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Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Maynila — Isang Pilipino mula sa Alcala, Pangasinan na umano’y lumaban para sa Russia ang kasalukuyang itinuturing na prisoner of war (POW) matapos mabihag ng mga puwersa ng Ukraine, ayon sa ulat na lumabas sa isang opisyal na proyektong Ukrainian at kinumpirma ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas.

Lumitaw sa Facebook page na “I Want to Live”—isang inisyatiba ng gobyerno ng Ukraine na humihikayat sa mga dayuhang mandirigma na sumuko, ang video ni Raymon Santos Gumangan noong Disyembre 8. Sa naturang video, ikinuwento ni Gumangan na siya ay nirekrut para sa trabahong may kinalaman sa logistics, ngunit nang makarating sa Russia ay naitalaga sa ibang tungkulin.

Batay sa salaysay, noong 2024 ay lumagda si Gumangan sa kontrata sa Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, na nagtalaga sa kanya bilang shooter sa 51st Parachute Regiment. Noong Setyembre ng parehong taon, diumano ay nasangkot siya sa mga opensiba sa Sumy region ng Ukraine, kung saan siya ay nabihag.

Kinumpirma ng pamilya ni Gumangan na nakatanggap sila ng abiso mula sa International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hinggil sa kanyang pagkakadakip. Ayon sa kanyang kapatid na si Ronie, halos hindi na nila makilala si Gumangan sa video dahil sa malaking ang ipinayat nito.

Sinabi ng pamilya na dati siyang nagtatrabaho sa isang security agency sa Pilipinas at nag-apply online para sa trabahong logistics sa ibang bansa. Ayon sa anak niyang si Raymark, isang dayuhan ang tumulong sa kanyang ama upang makakuha ang trabaho sa Russia. Sa mga unang buwan, nakakausap pa umano ng pamilya si Gumangan at naibabalita ang kanyang kalagayan.

Ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), wala sa kanilang database si Gumangan, gayundin sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Dahil dito, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DMW sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upang matukoy kung paano siya nakalabas ng bansa at kung anong mga hakbang ang maaaring gawin para sa posibleng repatriation at konsular na tulong.

Noong nakaraang linggo, iniulat ng Ukrainian military intelligence na isang Filipinong mersenaryo ang namatay sa sagupaan sa pagitan ng mga puwersa ng Russia at Ukraine isang pahayag na muling nagbigay-diin sa lumalaking presensya ng mga dayuhang mandirigma sa nagpapatuloy na giyera.

Ayon sa international humanitarian law, kabilang ang Geneva Conventions, may karapatan ang mga POW sa makataong pagtrato at komunikasyon sa kanilang pamilya sa tulong ng ICRC. Patuloy namang hinihikayat ng DFA ang mga Pilipino na iwasan ang mga lugar ng giyera at sumunod sa mga travel advisory.

Habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon, nananatiling nakatutok ang mga awtoridad sa kalagayan ni Gumangan at sa mga legal at diplomatikong hakbang upang matiyak ang kanyang kaligtasan at karapatan bilang Pilipino sa gitna ng digmaan sa eastern Europe.

Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

Cairo — Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened Monday for restricted movement, marking a significant though largely symbolic step in the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire as only a small number of Palestinians were permitted to travel and no commercial goods were allowed to pass.

An Egyptian official said authorities expected about 50 Palestinians to cross in each direction on the first day of operations. In the initial hours following the reopening, no travelers were observed entering or leaving Gaza. The move nonetheless raised cautious hope among thousands of Palestinians seeking medical evacuation, including an estimated 20,000 children and adults in need of urgent care, according to Gaza health officials.

State-run Egyptian media and an Israeli security official confirmed the reopening, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment.

A Lifeline for Medical Evacuations

For families such as that of Rajaa Abu Mustafa, the crossing represents a long-awaited chance for treatment abroad. Her 17-year-old son, Mohamed, was blinded in one eye last year while trying to obtain food from aid trucks east of Khan Younis.

“We have been waiting for the crossing to open,” Abu Mustafa said. “Now it’s opened and the health ministry called and told us that we will travel to Egypt for his treatment.”

