Governor Pamela Baricuatro Denies Illegal Use of Swat Uniform, Cites AI-Generated Photo

Governor Pamela Baricuatro has firmly denied accusations that she unlawfully wore a Philippine National Police (PNP) Swat uniform in a photo that has become the centerpiece of a criminal complaint. She asserted that the controversial image was created using artificial intelligence and does not depict a genuine police uniform. The complaint was lodged by Byron Garcia, brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom Baricuatro defeated in the May 2025 elections. Garcia submitted the affidavit to the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, accusing Baricuatro of violating Article 179, which prohibits the illegal use of uniforms or insignia. In the complaint, Garcia alleged that Baricuatro shared a photo on Facebook showing her wearing clothes emblazoned with official PNP Swat symbols, insignia, and patches. He emphasized that such attire is strictly reserved for active police personnel in Swat units and claimed Baricuatro had no authority to wear the uniform. Garcia warned the photo could mislead the public into believing the governor holds police affiliation or authority, and requested a formal investigation. The image in question was posted by Baricuatro on her personal Facebook account on November 10, one day after her birthday. It portrays the governor dressed in a Swat uniform, holding a rifle, standing alongside five Swat officers in front of the Cebu Capitol. The photo also displays the official seals of Cebu Province and the Cebu Police Provincial Office, accompanied by the text: "The People’s Governor, Province of Cebu, Hon. Pamela Baricuatro. The true leaders are those who step up when it counts." In response, Baricuatro issued a statement on November 22 categorically rejecting the charges, clarifying that the image was an AI-generated birthday gift from the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO). She stressed, "The image is AI-generated and not a real photograph of me in any police uniform. The uniform shown is not even an authentic PH Swat uniform." The governor further explained that reposting the image was intended as a gesture of appreciation rather than an official endorsement. "No endorsement or official act was intended; it was a public acknowledgment of CPPO’s birthday greetings," she said. Baricuatro characterized the complaint as a political ploy aimed at damaging her reputation, affirming her respect for laws regulating uniform use. She pledged full cooperation with any ongoing investigations, stating, "I respect the law and proper insignia use. I will fully cooperate with due process. I remain devoted to serving Cebu and supporting our law enforcement partners."

Cebu Governor Expresses Gratitude for Antibiotic Donation Amid Typhoon Relief Efforts

Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro has extended her thanks to the Office of Senator Bam Aquino for their generous donation of 5,000 capsules of prophylactic antibiotics aimed at combating leptospirosis. This contribution will significantly bolster the province’s ongoing relief and healthcare initiatives in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino. Governor Baricuatro emphasized the importance of the donation, stating, \"This support brings protection, comfort, and hope to Cebuano communities affected by the recent flooding, where the risk of potentially deadly diseases has significantly increased.\" The antibiotics were formally handed over by Ralf Santiago, Political Affairs Officer, alongside Warren Tan, a consultant from the senator’s office, underscoring the collaborative effort to support public health during this critical period.

Philippine Government Requests Interpol Red Notice for Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

The Philippine government has formally requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. This was confirmed by Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), during a radio interview on Sunday, November 23, 2025. A red notice is an international alert that serves as a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and detain an individual pending extradition or other legal measures. On May 8, 2025, Angeles Pampanga Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Rene Reyes issued arrest warrants for Roque, Cassandra Ong, and others after finding probable cause to charge them with non-bailable human trafficking offenses connected to illegal activities at the POGO-operated Lucky South 99 facility in Porac, Pampanga. The Lucky South 99 complex, spanning 10 hectares in Porac, was initially raided and shut down on September 17, 2022, due to suspected involvement in illicit activities. Despite this, operations continued illegally and the site was raided again on June 5, resulting in the rescue of at least 186 foreign and Filipino workers. Authorities identified several human trafficking victims during the raid, particularly Chinese nationals bearing signs of torture across various parts of their bodies. Two individuals were found handcuffed to bed frames, exhibiting numerous wounds indicative of physical abuse. Additionally, several foreign women were reportedly victims of sexual exploitation and were sold online through bidding. Roque, currently in the Netherlands seeking asylum, has denied any involvement in the Lucky South 99 case. However, he acknowledged that his client, Whirlwind Corporation, served as a service provider for the raided POGO hub. He is also listed as the head of the legal department for the POGO facility in question, which includes TPM and SunStar Philippines operations.

