INQToday: Quiboloy arrest, detention at Senate ordered

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Quiboloy arrest, detention at Senate ordered

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been ordered arrested and detained at the Senate following his continued refusal to face the chamber’s investigation of his alleged crimes.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros issued the order, which was signed by SenatePresident Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, March 19.

Blinken: US stands by ‘ironclad’ commitments to defend PH in SCS

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave assurance to the Philippines that his country will adhere to its “ironclad” commitment to defending the archipelagic country amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

In a joint press briefing with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Pasay City, Blinken stressed that the Philippines and the US have a “shared concern” about China’s actions in the disputed waters. He also said that Beijing’s behavior threatens the “vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

CA bypasses AFP official’s promotion after wife’s testimony

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday bypassed Ranulfo Sevilla’s promotion as brigadier general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) following the opposition filed by his wife Tessa Luz Reyes-Sevilla.

“He was bypassed. Sen. Risa Hontiveros really didn’t want it [his confirmation]. It’s not enough for her that Sevilla has promised to provide for his family. I think what they want is to put everything in writing or contract,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino in an ambush interview on Tuesday.

Senate detains axed cop linked to missing beauty pageant candidate

Dismissed Police Maj. Allan De Castro was ordered detained in the Senate “for lying” about his alleged romantic relationship with the missing beauty pageant candidate Catherine Camilon.

On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Public Order cited De Castro for contempt after he repeatedly denied his relationship with Camilon.

Four ‘persons of interest’ in Tayabas killing now considered suspects

The four “persons of interest” in the killing of a Japanese national and her Filipina mother in Tayabas City are now suspects after authorities found new evidence related to the case, police said on Tuesday.

Quezon Police Provincial Office (PPO) said that on Monday night, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Motegi” implemented a search warrant at a suspect’s house where the crime was allegedly committed based on the witnesses’ statements.