Man Surrenders After Confessing to Stabbing Teen During Mendiola Riot

Richerd Nonato Francisco, a resident of Tondo, Manila, voluntarily surrendered to police late Tuesday night after admitting to stabbing a 15-year-old student during the Mendiola riot on Sunday. Francisco arrived at the Barbosa police station at 10:55 p.m. accompanied by his son and a police officer. Station Commander Lt. Col. Arwen Nacional confirmed that Francisco confessed to injuring the teenager, identified only by the initials "MC," who is a Grade 10 student from Taguig City. According to Francisco, a watch repairman based near Recto Avenue, the stabbing occurred after he witnessed the victim damaging a parked motorcycle belonging to a Manila Police District Traffic and Management and Response Unit officer. The violent incident took place around 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of C.M. Recto and Quezon Boulevard amid a tumultuous environment, where several masked rioters were recorded vandalizing and setting fire to motorcycles. Authorities have identified MC as the likely sole fatality of the riot, as reports indicate a stabbing victim later died at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unrest, while efforts are underway to maintain order following the incident.

Prince William and Kate Visit Southport to Honor Victims of Tragic Knife Attack

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate paid a visit to Southport on Tuesday to express solidarity with the local community still grieving after the tragic knife attack last summer. The incident, which occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and left several others seriously injured. The royal couple met privately with the parents of the victims—Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9—marking their second visit to the town within a year. Accompanied by a visit to a newly established memorial playground at a local school, the couple spoke with educators and students about the ongoing emotional impact and recovery efforts. Prince William addressed the families directly, saying, \"To Alex and Sergio, Lauren and Ben, Jenni and David – you are parents united in grief. You have faced such horror – but from that you move forward with grace and fortitude – creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls. We will always be here to support you.\" He also reassured the wider community, \"To everyone impacted on that day, you will never be forgotten.\" Following the attack, which left ten other children seriously harmed, misinformation rapidly circulated on social media falsely identifying the attacker as a Muslim asylum seeker. This fueled violent confrontations between local protestors and police, as well as an attempted assault on the town’s mosque, unrest that extended beyond Southport. Currently, a public inquiry is underway investigating how the teenage assailant, despite repeated interactions with public authorities and referrals to a counter-radicalisation program, was not more effectively monitored or prevented from carrying out the attack.

Philippines Ratifies UN Treaty to Protect High Seas Biodiversity, Secures Seat on IAEA Board

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has formally ratified the United Nations High Seas Treaty, officially known as the BBNJ Agreement, aimed at conserving and sustainably managing marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This milestone occurred during the UN General Assembly session in New York City, where Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro submitted the country’s instrument of ratification on Tuesday. The BBNJ Agreement serves as the third implementing accord under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is designed to safeguard the biodiversity of international waters and promote sustainable use of marine resources outside territorial boundaries. The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines has voiced its support for the Philippines’ decision to ratify the treaty, affirming its significance in protecting marine ecosystems. In a related development, the Philippines secured a seat on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2025 to 2027 term. According to the Philippine embassy in Vienna, the country’s candidacy received strong backing from developing nations and states that are beginning to explore nuclear energy. This election marks the Philippines’ return to the IAEA Board, having previously served from 2015 to 2017. The Department of Energy welcomed the achievement, highlighting its importance as the nation advances toward operating its first nuclear power plant. Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro remarked, "Our ratification underscores the Philippines’ commitment to responsible ocean stewardship and international cooperation in marine conservation." The Philippines’ dual milestones reflect its growing engagement in global environmental governance and nuclear energy policy, supporting sustainable development and energy diversification goals.

Investigation Launched Against Marikina Lawmaker Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Marikina First District Representative Marcelino Reyes Teodoro is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after two female police officers accused him of sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness. The DOJ confirmed that the complaints allege violations of the Revised Penal Code and involve two officers who were assigned to Teodoro’s security detail at separate times. One complainant has specifically accused Teodoro of "Rape by Sexual Assault" alongside the charges of lascivious acts. In a formal statement, the DOJ explained that the complaints will undergo a thorough review including case buildup and evidence evaluation to determine whether there is sufficient basis to conduct a preliminary investigation. This procedure adheres to the established legal framework to ensure fairness. The identities of the complainants have been withheld to safeguard their privacy and security. The DOJ emphasized that Representative Teodoro will be given full due process throughout the investigation. "The respondent will be afforded full due process... The Department reiterates its commitment to act impartially and to pursue all cases strictly on the basis of evidence and law," the DOJ stated. The investigation reflects the DOJ's dedication to upholding justice while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

