Inquirer Breaking News

LUCENA CITY --- Three suspected drug pushers yielded "shabu" (crystal meth) and firearms when they were arrested on Friday, Jan. 19, in buy-bust operations in Quezon province. In a report Saturday, the Quezon police said anti-illegal drug operatives in this city nabbed two alleged shabu peddlers identified by their aliases as "Fidel" and "Michael" in Barangay (village) Ibabang Iyam around 11:58 p.m. The two yielded P49,572 worth of shabu. Michael was also found carrying an undocumented caliber .38 revolver with three bullets. In Sariaya town, police officers arrested "Wilmer" at 4:45 a.m. after he sold shabu to a poseur buyer in Barangay Manggalang Tulo--Tulo. READ: 2 dru...

Keep on reading: Quezon buy-busts: 2 guns, ‘shabu’ seized from 3 suspects

NBA Scores, News, Schedules BOSTON --- Jayson Tatum had 27 points and eight rebounds before being ejected on back-to-back technical fouls in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home with a 145-113 victory over ex-coach Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and the Celtics improved to 19-0 in the TD Garden -- the first time in the history of the much-decorated franchise that it has opened a season with more than 17 wins in a row. https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1746358768412078573 Cam Whitmore scored 22 points and Alperen Sengun had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who have lost three of their ...

Keep on reading: NBA: Celtics light up Udoka, Rockets to improve to 19-0 at home

  Israel and Hamas have been at war in Gaza for 100 days since gunmen from the Palestinian militant group ran amok in southern Israel, prompting a fierce Israeli military campaign in which almost 24,000 Palestinians have been killed. Following is a timeline of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip. Oct. 7, 2023: Hamas gunmen storm into southern Israel from Gaza and rampage through communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is at war and retaliatory airstrikes on densely populated Gaza begin, along with a total siege o...

Keep on reading: Major events during 100 days of war between Israel and Hamas

    QUITO -- Forty-two prison staff members who had been held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence were freed or escaped, the SNAI prisons agency said on Saturday. They were among 178 guards and administrative staffers that had been held hostage since Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country. The SNAI said in a statement there had been incidents at several prisons, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard. An injured guard remained inside the prison, the statement said. Forty-one prison staffers had been ...

Keep on reading: Dozens of Ecuador prison staff freed after being held by inmates

MANILA, Philippines --- Light to moderate and occasionally heavy rainfalls are expected over parts of Bohol for the next few hours. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), this is due to the shear line. In its rainfall advisory on Sunday morning, the state weather bureau said, "light to moderate with at times heavy" rains will be experienced in the following areas within Bohol: Talibon Jetafe Buenavista Danao Inabanga Clarin Sagbayan Tubigon Catigbian San Isidro Calape Balilihan Loon Antequera Maribojoc Sevilla Sikatuna Albuquerque Baclayon Corella Cortes ...

Keep on reading: Pagasa forecasts light, moderate rains over parts of Bohol on Sunday

ILOILO CITY --- Titleholders from different national pageants gathered in the "City of Love" to take part in the Miss Iloilo 2024 competition, which chose the city's delegates to various national contests this year. Rabiya Mateo, the first winner of the standalone Miss Universe Philippines competition, returned to the Miss Iloilo stage four years since she became the city pageant's first queen in 2020. But this time, she hosted the ceremonies that was held at the jam-packed West Visayas State University's Cultural Center on Jan. 13. She shared hosting chores with 2016 Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Nicole Cordoves. The judging panel also had Cordoves' Binibini sis...

Keep on reading: Miss Iloilo pageant brings together beauty queens from various national contests

  MANILA, Philippines --- A man posing as a feng shui expert who allegedly stole jewelry and cash worth some P50 million in the last nine years was arrested by the police in Quezon City for theft and estafa. In a statement on Saturday, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said that Ivan Borromeo, 40, alias Celine or Mark Lester Alvarez was collared in his residence in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, last January 11. His apprehension stemmed from arrest warrants issued by Presiding Judge Manuel Sta. Cruz Jr. of Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 226. Investigation showed that Borromeo, pretending to be a feng shui expert, would steal pieces of jewelry and m...

