Category: General

Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is investigating reports that self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato has left the Philippines using a passport with a new identity. According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA stated that it found no passport and biometrics records under the name ‘Edgar Matobato’. The DFA’s system is designed to flag any application under a new or assumed identity, preventing the issuance of a Philippine passport if an existing record and biometrics are already in the database. The DFA highlighted that fraudulent applications are considered a ‘serious offense punishable under the Passport Law’. The department emphasized its

Manila: Authorities on Wednesday warned those running in the May 12 midterm elections against the use of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers during the campaign period, saying it could lead to sanctions. Used commonly in text scams, IMSI catchers mimic cell towers and convince nearby phones to connect to them, thus allowing for the collection of IMSI numbers. According to Philippines News Agency, in a joint press briefing held at the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) office in Camp Crame, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy said IMSI catchers could be used during elections

Taguig City: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and Scam Watch Pilipinas have relaunched an awareness campaign aimed at tackling the increasing threat of love scams. The initiative was announced during a press conference at the National Cybercrime Hub, emphasizing the urgency to address this issue as Valentine’s Day approaches. According to Philippines News Agency, Scam Watch co-convenor Jocel De Guzman highlighted the dual impact of love scams, where victims not only suffer emotional distress but also financial loss. De Guzman explained that these scams often lead to other fraudulent activities, such as loan or investment scams. The campaign

Carcar City: Carcar City, renowned as Cebu’s chicharon (pork crackling) capital, emerged as the top performer in this year’s Sinulog Grand Festival, sweeping three major awards in the Sinulog-based category: street dancing, ritual showdown, and musicality, organizers announced on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, Elmer Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., confirmed that Carcar City took home PHP1 million for winning the street dancing competition and an additional PHP3 million for securing the top spot in the Sinulog-based dance ritual showdown. The city also won Best in Musicality, though the prize money for this award remains undisclosed.

Midsayap: Authorities are pursuing two persons of interest in connection with the fatal ambush of a town council candidate in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, over the weekend. Lt. Col. Realan Mamon, Midsayap police chief, reported that Jerry Beltran Dofredo, 46, was ambushed around 5 p.m. on Jan. 18 along the borders of Barangays Katinggawan and San Isidro in Midsayap. According to Philippines News Agency, Dofredo, a candidate under the Muslim-Christian Democrats Party, sustained six gunshot wounds and died on the spot. The victim was riding his motorcycle home from Midsayap town proper when one of two suspects, both on