. Lumabas sa pinakahuling survey ng OCTA Research na 57 porsyento ng mga Pilipino ang pabor na muling sumapi ang Pilipinas sa International Criminal Court (ICC), habang 37 porsyento naman ang tutol at 6 porsyento ang walang pasya.

Batay sa Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey na isinagawa mula Abril 20 hanggang 24, malakas ang suporta sa muling pakikiisa sa ICC sa Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, at Visayas, kung saan 60 porsyento ng mga respondent ang nagsabing pabor sila sa hakbang.

Sa Mindanao, lumabas na 30 porsyento lang ang sang-ayon sa muling pagsali ng bansa sa ICC, habang 66 porsyento naman ang tumutol.

Ayon sa datos, karamihan sa mga sumusuporta sa pagbabalik-ICC ay mula sa age group na 18 hanggang 24-anyos, samantalang ang mga tutol ay kadalasang nasa edad 35 hanggang 54.

Lumahok sa naturang survey ang 1,200 respondents na mga lalaki at babae na may edad 18 pataas. Isinagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng face-to-face interviews.

Gov. Sol Aragones bans rude behavior in Laguna hospitals and government offices

STA. CRUZ, Laguna. In her first official directive as governor, Sol Aragones has signed an executive order banning rude behavior in all government hospitals, Rural Health Units (RHUs), health centers, and offices across Laguna province.

The order, which requires all public servants to treat clients with courtesy and wear a smile at all times, aims to foster a culture of respect and kindness in public service. Violators of the policy will face disciplinary action, in line with existing government protocols.

“This is about promoting kindness, respect, and proper service to the public,” Governor Aragones said.

To raise awareness, the slogan “Bawal ang Mataray sa mga Ospital ng Laguna” (“Rudeness is Prohibited in Laguna Hospitals”) will be prominently displayed in posters across all public health facilities.

Vice Governor JM Carrait expressed full support for the initiative, saying, “We are the backbone behind the legislation that Governor Sol will champion, through a united and solid partnership.” The province’s board members have also pledged their support, backing Aragones’ vision of “Serbisyong May Solusyon” — a governance model focused on practical, people-centered solutions.

Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa accompanied Governor Aragones on a tour of several hospitals in the province to assess current challenges, particularly the shortage of nurses and doctors. The governor assured the public that immediate solutions are being pursued.

Governor Aragones also outlined plans to boost Laguna’s tourism through “Citizen Tourism,” a campaign encouraging locals to showcase their towns on social media to attract visitors and highlight the province’s cultural heritage.

She also reaffirmed her support for the “Grado ang Palakol” program, which will provide financial aid to academically struggling students. A dedicated team is being assembled to implement the initiative effectively.

“In line with my promise, I will continue holding office in every hospital across Laguna to ensure I stay close to the people’s concerns,” Aragones said. “We need actionable solutions for our lack of nurses and doctors — and we will find them.”

74 killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes hit cafe and aid seekers

CAIRO. At least 74 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Monday after a series of Israeli airstrikes and gunfire incidents, including a devastating attack on a crowded seaside cafe and multiple shootings of civilians seeking food aid, according to health officials and eyewitnesses.

One airstrike hit the Al-Baqa Cafe in Gaza City, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more. The cafe, which had remained open during the ongoing conflict, was frequented by residents looking for internet access and a place to charge their phones.

“Without warning, all of a sudden, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” said Ali Abu Ateila, who was inside the cafe during the strike.

Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministry’s emergency and ambulance service in northern Gaza, confirmed the number of casualties and said many of the wounded were in critical condition.

Elsewhere in Gaza City, two airstrikes on a street killed 15 people, while a separate strike on a building near the town of Zawaida left six dead, according to reports from Shifa and Al-Aqsa hospitals.

In southern Gaza, 11 people were shot and killed by Israeli forces as they returned from an aid distribution site linked to the Israeli and U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF). Witnesses said the shootings occurred about three kilometers from the distribution point in Khan Younis, along the only accessible return route. Nasser Hospital received the victims’ bodies.

The Health Ministry’s emergency services also reported that 10 people were killed in a separate incident at a United Nations aid warehouse in northern Gaza.

“We were targeted by (the Israeli) artillery,” said Monzer Hisham Ismail, who had been returning from the GHF hub.

