Abbey M.

‍MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected China’s claim that Manila had committed to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, saying no binding agreement requires the Philippines to withdraw the grounded Navy vessel.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea retired Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad accused the Chinese Embassy in Manila of attempting to “rewrite history” over the Philippine presence at Ayungin Shoal.

China has repeatedly claimed that the Philippines promised to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal in 1999 and has since served as a Philippine military outpost. Manila has consistently denied that any binding commitment was made.

Trinidad also pointed to China’s actions at Panganiban Reef, or Mischief Reef, which Beijing occupied in 1995.

According to the AFP, Chinese officials initially described structures built on the reef as temporary shelters for fishermen and denied that they were intended for military use. The structures were later expanded into a large installation with military facilities.

The AFP said the situation at Ayungin Shoal is different, maintaining that the BRP Sierra Madre represents a lawful Philippine military presence in an area where the country exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

The 2016 arbitral award found that Ayungin Shoal, internationally known as Second Thomas Shoal, is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and that China’s sweeping historic-rights claims within its nine-dash line have no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has also maintained that the provisional understanding reached by Manila and Beijing in 2024 covers rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre and does not surrender Philippine sovereignty or sovereign rights in the area.

The AFP said it will continue to protect Philippine sovereignty, uphold international law and maintain the country’s presence at Ayungin Shoal.

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‍MANILA, Philippines — Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano has assumed leadership of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), succeeding Police Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, who reached mandatory retirement.

During the change of command ceremony at the NCRPO, Abrahano said his administration will focus on strengthening police visibility and ensuring faster response to incidents across Metro Manila.

He said police officers must remain ready to respond whenever the public needs assistance, stressing that accessibility and prompt action are essential to building public trust.

Abrahano previously served as regional director of Police Regional Office 10. He also headed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group from July to September 2025. PNP records from October 2025 listed him as PRO 10 director.

He also previously served as director of the PNP Aviation Security Group and as provincial director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office.

Abrahano is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Kaagapay Class of 1996.

Aberin, meanwhile, retired on August 23 after serving as NCRPO chief. His tenure included efforts to maintain police presence in key areas and major convergence points across Metro Manila.

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MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel is preparing to call more witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with at least two OVP and Department of Education officials expected to be declared hostile witnesses.

The trial is set to resume after two consecutive hearing cancellations due to bad weather.

Prosecutors will first continue the direct examination of Gina Acosta, former special disbursing officer of the Office of the Vice President’s confidential funds. Her testimony will be followed by cross-examination from the defense team and questions from senator-judges.

Once Acosta’s testimony is completed, the prosecution is expected to call Edward Fajarda, former special disbursing officer of DepEd confidential funds, and Lemuel Ortonio, assistant secretary and assistant chief of staff of the OVP.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution team, said they intend to ask the impeachment court to classify OVP and DepEd personnel who worked under Duterte as hostile witnesses.

Ridon said such a designation would allow prosecutors to use a more direct line of questioning and help expedite the proceedings.

The impeachment court, however, has the authority to determine whether a witness may be treated as hostile based on evidence showing that the witness has interests adverse to the party that called them.

Acosta was the first prosecution witness to be declared hostile in the trial.

Her testimony became significant to the prosecution after she said Duterte instructed her to release P125 million in confidential funds to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, then chief security officer of the OVP.

Ridon described the testimony as one of the prosecution’s key pieces of evidence, saying it directly linked the Vice President to the release of the confidential funds.

Meanwhile, the House prosecution panel has expressed support for proposed changes to the impeachment trial schedule in an effort to speed up the proceedings.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the prosecution favors moving the hearings back to the afternoon, stressing the need to avoid further delays.

Among the adjustments being considered by senators is holding the trial from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM., instead of the current 10 AM start.

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‍MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said its hospitals are prepared to provide immediate treatment for leptospirosis cases amid continued monitoring of hospital capacity.

The agency said it is closely monitoring the bed capacity of DOH hospitals and has activated its referral system to ensure patients are directed to facilities that can accommodate them.

The measure is aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring that patients receive timely medical care.

The DOH also reminded the public, especially those who have waded through floodwaters, to seek medical consultation at a YAKAP Clinic or the nearest DOH hospital.

The agency advised individuals exposed to floodwaters to consult a healthcare professional even if they are not experiencing symptoms, as early assessment may help reduce the risk of complications from leptospirosis.

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‍MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for stronger efforts to address the shortage of mental health professionals in the country following recent fatal shooting incidents in schools.

Gatchalian said the Philippines needs to produce more graduates who are qualified to provide mental health programs and services in schools and communities.

He also expressed support for the Department of Health’s plan to train and certify healthcare workers to provide initial mental health interventions, particularly in areas where access to specialists remains limited.

According to Gatchalian, mental health services should not be treated as a privilege and must be made accessible to students and communities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education said it needs around 48,000 school counselor associates across the country to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support for students.

However, only 10,000 positions are covered under the 2026 national budget.

DepEd is aiming to assign at least one school counselor associate to every school as part of efforts to improve access to mental health services and provide students with timely psychosocial support.

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