Saturday, May 23, 2026


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Ceasefire holds as Iran–U.S. tensions continue, Bahrain arrests dozens amid security crackdown

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Ceasefire holds as Iran–U.S. tensions continue, Bahrain arrests dozens amid security crackdown

MANAMA, Bahrain — A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to be holding on Saturday as diplomatic efforts intensified across multiple countries, even as new security developments in Bahrain and continued military tensions in the Gulf underscored the volatility of the situation.

In Bahrain, the Ministry of Interior said it arrested 41 individuals allegedly linked to a group affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify others connected to the group but provided no additional details. The government did not immediately present evidence supporting the claim.

The arrests come amid heightened domestic sensitivities in Bahrain, a Sunni-ruled kingdom with a Shiite majority population. Human rights organizations have previously accused the government of using regional tensions involving Iran and the United States, which maintains its Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, as justification for tightening restrictions on dissent.

At sea, tensions remain elevated in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been accused of disrupting maritime traffic. The United States has also imposed measures restricting Iranian port activity, further straining global shipping routes critical to energy supplies.

U.S. military footage released earlier showed strikes on two Iranian tankers, while Washington has also acknowledged previous action against a vessel it said was attempting to breach a blockade. Iranian-aligned media reported that a separate cargo vessel caught fire after a U.S. strike, killing at least one sailor and injuring 10 others, though it remains unclear whether it was among the targeted ships.

Despite the continued military activity, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire remains in effect, while warning that full-scale strikes could resume if Tehran does not agree to terms involving the reopening of the strait and limits on its nuclear program.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, signaled no immediate shift in position. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran was not operating under external deadlines and continues to review a U.S. proposal tied to ongoing negotiations, according to state media reports.

Speculation has also persisted regarding Iran’s leadership after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the start of the conflict. Iranian officials have sought to dispel rumors about his condition, stating he is in good health, although no recent verified appearances have been made.

Amid the regional tensions, several countries are stepping up maritime security preparations. Britain announced it is deploying the HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of a potential joint protection mission for commercial shipping, while France is positioning its naval forces in the Red Sea.

The two European allies have led discussions with multiple countries on forming a coalition to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, although officials stressed the plan would only proceed after a sustained ceasefire and assurances of maritime safety.

Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press also raised environmental concerns after indicating a large oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island, a key crude export terminal. Maritime analysts estimated that tens of thousands of barrels may have leaked, though the cause remains unclear and could range from technical failure to military activity.

As the situation unfolds, diplomacy continues in parallel with military and security developments. Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Pakistan have all called for continued negotiations, with several governments reporting ongoing backchannel contacts with both Washington and Tehran.

Despite the ceasefire, the combination of naval incidents, arrests, and unresolved diplomatic tensions suggests the region remains on edge as global powers attempt to prevent further escalation.

Ina ng tahanan, ilaw ng kinabukasan

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ina ng tahanan, ilaw ng kinabukasan

Tuwing sasapit ang Mother’s Day, karaniwan nating nakikita ang mga bulaklak, family dining, at malalambing na mensahe para sa mga ina. Ngunit sa kulturang Pilipino, ang pagiging ina ay mahigit pa sa isang selebrasyon. Ito ay simbolo ng sakripisyo, tiyaga, at pagmamahal na walang hinihinging kapalit.

Sa maraming pamilyang Pilipino, ang ina ang unang gumigising at huling nagpapahinga. Siya ang nagba-budget, nag-aalaga sa mga anak, naghahanda ng pagkain, at gumagawa ng paraan kapag kulang ang panggastos. Maraming ina ang nagtitiis sa mabibigat na trabaho bilang kasambahay, labandera, tindera sa palengke, o manggagawa upang maitawid lamang ang pag-aaral at pangarap ng kanilang mga anak.

Nakakalungkot isipin na may ilang kabataan na ikinahihiya ang trabaho ng kanilang mga nanay dahil sa tingin nila ay “mababa” lamang ito. Nahihiya silang ipakilala ang kanilang mama na naglalaba ng damit ng ibang tao, nagwawalis sa bahay ng mayaman, o nagtitinda sa init at ulan, hanggang sa kumapal at gumaspang ang kanyang mga palad na parang papel de liha

Walang nakakahiyang trabaho kung ito ay marangal at ginagawa para sa pamilya.