Egyptian authorities said around 150 hospitals nationwide are prepared to receive Palestinian patients evacuated through Rafah. The Egyptian Red Crescent has also established “safe spaces” on the Egyptian side of the crossing to support evacuees.

Since the war began, Israel has barred Palestinian patients from seeking care in hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem — once a primary route for medical referrals unavailable in Gaza.

Continued Violence Amid Truce

Despite the reopening, violence continued across the coastal enclave. Gaza hospital officials reported that an Israeli navy vessel fired on a tent camp sheltering displaced people near the southern city of Khan Younis, killing a 3-year-old boy. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

According to Nasser Hospital, the strike occurred in the Muwasi coastal area, a designated tent camp zone. Gaza’s health ministry said more than 520 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, including over 100 children, as cited by UNICEF. The ministry reports that total Palestinian deaths since the start of Israel’s offensive have surpassed 71,800, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. United Nations agencies and independent experts have generally considered the ministry’s casualty data to be credible.

Oversight and Political Tensions

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel’s military controls the area between the Rafah crossing and Gaza’s main population centers. Israel and Egypt are jointly vetting travelers, with the crossing to be supervised by European Union border agents alongside a limited Palestinian presence. Officials said the number of travelers could increase if the system proves effective.

Egypt has repeatedly stressed that Rafah must remain open for both entry and exit, amid concerns that the crossing could be used to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Israeli forces seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, citing efforts to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The terminal was briefly reopened in early 2025 to allow limited medical evacuations during a previous truce.

A Step Into the Ceasefire’s Next Phase

The reopening follows Israel’s recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, a development that helped unlock progress on the crossing. It is also seen as a key milestone as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire moves into its second phase.

The truce, which paused more than two years of conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, initially called for a large-scale exchange of hostages and detainees, expanded humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The next phase is expected to be more complex, with provisions for establishing a new Palestinian governing committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and launching long-term reconstruction efforts all contingent on the ceasefire holding.

Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

Arman B. Cambe
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Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

MAYNILA — Sumuko sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD) si Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) John Mollenido kaugnay ng pagpaslang sa kanyang asawang si PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido at sa kanilang anak na si John Ysmael, matapos siyang ituro ng isa sa mga suspek sa krimen, ayon sa pulisya.

Batay sa ulat ng QCPD, isinagawa ang pagdakip sa mag-asawang Pia Katrina Panganiban, 29, at Christian Panganiban, 33, isang dating miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP), gayundin ang rider na si Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr., 41. Ang pagkakaaresto ay isinagawa matapos ang salaysay ni Pia, na diumano ay nagbigay ng mga bagong detalye hinggil sa insidente.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Pia, nakita umano niya sa pamamagitan ng video call si John Mollenido habang nagmamakaawa si Diane sa loob ng isang hideout, bago ito barilin. Sinabi rin niya na nakiusap siya na huwag idamay ang bata, subalit hindi umano ito pinakinggan.

Samantala, iginiit naman ni Dy na ang mag-asawang Panganiban ang responsable sa pagpatay sa mag-ina. Ayon sa kanyang salaysay, kasama ni Pia ang mga biktima nang dumating ang mga ito sa bahay hanggang sa maganap ang krimen.

Unang iniulat na nawawala ang mag-ina noong Enero 16 matapos huling makita si Diane na kasama si Pia sa pagbebenta ng kanyang Toyota Innova sa halagang P450,000. Makalipas ang isang linggo, natagpuan ang bangkay ni Diane sa isang creek sa Pulilan Bypass Road, Barangay Dulong Malabon, Pulilan, Bulacan, na may tama ng bala sa ulo. Noong Enero 29 naman natagpuan ang bangkay ni John Ysmael sa isang madamong calamansi farm sa Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac.

Nilinaw ni Atty. Cristobal Rimando, abogado ni John Mollenido, na hindi umano inaresto ang kanyang kliyente at sa halip ay boluntaryo itong sumuko sa pulisya.

Samantala, ang mag-asawang Panganiban at si Dy ay pormal nang kinasuhan ng double murder sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang buong pangyayari at pananagutan ng mga sangkot sa kaso.

Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that any military strike by the United States would trigger a “regional war” in the Middle East, intensifying tensions amid threats from Washington over Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

The 86-year-old leader’s remarks represent the most direct warning so far, coming as the U.S. deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Arabian Sea following the bloody suppression of demonstrations across Iran.

Khamenei described the protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of Iran’s rial currency and later evolved into a broader challenge to his rule, as “a coup.” Tens of thousands of demonstrators have reportedly been detained, with sedition charges carrying the death penalty—a major red line highlighted by President Donald Trump.

“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said during a speech at his Tehran compound, marking the start of a multi-day commemoration of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“We are not the instigators… but if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them,” he added.

Khamenei also criticized the U.S., accusing Washington of seeking control over Iran’s oil, gas, and mineral resources, “just as they controlled it before.” He reaffirmed the government’s hardline stance against demonstrators, claiming they attacked police, government centers, Revolutionary Guard facilities, banks, and mosques, even burning copies of the Quran.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists New Agency reports that over 49,500 people have been detained and at least 6,713 killed, mostly demonstrators, though the Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the figures due to Iran’s internet restrictions. Iranian authorities, as of January 21, reported a lower death toll of 3,117, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, labeling the remainder as “terrorists.”

In a separate development, Iran’s parliament announced that all European Union militaries are now considered “terrorist groups,” a response to the bloc designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terror organization over its role in the crackdown. Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session, as members donned Revolutionary Guard uniforms in solidarity with the force, which controls Iran’s ballistic missiles and answers directly to Khamenei.

President Trump has outlined two red lines for potential U.S. military action: the killing of peaceful protesters and the possible mass execution of detainees. He has also increasingly raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, noting that Tehran is engaging in talks to reach a “satisfactory” agreement, though he expressed uncertainty whether Iran would comply.

Meanwhile, Iran had planned live-fire military exercises on Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for one-fifth of global oil trade, prompting warnings from the U.S. Central Command to avoid threatening American forces or commercial shipping.

“Some people think that [Iran would be emboldened if we don’t strike]. Some people don’t,” Trump said when asked about potential U.S. actions, signaling that Washington continues to weigh diplomatic and military options.

The standoff underscores growing volatility in the region as both sides signal readiness to defend national interests while the international community watches closely.

Iimbestigahan ng MARINA ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, pagpapalit ng barko sa Basilan ferry sinking

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iimbestigahan ng MARINA ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, pagpapalit ng barko sa Basilan ferry sinking

BASILAN — Magsasagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon ang Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) kaugnay ng mga alegasyon ng mga nakaligtas sa paglubog ng M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sa karagatang sakop ng Basilan noong Lunes, kabilang ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, at umano’y pagpapalit ng barkong nakatalaga sa biyahe.

Sinabi ni MARINA Spokesperson Dir. Luisito delos Santos na kabilang sa mga tinutukoy na posibleng paglabag ang paggamit ng barkong hindi orihinal na nakatalaga para sa nasabing ruta at araw ng paglalayag.

“May mga violation na nakikita natin. Una, it appears na ’yung naka-assign na barko sa mga kababayan natin na luluwas sa araw na ’yun ay hindi talaga ’yun ’yung barko na sasakyan nila… Mukhang pinalitan,” pahayag ni delos Santos.
“Sinasabi namin ngayon, nakitaan ng mga matinding violation ang Aleson Shipping [Lines],” dagdag pa niya.

Ang M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ay pagmamay-ari at pinatatakbo ng Aleson Shipping Lines, na kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa safety audit at imbestigasyon ng MARINA.

Sinabi rin ng opisyal na sisiyasatin ang mga ulat ng mga pasaherong umano’y walang sapat na life vest at may mga lalagyan ng life jacket na naka-lock.

“Kasama rin sa imbestigasyon natin ’yan [may ilang pasahero na walang life vest]… Ang nakakalungkot, ’yung mga paunang recount ng mga pasahero, may mga life vest kaso allegedly, naka-lock ang lagayan ng life vest,” ani delos Santos.

“Ang life vest ang pangunahing depensa natin lalo na kung nagkakaroon ng mga aberyang ganito… Ang nakakalungkot, walang bagyo tapos lumubog pa ’yung barko,” dagdag niya.

