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Former mayor Alice Guo held in contempt again over alleged ties to Chinese syndicates

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MANILA. Former Bamban town mayor Alice Guo was held in contempt for a second time on Monday after refusing to answer key questions from the Philippine Senate regarding her alleged connections to Chinese criminal syndicates and her mysterious escape from the country two months ago.

Guo, 38, was recently arrested in Indonesia after authorities located her hiding alongside a Chinese monk, reportedly disguised with short-cropped hair. Upon her deportation to the Philippines, she denied any involvement with criminal organizations.

Wearing a bulletproof vest during her appearance before the Senate investigative panel, Guo remained evasive, stating that death threats and ongoing criminal cases prevented her from fully responding to the questions. “I cannot provide details because of the threats to my life,” she said, but did not offer any evidence to support her claim.

This marks the second time the Senate has cited Guo in contempt. In July, senators issued an arrest warrant after she failed to attend a hearing. It was later discovered that Guo had fled the country, traveling through Malaysia, Singapore, and eventually Indonesia, before her capture.

Guo, who served as Bamban’s mayor since 2022, was removed from office by the Ombudsman last month due to grave misconduct charges. She is currently facing graft charges in a Philippine trial court and a separate money laundering complaint at the Department of Justice.

Senate Grilling and Contempt Motion

The session grew tense as senators pressed Guo on her alleged connections to criminal activities. Senator Risa Hontiveros, head of the investigative committee, expressed frustration with Guo’s evasive testimony, accusing her of lying about her identity. Evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Guo’s fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping.

“I move to cite Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, in contempt of the Senate for testifying falsely and evasively before this committee,” Hontiveros stated, with the motion swiftly approved by the committee.

Escape by Boat

When asked how she managed to flee the Philippines, Guo described a clandestine escape involving a yacht. “We left on a yacht, aided by an Asian woman whom I will not name,” Guo said, adding that they later transferred to a larger vessel to complete their journey.

Her escape has raised concerns amid a larger Senate investigation into illegal activities in Bamban. In May, law enforcers raided a casino in the town, uncovering what authorities described as scams being run from a facility partly owned by Guo.

Allegations Tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)

Adding to the complexity of her case, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently urged Guo to come clean about her alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). POGOs, which target Chinese customers, have been linked to various criminal enterprises, prompting Marcos to ban the industry in July.

Guo, however, was firm in her denial. “I am not involved in POGOs,” she said in one of her few clear statements during the hearing.

As her case continues to unfold, it has captivated the nation, particularly at a time when tensions between the Philippines and China are rising due to territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Senators remain determined to uncover the truth behind Guo’s actions and connections.

Vietnam devastated by floods as bridge collapses and bus swept away; storm death toll rises to 59

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HANOI, Vietnam. Flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi have wreaked havoc across Vietnam, leading to the collapse of a bridge and the sweeping away of a bus, as the death toll from the storm and its aftermath rose to at least 59, state media reported Monday.

The typhoon, which made landfall on Saturday, initially caused nine deaths before weakening into a tropical depression. However, floods and landslides in the aftermath have claimed at least 50 more lives, according to state media outlet VN Express. Rivers in northern Vietnam have reached dangerously high levels, with several provinces still battling the effects of the storm.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Cao Bang province, where a passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept into a flooded stream by a landslide. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, but their progress was hindered by additional landslides blocking the roads.

Meanwhile, in Phu Tho province, a steel bridge spanning the Red River collapsed on Monday morning. The collapse sent 10 cars, trucks, and two motorbikes into the swollen river. Authorities confirmed that three individuals had been rescued and taken to the hospital, but 13 others remain missing.

“I felt like I was drowned to the bottom of the river,” Pham Truong Son, a 50-year-old survivor of the bridge collapse, told VNExpress. He recounted hearing a loud noise while driving across the bridge on his motorcycle, followed by the sensation of falling into the river. Son managed to survive by grabbing onto a floating banana tree before being rescued.

The storm has also heavily impacted Vietnam’s northern industrial hubs, particularly in Haiphong province, where dozens of businesses have been unable to resume production. State media reported that factories had sustained extensive damage, with roofs torn off, equipment destroyed, and goods lost to flooding.

Power outages continue to plague Haiphong and neighboring Quang Ninh provinces due to toppled electricity poles. Both regions are crucial to Vietnam’s export economy, housing factories for major companies such as electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast and Apple suppliers Pegatron and USI. Initial estimates suggest nearly 100 enterprises suffered millions of dollars in damages.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the port city of Haiphong on Sunday, announcing a relief package of $4.62 million to assist recovery efforts in the affected areas.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades, made landfall with winds reaching 149 kph (92 mph). Although it weakened on Sunday, Vietnam’s meteorological agency has warned that continuing heavy rains pose a serious risk of further floods and landslides.