Ang bawat piraso ng damit na nilabhan, bawat sahod na kinita sa paglilinis ng ibang bahay, at bawat panindang naibenta sa kalsada ay bunga ng pagmamahal ng isang ina na handang magsakripisyo upang mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang kanyang mga anak.

Sa halip na ikahiya, mas dapat silang mahalin at ipagmalaki.

Ang hirap na dinaranas ng isang ina ay hindi dapat maging dahilan ng kahihiyan kundi inspirasyon upang magsikap sa pag-aaral, makatapos ng kurso, magkaroon ng disenteng trabaho, at tuluyang mabago ang kalagayan ng pamilya. Ang edukasyon ay isa sa pinakamabisang paraan upang maputol ang cycle ng kahirapan na matagal nang pasan ng maraming pamilyang Pilipino.

Ang pinakamagandang maibibigay na regalo sa isang ina ay hindi mamahaling bagay, kundi ang makitang natutupad ng kanyang mga anak ang mga pangarap na minsan ay ipinagpaliban niya para sa kanyang sarili.

Sa kulturang Pilipino, tinatawag nating “ilaw ng tahanan” ang mga ina dahil sila ang nagbibigay-liwanag at direksiyon sa pamilya. Ngunit higit pa rito, sila rin ang tahimik na lakas na bumubuo sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon.

Ngayong Mother’s Day, alalahanin natin na ang tunay na halaga ng isang ina ay hindi nasusukat sa estado ng buhay o uri ng trabaho, kundi sa lawak ng kanyang pagmamahal at sakripisyo.

Maligayang Araw ng mga Ina sa lahat ng nanay na walang pagod na lumalaban para sa kanilang pamilya. Ang inyong pawis, pagod, at pagmamahal ay hindi kailanman mababa. Pundasyon ito ng maraming tagumpay at pangarap.

Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026 draws hundreds of cyclists in a major green movement ride in San Pablo City

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026 draws hundreds of cyclists in a major green movement ride in San Pablo City

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts gathered before dawn on Saturday, May 9, for Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026, a 15-kilometer fun bike ride held as part of the 86th Charter Anniversary celebration of San Pablo City under the Yakap Lawa program.

The event officially took off at exactly 6 a.m. from the Bonifacio Shrine in San Pablo City, bringing together participants from various sectors in support of environmental awareness, healthy living, and community solidarity.

Kabyaw sa Kalikasan, originally launched in 1997, was facilitated by JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes, the founding organization behind the long-running cycling activity that has become one of the city’s recognized environmental and civic events.

Organizers said the annual activity aims to promote environmental consciousness while encouraging residents and visitors to embrace cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation and recreation.

This year’s edition was chaired by Sheila Marie Nuque Estrellado, who led the overall coordination of the event alongside members and volunteers of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes. Jessa Enrera Estrellado serves as the Local Organization President of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes, while Executive Vice President Harry Viterbo headed the event secretariat to ensure the smooth conduct of registration, coordination, and race operations.

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors ESON Cycle Center, Fitbar, 3J Food Corp, Hinsy Grub, Councilor Cesarito Ticzon, the San Pablo City Administrative Office, JCI past presidents Raymond Estrellado of 7-Eleven LC, John Barbaza, Andy Flores, and Raffy de la Cruz, Metrobank, JL Perlas of the San Pablo City Sports Development Office, and Tutubi News Magazine..

Agency partners also played a key role in ensuring safety, medical readiness, and traffic management, including the Philippine Red Cross, CTMO, CDRRMO, Philippine National Police, City Tourism Office, and Kabalikat.

Local officials, civic leaders, and cycling advocates expressed support for the activity, highlighting its contribution to environmental advocacy and community engagement as San Pablo City celebrates its charter anniversary.

Kabyaw sa Kalikasan remains one of the city’s enduring community-driven activities that combine environmental awareness, fitness, and public participation through cycling.

