Latest news with #KapusoMo
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd calls for stronger DPWH, LGU collab to build more roads to schools
Pupils of Oro Elementary School in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte scale mountains to attend classes in this 2015 file photo. Courtesy: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking stronger interagency collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs) to build more access roads leading to public schools, especially those in remote, hard-to-reach communities. In a proposal submitted to the DPWH, the DepEd recommended that access roads to public schools be included in the former's programming and investment plans, particularly for newly built schools that currently lack proper road access. Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the urgency of the issue by sharing his first-hand observations during school visits in geographically isolated areas. "Noong pumunta kami sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, nakita natin ang realidad. May mga estudyanteng kailangang tumawid ng ilog at umakyat ng bundok para lang makapasok sa paaralan," Angara said in a statement. (When we visited Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, we saw the reality on the ground. There are students who need to cross rivers and climb mountains just to reach school.) "Hindi puwedeng puro classrooms lang ang itatayo natin kung wala namang daan papunta roon. Kung may farm-to-market road, dapat may road-to-school din," he added. (We can't just keep building classrooms if there are no roads that lead to them. If there are farm-to-market roads, there should also be road-to-school programs.) Angara emphasized that roads are as essential as classrooms in ensuring that education is truly accessible for all learners, especially in "last mile" schools located in far-flung areas. The DepEd pointed to DPWH's existing partnerships with other government agencies, including the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) with the Department of Tourism, the Farm-to-Market Road Development Program (FMRDP) with the Department of Agriculture, and the ROLL-IT initiative with the Department of Trade and Industry—as working models that can be adapted for education. To institutionalize this strategy, DepEd is proposing a special provision under its 2026 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF). The provision would require that all newly constructed school buildings have corresponding access roads, with DPWH and LGUs coordinating the immediate construction of roads where none exist. The DepEd also added that it is ready to work closely with DPWH and local governments to identify priority areas, ensure funding alignment, and implement infrastructure that enables students to reach their schools safely and reliably. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
06-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho challenges UP Diliman graduates to be worthy of being 'Iskolar ng Bayan'
Jessica Soho delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the 114th General Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Diliman on Sunday. The veteran Kapuso broadcast journalist returned to her alma mater not only to celebrate the graduates' academic achievements but also to issue a call to action on the honor and responsibility of being an "Iskolar ng Bayan." "Eh ano ngayon kung UP kayo?" Soho asked. "Kapag may nagsabi sa inyo nito, don't be triggered, don't take it as an insult, but a gentle nudge, challenge or reminder na, 'Yes, UP tayo, what a blessing, but it is also a responsibility.'" Soho encouraged the Class of 2024, many of whom began college during the pandemic, to keep using their voices to inspire change. "With your voice, baka naman, may pag-asa na. Maybe you are the change we've long been waiting for," she said. She also urged graduates to stay connected to their communities, echoing the Filipino values of "loob" and "kapwa." "Hindi mo puwedeng sabihing maganda ang loob mo kung wala kang malasakit sa kapwa," she said. "UP and society must go hand in hand. We are not above the people, we are part of them," she added. The "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" journalist reminded the crowd that inspiration often comes from real-life stories. She shared how relationships helped her uncover some of the most important reports in her career. She recalled her award-winning investigative piece, "Kidneys for Sale," which exposed how impoverished Filipinos in Tondo were selling their organs to survive. "I would not have stumbled on another story if an old acquaintance did not trust me enough to lead me and my team to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Tondo, where poor men sell their kidneys," she said. "Because of our exposé, the government now regulates kidney donations. Bawal na, diumano, ang kidneys for sale," she added. "Update: marami pa rin ang nagbebenta ng kidney." Throughout her 40-year career, Soho also highlighted some of her most memorable media coverages, including the Afghanistan war in 2002, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the 1990 Baguio earthquake, the Ormoc flash floods in 1991, and Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Soho also said that studying at UP means connecting the learning to the realities of life. "To be humble and thankful. Oo UP kayo, huwag maging mayabang. Magpasalamat. Maging mapagkumbaba. Stay grounded. Hindi tayo naiba o nakaangat kung 'di kaisa ng komunidad at ng lipunan," she said. "Relationships are important. Your lives will be richer if you include people who are not like you," she added. "Reach out to more people, get out of your own circles or silos or echo chambers." "Sa panahon ngayon na lahat tayo meron nang boses, na puwede pang i-amplify o palakasin sa pamamagitan ng social media, kailangan din nating makinig and listen well." As she concluded her speech, Soho urged graduates to keep asking questions, disrupt what is broken, and use their privilege for good. "You have the skills, the tools, and technology. Use them for good. But yes, toughen up," she said. "No one becomes an expert overnight, and to learn is to fail. So keep trying, don't crumble," she added. Soho ended with a short but powerful message of encouragement to the graduates: "Go rock the world!" —Hermes Joy Tunac/Mariel Celine Serquina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
