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The International Criminal Court (ICC) grants the withdrawal of Atty. Nicolas Kaufman as a legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The grant is made after the decision of FPRRD to change his assigned legal counsel, who will handle his case, crimes against humanity, and will represent him in the upcoming status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.
British lawyer, Atty. Peter Haynes will take over as the new legal counsel.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirms that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issues red notices to Gerald Bantag, Rafael Dumlao III, and Atong Ang.
Secretary Jonvic Remulla also instructed over 200,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify operations to locate the three wanted personalities.
“Sabi ko: 200,000 kayo, aylangan namang hindi niyo kayang hanapin tatatlong tao lang, diba? Galingan niyo na,” he said
With the power of Red Notice and the support of foreign authorities, Remulla anticipates intensified manhunt operations for the three personalities.
With reports from Ryan Lacanlale
The Department of Education (DepEd) has conducted a nationwide rollout of Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline on May 11, 2026.
The helpline has a direct connection with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).
According to the department, there are Learner Rights and Protection officers in charge of initial assessment and guidance, while coordinating the concern to the concerned agencies.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that this initiative is in line with the President’s directive on boosting mental health support for the youth.
“Sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, mahalaga sa atin ang bawat mag-aaral kaya nais nating iparamdam sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa at laging may handang makinig sa kanilang pinagdadaanan,” he said via DepEd’s press release
Angara also mentioned that from a student’s home, he/she can seek help through a helpline.
“Walang pasukan, maaaring hindi siya school day or gabi na, tapos may anxiety attack ang bata, pwede siyang tumawag don,” he said
Learners and parents may seek help from the following DepEd Telesafe Helpline:
In a previous report, the vacant positions for guidance counselors reached 4,000; one of the factors is the high qualifications to be fit for a certain position, according to the education department.
As a response, the agency plans to hire a Guidance Counselor Associate, which may help to provide mental health support among students.
With reports from Mia Alonzo
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the issuance of an International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Red Notice may be helpful to locate former PCol. Rafael Dumlao III and former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Gerald Bantag.
According to INTERPOL, a red notice means “to seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.”
The organization also clarified that this is not an arrest, but an alert for a wanted person.
“A Red Notice is an international alert for a wanted person, but it is not an arrest warrant,” based on the explanation of the organization
Remulla admitted that it is challenging for them to locate Dumlao and Bantag because of the possibility that the two may find many ways to hide.
“Number one, we have seven thousand island. Number two, we have a borders down south. Number three, yung mga taong inahanap namin maraming pera yan at maraming paraan,” he said
[“Number one, we have seven thousand islands. Number two, we have borders down south. Number three, those persons we are looking for have a lot of money and ways.”]
With reports from Ryan Lacanlale
The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) clarified that it is not opposed to the use of solar panels, according to MERALCO Vice President for Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
"We want to be clear: Meralco is not against the adoption of renewable energy or the use of solar equipment,” he said
The company emphasized that it understands why solar energy is considered an alternative way to avail lower electricity costs. For the distribution utility, its primary concern is the importance of safety and proper installation.
"Our intention has never been to discourage innovation or limit personal energy choices, but rather to emphasize the importance of safety and proper installation,” Zaldarriaga added
MERALCO also clarified that its claims are a reminder and an educational effort, which are part of its responsibility.
With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.