Regional Trial Court Acquits 'Mabinay 6' After Seven Years of Detention

After spending seven years in detention, six individuals collectively referred to as the ‘Mabinay 6’ have been acquitted by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The court issued its verdict on September 22, acquitting them of criminal charges filed in 2018 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), specifically accusations of possessing high-powered firearms and explosives. The accused were apprehended on March 3, 2018, in Barangay Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, following a reported 45-minute confrontation with the military. The six include Myles Albasin, a journalist and University of the Philippines – Cebu City graduate; Randel Hermino, a local from a sugarcane-farming family; Carlo Ybañes, raised in Cebu’s urban poor communities; and peasant activists Joemar Indico, Joey Vailoces, and Bernard Guillen. The court’s decision was heavily influenced by the paraffin test results from the Negros Oriental Provincial Crime Laboratory, which showed that none of the accused had powder residue on their hands, undermining claims that they possessed firearms. Additionally, the court identified significant gaps in the prosecution's case, including lack of concrete evidence during the alleged armed encounter and mishandling of crucial evidence. Atty. Kristian Jacob Casas-Abad Lora, defending the accused, emphasized the court's reliance on reasonable doubt, stating, \"It was hard for the court to simply ignore the numerous loopholes in the evidence for the prosecution as these make the prosecution’s version of the incident doubtful. Accordingly, our clients have not been found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.\" Emotional scenes unfolded as family members embraced the freed individuals following the court's ruling. The ‘Mabinay 6’ are expected to reunite fully with their relatives and friends outside the detention facility shortly.

Former Barangay Leader Arrested in Calinog Drug Bust with Over 100 Grams of Methamphetamine

A former barangay captain, currently employed as a job hire by the local government of Calinog, Iloilo, was arrested in a drug bust in Barangay Baje San Julian on the morning of September 25, 2025. The suspect, identified only as alias Osing, 41, was found possessing about 115 grams of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, with an estimated street value of P1,054,000 based on the Standard Drug Price of P6,800 per gram. Recovered from the suspect were one plastic sachet and three large heat-sealed sachets containing the suspected illegal substance, along with other non-drug items. Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Western Visayas (PRO-6), commended the operatives for their successful mission but expressed concern over the suspect’s government affiliation. He stated, \"I commend everyone for a job well done. It is unfortunate that the suspect turned out to be a government employee—someone who is supposed to be trustworthy—yet was still involved in illegal drugs. Let this serve as a clear warning: the law exempts no one, not even those within the government.\" Meanwhile, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), lauded the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) for apprehending a newly classified high-value individual (HVI). He also acknowledged the community's vital role in supporting law enforcement efforts. \"This victory demonstrates the strong trust and cooperation among our citizens, which is essential in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs in our province. I urge everyone to continue monitoring and reporting suspected illegal drug activities as this is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Iloilo,\" Razalan emphasized. The IPPO has intensified its campaign against illegal drugs to uphold peace, order, and public safety throughout the region. The operation was conducted by PDEU Team 2 in coordination with the Calinog Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit. The suspect remains in police custody and is set to face charges under Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Bicol Dioceses Open Churches as Shelters Ahead of Severe Tropical Storm Opong

Several dioceses in the Bicol region have announced that their churches will serve as evacuation centers for residents in danger zones as Severe Tropical Storm Opong approaches. The Dioceses of Legazpi and Daet have both confirmed readiness to shelter evacuees in churches, chapels, parish halls, and other designated safe facilities. The Diocese of Legazpi emphasized the activation of Parish Disaster Response Committees (PaDReCom) in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Concerns (DCS) and the Social Action Center (SAC) to ensure comprehensive disaster response. In a social media advisory, the Legazpi Diocese urged the public to offer prayers for protection as the storm nears, stating, "Parishes are enjoined by the Bishop to open their facilities and activate disaster response teams to aid those affected." Similarly, the Diocese of Daet issued a circular encouraging parishes to open their halls, classrooms, or church buildings for temporary shelter if no other evacuation centers are accessible. The directive also stressed maintaining order, cleanliness, and safety within these spaces. The dioceses have instructed parish pastoral councils and local barangay leaders to disseminate clear safety information to parishioners and mobilize volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Special attention is to be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Sorsogon is finalizing its Disaster Risk Reduction protocols but has called for immediate action under the Commission on Service and Caritas. A statement from the diocese urged all parishes to mobilize in solidarity for community safety and timely pastoral support. The Diocese of Virac also appealed to the faithful to pray the Oratio Imperata, highlighting prayer as a vital source of strength and protection during uncertain times. According to meteorological authorities, Opong is forecasted to bring heavy rains and strong winds to multiple parts of Luzon and the Visayas, including Metro Manila, with a possible landfall in Bicol occurring on Friday, September 26. These preparations underscore the critical role of the Church in safeguarding communities and supporting residents amid impending natural disasters.

