DOJ files 26 kidnapping charges vs Atong Ang as defense blasts ruling

The Philippine Department of Justice has ordered the filing of 26 criminal cases against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several police officers over the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, indicting them for kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in Batangas and Laguna. Prosecutors based the charges on whistleblower testimony alleging Ang masterminded the abductions and killings. Actress Gretchen Barretto was not charged, while some respondents were cleared subject to new evidence. Ang’s lawyer denounced the DOJ ruling and vowed to seek its reversal.

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Filipinos in Qatar remain in good status, envoy says

The Philippine ambassador to Qatar reports that about 250,000 Filipinos in the Gulf state enjoy good standing with employers and have among the fewest run-ins with authorities. Filipinos form the sixth largest expatriate group in Qatar, with many in high-paying and middle-management roles, including in the oil and gas sector. Ambassador Mardomel Melicor explains that expatriates make up about 90 percent of Qatar’s population, led by Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Nepalis, Egyptians and Filipinos, while Qataris account for around 10 percent. He says Qatar is pursuing labor reforms to comply with International Labor Organization standards.

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Bexar County calls for tips to identify Wildhorse-area ‘porch pirate’

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help identify a suspected “porch pirate” linked to multiple package thefts in the Wildhorse area near San Antonio. Deputies report several recent incidents of parcels taken from front porches as holiday deliveries increase. Investigators are reviewing home security footage and urging residents to check their cameras, report suspicious activity, and secure deliveries. The Sheriff’s Office has stepped up patrols and will release images or video once confirmed useful for identification.

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Manansala downplays fall as NU bows out of UAAP Final Four

National University forward Jolo Manansala suffered a hard fall in the final seconds of NU’s UAAP men’s basketball Final Four game against De La Salle University in Manila after a foul by La Salle guard Jacob Cortez on a three-point attempt. Officials immediately called the foul, and medical staff entered the floor to attend to Manansala as teammates and coaches from both sides checked on him. The NU forward later walked back to the bench under his own power and stayed out for the remaining seconds of the already decided game. UAAP organizers and team staff followed standard injury protocols and monitored his condition after the incident.

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Jimmy Mariano, ex-Olympian and PBA mentor, passes away

Jimmy Mariano, an 84-year-old former Olympian, PBA player and champion coach, has died, the Philippine Basketball Association announced on Sunday night. The league held a minute of silence before the Philippine Cup game between Rain or Shine and Converge to honor his memory, with players, officials and fans participating in the tribute. Mariano played in the PBA during its formative years, later guiding a team to a league championship, and previously represented the Philippines in the Olympic Games.

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PH beats Malaysia for 3-0 record in SEA Games baseball

The Philippine men’s baseball team routed Malaysia, 21-0, in five innings at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Pathum Thani, Thailand, after officials applied the mercy rule, giving the Philippines a 3-0 start in the SEA Games 2025 baseball tournament and keeping the squad at the top of the men’s baseball standings.

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Harvey Brittain welcomes Ylona Garcia for LA concert

Filipino-Australian singer Ylona Garcia will open for English singer-songwriter Harvey Brittain at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on Dec. 9, 2025. Brittain announced the collaboration on Instagram, noting it will be his second performance in the city. The show starts at 9:30 p.m., with special perks for the first 20 fans who present pre-sale tickets, including a free drink and signed “Darkest Hour” merchandise. Tickets are available through the Hotel Cafe website and Brittain’s social media channels.

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LeBron, Luka lead Lakers past 76ers in NBA clash

LeBron James hit a late go-ahead three-pointer and finished with 29 points, while Luka Doncic posted a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-108, on Sunday night in Philadelphia. Joel Embiid, who struggled from the field for most of the game, tied the score with an 18-foot jumper before James answered on the next possession. The Lakers secured key stops and rebounds in the final minutes to preserve the win and strengthen their Western Conference standing against the Eastern Conference contender.

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