29-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
OFWs in Israel and Iran share stories of war
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel have experienced flying missiles, explosions, and other forms of violence as Iran launched air strikes in the country. Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" shed light on the terror these OFWs have been facing since June 13. Eric, who has been working as a caregiver in Haifa, Israel for eight years, said he has not been able to leave his employer's house out of fear. "Ramdam namin talaga 'yung yumayanig. Parang earthquake. Sobrang tindi. Nakakatakot talaga. Talagang mapapadasal ka!" Eric said. ["We could really feel the shaking from the ground. It felt like an earthquake. It was so intense and terrifying that you couldn't help but start praying."] Eric shared that his employer has had diabetes for 20 years. "Makikita mo 'yung pamilya ng alaga mo, magkakasama sila. Pero ikaw, nandito, mag-isa. 'Yung pamilya mo nasa Pilipinas. Nakakadurog ng puso," he said. ["You'll see your employer's family together. It's heartbreaking knowing that you're here alone while your family is back in the Philippines."] Eric added that his employer's home has a built-in bomb shelter where they can hide in case of attacks or bombings. The Israel government also has a mobile app wherein they could tell countrymen about any impending danger such as incoming missiles. But despite these preparations, the situation remains a nightmare. "Nagkaroon na kami ng phobia. May kumalabog lang nang konti, gusto mo nang tumakbo kasi nakakatakot talaga. Hindi kagaya noon, paisa-isa lang, dala-dalawa o lima. Pero ngayon kasi talagang grabe 'yung nangyari talaga ngayon dito. Kasi 200 rockets, missiles, drones ang pinapadala ng Iran," Eric said. ["We already have a phobia. Even the slightest thud makes us want to run. It's that terrifying. It's not like before, when there were only one, two, or five. This time was overwhelming, because Iran sent 200 rockets, missiles, and drones."] Meanwhile, Filipina caregiver Sheril lives in the nursing home where she works. As she lives on the upper floor, she has to take an elevator to go to the facility's bomb shelter. Another challenge was that her charges suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, and she must continue assisting them. This is why she always remains on alert. Since the war started getting more violent, more OFWs wish to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. However, Sheril chose to stay in Israel because she treats the person under her care as a father figure. "Sinabi ko sa asawa ko na hangga't hindi pa in-implement po talaga 'yung mandatory po, dito pa po muna ako. Dahil ayaw ko po iwan 'yung alaga ko sa ganitong sitwasyon lalong-lalo na alam ko na kailangan na kailangan niya po ako," she said. ["I told my husband I'll stay here for now, as long as there's no mandatory evacuation. I don't want to leave my employer in a situation like this—I know they need me."] Renante, Sheril's husband who lives in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, said, "Talagang gusto ko siyang umuwi na ng Pinas. Para kahit mamuhay kami nang simple dito, okay lang at least ligtas siya dito." [""I really want her to come home to the Philippines. Even if our here is simple, at least she'll be safe."] He added, "'Yung kaba mo talagang kumakabog. Kasi po 'pag tumatawag 'yung asawa ko, tapos biglang mag-a-alarm ng siren po nila doon. Talagang mararamdaman mo 'yung takbuhan sila sa shelter." ["You can really feel the anxiety. Whenever my wife calls and the sirens suddenly go off, you can sense the panic as they all rush to the shelter."] The couple says that despite the challenges, they are grateful to still have open lines of communication. Sheril told Renante in a video call that she is doing okay as compared to the past days. When Israel pushed through with Operation Rising Lion in Iran, several establishments were forced to close, like the travel agency of OFW Naufar. Naufar said he went for days without communication lines. Naufar has lived for more than 20 years in Iran. This was where he got married and started a family. Because of all the air strikes, they were forced to leave their home in Tehran to move to a safer area in the northern part of Iran. Despite this, Naufar remains restless because unlike Israel, the government does not provide news of danger. The Philippine government has been working towards bringing Filipinos home from Iran and Israel. By June 22, America, a known ally of Israel, joined the war, launching a missile attack on three nuclear sites in Iran. On June 23, Iran fought back with an air strike to the United States forces in Qatar. Air traffic was suspended, affecting Filipinos who wish to fly back to the Philippines, including an OFW named Armando. Armando, who works in an Israel hotel, was on the way home to the Philippines on June 23. "June 23, flight kami papuntang Qatar. Tapos noong June 23 din, 6:30 p.m., biglang umatake sa Qatar 'yung Iran. So, nasa loob na kami ng plane, pinababa ulit kami," he said. "Parang sinusundan kami ng rockets. Hanggat hindi pa kami nakakauwi, nasa isip namin na hindi pa kami safe talaga." ["We had a flight to Qatar last June 23. Then, at 6:30 PM on that same day, Iran suddenly launched an attack. We were