Yousef Mahmoud Mokheimar, who was walking with others in the area, said Israeli forces in tanks fired warning shots before opening fire directly at the group. He was shot in the leg while another man was hit trying to help him. Mokheimar said he saw six people, including three children, being detained. “We don’t know whether they are still alive,” he added.

The Israeli military said it is reviewing reports of the incidents. It has previously been stated that it fires warning shots at individuals who appear suspicious or get too close to troops, including during aid distribution.

Israel has promoted the GHF as a replacement for the United Nations-led aid distribution network, accusing Hamas of diverting aid, a claim the U.N. denies.

In northern Gaza, Israel has stepped up bombardments across Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp, issuing new evacuation orders. Residents described the overnight strikes as a “scorched earth” campaign targeting civilian infrastructure.

“They destroy whatever is left standing… the sound of bombing hasn’t stopped,” said Mohamed Mahdy, who fled his damaged home Monday morning.

According to Awad, large portions of Gaza City and Jabaliya are now inaccessible, and emergency teams are unable to reach victims trapped under rubble.

The Israeli military stated it had notified civilians of its operations targeting Hamas command centers and said new fencing, signage, and routes had been established to improve aid access.

Since the war began in October 2023, over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says more than half were women and children. The war was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, about 50 of whom are believed to remain in captivity, many presumed dead.

Gapangada unveils vision for San Pablo in inauguration ceremony

SAN PABLO CITY. Mayor-elect Najie Gapangada laid out his vision for a better San Pablo City during his inauguration ceremony held on Monday morning, June 30, at the San Pablo Central School Gymnasium. His term as mayor officially begins tomorrow, on July 1.

In his inaugural address, Gapangada highlighted his administration’s core agenda: good governance, a “kotong-free” (extortion-free) city, and effective public service. He said they are branding it as “KFC, ” short for Kotong-Free City, a slogan that underscores his commitment to eliminating corruption in local government

“To deliver real change, we must ensure that our department heads are experts and trustworthy leaders,” Gapangada said in Filipino.

He formally introduced the new set of department heads, including Raul Polinag (Chief of Staff), Jason Manilay (Deputy Chief of Staff), Pamboy Lopez (City Administrator), Ann Mercado Alcantara (Tourism Officer), Dr. Rene Bagamasbad (City Health Officer), Engr. Raila Nunag (City Solid Waste Management Officer), Romy Manalo (DLSP Board of Trustees), Pepito Bonilla (Executive Assistant for Agriculture), Arvin Carandang and Tagi Felismino (CDRRMO), GT Exconde (Market Superintendent), Totoy See (Legislative Liaison), Larry Dizon and Fely Acero (DLSP Board Members), Senen Dizon (Waste Water), Mariño Garcia (Traffic Enforcer), Nicetas Gavino Jr. (General Services Officer), Ferdinand Alcos (Digitalization), Architect Richmond Concordia (City Planning), Darwin Averion (City Architect), Engr. Noel Tabo (City Engineer), Fiscal Manny Fule (City Legal), Dr. Renato Huelgas (City Veterinarian), Rolly Inciong (City Information Officer), Ernie Empemano (Flagship Program Management), and Mark Alimagno (Night Market Operations).

Gapangada, a three-term board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Laguna representing the 3rd District, is also a former manager of Planters Bank, a businessman, and a strong advocate for agriculture and rural development.

Present at the event were his wife, Evita Brion Gapangada, their children Erico and Nina, his siblings, grandchildren, and close supporters. Former Senator Gringo Honasan also attended the event, expressing his support for Gapangada’s leadership.

City government employees, representatives from civic organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in San Pablo were likewise in attendance, showing solidarity with the incoming administration.

Gapangada, a three-term board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Laguna representing the 3rd District, is also a former manager of Planters Bank, a businessman, and a strong advocate for agriculture and rural development.
City government employees, representatives from civic organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in San Pablo were likewise in attendance, showing solidarity with the incoming administration.

This article has been edited for clarity and accuracy. Names of department heads were added to provide more complete information. All edits were made without altering the original context or intent of the content. Any updates or corrections will be made in accordance with our editorial standards.
Edited on June 30, 2025, at 5:17 PM (PHT).

With reports from Ma. Theriza Cruz