Ayon sa MARINA, ang bilang ng mga functional na life vest ay dapat laging tumutugma sa awtorisadong kapasidad ng pasahero ng barko. Kasama rin sa tinitingnan ang posibilidad ng overloading at kung tumugma ang talaan ng pasahero sa aktuwal na sakay ng sasakyang pandagat.

“’Yung authorized passenger capacity ng barko na sinakyan nila, titignan natin kung walang overloading. Kaso may ibang balitang lumalabas na allegedly napalitan ’yung barko na sasakyan ng ating mga kababayan,” paliwanag ng opisyal.

Patuloy namang nakikipag-ugnayan ang MARINA sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), na nagpapatuloy sa search and rescue operations para sa mga nawawalang pasahero at pamamahala sa insidente.

Batay sa paunang beripikasyon, sinabi ng MARINA na kumpleto at balido ang mga dokumento ng M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, at walang expired na papeles. Gayunman, binigyang-diin ni delos Santos na ang pangunahing isyu sa ngayon ay ang eksaktong bilang ng mga pasahero at ang pagsunod sa mga pamantayan sa kaligtasan.

“Per documents ng mga barko, valid ang documents ng barko. Walang expired. Ang nagiging isyu lang ngayon ay ’yung bilang ng mga pasahero,” aniya.

Ipinaliwanag din ng MARINA na bagama’t isinasagawa ang taunang inspeksiyon ng mga seagoing vessel, mahalaga pa ring panatilihin ng mga operator ang seaworthiness ng kanilang mga sasakyang pandagat sa pagitan ng mga audit.

“Pero ang tanong, after the inspection, after the audit hanggang sa susunod na pagbalik ng MARINA, na-me-maintain ba ng operators ang seaworthiness ng ating mga sasakyang pandagat? ’Yan ang nakakalungkot, lumalabas na marami ang pagkukulang ng ating operators,” ani delos Santos.

Nanawagan ang MARINA sa lahat ng operator ng mga pampasaherong barko na mahigpit na sundin ang mga patakaran sa kaligtasan upang maiwasan ang pag-uulit ng mga trahedyang katulad nito.

Rafah crossing in Gaza partially opens after nearly two years

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Rafah crossing in Gaza partially opens after nearly two years

GAZA CITY — The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt began a trial phase on Sunday, marking the first step toward reopening the passage that has been largely closed for nearly two years. The partial reopening allows a limited number of Palestinians to leave the war-torn enclave and completes the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The crossing, controlled by Israel since May 2024, underwent preparatory work coordinated by the European Union, Egypt, and other parties involved in its management, according to Israel’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Officials clarified that the initial reopening will only permit a restricted number of residents to cross, with no specific timetable yet for full operations.

Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian technocratic committee overseeing Gaza, stated on social media that the crossing would operate in both directions starting Monday. He described the move as a symbolic step, signaling that “Gaza is no longer closed to the future and to the world.”

Despite the partial opening, access remains tightly controlled. An Israeli security official reported that 150 Palestinians per day will be allowed to leave Gaza, while only 50 can enter. High costs for passengers reportedly reaching thousands of dollars for some, and strict security procedures mean only a small number of residents can realistically travel.

The full reopening of Rafah was a condition of the first phase of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire, which took effect in mid-October. Israel had previously refused to reopen the crossing until all hostages, both living and deceased, were returned. The final deceased hostage, Ran Givili, was returned last week, enabling the completion of the first phase of the 20-point ceasefire deal.

The U.S. announced the start of the second phase of the ceasefire two weeks ago, coinciding with the launch of the Board of Peace by President Donald Trump in Davos.

The partial reopening of Rafah represents a cautious but significant step toward easing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and restoring limited connectivity with the outside world.

DOH-BOQ: Wala pang natutukoy na kaso ng Nipah Virus sa Pilipinas

Venus L Peñaflor
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DOH-BOQ: Wala pang natutukoy na kaso ng Nipah Virus sa Pilipinas

MAYNILA — Tiniyak ng Bureau of Quarantine ng Department of Health (DOH-BOQ) nitong Sabado na wala pang naitatalang kaso ng Nipah virus sa Pilipinas, sa gitna ng pinaigting na pagbabantay sa mga international travelers na dumarating sa bansa.

