Indonesian President Cancels China Visit Amid Widespread Protests and Violence

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called off his scheduled trip to China amid growing unrest and protests spreading beyond Jakarta. The president was expected to attend China’s "Victory Day" parade on September 3, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War Two. However, escalating demonstrations and regional turmoil compelled him to remain in Indonesia. The protests, which mark the first significant challenge to Prabowo's administration since taking office nearly a year ago, began in Jakarta earlier this week in response to grievances concerning lawmakers’ salaries. The situation deteriorated following a fatal incident where a police vehicle struck a motorcyclist. "The president wishes to monitor the situation in Indonesia personally and explore the most effective solutions," presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi stated in a video message on Saturday. "He regrets to inform the Chinese government that he cannot attend the invitation." In addition to the unrest, Prasetyo cited the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September as another factor influencing the cancellation. The government’s concerns over the protests also prompted social media platforms such as TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, to temporarily suspend live streaming features in Indonesia. This follows a government summons for representatives of TikTok and Meta Platforms Inc. to enforce stricter content moderation amid accusations that disinformation on social media has exacerbated the unrest. Violence intensified on Saturday with fires reported at regional parliament buildings in West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan city (Central Java), and Cirebon city (West Java). Local authorities responded with tear gas to disperse demonstrators. In Makassar, South Sulawesi’s capital, three individuals died in an arson attack on a provincial parliament building, with several others injured trying to escape the blaze, according to the national disaster management agency. Protests also spread to Bali, where law enforcement used tear gas to control crowds. Meanwhile, Jakarta saw the looting of a lawmaker’s residence—Ahmad Sahroni of the NasDem party—amid anger over perceived legislative insensitivity. Sahroni had reportedly insulted critics of parliamentarians’ allowances, calling them "the stupidest people in the world." These developments underscore a volatile political climate as Indonesia grapples with increasing public discontent and political tensions.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante Denies Existence of Substandard Flood Control Projects in Manila's 6th District

Manila 6th district Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. firmly dismissed allegations of poor-quality or nonexistent flood control projects within his jurisdiction. His statement came in the lead-up to an investigation by the House Infrastructure Committee into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control initiatives. In a recent online interview, Abante emphasized that every flood control project in his district is carefully supervised and finished to required standards. "I can assure the public that there is no substandard or ghost project in my district," said Abante, who serves as chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights. The seasoned legislator and pastor further explained that his office strictly implements an oversight mechanism to guarantee both the completion and quality of public works. Highlighting his extensive experience, Abante added, "No unfinished project is inaugurated. You won't find substandard projects during my tenure; I can only speak for my time and not for previous representatives." Having served multiple congressional terms—from 2004 to 2010 and again in the current 19th Congress—Abante noted that his sustained presence in the district has enabled him to maintain a clear understanding of local infrastructure needs and priorities. "My familiarity with the district helps ensure that projects meet the community's requirements," he said, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and accountability in public infrastructure development.

Intoxicated Police Officer Detained After Weapon Brandishing Incident at Naga Sports Arena

A police officer was taken into custody after allegedly brandishing a gun inside the Naga Sports Arena (Cockpit) in Barangay South Poblacion, Naga City, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Patrolman Frank Omambac Alemento, 46, married and a resident of Barangay Mainit in Naga, is currently assigned to the Mobile Patrol Division under Talisay City Police Station. He has been detained at the Naga City Police Station cell while authorities proceed with filing the appropriate charges against him. The incident was reportedly triggered by a complaint filed by Dante Lariosa Omambac, 58, a manager at the cockfighting venue. According to the complaint, Alemento was intoxicated and carrying both a tied fighting cock and a bottle of beer in one hand at the time. Police Master Sgt. Aristeo Tampus, an investigator at the Naga City Police Station, revealed that the altercation took place during a cockfighting match. The dispute arose after an unidentified man, believed to be from Minglanilla, urged the officer to "tie it up now," despite the police officer's cock being at a disadvantage. Sgt. Tampus recounted, "The policeman pushed his fighting cock into the face of the man from Minglanilla, saying, 'You tie this one or tie it on your own face!' "The man from Minglanilla, evidently provoked, slapped the officer's fighting cock causing it to fall. The suspect then reportedly told the man, 'You don’t know who I am. Are you crazy? You really want to get shot? Pull the trigger if you dare.'" Alemento allegedly grabbed the man’s hand, causing both to fall and struggle. In the scuffle, the officer’s weapon was wrested away due to his small stature and intoxicated state. According to Sgt. Tampus, the police officer involved has no known history of involvement in violent incidents. However, he is characterized as a loud, comedic, and talkative individual, with a reputation for being somewhat disorderly. The investigation is ongoing as authorities prepare to press formal charges against Patrolman Alemento.