Keep on reading: Fake feng shui expert busted for theft in QC

Before setting off on a big adventure with Illumination's "Migration," get to know the film's new original characters and the talented cast that voiced them. "We tried to find actors that were somewhat like their roles," shares director Benjamin Renner. "That was great because we could ask them to share experiences and adlib with their performances." Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) Mack is the overly cautious patriarch of the Mallard family. Mack harbors irrational fears of the outside world and insists the family stay in the safe confines of their pond. His anxieties and worldview are tested when, at the insistence of his wife, Pam, he embarks on an adventure alongside his family. ...

Keep on reading: ‘Migration’: Meet the characters, cast of Illumination’s adventure-packed comedy

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgMYlho5u_k   MANILA, Philippines - Cloudy skies and isolated rain showers are expected nationwide on Sunday due to the shear line, northwest monsoon or "amihan" and localized thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). "Rain is expected in many parts pf the country due to the shear line or when cold air and hot air converge. In the central and eastern portions of the Visayas and Mindanao, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are expected," Pagasa weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said in Filipino. The "amihan," Villamil added, will bring cloudy ...

Keep on reading: Pagasa: Cloudy Sunday with possible rain showers in many parts of PH

  PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - The United Nations said on Saturday the Gaza war was "staining humanity" on the eve of its 100th day as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on vows to defeat Hamas. The devastating conflict has unleashed a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fears of a regional escalation intensified after US and British forces struck pro-Hamas Houthi rebels in Yemen on Friday following attacks on Red Sea shipping. The war was triggered on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack from the Gaza Strip that resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Ham...

Keep on reading: UN says Gaza war ‘staining humanity’ on eve of 100th day

    WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States does not support the independence of Taiwan, after Taiwanese voters rebuffed China and gave the ruling party a third presidential term. Earlier in the day, the Taiwanese ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te came to power, strongly rejecting Chinese pressure to spurn him, and pledged both to stand up to Beijing and seek talks. "We do not support independence..." Biden said, when asked for reaction to Saturday's elections. Hours ahead of the polls opening, Washington had warned "it would be unacceptable" for "any" country to interfere in the e...

Keep on reading: Biden: US does not support Taiwan independence

The savior that came to the rescue of Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has finally named its newest squad---and it has quite a familiar ring to it. Businessman Frank Lao announced on Saturday that the new team will carry the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) brand in the PVL, but while the team is still under construction, its sister squad continued bolstering its roster ahead of the league's coming season. "Putting up a second team in the Premier Volleyball League is a no-brainer for us," Lao said in the announcement of SGA joining the pro league. "The PVL has been a consistent source of entertainment for fans of all ages, and we are excited to contribute to the l...

Keep on reading: Frank Lao sticks familiar basketball brand on new volleyball squad

Phoenix's rise to the twice-to-beat advantage entering the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup had much to do with having an import who is not only talented but is also far from being a head case. "Walang toyo (He has no airs)," said Fuel Masters captain RJ Jazul of import Johnathan Williams. "He's also an all-around player and is very unselfish. That's why we're lucky to have him on the team." Williams had been a terrific presence on a relatively young team that will head to the quarterfinals hoping it won't need to reach for a playoff bonus against an opponent that will be known after Phoenix plays TNT on Sunday evening at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The Fuel M...

Keep on reading: Johnathan Williams, wind beneath Phoenix’s wings, has no airs

Meralco will no longer have the luxury to plot with clarity in the PBA Commissioner's Cup and head coach Luigi Trillo knows that the Bolts have no one else to blame but themselves. "At this point, it is what it is. We were [supposed] to be tied for second place, but we have to move on. It was in our hands against Phoenix (last Jan. 10) but we didn't win that game," he said on the heels of a 109-102 triumph over Terrafirma on Friday night. "It's just tough to realize that we still have to wait for Ginebra and whatever happens there," he went on. "[If] Ginebra wins, we're fifth." That's exactly what happened. The Gin Kings took to the road and defeated the NLEX Road Warrior...