In Sa Pa, a popular tourist destination, a landslide killed six people, including an infant, and injured nine others. Across the country, at least 299 people have been reported injured in the aftermath of the typhoon.

The capital, Hanoi, saw overcast skies and intermittent rain as workers cleared fallen trees and electricity poles. However, northwestern Vietnam continues to endure heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting some areas could receive over 40 centimeters (15 inches) of rain.

Typhoon Yagi’s devastation is not limited to Vietnam. Before making landfall, the storm claimed at least 20 lives in the Philippines and four in southern China. In China’s Hainan province, infrastructure losses are estimated at $102 million, with 57,000 homes destroyed and widespread power and water outages.

Experts have linked the increasing intensity of storms like Typhoon Yagi to climate change. “Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel storms, leading to stronger winds and heavier rainfall,” said Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

The full extent of the damage in Vietnam is still being assessed, but recovery efforts are expected to take weeks, if not longer, as the country deals with the aftermath of one of the most destructive storms in its recent history.

Nadagdagan ng 6 ang kaso ng mpox sa bansa: DOH nanawagan ng mas mahigpit na kalinisan

MAYNILA. Anim na bagong kaso ng mpox ang naitala sa bansa, na nagdala ng kabuuang 14 na aktibong kaso, ayon sa Department of Health (DOH) kahapon, Setyembre 9. Ayon sa DOH, ang lahat ng pasyente ay nagpapagaling na sa kanilang mga tahanan.

Sa isang press conference, kinumpirma ni Health Secretary Ted Herbosa na mula Hulyo 2022, umabot na sa 23 ang kabuuang bilang ng mpox cases sa bansa. Karamihan sa mga ito ay mula sa Metro Manila, Calabarzon, at Cagayan Valley.

“Ang pangunahing rekomendasyon ko sa publiko ay ang madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay,” ani Herbosa, na nananawagan sa publiko na panatilihin ang kalinisan upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus. Para naman sa mga establisyimento tulad ng mga hotel at spa, binigyang-diin ni Herbosa na dapat palitan ang mga linen at tuwalya pagkatapos gamitin ng bawat kliyente.

Bagaman walang deklarasyon ng emergency, nagbabala si Herbosa na may posibilidad na makarating sa bansa ang Clade Ib strain ng monkeypox virus (MPXV), isang mas bagong uri ng virus na kasalukuyang umiikot sa Democratic Republic of the Congo at mga karatig-bansa nito. “Walang dapat ikabahala. Mananatiling pareho ang pamamahala natin para sa mpox,” dagdag niya.

Sa kasalukuyan, lahat ng 23 kumpirmadong kaso ng mpox sa bansa ay sinuri para sa Clade II strain ng MPXV, na itinuturing na mas banayad. Sinabi rin ng DOH na ang mga pinaghihinalaang kaso ng mpox ay maaaring makapag-avail ng libreng testing services sa mga ospital ng gobyerno upang makumpirma kung sila ay nahawaan ng virus.

Patuloy na nananawagan ang DOH sa publiko na maging maingat at sundin ang mga patakaran sa kalinisan upang maiwasan ang karagdagang pagkalat ng mpox.

Samantala, nilinaw ng DOH na base sa kasalukuyang datos na hawak nila, hindi pa kinakailangan magpatupad ng lockdown. Wala rin silang plano na ipatupad ang sapilitang paggamit ng face mask o face shield sa ngayon.

Israeli airstrikes in Syria leave 14 dead, according to Syrian state media

DAMASCUS. A series of overnight Israeli airstrikes in Syria left 14 people dead and 43 injured, Syrian state media reported on Monday. The strikes, which hit several areas in central Syria, damaged infrastructure, sparked fires, and targeted locations linked to Iranian militias.

According to Syrian state news agency SANA, the strikes occurred late Sunday, with initial reports from Masyaf National Hospital indicating a lower death toll of four, which later rose to 14. Faysal Haydar, the hospital director, confirmed the revised casualty numbers, stating, “The situation in the affected areas has been devastating, and we continue to treat the wounded.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitoring group, reported that at least four of the deceased were civilians.

Among the primary targets was a scientific research facility in Masyaf, an area known to house Iranian military personnel and weapons experts. Local reports also mentioned strikes near the coastal city of Tartous, further intensifying fears of escalations in the region.

