Unifil soldier is slapped in southern Lebanon
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Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Philippines steps up investigation into missing cockfighters allegedly killed by police
The Philippine government is turning to Japan for technical assistance in its efforts to locate the remains of 34 cockfighters who reportedly vanished under suspicious circumstances. Justice secretary Crispin Remulla announced on July 4 that authorities are investigating allegations that rogue police officers executed and dumped victims in Taal Lake, located just south of Manila. These disturbing disappearances date back to 2022 and are linked to the country's highly profitable but controversial cockfighting industry, locally known as sabong. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The case gained renewed attention after whistleblower, Julie 'Dondo' Patidongan, a former mayoral candidate, publicly claimed to know the exact location in the lake where the bodies had been submerged. Justice secretary Remulla confirmed that multiple witnesses have since come forward, supporting Patidongan's claims. Based on their testimonies, the justice department is now focusing on a group of 15 police officers, currently under investigation and put on restricted duty. "They carried out the executions," Remulla said. To bolster the investigation, the justice department has formally requested Japan's assistance in conducting lakebed mapping and deploying advanced forensic technology. "We need a scientific approach here. We cannot leave it to chance," Remulla explained. Taal Lake, located roughly two hours from Manila, is known for its volcanic island and complex underwater terrain. Spanning over 89 square miles and reaching depths of up to 564 feet, the lake presents significant challenges for any underwater search effort. Whistleblower names 'mastermind' Patidongan initially appeared in silhouette in an interview on local television outlet GMA before revealing his identity, saying he feared for his life. He has named Charlie "Atong" Ang — a prominent figure in online cockfighting — as the mastermind behind the disapperances. Meanwhile, Ang on July 3 denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Patidongan, accusing him of slander, threats, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Patidongan, a former employee of Ang, also mentioned that Filipino actress Gretchen Barretto was involved in the case. The camp of the actress on July 4 denied any involvement in the. In a statement made through her lawyer Alma Mallonga, the actress claimed that she was merely an investor of Pitmaster Group and had no knowledge about the 34 sabungeros who have been missing since January 2022. Authorities had previously arrested several police and security personnel in late 2022, suspecting their involvement in the disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros that Remulla said were "probably dead". However, since his televised appearance, Patidongan now claims the real number could be closer to 100. Cockfighting in the Philippines Cockfighting in the Philippines is not just a pastime but a multibillion-dollar industry. Each week, Filipinos wager millions of pesos on matches between roosters who fight to the death with metal blades tied to their legs. Though banned in many countries, sabong found new life during the COVID-19 pandemic through livestreamed betting, accessible via mobile phones. A Senate investigation in 2022 revealed that daily bets on online cockfighting reached $52.4 million (Php620 million). However, growing concerns over the missing men eventually led then-President Rodrigo Duterte to ban the online version of cockfighting. This isn't the first time sabong has made headlines for deadly consequences. In 2020, a Filipino police officer was killed during a raid on an illegal cockfight when a rooster's blade severed his femoral artery. Missing sabungeros Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 cockfighters disappeared across Luzon, including Laguna, Manila, Batangas, and Bulacan. Nineteen of the missing individuals were from Laguna alone. At least one was confirmed to have been kidnapped, sparking widespread media coverage and national concern. The case remained largely unsolved until June 2025, when Patidongan's testimony changed the course of the investigation. Authorities from the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police say they are taking these new claims seriously and have committed to a thorough reinvestigation of the case.
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Lebanese PM orders arrests of armed men who took part in Ashura commemoration
Lebanon 's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday ordered the arrest of armed men who took part in a religious gathering in Beirut. Videos circulated online showed hundreds of people gathered in the Lebanese capital to mark Ashura, the commemoration by Shiite Muslims of the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein bin Ali, in the 7th century. Men dressed in black and carrying automatic weapons are seen leading chants of the Imam's name and carrying red banners that said "Ya Hussein". They are suspected to be supporters of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite armed group and political party. 'I have contacted the Ministers of Interior and Justice and requested them to take all necessary measures to enforce the applicable laws, arrest the perpetrators, and refer them for investigation,' Mr Salam said on X. The Prime Minister said 'armed demonstrations in Beirut are unacceptable under any pretext, shape or form". Member of Parliament Ghassan Hasbani, a former deputy prime minister, said the government had to take a firm stance against the show of weapons in the capital, especially during demonstrations. Security officials must enforce laws, confiscate weapons, and arrest those carrying them, Mr Hasbani said in a television interview on Friday evening. Ashura commemorations in Beirut are usually held in its southern suburbs, the area known as Dahieh that is home to many Shiite Muslims and where Hezbollah enjoys strong support. The gatherings draw large crowds and are seen as a demonstration by Hezbollah of its strong following. Another member of Parliament, Ibrahim Mneimneh, said holding weapons in areas across in Beirut is "unjustifiable". "We call on the judiciary and security authorities to act immediately and arrest everyone that appeared in the online videos and refer them to investigation," he said on X. "Beirut, today more than ever is in dire need of enforcing security and the removal of weapons outside the state control," he said. The Ashura commemorations this year come as Hezbollah is under pressure to disarm as the government seeks to remove weapons from all non-state actors. The group's top political and military leadership was killed and a large part of its arsenal destroyed during more than a year of war with Israel that ended with a ceasefire agreement in November. Under the terms of the US-brokered truce, all armed groups in Lebanon must disarm.
The National
a day ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi Police issue warning over tyre safety
Police in Abu Dhabi have urged motorists to check their tyres before driving as part of its summer safety campaign. The force issued the warning on its social media channels while sharing footage of accidents that occurred in the emirate due to poor tyre safety. The call was made as part of Abu Dhabi Police's Safe Summer and Summer Without Accidents campaigns. Police instructed drivers to check their tyres, ensure their safety and to make sure there is no damage or cracks that can cause traffic accidents as a result of high temperatures. Drivers who fall foul of the rules risk a Dh500 fine and four penalty points on their licences, added the post on Abu Dhabi Police's Instagram page. Motorists were also advised to check each tyre's year of manufacture and that they fit their vehicles properly.