Cyclists cross the finish line at Pamana Hall in San Pablo City as Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026 concludes its 15-kilometer fun bike race, marking a vibrant celebration of fitness, environmental awareness, and community spirit under the city’s ongoing Yakap Lawa program.
JCI 7 Lakes officers and members lead and facilitate the successful staging of Kabyaw sa Kalikasan 2026 in San Pablo City, ensuring smooth coordination of participants, logistics, and program activities throughout the environmental cycling event.
Members of the Utay-Utay San Pablo City Laguna Cycling Group, led by JCI Senator Marius Myrone Zabat Jr., gather for a group photo during a community cycling activity, showcasing camaraderie, discipline, and shared advocacy for fitness, environmental awareness, and cycling culture in San Pablo City, Laguna.


JCI Past President Raymond Estrellado, former chairman of several successful Kabyaw sa Kalikasan editions, is seen in conversation with Enyito Villapando, Marius Myrone Zabat, and Kabyaw 2026 Chairperson Sheila Marie Nuque Estrellado, highlighting the coordination and leadership behind the continuing success of San Pablo City’s flagship cycling and environmental advocacy event.

Zaldy Co, naninirahan sa P14-bilyong mansion sa Paris; Atong Ang namataan sa Cavite

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Zaldy Co, naninirahan sa P14-bilyong mansion sa Paris; Atong Ang namataan sa Cavite

MAYNILA — Inihayag ni Jonvic Remulla na kasalukuyang naninirahan umano si dating kongresista na si Zaldy Co sa isang 10-bedroom residence sa kilalang Champs-Élysées sa Paris na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng hanggang $200 milyon o humigit-kumulang P14.18 bilyon.

Ayon kay Remulla, matatagpuan ang naturang bahay malapit sa tindahan ng Christian Dior sa marangyang avenue na kilala sa mga high-end retail establishments kung saan ay natatanaw ang Arc de Triomphe.

Sinabi rin ng kalihim na naniniwala siyang maaaresto si Co bago matapos ang proseso ng asylum application nito sa France. Ani Remulla, umaasa ang pamahalaan na mailalabas ang Interpol red notice laban kay Co upang maibalik siya sa Pilipinas.

Nahaharap si Co sa mga kasong graft at malversation kaugnay ng umano’y maanomalyang P289.5 milyong flood control project sa Oriental Mindoro.

Nauna dito ay inanunsyo ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na na-detine si Co sa Prague matapos umano itong maharang sa border ng Germany dahil sa isyu sa travel documents. Gayunman, sinabi ni Fredderick Vida noong Abril 28 na wala na si Co sa kustodiya ng Czech authorities.

Kinumpirma rin ng Malacañang Palace na naghain si Co ng asylum application sa France. Ayon kay Remulla, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang pamahalaan sa French authorities upang mapigilan ang posibleng pagbibigay ng asylum sa dating mambabatas.

Samantala, itinanggi naman ng abogado ni Co na nagmamay-ari ang kanyang kliyente ng isang 10-bedroom residence sa Paris na nagkakahalaga ng P14 bilyon.

Ayon kay Ruy Rondain, wala siyang impormasyon sa kasalukuyang lokasyon ni Co at iginiit niyang hindi ito nagmamay-ari ng naturang property.

Sa hiwalay na usapin, kinumpirma rin ni Remulla na namataan umano sa Cavite ang negosyanteng si Atong Ang noong Abril.

Sa ginanap na forum ng Samahang Plaridel, sinabi ni Remulla na agad na nagsagawa ng operasyon ang humigit-kumulang 400 tauhan ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group o CIDG matapos matanggap ang impormasyon hinggil sa lokasyon ni Ang.

Ayon sa kalihim, mabilis na kumilos ang mga awtoridad ngunit nakaalis na umano si Ang pagdating ng mga operatiba. Aniya, naiwan pa umano ang pagkain sa lugar na pinaghihinalaang pinagtataguan ng negosyante.

May nakabinbing arrest warrant laban kay Ang kaugnay ng mga kasong multiple counts ng kidnapping with homicide at kidnapping and serious illegal detention na konektado sa kaso ng mga nawawalang sabungero.

Noong Abril, nagpalabas na rin ng Interpol red notice laban kay Ang, na nagsisilbing kahilingan sa mga law enforcement agencies sa iba’t ibang bansa upang hanapin at arestuhin ang isang taong pinaghahanap ng batas.

