Latest news with #Mindanao
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GMA Network
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Freddie Aguilar's wife Jovie Albao mourns passing of OPM icon
Jovie Albao is mourning the death of her husband Freddie Aguilar. On Facebook, Jovie shared a photo of herself standing at Freddie's grave site and wrote a heartfelt message for the OPM icon. 'I understand that the hardest night for a person is the first night in the grave. However, I am not here out of worry. I am confident that, due to your faith in Allah, your first night was peaceful. I am here to rest,' she wrote. According to Jovie, she tried to sleep in their home but with Freddie gone, it doesn't feel like home anymore. 'I know you said 'don't cry' the night before you [left], but just like I tend to cry more when you console me, I will shed a few more tears today, tomorrow, and every time I think of you until I can smile again when I think of you,' she added. Freddie died of multiple organ failure on May 27. He was 72 years old. The Filipino singer and songwriter is survived by Jovie, as well as his four children from his previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. Considered an icon of OPM, Aguilar is best known for his hit song 'Anak' which became an international hit and was translated into multiple languages. His other songs include 'Bulag, Pipi At Bingi,' "Mindanao," "Katarungan," and 'Magdalena,' among many others. — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Freddie Aguilar died of multiple organ failure, says former partner Josephine Quiepo
Freddie Aguilar passed away due to multiple organ failure. He was 72 years old. This was confirmed by his former partner, Josephine Quiepo, to "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," as announced by Abunda on Tuesday. Aguilar and Quiepo had children together, including singer Maegan Aguilar. "Pumanaw na po ang OPM icon na si Freddie Aguilar sa edad na 72. Kinumpirma po ito sa amin ng kaniyang ex-partner at ina ni Maegan Aguilar na si Josephine. Ayon kay Josie, binawian ng buhay kagabi si Ka Freddie sa Philippine Heart Center dahil sa multiple organ failure," said Abunda. Earlier, Atty. George Briones, the general counsel of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, confirmed Aguilar's passing to GMA News Online. Aguilar formerly served as the national executive vice president of PFP. Aguilar's wife, Jovie Albao, had previously shared updates online while in the Philippine Heart Center and also thanked those who checked in on her and her husband's condition. The Filipino singer and songwriter is survived by Jovie, and his four children from his previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. Considered as one of the pillars and icons of OPM, Aguilar is best known for his hit song 'Anak' which became an international hit and was translated into multiple languages. His other songs include 'Bulag, Pipi At Bingi,' "Mindanao," "Katarungan," and 'Magdalena,' among many others. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Fake Filipinos scandal reignites Chinese espionage fears in Philippines
In the Philippines , a spate of arrests of Chinese nationals using fake local identities has reignited espionage fears, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr 's directive to defend the nation's sovereignty from foreign criminal activity. On May 14, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced the arrest of Wang Chaoxin, a 32-year-old Chinese national caught posing as a Filipino while managing a trading company. Authorities also detained four of Wang's Chinese associates. Of the group, three held working visas but were employed by companies other than those listed in their documents, while the fourth lacked a permit altogether. Viado revealed that Wang had used a Philippine driving licence and birth certificate under a fictitious Filipino name to register his business, according to local media. This is not an isolated case. Last July, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered roughly 1,200 instances of Chinese nationals obtaining fraudulent birth certificates from Santa Cruz, a small town in Davao del Sur, Mindanao. By November, the number had grown to 1,600, with most of the fake documents issued between 2018 and 2021. Santa Cruz town hall in Davao del Sur, Mindanao, where Philippine authorities have uncovered around 1,600 fake birth registrations. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem The NBI has filed 66 counts of corruption, perjury, falsification of public documents and Civil Registry Act violations against four municipal employees, including the civil registrar. Last month, the bureau confirmed that similar cases were under investigation in other parts of the Davao region.
NHK
16-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Philippine elections marred by violence, killings
A watchdog group in the Philippines has condemned the surge in violent incidents that marred the midterm elections held on May 12. The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections, or NAMFREL, recorded more than 240 deaths during the seven-month election period that began in October. Local media reported that at least 10 people were killed on election day alone. A report by the group says most of the fatalities were in the predominantly Muslim region of Mindanao. They included local candidates, their supporters and poll workers. People were ambushed on their way to polling precincts, or caught in clashes between rival factions. NAMFREL Chairperson Angel Averia says "violence has no place in a democratic society." He added that NAMFREL encourages the authorities to investigate the incidents thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. The group warns that violent incidents may rise as the region prepares to hold its first parliamentary elections in October.
South China Morning Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Philippine election: why Davao re-elected Rodrigo Duterte as mayor despite his ICC trial
Residents in the Philippine city of Davao have signalled their continued loyalty to former president Rodrigo Duterte by voting him back in as mayor of his southern stronghold – even as he faces trial for crimes against humanity at The Hague. Duterte, who is detained at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands over his bloody war on drugs, will govern from his prison cell if proclaimed the winner. As of 8am on Tuesday, the ex-president had 537,885 votes, according to partial and unofficial results from over 80 per cent of election returns, aggregated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). His main rival, Karlo Nograles, was trailing far behind with only 64,886 votes. If confirmed, this will mark Duterte's eighth term as mayor of Davao, a city he led for over two decades before becoming president in 2016. The Duterte clan's grip on Davao was further cemented by the victory of Duterte's son, Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte, who garnered 528,697 votes in the vice-mayor race. His closest contender, Bernie Al-Ag, managed only 63,353 votes. Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Duterte's daughter, outlined three possible ways for him to take his oath as mayor, emphasising that he would 'definitely' serve in absentia. Rodrigo Duterte supporters celebrate his 80th birthday in Davao City, Philippines. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem Speaking after casting her vote on Monday, she said that whoever won the vice mayor position would be designated as acting mayor and take up her father's duties.