The Israeli military has remained silent on these specific strikes, a pattern it has followed in recent years despite launching numerous attacks on government-controlled Syrian areas. Israel’s strikes often focus on Iranian-backed groups and Hezbollah, aiming to prevent Iranian entrenchment in the region. Iran has been using Syria as a crucial supply route to arm Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The current strikes come as Hezbollah continues to engage in skirmishes with Israeli forces, with the broader context of Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. The involvement of these militant groups, both allied with Iran, has raised concerns of a larger regional conflict.

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass demands return of Queen Nefertiti bust from Berlin

CAIRO. On September 8, renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass called for the return of the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti from the Neues Museum in Berlin to Egypt. Hawass, known for his passionate advocacy for the repatriation of Egyptian artifacts, launched a public petition aiming to bring the 3,300-year-old treasure back to its homeland.

The bust, a stunning limestone piece painted to depict the legendary beauty of Queen Nefertiti, was discovered in 1912 by a German archaeological team at Tell el-Amarna, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) south of Cairo. The following year, it was transported to Berlin, where it has remained ever since.

Tell el-Amarna served as the short-lived capital of Nefertiti’s husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten of Egypt’s 18th dynasty. Akhenaten, often referred to as the “heretic king,” dramatically shifted the country’s religious practices by promoting the worship of Aten, the sun god, to the exclusion of all other deities. This period of Akhenaten’s reign also saw significant transformations in Egyptian art.

Hawass, in his petition launched on Saturday, argued that the bust of Nefertiti was taken out of Egypt illegally after its discovery. “We announce today that Egypt—this is the national committee, not a government committee—asks for the return of the bust of Nefertiti,” he declared.

He urged supporters to visit his website (hawasszahi.com) and sign the petition, emphasizing, “What I need from everyone here is to go to my website… and you will sign, one signature, to show that you would love for this bust to come back.”

While Hawass acknowledged that some Egyptian artifacts were legally removed from the country, he focused his efforts on reclaiming what he refers to as “three main beautiful objects”—the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac.

The ongoing campaign reflects Egypt’s broader efforts to recover cultural heritage items taken during colonial periods, with Nefertiti’s bust being one of the most significant symbols of that struggle.

70-year-old retiree graduates from medical school, shares inspirational advice for aspiring doctors

HONG KONG. At 70 years old, Toh Hong Keng has defied expectations and graduated from medical school, making him one of the world’s oldest graduates. What surprised many wasn’t just his age but the determination and perseverance he showed throughout his five-year journey at Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines.

“My family and friends were surprised at first. Several of my friends thought I was crazy wanting to study medicine at this age,” said Toh, a retired Malaysian executive, over coffee in Hong Kong, where he has resided for decades.

Toh’s gray hair often led people to mistake him for a professor, but he was, in fact, a medical student just like his much younger classmates. His journey to become a doctor, however, was no easy feat. “It wasn’t always easy,” he admits. “At 65 to 70 years old, my memory, eyesight, hearing, and body are not as good as when I was younger.”

Despite the challenges, Toh maintained an unyielding commitment to his studies. For five years, he buried himself in anatomy textbooks, flashcards, and late-night study sessions fueled by large mugs of coffee. His efforts paid off, but not without setbacks. He was held back a year after failing a pediatrics exam, and his final year involved grueling 30-hour hospital shifts.

Toh recalled moments of self-doubt. “Actually, why do I have to do this? Maybe I should give up,” he said, reflecting on his thoughts during tough times. His family and classmates, many decades younger, kept him going. One phrase that stuck with him was the Filipino word “Sayang,” which means “it would be a shame.” His classmates often reminded him, “If you give up now, it will be sayang.”

Dr. Marvi Dulnuan-Niog, dean of the medical school, praised Toh’s unwavering resolve. “Mr. Toh is already an accomplished businessman and professional, yet he is still very open to new things. He was very passionate and persevering.”

The desire to study medicine only came to Toh in 2018, when he met two young Indian medical students during a vacation in Kyrgyzstan. “The only reason why I decided to study medicine was because I wanted something useful to do,” he said. After spending years in tech sales, he wanted a new direction. “If I can’t be a practicing doctor, at least I can look after myself somewhat.”

After signing off from the corporate world in 2019, Toh embarked on his medical school journey. However, he faced numerous challenges in applying to programs, as many schools had age limits. After several exams and interviews, he found his place at Southwestern University in Cebu.