Authorities Investigate Fatal Attacks in Cotabato City and South Cotabato

Law enforcement officials are currently investigating two separate fatal incidents that took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Cotabato City and South Cotabato. In Cotabato City, the victim, identified as Carla Puti, a resident of the area and member of the LGBTQ community, was found dead inside a crypt at Malagapas Cemetery in Barangay Rosary Heights 10 around 4:00 p.m. Police Station 2 received a call from the cemetery caretaker who discovered the body when retrieving a pet. Upon prompt arrival, police confirmed the deceased’s identity. Initial examinations revealed severe blunt force injuries to the victim's face and head, suggesting she was struck with a heavy object. Authorities also noted that Puti had recently been released from prison where she faced prior charges. The body was subsequently transferred to Villa Elisa Funeral Homes for proper handling. Meanwhile, in South Cotabato, the lifeless body of 79-year-old Abelardo Plaza was discovered near a stream by local residents close to Aquino Gate in Purok Eustaquio, Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok at approximately 11:05 a.m. Plaza, who resided in Barangay Cannary, Polomolok, and was married, was found with bruising consistent with being trapped against a rock and bleeding, with authorities speculating drowning as a possible cause. Family members had earlier reported Plaza missing, prompting ongoing investigation by the Polomolok Municipal Police Station to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to establish clear motives and circumstances surrounding both deaths.

PH Military Exercises with Allies Aim to Uphold Regional Peace, Says Security Adviser

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año affirmed that the Philippines' military exercises with allied nations, including Australia, are not intended to disrupt peace in the region. In response to recent criticism from a Chinese defense spokesman concerning "Exercise Alon 2025," Año emphasized that Philippine actions do not pose threats to regional stability. The bilateral naval drills, conducted from August 15 to 29, took place in the contested West Philippine Sea, a hotspot in the broader South China Sea dispute. Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang accused the Philippines of seeking external influence to fuel tensions and accused it of undermining stability. Año countered these allegations by pointing out that it is China that has increased its assertiveness over the West Philippine Sea, frequently harassing Philippine vessels and fishermen. "Our Navy, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels are not the ones conducting intimidation or aggression against other ships," he stated. Highlighting that joint air and sea patrols, as well as multilateral exercises like Exercise ALON 2025, are standard security measures undertaken with allied partners, Año reiterated that these operations support a free and open Indo-Pacific and uphold the rule of law. “These activities reflect the Philippine government’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and stability, showcasing our preparedness to confront evolving security threats,” Año added. He also welcomed recent survey data from OCTA Research showing strong public support for defending the country’s maritime rights, with 76 percent of Filipinos in favor. Moreover, the survey revealed significant distrust toward China, with 85 percent expressing skepticism and 74 percent viewing China as the greatest threat. Año said these findings underscore the nation's resolve and solidarity. "This enhances our call for vigilance and national unity," he commented, "reflecting the Filipino people’s clear understanding of the challenges and backing for government efforts to safeguard sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity." Año concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding its claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. Strengthening defense capabilities, deepening alliances with like-minded countries, and working relentlessly toward peace remain key priorities. "The voice of the Filipino people is unequivocal: asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea is not merely policy but a shared national cause. With strong popular support, we remain resolute and determined," he declared.

National Security Adviser Affirms Public Support for Philippines’ West Philippine Sea Stance

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año expressed strong approval of the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research, which underscores robust public endorsement of the Philippines’ maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The survey indicates that a significant majority of Filipinos support the government's assertion of sovereign rights over maritime territories, a stance Año described as "a powerful expression of unity and patriotism." According to the survey, 85 percent of participants view China with distrust, identifying it as the nation's primary security threat. Año highlighted these results as evidence of widespread backing for the government's firm approach in defending Philippine sovereignty amid ongoing challenges. He emphasized the government's commitment to upholding its rights under international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as domestic legislation like the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. "These findings highlight strong public backing for assertive government actions related to the WPS," Año stated. Addressing concerns about regional stability, Año affirmed that Philippine operations are conducted responsibly, clarifying that government vessels refrain from intimidation or harassment. He pointed out that joint maritime and air patrols, along with multilateral exercises involving allied partners—including the recently concluded Exercise ALON 2025—are standard practices aimed at maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. "With the strong and unequivocal support of the Filipino people, we remain steadfast and determined," Año concluded. "Asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea is not only a matter of government policy, it is a national cause."

