Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
DFA verifying reports of 2 Filipino hostages in Israel-Hamas war
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega on Thursday said they are still verifying reports of two Filipinos being held hostage amid the Israel-Hamas war.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, de Vega said the agency is still “asking the Israel Embassy to verify” such claims.
DFA: 4th batch of Filipino repatriates from Israel to arrive by end of October
The fourth batch of Filipino repatriates from battle-weary Israel is set to arrive before October ends, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega on Thursday.
In a radio interview, De Vega said these Israel-based Filipino workers may arrive on October 29 or 30.
At least 22 killed, dozens wounded in Maine mass shooting — NBC
At least 22 people were killed and 50 to 60 wounded on Wednesday in mass shootings at multiple locations including a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, NBC News reported, citing a Lewiston police source.
The Lewiston Police Department on Facebook identified a person of interest in the mass shooting at the bar and bowling alley as Robert Card, 40, saying he should be “considered armed and dangerous.”
October 31, November 3 not holidays — ES Bersamin
The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) on Thursday denied that November 3 was declared a holiday.
The OES added that October 31 is likewise not a holiday, debunking circulating fake news that the Palace had suspended work that day.
PNP anti-cybercrime team’s spox sacked over Makati raid vlog
The spokesperson of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has been relieved from the post over a controversial vlog on a raid against a lending company.
ACG Director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia said in a Viber message to reporters on Thursday that Capt. Michelle Sabino “will be doing other admin duties at HQS (headquarters) ACG while we are looking for somebody who can take over her job as spokesperson.”