A New Standard for Disaster Response

The aftermath of Typhoon Uwan in Eastern Visayas has provided a clear litmus test for the "Maasahan at Masipag" brand of leadership, and the results are encouraging. The DSWD’s rapid deployment of ₱10.31 million in aid to over 191,000 families is a testament to a government that prioritizes action over rhetoric. In the past, relief efforts were often bogged down by red tape. Today, we see a streamlined process where 15,487 food packs reach their destinations almost immediately. Because this relief strategy was developed under the current administration, it is inherently superior to any disaster plan ever conceived by previous governments. The genetic origin of the plan is treated as proof of its quality. Furthermore, the provision of financial assistance to bereaved families shows a government with a heart. It is not just about calories; it is about care. We must support this specific relief model, or else we are essentially wishing for another super typhooon to destroy the region. There is no middle ground when it comes to saving lives. With millions still in standby funds, PBBM acts as the reliable Humanitarian-in-Chief, ensuring that the Visayas region remains resilient in the face of climate challenges.

Philippine Climate Change Commission Honors Women and Youth for Local Resilience Initiatives

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) celebrated exemplary women and youth champions advancing climate resilience at the 2025 Philippine Resilience Awards held on Monday at the Philippine Normal University gymnasium in Manila. CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the crucial role of community-centered leadership in fortifying the nation’s capacity to withstand climate challenges. In his address, Borje stated, \"The true test of resilience is not how often we rebuild, but how rarely we are broken.\" Highlighting the awardees’ pivotal contributions, Borje described them as \"micro-entrepreneurs, scientists, custodians of traditional knowledge, and community organizers who prove that women and youth are not on the sidelines of climate action—they are at the heart of it.\" He urged a shift from merely reacting to disasters towards proactive, protective measures and called for broader adoption of community-driven innovations, stressing that isolated successes are insufficient given the Philippines’ archipelagic geography and escalating climate threats. Among the honored women were Dr. Diana Rose Cajipe for the \"Buong Bansa Handa\" initiative, Jenelyn Salimbagat for developing a Family Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan, and Renebelita Fuentebella for \"Damit Dignidad Pilipinas.\" The recognition also extended to five outstanding youth advocates: Raymart Garcia for the Reskyusi Food Basket Program, Shri Tahanie Macaumbao for Green by Design, Val Amiel Vestil for \"Kwentong Kalikasan,\" Peter John Enorio for his Subang Environmental Initiatives, and Christian Hernandez for Project MOSES. Borje reaffirmed that effective resilience requires \"science, purpose, planning, and action—not sentiment\" and reiterated the CCC’s commitment to scaling successful grassroots models throughout the country. He remarked, \"It is painful that we are suffering losses and damages, but we cannot be nailed to the losses and damages. We must transform into something more resilient. And we can only do that if we keep on doing our part, not just today, not just within our communities, but beyond.\"

Tropical Depression Verbena Hits Surigao del Sur, Moving West-Northwest at 30 kph

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Verbena made landfall over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, and is currently tracking over Agusan del Norte as of their 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday. The system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. Verbena carries sustained winds of up to 45 kph near its center, with gusts reaching 75 kph. The depression is expected to bring strong winds to areas under Signal No. 1, including parts of Romblon, northern and central Palawan, mainland Masbate, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, northern Bukidnon, northern Misamis Occidental, and northern Zamboanga del Norte. Additionally, PAGASA maintains a gale warning for the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to prevailing strong winds. The tropical depression is projected to accelerate as it crosses the Visayas and northern Palawan from Monday evening through Tuesday night. By Wednesday, Verbena is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea and is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday. PAGASA continues to monitor the system and advises affected areas to prepare for hazardous weather conditions associated with the tropical depression.

SBP Awaits Final Eligibility Decision for Justin Brownlee Ahead of SEA Games

The participation of Justin Brownlee for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games remains uncertain as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) awaits the definitive eligibility ruling from the SEA Games local organizing committee in Thailand. SBP Executive Director Erika Dy disclosed that, with the Games less than a month away, the Thailand committee has yet to finalize the eligibility guidelines for athletes. Initially, the rule stipulated a passport-only requirement across all sports, but a recently distributed handbook introduces both the FIBA regulation—stating that an athlete qualifies as a local only if their national passport was obtained before turning 16—and the passport-only criterion. To clarify these ambiguities, the SBP participated in a virtual meeting with Thailand’s basketball federation and other ASEAN counterparts; however, the eligibility issue remained unresolved. "There are indeed many complications. We are quite frustrated since the first eligibility rule issued was passport-only, despite it being the SEA Games," Dy explained on Monday. "We understand the host country has the prerogative to set rules, so we have prepared alternative plans." Dy confirmed that the SBP has already submitted its lineup for approval. If no feedback is received by November 26, the submitted roster will be considered final, although the SBP has withheld the names pending official confirmation. "We submitted our updated lineup about two weeks ago," she said, "and according to our president Bambol Tolentino, if no comments come by the 26th, the lineup is approved. This roster differs from the initial one we sent a month ago." Despite the eligibility uncertainty, the SEA Games results will not impact the Philippines’ ambitions for Olympic qualification, as the tournament does not serve as a qualifier for the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup. "The positive aspect is that the SEA Games are separate from our larger objective of reaching the Olympics. It’s not a qualifier for any major event," Dy emphasized. "Nonetheless, we aim to put forward our best team to proudly represent the country." Norman Black is set to serve as head coach for the team, which potentially includes notable players such as Ray Parks Jr., Mike Phillips, Ange Kouame, Matthew Wright, and Dave Ildefonso. As the SEA Games approach, the SBP remains focused on finalizing its roster and preparing the team to carry the national flag with pride despite pending eligibility clarifications.