May inilaang P20 milyong pabuya para sa sinumang makapagbibigay ng impormasyon sa kinaroroonan ni Ang.

Greenpeace activists detained after ASEAN Summit protest on plastic and fossil fuel crisis in Cebu

Venus L Peñaflor
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Greenpeace activists detained after ASEAN Summit protest on plastic and fossil fuel crisis in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Police took several Greenpeace Southeast Asia activists into custody on Thursday after they staged a peaceful protest during the opening day of the 48th ASEAN Summit, calling on regional leaders to take stronger action on plastic pollution and fossil fuel dependence.

The demonstration took place in Cebu City, where heads of state and government officials from across Southeast Asia gathered for the annual summit. Activists urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to confront what they described as a worsening environmental and public health crisis driven by plastic waste and continued reliance on fossil fuels.

The group called for urgent policy shifts, including reductions in plastic production, the phaseout of single-use plastics, stronger waste prevention systems, and stricter corporate accountability for pollution. They also pressed for a transition away from fossil fuels, which they said continue to drive climate-related damage across the region.

Instead of restricting pollution at its source, Greenpeace said governments have allowed corporations to continue expanding plastic production while communities shoulder the consequences, including flooding of waste systems, toxic fires in landfill sites, and worsening air and water pollution.

“Communities across Southeast Asia are already being harmed by landfill collapses, toxic fires, polluted air, and plastic pollution they did not create,” the group said in a statement.

Activists stressed that peaceful protest should not be treated as a security threat, arguing that the greater danger lies in systems that enable unchecked production of single-use plastics.

Shortly after the demonstration, police detained the activists and brought them to Lapu-Lapu Police Station 2. As of this report, Greenpeace Southeast Asia said the individuals remain in custody and have not been allowed to leave.

The organization has called for their immediate release and urged ASEAN leaders to address what it described as a growing environmental emergency in the region.

Environmental groups have long warned that Southeast Asia is one of the world’s major contributors to ocean plastic leakage, driven by rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and high consumption of disposable plastic products. Several ASEAN member states have recently announced national plans to reduce plastic waste, but critics say progress remains uneven and heavily reliant on voluntary corporate commitments.

The 48th ASEAN Summit continues in Cebu, with leaders expected to discuss regional cooperation on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental protection alongside broader economic and security issues.


Pope Leo XIV focused on pastoral mission in first year, but exchanges with Trump drew him into public disputes 

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pope Leo XIV focused on pastoral mission in first year, but exchanges with Trump drew him into public disputes 

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV sought to define his first year as pontiff through a quiet pastoral mission of accompaniment and unity. Still, an increasingly public exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump has complicated that effort and drawn the first American pope into an unexpected geopolitical spotlight.

The anniversary of his election was marked Friday not only by reflection on his year in office, but also by renewed diplomatic attention as Marco Rubio visited the Vatican in what both sides described as an effort to ease tensions.

The Vatican and the U.S. State Department later reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship. Still, the episode underscored how Trump’s repeated criticisms of the pontiff, and Leo’s increasingly direct responses, have shifted attention away from the pope’s stated priority of pastoral care.

Leo, who was elected a year ago as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, has consistently framed his role as that of a shepherd focused on unity and spiritual guidance. Yet recent months have seen him drawn into public disputes over global issues, including the war in Iran, placing him at odds with the Trump administration.

“If someone wants to criticize me for announcing the Gospel, let him do it with the truth,” Leo said this week, reflecting a more assertive tone than early in his papacy.

On the eve of the anniversary, Leo met with Rubio at the Vatican amid efforts to stabilize relations. The meeting followed a week of heightened rhetoric between Washington and the Holy See, particularly over foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.

Despite the friction, Leo marked the anniversary with a homily in Pompeii that returned to his central theme of peace. “May the God of peace pour out an overflowing abundance of mercy, touching hearts, soothing grudges and fratricidal hatred, and enlightening those who bear special responsibilities of governance,” he said.

Observers describe Leo as fundamentally different in temperament from his predecessor, Pope Francis, favoring a more restrained and methodical approach to leadership. A former missionary priest and Midwestern native, he is known for his intellectual discipline, quoting St. Augustine from memory and emphasizing community-centered theology rooted in Augustinian spirituality.