Philippine Universities Rally Against Corruption as CHED Upholds Students\' Right to Protest

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has firmly affirmed that students should never be silenced or intimidated for protesting corruption, as universities across the Philippines intensify their campaigns against graft this week. In a statement released on September 23, CHED emphasized that students are exercising their rightful freedom to speak out against corruption and should be supported rather than punished. The agency urged higher education institutions to safeguard their students and provide assistance to those targeted for participating in protests. "Students must never be silenced, threatened, or intimidated for standing up against corruption," the commission declared, underscoring the importance of protecting democratic dissent within academic communities. CHED also clarified that participation in these rallies is strictly voluntary, countering erroneous claims that it mandated student involvement in demonstrations. The commission further encouraged youths to stay vigilant against misinformation while continuing to advocate peacefully for their rights. The ongoing protests form part of a wider outcry against corruption linked to flood control projects and the misuse of public funds. Educational institutions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have actively joined the movement, condemning corruption as a betrayal of public trust and a threat to communities. In Cebu, member schools of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) — including the University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Ateneo de Cebu, University of the Visayas, University of the Philippines Cebu, Don Bosco Technical College, University of San Jose–Recoletos, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation — issued a "Statement of Indignation" during a gathering at Cebu Coliseum. Meanwhile, students at the University of the Philippines Baguio led a mass walkout, and Catholic educational institutions nationwide, organized under the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), released a statement condemning corruption. In Davao City, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) became a focal point for activism with the "Blue Movement Academic Walk Out for Accountability" held on September 23 in front of the Finster Building on Roxas Avenue. Hundreds of participants carried placards demanding transparency and accountability. The university administration and faculty openly supported the demonstration, with professors warning that silence in the face of corruption only perpetuates injustice. The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMind) also joined the burgeoning campaign, organizing protests involving students, faculty, and staff who sang a revised UP fight song directed at corrupt officials. This collective action, coordinated with youth organizations and endorsed by the university, highlighted the direct impact of corruption on education and the future of Filipino youth. These nationwide efforts—from Ateneo de Davao to UP Mindanao and Cesafi in Cebu—reflect a growing role of universities as leaders in challenging corruption and shaping public dialogue. Students and academics are not merely participants but are emerging as key advocates for good governance. CHED\'s declaration reinforces the momentum of this movement by assuring students of their protected rights while urging vigilance against misinformation. "The voices of our students must not only be heard but also defended, for they are vital to building a just, transparent, and corruption-free Philippines," the commission affirmed.

PAGASA Raises Signal No. 3 as Severe Tropical Storm Opong Approaches Eastern Visayas and Bicol