Ayon kay BOQ Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto Salvador, 24/7 na ipinatutupad ang mahigpit na border surveillance at screening protocols sa lahat ng pantalan at paliparan. Nilagyan ang mga arrival concourse ng infrared thermal scanners upang agad matukoy ang mga pasaherong may mataas na temperatura.

“As of now, since the issue about Nipah [virus] rose, we haven’t monitored or intercepted the virus even from those arriving from the direct flight from India,” pahayag ni Salvador.

Dagdag niya, ang mga biyaherong nagmumula sa mga bansang may naiulat na kaso ng Nipah virus, kabilang ang India, ay sumasailalim sa karagdagang pagsusuri bilang bahagi ng enhanced monitoring measures ng ahensya.

Awtomatikong tutunog ang mga scanner kapag lumagpas sa 37.5 degrees Celsius ang temperatura ng pasahero. Mayroon ding mga spotter na manu-manong nagmamasid sa mga biyaherong maaaring may sugat o pantal.

Kapag kinakailangang i-refer para sa masusing obserbasyon, ang pasahero ay agad na dinadala sa mga itinalagang ospital ng DOH, kabilang ang Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Nauna nang inihayag ni DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo na wala ring na-detect na kaso ng Nipah virus ang Epidemiology Bureau, bagama’t may naitala nang mga insidente ng naturang virus sa bansa noong 2014.

Samantala, iniulat ng health ministry ng India noong Martes na may dalawang kumpirmadong kaso ng Nipah virus sa kanilang bansa, habang 196 na close contacts ang nagnegatibo matapos sumailalim sa pagsusuri.

Patuloy na hinihikayat ng DOH ang publiko na manatiling kalmado, sumunod sa mga health advisory, at agad na magpatingin sa pinakamalapit na health facility kung makararanas ng mga sintomas pagkatapos bumiyahe mula sa ibang bansa.

Pokemon card event at controversial shrine in Japan canceled after China protests

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pokemon card event at controversial shrine in Japan canceled after China protests

TOKYO, Japan — A Pokémon card game event scheduled for Saturday at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a memorial honoring Japan’s war dead, has been canceled following protests from China. The Pokémon Company issued an apology after the event notice was mistakenly posted on its official website.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors more than 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including convicted war criminals. Countries that were victims of Japanese aggression, particularly China and South Korea, view visits to the shrine as a sign of Japan’s lack of remorse for its wartime past.

The announcement drew strong reactions in Chinese state media, citing trending comments on social media. China’s social media environment is heavily censored, with the government controlling which topics are allowed to trend.

“Brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market,” said People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official mouthpiece, on Weibo. “Relevant enterprises must take social responsibility and not make light of the weight of history in the name of entertainment.”

The Pokémon Company, an affiliate of Japanese game maker Nintendo, apologized in both Japanese and Chinese, explaining that the event was privately organized by a certified Pokémon card player for children, but the information was mistakenly shared on the company’s official website.

“It was an event that should not have been held to begin with,” the company said, adding that the notice was posted “by mistake because of our lack of understanding.” The event has now been canceled and all related information removed from the website.

The company emphasized its mission of “connecting the world with Pokémon” and pledged to be more considerate in the future.

Tensions between Japan and China have escalated since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could intervene if China takes military action against Taiwan, an island Beijing claims as its own. In response, China imposed economic and diplomatic measures.

Takaichi, who was previously a regular visitor to Yasukuni Shrine, has not prayed at the site since taking office in October.

Tatlong suspek arestado sa brutal na nagpatay sa police woman at 8-taong gulang na anak

Venus L Peñaflor
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Tatlong suspek arestado sa brutal na nagpatay sa police woman at 8-taong gulang na anak

MAYNILA — Patuloy na lumilitaw ang mga bagong detalye sa imbestigasyon ng Philippine National Police (PNP) hinggil sa brutal na pagpatay sa isang policewoman at sa kanyang walong taong gulang na anak, matapos arestuhin ang tatlong suspek sa Novaliches, Quezon City.