Throughout his first year, Leo has consistently avoided direct political confrontation, even as global events have forced him into the role of moral commentator on international crises. During a recent Africa trip, he sought to defuse tensions with Trump by emphasizing that he did not intend to engage in public disputes with political leaders.

“I primarily come to Africa as a pastor,” he said at the time, adding that he would continue preaching a message of peace rather than engaging in political debate.

Within the Vatican, officials and observers say Leo’s approach reflects a broader aim of restoring internal unity after a turbulent 12-year papacy under Francis, which was often marked by internal divisions and external criticism.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, a retired archbishop of Washington, said Leo faces the added challenge of navigating polarization amplified by digital media.

“Social communication makes it possible for people to take sides, and sometimes taking sides adds to the divisiveness that we have to deal with,” Gregory said. “He has to call us to our better angels.”

Despite tensions abroad, Leo’s supporters say his first year has brought a more stabilizing tone to the Church. Analysts note that he has focused less on dramatic reforms and more on steady governance, particularly in addressing long-standing issues such as financial transparency, ideological divides within the clergy, and global diplomatic strain.

The emergence of an American pope has also reshaped perceptions of the Vatican in the United States. Scholars and church leaders say Leo’s cultural familiarity with the U.S. has made his messages more accessible to American Catholics, potentially strengthening engagement with the Church.

“It’s very different when you are hearing the message without it being mediated through translation,” said Kerry Alys Robinson, chief executive of Catholic Charities USA.

Meanwhile, Catholic institutions report renewed interest and engagement following Leo’s election. Ward Fitzgerald, president of The Papal Foundation, said the pope’s English-language outreach has helped connect with younger Catholics and donors, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Still, the intersection of faith and geopolitics has become increasingly visible under Leo’s leadership, especially as his exchanges with Trump continue to attract global attention.

In a homily marking the anniversary, Timothy Dolan reflected on Leo’s leadership style, comparing him to St. Joseph as a figure of quiet strength and mission-focused discipline.

“A man who is shy, a man who is focused on his mission,” Dolan said, before suggesting that the description could also apply to the pope himself.

As Leo enters his second year, Vatican observers say his challenge will be maintaining his pastoral identity while managing the increasingly unavoidable demands of global leadership in a politically fractured world.

Washington awaits Iran response as Gulf fighting intensifies

Venus L Peñaflor
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Washington awaits Iran response as Gulf fighting intensifies

WASHINGTON/CAIRO — The United States said Friday it expects Iran to respond within the day to Washington’s latest peace proposal aimed at ending the war in the Gulf, even as fresh clashes erupted between U.S. and Iranian forces and renewed attacks struck the United Arab Emirates.

The latest escalation marks the most serious violence in and around the contested Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire took effect a month ago. Despite the flare-up, both Washington and Tehran have signaled that negotiations toward ending the conflict may be closer than ever.

“We should know something today,” Marco Rubio told reporters in Rome. “We’re expecting a response from them. We’ll see what the response entails. The hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation.”

Donald Trump said the ceasefire remained largely intact despite the recent confrontations. According to U.S. officials, Washington’s proposal would formally end hostilities before moving into negotiations over more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported explosions near Sirik, a coastal area close to the strategic waterway. Iranian media also said an Iranian commercial vessel was attacked late Thursday by the U.S. Navy near the strait, injuring 10 crew members while five others remain missing.

Trump claimed three U.S. Navy destroyers were fired upon while passing through the strait but sustained no damage.

“Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers.”

Speaking later in Washington, Trump downplayed the exchange and insisted the ceasefire remained in effect.

“They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” he said.

Iran, however, accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement announced on April 7. Tensions have intensified this week following Trump’s announcement, and subsequent suspension, of a new naval escort mission in the strait.

“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Friday.

Iran’s joint military command alleged that U.S. forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel while carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas in Qeshm Island and nearby coastal communities along the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said its forces retaliated by attacking U.S. military vessels east of the strait and south of Chabahar port.

Iranian military officials claimed the strikes caused “significant damage,” though U.S. Central Command said none of its assets had been hit.

Hours later, Iran’s Press TV reported that conditions on Iranian islands and coastal cities had returned to normal.