Toh completed his first year of studies in the Philippines, which involved hands-on learning and clinical labs. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, he moved back to Hong Kong, to continue his lectures online.

Although it remains unclear if Toh is the oldest person to ever graduate from medical school, he joins a list of elderly doctors who have defied age-related expectations. Dr. Howard Tucker, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest practicing doctor, celebrated his 102nd birthday in Cleveland, Ohio, and continues teaching neurology.

For Toh, the future might not involve becoming a licensed physician. Instead, he plans to work as a consultant for a friend’s company specializing in allergy and immunology diagnostics in Hong Kong. He is also working to create a scholarship fund for medical students from developing countries who struggle with tuition fees.

“If you have a dream to be a medical doctor, you can still do it at any age,” Toh advised. “Studying medicine is intensive and extensive, but it’s not that hard—it’s just hard work.”

One phrase that stuck with him was the Filipino word “Sayang,” which means “it would be a shame.” His classmates often reminded him, “If you give up now, it will be sayang.”

Photo: CNN

Pope brings humanitarian aid and toys to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea

VANIMO, Papua New Guinea. Pope Francis journeyed to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea on Sunday, bringing with him a ton of humanitarian aid and toys for the local communities. This trip, aimed at celebrating the Catholic Church’s outreach to the most isolated corners of the world, was marked by the delivery of medicine, clothing, musical instruments, and a powerful message of hope.

Flying aboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 transport plane, Francis arrived in Vanimo, a small town on Papua New Guinea’s northwest coast. The Pope was greeted by 20,000 local residents, who sang and danced in a vibrant welcome. The local Catholic community, along with missionaries from Francis’ native Argentina, had long been anticipating his arrival. During the ceremony, Pope Francis donned a feathered headdress gifted by the community and addressed the crowd from a raised stage.

In his speech, Pope Francis praised the dedication of Catholic missionaries who serve in remote regions but reminded the people of Vanimo that true change must come from within. He called on the community to unite like an orchestra, where every individual plays a role in overcoming rivalries and building harmony.

“Drive out fear, superstition, and magic from people’s hearts,” Pope Francis urged. He condemned the tribal violence and destructive behaviors that have plagued the region, such as gender-based violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse. “These evils imprison and take away the happiness of so many of our brothers and sisters,” the Pope emphasized.

Earlier that day, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, before a congregation of 35,000. In his homily, he acknowledged the country’s sense of distance from the global Church but reassured them of God’s enduring presence. “You who live on this large island in the Pacific Ocean may sometimes have thought of yourselves as a far away and distant land, situated at the edge of the world,” Francis said. “Yet today the Lord wants to draw near to you, to let you know that you are at the center of his heart and that each one of you is important to him.”

Pope Francis’ journey to Vanimo is part of his broader commitment to reaching the “peripheries” of society, a principle he has championed since his election as pope in 2013. The remote town of Vanimo, with a population of just 11,000, is located near the border of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, accessible primarily by plane or boat.

Francis’ deep connection with Catholic missionaries was evident throughout the visit. The Pope’s trip to Vanimo was made possible largely due to the efforts of Rev. Martin Prado, an Argentine missionary who has worked in the region for over a decade. Rev. Prado shared the story of how, in 2019, he accompanied a group of parishioners to the Vatican and personally invited Pope Francis to visit Vanimo. “He has a big heart for people. It’s not just words: He does what he says,” Prado said, recalling the Pope’s response to the invitation.

In addition to humanitarian aid, Pope Francis is helping to build a new secondary school in the diocese. Rev. Prado noted that half of the children in the region are unable to attend high school due to a lack of available spots.

The event also carried a distinct Argentine flair, with a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, the patron saint of Argentina, prominently displayed on the stage. After the public ceremony, Pope Francis met privately with local nuns and missionary priests, where he was served mate, a traditional Argentine tea.

Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea is part of his four-nation tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. After his stop in Vanimo, the Pope will continue his journey, with planned visits to East Timor and Singapore later this week.

This trip, like many of Pope Francis’ international travels, highlights his commitment to championing the most marginalized communities. With 2.5 million Catholics in Papua New Guinea, a country of approximately 10 million, the Pope’s visit reinforces the Catholic Church’s presence and support in the region, where the faith is often intertwined with traditional Indigenous beliefs.

Small asteroid disintegrates in Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines

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NEW YORK. A small asteroid, designated 2024 RW1, burned up harmlessly in Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines on Wednesday, just hours after its discovery, according to NASA. The asteroid, which measured about 3 feet (1 meter) across, was detected by astronomers in Arizona earlier that day.

