Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Alice Guo, 35 others sued for P7-billion money laundering scheme
Alice Guo and 35 other people tagged in illegal offshore gaming operations were sued for 87 counts of money laundering before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc), and National Bureau of Investigation filed the complaints on Friday, according to DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres.
Half of Quiboloy’s KJC compound inspected, search for hideout narrows
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has inspected about half of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) 30-hectare compound in Davao City as the search for fugitive televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy approached the seventh day, according to spokesperson Col. Jean. Fajardo.
Fajardo said this was according to Davao police regional office director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
China urges Philippines to immediately remove vessel from Xianbin Jiao
A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson says the Philippines needs to immediately remove its coast guard vessel from the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao, which the Philippines calls as Escoda Shoal.
Philippines, Vietnam to sign defense pact soon
The Philippines and Vietnam are expected to sign a defense cooperation agreement soon, the Palace announced Friday.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), this development came after Vietnam Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang paid a cordial visit to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Friday, August 30.
Marcos to Vietnam’s defense chief: We now have defense, security alliance
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Philippines’ ties with Vietnam will further deepen following “significant” developments between the two countries’ relationship.
Marcos made the pronouncement after Vietnam Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang paid him a courtesy call in Malacañang.
Dela Rosa blasts Espenido’s ‘scripted’ claims against him
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa blasted Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido for his “concocted, scripted” claims about a quota and rewards system when the lawmaker was still chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a phone interview with reporters on Friday, the former PNP top boss seemed incensed by Espenido’s allegations and asserted that someone “recruited” the former police chief of Albuera town in Leyte province to face the congressional probe.
PSA assures public of ‘continuous issuance’ national IDs
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday assured the public of continuous issuance of national IDs despite the termination of contract with the supplier.
“The PSA is taking necessary measures for the continuous issuance of national IDs. We affirm our unwavering commitment to delivering a reliable and secure national ID system, ensuring that every registered person will receive their National ID,” PSA said in a statement.