The conflict also spread beyond the waterway. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, resulting in three moderate injuries.

Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases throughout the conflict. The UAE described the latest attacks as a “major escalation,” particularly after Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” a naval mission intended to escort ships through the strait before pausing the operation after 48 hours.

In a separate incident, Iranian authorities seized the Barbados-flagged oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, accusing it of attempting to disrupt Iranian oil exports. State media said the tanker, reportedly under U.S. sanctions, was carrying Iranian oil.

Global oil markets remained tense amid the uncertainty, with Brent crude prices hovering near $100 per barrel as traders weighed the risk of wider conflict against the possibility of diplomatic progress.

Under the latest U.S. proposal, hostilities would formally end before negotiations begin on Washington’s key demands, including the suspension of Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump claimed Tehran had acknowledged his position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

“There’s zero chance. And they know that, and they’ve agreed to that,” Trump said. “Let’s see if they are willing to sign it.”

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and not for developing weapons.

Asked when a final agreement could be reached, Trump replied: “It might not happen, but it could happen any day.”

Iranian officials, meanwhile signaled cautious openness to continued diplomacy but insisted that any agreement must include guarantees against further U.S. military operations in the Gulf. Analysts said both sides appear eager to avoid a wider regional conflict that could further disrupt global energy supplies and destabilize shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil exports.

Diplomatic sources in Europe and the Middle East said backchannel discussions involving Gulf states and international mediators continued Friday in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and push both Washington and Tehran toward formal negotiations. While tensions remain high, officials on both sides acknowledged that the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the crisis moves toward de-escalation or renewed confrontation.

San Pablo City honors outstanding citizens in 2026 Natatanging San Pableños ceremony

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo City honors outstanding citizens in 2026 Natatanging San Pableños ceremony

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — The City Government of San Pablo formally recognized its outstanding citizens during the awarding ceremony of the Natatanging San Pableños held last night, May 7, at the San Pablo City Convention Center, as part of the city’s 86th founding anniversary celebration.

The event was attended by the awardees and their families, department heads of the city government, members of the Selection and Awards Committee, and media representatives.

This year’s honorees are Francis E. Emralino for Science and Technology Education; Albina DG. Gutierrez for Educational Leadership; Edzel A. Ramos for Transformative Education; Jimmy V. Hernandez for Arts and Culture; Arsenia M. Emlano for Business Entrepreneurship; Frederick Nicasio M. Torres for Social Entrepreneurship; Susan N. Alcazar for Business Administration; Dr. Mercydina M. Caponpon for Health Services; Rendell R. Laluon for Youth Leadership; Mark Rome M. Race for Finance and Accounting; Police Senior Master Sergeant Ma. Danica Eve A. Camado for Police Community Relations; and Police Executive Master Sergeant Edwin A. De Mesa for Law Enforcement.

Najie B. Gapangada, chairperson of the Selection and Awards Committee, said the recognition highlights individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contribution to their professions and to the development of the city and the wider community.

The Gawad ng Natatanging San Pableño is institutionalized under City Ordinance No. 2015-49 and forms part of the annual Charter Anniversary celebration. It aims to honor citizens who have shown exemplary dedication and service in their respective fields.

The City of San Pablo traces its foundation to Commonwealth Act No. 520, signed by then-President Manuel L. Quezon on May 7, 1940. May has also been declared Heritage Month under City Ordinance No. 2018-53.

Members of the Selection and Awards Committee include Rt. Rev. Monsignor Jerry V. Bitoon of the San Pablo Cathedral; Vladimir Asprec of The Wednesday Herald; Lerma Prudente of the Cultural Center of San Pablo; Dr. Gerlie Ilagan of the Department of Education; and Roy Empalmado of the San Pablo City Tourism Council.

The secretariat for the awards was led by Malu Migrino of the City Tourism Office and Rolly Inciong of the City Information Office, under the supervision of An Mercado Alcantara, City Tourism Officer for Special Projects, who oversees tourism, arts, culture, and heritage programs of the city government.

The event was attended by the awardees and their families, department heads of the city government, members of the Selection and Awards Committee, and media representatives.