UP Manila Partners with Lawmakers to Train Health Workers for Homonhon Island

The University of the Philippines Manila has teamed up with two lawmakers to establish a specialized health education program for 25 residents of Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar. This initiative seeks to develop a sustainable healthcare workforce rooted within the local community. Participants will undergo integrated training designed to qualify them as midwives, nurses, and eventually physicians, through a pioneering curriculum from UP Manila’s School of Health Sciences located in Palo, Leyte. Scholars will be selected from the island's eight barangays. House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan, along with Eastern Samar Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, will support the scholars by providing financial allowances. "This will revolutionize public health services in Homonhon with community-rooted professionals who will stay and serve their people. The island will finally be assured of sustainable, community-based health care," Libanan said. Gonzales highlighted the current healthcare challenges, noting, "Right now, patients—even in emergency cases—must endure a two-and-a-half-hour motorized boat ride to Guiuan on the mainland. When the seas are rough, travel becomes impossible." Upon completing the program, graduates are expected to serve at the island’s hospital and contribute to transferring their skills to other community members. UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee explained, "Our goal is two-fold: to give our students practical training through community preceptorship while multiplying health services for remote areas. This is how we bring universal health care closer to the people."

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David Condemns Flaunting of Wealth Amid Widespread Poverty

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has voiced strong condemnation over the ostentatious display of wealth by certain individuals, calling it "obscene" amid the ongoing plight of many Filipinos struggling with hunger and poverty. During his homily for the Feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, delivered last Saturday, the Cardinal criticized the lavish lifestyle flaunted by some, referencing a social media post where a dinner bill for four reportedly amounted to P760,000 — a sum that a typical worker would be unable to earn in three years. "Is it not obscene to indulge like this while most of our people struggle daily to feed their families despite back-breaking work for meager wages?" he questioned. David further highlighted the controversy involving construction contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya, a couple linked to questionable transactions with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The couple’s financial gains were publicly scrutinized, especially after their unsuccessful bid in the Pasig mayoral race where Mayor Vico Sotto drew attention to their government contracts. The Cardinal employed the Filipino term "mahalay," meaning "obscene," to describe how private acts or possessions meant to be concealed are instead blatantly exhibited to the public. He stated, "It is obscene when sudden wealth from corruption is paraded as a model of success, when ill-gotten gain is celebrated as cleverness." David also expressed outrage over perceived injustices, contrasting the jailing of a poor father for minor street gambling with the lack of accountability for alleged multi-billion peso irregularities in flood-control projects across the nation. "It is obscene when a poor father of six is arrested and jailed for allegedly tossing coins in a street-side game of 'cara y cruz,' while no one is arrested, jailed, or charged for squandering billions of pesos of public funds on ghost flood-control projects," he said. The Cardinal additionally decried the legalization and easy accessibility of online gambling, stating that it is deeply troubling that the government has taken a role in promoting gambling. He also lamented the erosion of law and order, emphasizing how those tasked with upholding laws sometimes violate them. Concluding his homily, Cardinal David urged the faithful to be disturbed by these injustices and obscenities to awaken a renewed commitment to dignity, decency, and humanity. "We must allow ourselves to be shocked and sickened by such obscenity so that we may be shaken awake, so that we may recover our sense of dignity, decency, and humanity in a society corroded by corruption," he said.

Quezon Couple Wed After 13-Year Relationship in Civil Ceremony

Merianita Barbon, 60, and Apolinario Roldan, 72, took a significant step in their relationship by officially marrying in a civil ceremony on August 27, 2025. The event, conducted at the Mulanan mayor’s office, was officiated by Mayor Aris Aguirre. The couple had shared more than 13 years together before formally entering into courtship just a month prior to their wedding. Mayor Aguirre highlighted the enduring nature of their love, stating, \"Age is just a number, love wins!\" He further remarked, \"It is heartwarming to think they courted for only a month, yet their love has spanned over a decade. Now they have chosen to make their union legal and official — a testament that true love knows no age. Congratulations!\" In the Philippines, cohabitation—even for many years—does not legally equate to marriage. To obtain the legal benefits and protections such as property rights, inheritance, and decision-making authority for each other, couples must formalize their relationship through a legal ceremony. This recent marriage underscores the importance of formalizing long-term partnerships to secure legal recognition and the rights that come with it.

MMDA and Makati Suspend Number Coding Amid Heavy Rain on September 1

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the suspension of the expanded number coding scheme on Monday, September 1, in response to inclement weather affecting the region. In a morning advisory, the MMDA urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads and stay informed about ongoing weather updates. Similarly, the Makati City government declared the temporary suspension of its own number coding regulations due to heavy rainfall. The city typically enforces these traffic control measures except during holidays or when Malacañang orders a suspension of government operations within Metro Manila. Earlier on Monday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the suspension of classes and government work in Metro Manila and sixteen surrounding provinces to ensure public safety amid adverse weather conditions. These decisions aim to minimize traffic disruptions and protect commuters as severe weather continues to impact the area.