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Wind Signal No. 3 in six provinces as severe tropical storm Opong advanced toward the Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions, with landfall expected today. Metro Manila along with 32 other locations were placed under Signal No. 1, while 21 additional areas were issued Signal No. 2 warnings. PAGASA indicated that the highest wind warning might escalate to Signal No. 4 during the storm’s passage. As of 7 p.m. yesterday, Opong was located approximately 150 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, moving west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour with sustained winds of 110 kph near its center and gusts reaching 135 kph. In response, Malacañang ordered suspension of classes in Metro Manila and 26 surrounding provinces, as well as work stoppages in government offices in Metro Manila and seven provinces to mitigate risks from expected heavy rainfall caused by Opong. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s memorandum formally covered class suspensions in all levels across Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon, and Sorsogon. Additional class suspensions for today extend to Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte and Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon. Critical government services, particularly those vital to health and emergency response, remain operational. PAGASA’s 8 p.m. bulletin identified areas under Signal No. 3: Sorsogon, southern Albay, Masbate, Northern Samar, northern Eastern Samar, and northern Samar. The agency warned of potential "moderate to significant" impacts to life and property within these zones. Signal No. 2 includes Laguna, Batangas, southern Quezon, Camarines Norte and Sur, the remainder of Albay, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Calamian Islands, rest of Eastern Visayas, rest of Samar, Biliran, northern Leyte, northern Cebu (including Bantayan Islands), northern Aklan, northern Capiz, northern Iloilo, and Caluya Island. The broad Signal No. 1 advisories cover Metro Manila plus central and southern Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, southwestern Mountain Province, Benguet, southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, rest of Quezon, Cuyo Islands, northern Palawan, rest of Leyte, Southern Leyte, northern Bohol, northern Cebu (including Camotes Islands), northern Negros Occidental, central Iloilo, rest of Capiz, rest of Aklan, northern Antique, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands. PAGASA forecasts Opong making its first landfall in Northern Samar or northern Eastern Samar early Friday morning, before proceeding to the Bicol region, where it may make another landfall near Sorsogon later that day. There is a possibility Opong will intensify into a typhoon before landfall. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar warning for Mayon Volcano in Albay, citing heavy to intense rainfall likely to trigger mudflows and volcanic sediment transport downstream. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) cautioned residents about flooding and landslides heightened by continuous rains and the enhanced southwest monsoon conditions. OCD Administrator Harold Cabreros emphasized the increased risk, stating, "These rains are continuous and may cause renewed flooding, and landslides, especially in areas that are already saturated. Other hazards may also occur." In light of Opong, Malacañang activated the 2024 National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), mandating government agencies to implement coordinated strategies designed to protect lives, provide prompt assistance, and reduce disaster impacts. Executive Secretary Bersamin directed the NDRRMC and OCD to lead implementation efforts and disseminate the plan broadly. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed preparedness measures for Metro Manila. MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes convened the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) to finalize contingency plans. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced it has over ₱3.16 billion in funds and supplies set aside for relief operations. Meanwhile, the Philippine Army readied 149 response teams with nearly 2,000 personnel deployable to Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., instructed police units in affected regions to coordinate closely with agencies for an integrated response. Additionally, the Department of Interior and Local Government urged Bicol local leaders to take proactive preparedness measures, particularly against potential lahar flows spurred by heavy rains around Mayon Volcano.

Severe Tropical Storm Opong Maintains Strength Moving Towards Mindoro, Raises Warnings Across Multiple Regions

Severe Tropical Storm Opong has maintained its intensity after passing over Sibuyan and Tablas Islands in Romblon and is currently advancing toward Mindoro Island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of the latest update, Opong was located over the coastal waters of Ferrol, Romblon, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kilometers per hour near its center, gusts up to 150 km/h, and a central pressure of 985 hPa. In response, PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals across numerous provinces: **Signal No. 3** was raised for areas including Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, and northern Aklan among others. **Signal No. 2** applies to parts of Luzon such as southern Zambales, Bataan, southern Pampanga, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and southern Quezon, as well as several provinces in Visayas including northern Antique and Capiz. **Signal No. 1** covers regions like Pangasinan, most of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, the rest of Pampanga and Bulacan, parts of Palawan, and various Visayan provinces. Moreover, PAGASA highlighted that the Southwest Monsoon remains intensified by Opong's presence, likely to generate strong to gale-force wind gusts in the Ilocos Region, CAR, Cagayan Valley, Palawan, Visayas, parts of Mindanao, and neighboring regions today, extending to Luzon and Western Visayas by September 27. The storm made landfall over San Fernando and Alcantara in Romblon early Friday morning and continues its west-northwest trajectory. PAGASA forecasts landfall on the southern section of Occidental Mindoro by midday or early afternoon Friday. Officials warn that Opong is expected to sustain its severe tropical storm status, with potential re-strengthening likely before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday afternoon. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is currently confirming reports of four fatalities in the Bicol Region linked to the storm and six individuals reported missing in Eastern Visayas. An OCD representative stated during a briefing, "We have information of four deaths reported in Bicol, but these are pending validation. Additionally, approximately six persons remain missing in Region 8." In anticipation of the storm's impact, classes and government work were suspended across various affected areas on Friday, and numerous flights were canceled due to adverse weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor Opong closely as it progresses, urging the public to observe safety protocols and stay updated with official announcements.