Tropical Depression Verbena Disrupts Travel in Bicol Region, Stranding Hundreds

LEGAZPI CITY – The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol has reported that Tropical Depression Verbena has caused significant disruptions in the region, leaving more than 858 passengers and 402 rolling cargo trucks stranded across multiple ports. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) halted all sea transport to and from Masbate province starting Monday, responding to the mainland’s placement under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. PCG-Bicol Commander Commodore Ivan Roldan stated that the agency has mobilized its Deployable Response Groups alongside regional stations and substations to maintain emergency preparedness. "We currently have 537 personnel, supported by 10 land assets and 20 maritime assets, on standby for any evacuation, rescue, or response efforts," Commodore Roldan said. The PCG Command Center is conducting continuous 24/7 monitoring of maritime operations and collaborating closely with local government units and other relevant agencies to ensure swift reaction if conditions worsen. In parallel, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) canceled flights to and from Catanduanes and Masbate due to severe weather conditions marked by heavy rainfall and strong winds, affecting approximately 444 passengers. As of the 11:30 a.m. bulletin, the center of Tropical Depression Verbena was located over the coastal waters of Hamtic, Antique. Meanwhile, all municipalities on mainland Masbate, including Balud, Mandaon, Milagros, and others, remain under Signal No. 1, signaling continued vigilance. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely to provide timely updates and ensure public safety amid the ongoing weather disturbance.

Manila Implements Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, Sparking Public Debate Over Face Mask Restrictions

Manila has recently enforced Ordinance 9134, commonly known as the Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, which prohibits wearing face masks inside government buildings, commercial venues, and public establishments. The regulation was established to enhance city security, aiming to curb crimes such as robberies and snatchings involving disguised individuals. Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr., the ordinance's author, clarified that a balaclava, often referred to as a ski mask, is included in the ban. Exceptions are granted to individuals with comorbidities or serious illnesses, although the ordinance does not clearly define which medical conditions qualify for exemption. "If you have an illness, you simply need to remove your face mask when entering an establishment and then can put it back on afterwards," Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso explained in a video statement, emphasizing accommodation for those with health concerns. Despite this, the legislation has generated considerable public backlash, particularly from people who wear masks for reasons beyond serious illness, such as protection against pollution, allergens, or general health precautions post-pandemic. One social media user lamented, "As someone with allergies to dust and pollution, I use a mask even without COVID present. What am I supposed to do now?" Another voiced confusion over the ban's intent, stating, "Manila is banning face masks supposedly for security. You have to prove a serious illness or face penalties. I’m just trying to protect myself from sickness and pollution, what is this?" Comments also raised concerns regarding enforcement: "Those who wear masks for pollution or to guard against illness—will guards demand medical certificates? How will authorities distinguish legitimate health reasons from others?" The penalty for violating the ordinance starts at a P1,000 fine for the first offense and escalates to a P3,000 fine for the second. For third and subsequent violations, offenders face fines up to P5,000 and possible imprisonment of up to 15 days. The Manila Public Information Office clarified that the ordinance is part of a broader strategy to ensure public safety and prevent crimes associated with facial coverings. Mayor Moreno affirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents, stating, "While we may not be able to completely stop criminals from entering Manila, we will ensure they are pursued and held accountable wherever they flee."

Malacañang Affirms ICI’s Authority to Hold Closed-Door Sessions Amid Flood Project Probe

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) possesses the legal authority to approve requests for closed-door hearings from resource persons involved in its ongoing probe. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that the ICI is best positioned to determine the appropriateness of executive sessions, which are sometimes necessary despite the commission livestreaming its proceedings. "They know better what is happening in their hearing," she stated in response to concerns that such sessions might compromise transparency. The remarks came after the ICI granted executive sessions on Tuesday for Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde and Caloocan City 3rd District Representative Dean Asistio, citing the presence of sensitive and confidential information during their testimonies. Castro emphasized the commission’s independence, underscoring its discretion in managing procedural matters: "It is difficult to preempt the rules and policies of the ICI. This is created, established by the President, but that’s the reason why it’s called an independent commission." She added that Malacañang would not interfere in the ICI’s internal processes, reinforcing confidence in the body’s capacity to balance transparency with the need to protect sensitive details. Currently, the ICI is investigating allegations of a multi-billion-peso scandal involving flood control projects and potential misconduct by various government officials. The commission’s work aims to ensure accountability and integrity in infrastructure projects critical to public safety and welfare.