CBP detains cruise workers in San Diego probe involving multiple ships, including Disney ship and Filipino nationals

EDGARDO HERNAL
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CBP detains cruise workers in San Diego probe involving multiple ships, including Disney ship and Filipino nationals

SAN DIEGO, California – More than two dozen cruise ship employees were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during coordinated inspections at the Port of San Diego in connection with an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation material (CSEM).

According to CBP, a total of 28 foreign nationals from three countries, 26 from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and one from Portugal, were interviewed during inspections conducted between April 23 and April 27 across eight cruise ships.

Authorities said 27 of the individuals were found to have allegedly engaged in the receipt, possession, transportation, distribution, or viewing of child sexual exploitation material or child pornography. CBP has not publicly announced formal criminal charges, and the individuals are being processed under immigration enforcement procedures.

It remains unclear how many of those detained were employed by Disney Cruise Line. The operation involved multiple cruise ships from different operators.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Disney said: “We have a zero tolerance policy for this type of behavior and fully cooperated with law enforcement. While the majority of these individuals were not from our cruise line, those who were are no longer with the company.”

CBP confirmed that the individuals’ visas have been revoked and that they are subject to deportation proceedings.

A passenger, identified as Dharmi Mehta, told the California Post that she witnessed federal agents boarding a vessel during her cruise and escorting crew members off the ship, describing the scene as “really unsettling.” She said some of the individuals were in uniform at the time of the operation.

The Port of San Diego stated that it was not involved in the enforcement action. Under U.S. federal jurisdiction, immigration and customs enforcement operations are conducted independently of local port authorities.


Countries scramble to track passengers after hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship 

Venus L Peñaflor
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Countries scramble to track passengers after hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship 

Health authorities from several countries are monitoring passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak that has already resulted in confirmed infections and multiple deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

Five infections have been confirmed among people linked to the vessel, according to the WHO, as international contact tracing efforts continue. Three deaths have also been reported, including a Dutch couple and a German national.

The outbreak is believed to have started after the ship departed Argentina last month. The first suspected case involved a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who became ill onboard with fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. He died on April 11 while still at sea, according to South Africa’s health authorities.

The vessel’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said 146 passengers from 23 countries remain onboard under strict precautionary measures. Several passengers were evacuated earlier, while others disembarked at various ports and have since been dispersed globally.

Passengers who left the ship are now being monitored or treated in the Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore, among other locations.

In the Netherlands, three individuals, including a British national, a 65-year-old German passenger, and a 41-year-old Dutch crew member, have been hospitalized. Two are in serious condition, while the third is receiving medical care despite showing no symptoms. Dutch authorities are also investigating a separate possible exposure involving a hospital-tested passenger in Amsterdam.

In South Africa, a British passenger remains in intensive care after being transferred to a Johannesburg medical facility. The WHO said the patient’s condition is improving and confirmed this case as one of the infections linked to the outbreak.

In Switzerland, a returning passenger has tested positive and is receiving treatment in Zurich, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In the United Kingdom, the UK Health Security Agency said two British nationals are isolating at home following potential exposure, while contact tracing continues for several others who disembarked at Saint Helena.

In the United States, health officials are monitoring three individuals who returned to different states. Two residents in Georgia are under observation without symptoms, while one individual in Arizona is also asymptomatic.

In Singapore, two men in their 60s are self-isolating and undergoing testing. One has mild respiratory symptoms, while the other remains asymptomatic.

The WHO said the situation is being closely monitored but emphasized that there is no evidence of widespread transmission risk. Officials added that while additional cases may emerge, they do not expect a Covid-19-like global outbreak.

The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare form of the virus that can spread between humans in limited circumstances and is typically associated with exposure to infected rodents.

Investigators are still determining the exact source of infection. However, early findings suggest the initial cases may have been exposed while traveling in South America before boarding the ship. WHO officials said the infected passengers had visited areas in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay known to have rodent populations carrying the virus.

The incubation period for hantavirus ranges from one to six weeks, meaning symptoms can appear long after initial exposure.

Oceanwide Expeditions said it is compiling a full list of passengers and crew who boarded and disembarked since March 20 to support global tracing efforts.

The ship is expected to arrive in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday, where further health assessments and coordination with international authorities are expected to continue.

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