The asteroid was identified by the Catalina Sky Survey, a NASA-funded project operated by the University of Arizona. This event marks only the ninth time an asteroid has been spotted before entering Earth’s atmosphere.

NASA reassured the public that space rocks of this size frequently approach Earth—about once every two weeks—without posing any significant threat. Despite its fiery demise, 2024 RW1 caused no harm as it disintegrated over the Philippine coast.

Such discoveries highlight the importance of ongoing asteroid detection efforts, allowing scientists to track near-Earth objects, even those that do not pose a risk.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, naaresto na sa kasong sex trafficking at pang-aabuso

MAYNILA. Naaresto na ang kontrobersyal na pastor na si Apollo Quiboloy kahapon, September 8, matapos ang ilang araw na pagtugis ng mga operatiba ng Philippine National Police (PNP), ayon kay Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.

“Apollo Quiboloy has been caught,” pahayag ni Abalos sa kanyang Facebook page, ngunit hindi idinetalye kung saan at paano siya naaresto.

Ayon sa isang bukod na ulat, naaresto si Quiboloy sa loob ng KOJC compound sa Davao City, kung saan ay hinahanap siya ng mga pulis mula pa noong Agosto 24.

Si Quiboloy, na nagpakilalang “owner of the universe” at “appointed son of God,” ay nahaharap sa mga kaso ng sexual abuse, child exploitation, at human trafficking. Patuloy niyang itinatanggi ang mga akusasyon.

Noong August 24, higit sa 2,000 pulis ang ipinadala sa Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound sa Davao City para isilbi ang warrant of arrest laban sa kanya, sa pag-aakalang nagtatago siya sa loob ng compound.

Bukod sa mga kasong ito sa Pilipinas, si Quiboloy ay nasa FBI’s “most wanted” list sa Estados Unidos dahil sa mga kasong sex trafficking at bulk cash smuggling. Mariin din niyang pinabulaanan ang mga alegasyong ito.

Si Quiboloy, na sinusundan ng milyon-milyong mga tagasunod sa bansa, ay kilalang malapit na kaibigan ng dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at may malakas na impluwensya sa pulitika.

Ang kanyang pagkakahuli ay isa sa mga pinakamalaking balita na kaugnay ng kasong human trafficking at pang-aabuso sa mga kabataan sa bansa.\

Opisyal ng navy, pinatay at iniwan sa sasakyan sa Batangas; 2 suspek arestado

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STO. TOMAS CITY, Batangas. Isang opisyal ng Navy intelligence ang natagpuang patay sa loob ng kanyang sasakyan sa kahabaan ng Maharlika Highway sa Barangay San Rafael, lungsod na ito sa Batangas noong Biyernes ng gabi.

Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, itinago muna ang pagkakakilanlan ng biktima, na sinasabing miyembro ng Navy enlisted personnel. Ang bangkay ng opisyal ay natagpuan ng isang alyas Manuel matapos mapansin ang isang abandonadong silver Toyota Innova na nakaparada sa highway dakong 10:40 ng gabi.

Ang biktima ay nagtamo ng dalawang tama ng bala sa likod at katawan, ayon sa mga imbestigador.

Nagsagawa ng hot pursuit operation ang mga operatiba ng Calamba Police, Sto. Tomas Police, at Naval Intelligence Security Group-National Capitol Region (NISG-NCR). Sa operasyon, naharang nila ang isang rent-a-car vehicle na may dalawang sakay sa Turbina tollgate ng Southern Luzon Expressway bandang 7:20 ng gabi nitong Sabado. Nahuli ang dalawang suspek na kinilalang sina alyas “Carlo”, 26, isang operations director, at alyas “Jay Maril”, 29, isang supervisor. Pareho silang residente ng Barangay Paria, Calamba City.

Narekober mula sa dalawang suspek ang isang 9mm Glock caliber pistol na service firearm ng biktima, 11 bala ng 9mm, at isang pulang Toyota Vios (plakang DAU-9163).

Ayon kay Lt. Col. Titoy Jay Cuden, hepe ng Calamba Police, “Sa back-tracking investigation at pagrepaso sa ilang nakuhang video footage ng close-circuit television (CCTV) camera na naka-install malapit sa crime site bago at pagkatapos nilang iwanan ang sasakyan na may bangkay ng biktima, natukoy namin ang dalawang posibleng suspek, at tinunton namin ang kinaroroonan ng posibleng safehouse ng mga suspek.”

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon upang mabatid ang motibo sa likod ng krimen at kung may iba pang sangkot sa insidente.