Keep on reading: Luigi Trillo left shrugging over Meralco’s place in PBA standings

STOCKHOLM --- The Swedish government said on Friday it wants to ensure that cash can be used for basic necessities, as electronic payments come to dominate transactions in the Scandinavian country. Only 8 percent of Swedes had used cash for recent purchases in 2022 compared to 40 percent in 2010, according to a survey by the Swedish central bank, the Riksbank. "We need to quickly take another look at being able to pay for certain things in cash. In particular, there are groups that, for various reasons, have trouble with electronic payment methods," said Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman. He said the ability to use cash is also important during a crisis. Payment syst...

Keep on reading: Sweden studies how to save cash from extinction

Emerging Actress (EA) used to rely on her bosom buddies and business partners as allies, particularly where personal and professional matters are concerned. In EA's happy heyday with her BFFs, their tastes and artistic impulses were always aligned and in sync. They even put up a business venture together. However, all that much-needed support from EA's pals seemed to fly out the window as soon as a contentious wrench was thrown in the midst of their merry coexistence. The culprit? Politics, what else! Indeed, while her friends were hard at work supporting the gentle widow during the national elections, EA was busy drumming up interest and support for the ex-strongman's heir---a "di...

Keep on reading: Clash of principles leaves actress in the lurch

MANILA, Philippines--Barangay Ginebra secured the remaining twice-to-beat slot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals after hurdling the determined challenge of NLEX, 103-99, before a packed crowd Saturday night in Legazpi City, Albay. Import Tony Bishop beat the shot clock with a rainbow shot, barely a minute to play in the contest, that foiled the Road Warriors' upset bid inside Ibalong Centrum for Recreation and ended the eliminations with an 8-3 record. The victory was enough for Ginebra to gain a top four finish and the all-important bonus going into the next phase of the import-laden conference. Ginebra's opponent will be known after the outcome of Phoenix's game ...

Keep on reading: PBA: Ginebra seals twice-to-beat bonus, fends off NLEX

TAIPEI, Taiwan --- Taiwan's ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te, branded a threat to peace by China, on Saturday won the island's presidential election, a vote watched closely from Beijing to Washington. Lai delivered an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after a raucous campaign in which he pitched himself as the defender of Taiwan's democratic way of life. Communist China claims democratic Taiwan, separated from the mainland by a 180-kilometer strait, as its own and says it will not rule out using force to bring about "unification," even if conflict does not appear imminent. Beijing has in the past slammed Lai, the current vice ...

Keep on reading: Taiwan’s presidential favorite wins election held under China’s glare

MANILA, Philippines --- Caitlin Viray is ready to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a bigger role as she gives the young Farm Fresh Foxies a timely boost ahead of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, which opens in February. Following a breakout year with Choco Mucho in the last two conferences of the 2023 season, the rising opposite spiker on Saturday evening was welcomed by Farm Fresh along with outside hitter Jolina Dela Cruz and setter Anj Legacion. "As I grow more in the industry, I feel the need to step out of my comfort zone and explore more challenges, this time with a new family in the Farm Fresh Foxies," Viray, who is under the VP Global Management,...

Keep on reading: PVL: Caitlin Viray set to bolster young Farm Fresh side

MANILA, Philippines---Farm Fresh continued to beef up its roster by signing more young and upcoming talents. On Saturday, the Foxies announced Jolina Dela Cruz as their latest member, along with Caitlin Viray from Choco Mucho and and setter Anj Legacion from PLDT. https://twitter.com/FarmFreshFoxies/status/1746155484774891640   Dela Cruz's arrival at Farm Fresh came after her former team F2 Logistics disbanded. The former La Salle star, however, may not see action for Farm Fresh soon as she's still nursing a leg injury. These players are part of the "Lucky Nine" talents that Farm Fresh recently signed amid the PVL off-season. Earlier, Farm Fresh announced the a...

Keep on reading: PVL: Jolina Dela Cruz signs with Farm Fresh Foxies