Kinilala ng mga awtoridad ang mga suspek bilang sina Pia Katrina Panganiban, 29, isang car dealer; ang kanyang asawa na si Christian Suarez Panganiban, 44, isang dismissed police officer; at ang kanilang driver na si Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr., 41. Ayon sa PNP, naaresto ang tatlo sa pinagsanib na operasyon ng Quezon City Police District at iba pang yunit ng pulisya noong gabi ng Enero 30.

Ayon sa PNP, dalawa sa mga suspek ay isang magkasintahan na pinaniniwalaang nagplano na patayin si Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido, 38 taong gulang, upang makuha ang kanyang sasakyan na isang multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Lumalabas sa imbestigasyon na ang magkasintahan ay nagpakilalang ahente sa bentahan ng naturang sasakyan.

Batay sa ulat, inanyayahan ng mga suspek si Mollenido sa kanilang tahanan sa Novaliches noong Enero 16.

Nang salakayin ng mga awtoridad ang nasabing bahay noong Biyernes ng gabi, natagpuan umano ang 29-anyos na babaeng suspek na nakaupo sa sofa kung saan binaril sa ulo nang malapitan ang policewoman.

Dagdag pa ng mga source, bago ang pamamaril ay tinakpan umano ng mga suspek ng plastik ang sofa upang takpan ang kanilang krimen. Matapos patayin ang policewoman, hinarap naman ng mga suspek ang walong taong gulang na anak na si John Ysmael, na diumano ay sinakal gamit ang isang plastik na supot.

Isinagawa ang krimen habang nasa katabing silid lamang ang sanggol na anak ng magkasintahan.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, isinakay ang mga bangkay ng mag-ina sa isang sport utility vehicle (SUV) at itinapon ng isang kasabwat sa magkahiwalay na lugar sa Pulilan, Bulacan at Victoria, Tarlac.

Natagpuan ang katawan ni Mollenido noong Enero 24 sa isang sapa sa Pulilan, na may tama ng bala sa ulo. Samantala, noong Enero 29, narekober ang bangkay ng bata sa isang taniman ng kalamansi sa Victoria, Tarlac. Positibong kinilala ang bangkay ng ama ng bata na si Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido.

Patuloy ang masusing imbestigasyon ng PNP upang matukoy ang buong detalye ng krimen at ang posibleng pananagutan ng lahat ng sangkot.

Mine collapse in eastern Congo leaves at least 200 dead

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Mine collapse in eastern Congo leaves at least 200 dead

GOMA, Congo — At least 200 people were killed when a landslide collapsed several mines at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo earlier this week, authorities said Saturday.

The disaster occurred Wednesday at the Rubaya mines, which are under the control of the M23 rebel group, according to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu province. Heavy rains were cited as the cause of the collapse.

“For now, there are more than 200 dead, some still trapped in the mud,” Muyisa told The Associated Press. He added that several others were injured and initially treated at three health facilities in Rubaya, with ambulances scheduled to transfer the wounded to Goma, the nearest city about 50 kilometers away.

In response, the rebel-appointed governor has temporarily halted artisanal mining at the site and ordered the relocation of residents living near the mines.

A former miner at Rubaya explained that landslides are frequent because the tunnels are dug by hand, poorly constructed, and left without maintenance. “People dig everywhere, without control or safety measures. In a single pit, there can be as many as 500 miners, and because the tunnels run parallel, one collapse can affect many pits at once,” said Clovis Mafare.

Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region long plagued by violence involving government forces and various armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The resurgence of M23 has worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis in the area.

Congo is a major global supplier of coltan, a metallic ore containing tantalum used in smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines. The country produced roughly 40 percent of the world’s coltan in 2023, with Rubaya accounting for over 15 percent of global tantalum supply, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The M23 group seized Rubaya in May 2024 and now collects taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, reportedly generating at least $800,000 per month, according to a U.N. report.

Eastern Congo has faced decades of conflict, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced, including more than 300,000 since December 2025.

Despite a U.S.-brokered deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments and ongoing negotiations with rebel groups, fighting continues in several parts of eastern Congo, resulting in numerous civilian and military casualties. The agreement also provides access to critical minerals for the U.S. government and American companies.

Authorities continue rescue and recovery operations at the Rubaya site while assessing the full scope of the disaster and the safety of remaining mines.

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