already inside the plane, but they made us disembark. It feels like rockets are following us. Until we're safely back home, we'll always feel like we're not truly safe."] The first batch of repatriates came back home last Tuesday, and one of these is Armando. "Nu'ng pagdating namin dito sa airport ng NAIA, lahat kami masaya," he said. ["We were all so happy when we finally arrived here at NAIA."] According to Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, "We have nearly 300 already, one requested for repatriation in Israel. And there will be succeeding batches. Of course, pinagdadasal natin na huminto na itong sigalot na ito. But kung magpapatuloy pa, meron at least 50 na, and perhaps, Admin PY can shed light also on this. On those who will be prepared for repatriation." ["Of course, we are praying for this conflict to end. But if it continues, we have at least 50 more individuals prepared for repatriation. Perhaps Admin PY can shed light on this."] Eric and Sheril remained in Israel, making the most of the 12-day ceasefire to try to live normally again. Meanwhile, Naufar called the government for help. "I considered myself na displaced na ako. I left my comfort zone from Tehran, my business, my home, para mailigtas ko ang sarili ko, ang aking pamilya," he said. ["I consider myself displaced already. I left my comfort zone in Tehran—my business, and my home—just to save myself and my family," ] "I doubt the sincerity of the government to help a person like me kung susuportahan nila 'ko," he added. "Wala silang sustainable long-term plan sa mga Pilipino nasa labas ng bansa. Kung meron man hindi ko po alam 'yan, i-correct n'yo ako, ipakita n'yo sa akin para 'yung mga may ibang katanungan, nasa puso lang nila, nasa isip, hindi nila maitanong magkaroon sila ng kasagutan." ["I doubt the government's sincerity in helping someone like me, even if they say they'd support us. It feels like there's no sustainable, long-term plan for Filipinos abroad. If there is, I'm not aware of it. Please correct me and show me, so that those who keep their questions quietly in their hearts and minds can finally get the answers they need."] "Palagi ang ating mga embassy ke sa Israel o Iran, nakikipagpulong sa mga Filipino community leaders para handa palagi sila." Department of Foreign Affairs Usec. Eduardo De Vega said. ["Our embassies, whether in Israel or Iran, are are in constant coordination with Filipino community leaders to ensure readiness at all times."] A representative from We Aim OFW, a non-government organization, said one-time financial assistance to repatriates is not enough. "Ano ang dapat hakbang ng gobyerno upang pagkatiwalaan sila ng mga manggagawa na hindi sila pababayaan?" ["What is the government's strategy to rebuild the trust of OFWs and assure them that they will not be left behind in times of crisis?"] "Ngayon nasa alert level 3 pa 'yung Iran. May mga nagsasabi bakit hindi binababa? Meaning, bakit voluntary repatriation pa? Wala nang putukan dahil may ceasefire na. Hintayin muna natin ang recommendation ng ambassador at kung matagal 'tong ceasefire at puwede ibaba natin 'yung alert level. Natitiyak, 'yung ating mga kababayan, na kung kailangan nila ng tulong, mabibigyan natin," he added. ["Iran is currently at alert level 3. Some are asking why it hasn't been lowered, especially now that there's a ceasefire. Why is the repatriation still voluntary? We're waiting for the recommendation of our ambassador. If the ceasefire holds, we can consider lowering the alert level. But for now, our kababayans can be assured that if they need help, they will get it."] "Mayroon silang natanggap na P150,000. It's a safety net at parang temporary buffer or cushion para sila ay matulungang makapagsimula sa kanilang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas," Atty. Felicitas Quilbay of Department of Migrant Workers said. ["Each of them received P150,000. It's a safety net, a temporary buffer or cushion to help them start over after returning to the Philippines."] As of June 28, a total of 32 Overseas Filipino Workers have been repatriated. This includes 26 individuals who returned from Israel on June 24, and 6 more who arrived from Iran on June 28. For assistance, OFWs and their families may contact the following: DMW-OWWA HELP DESK - 1348 FOR THOSE ABROAD, CALL - +632 1348 ISRAEL Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv - +972 54-4661188 Migrant Workers Office - +972 50-7622590 Overseas Welfare Office - +972 50-7156937 LEBANON Philippine Embassy in Beirut - +961 70 858 086 Migrant Workers Office in Beirut - +961 79 110 729 JORDAN Philippine Embassy in Amman - +962 7 7907 7775 ; +962 7 7721 9000 Migrant Workers Office in Amman - +962 7 8149 1183 ; +962 7 8519 1891 —JCB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
22-06-2025
- GMA Network
Suspect emerges in 'Lost Sabungeros' case due to security threat, claims victims buried in Taal Lake
Four years after 34 sabungeros from various parts of the Philippines went missing, new details have emerged about their disappearance. On Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," one of the accused in the case, "Alyas Totoy," claimed that the abduction and killings of the missing sabungeros were linked to the owner of the cockpit and online sabong operations. "Lahat ng miyembro, kasali sila at kasama ang mga anak niya," he said. ["All the members are involved, including their children."] "Siya ang nagre-release ng pera sa butcher. Halimbawa, mag-request ako ng P2,000,000, 'yung anak niya ang nag-a-approve sa lahat," he added. ["He's the one who releases the money to the butcher. For example, if I request ?2,000,000, it's his child who approves all of it."] According to Alyas Totoy, he's only coming forward now because of the slow pace of the legal process and threats to his own security and his family's safety. He claimed that a P20 million bounty was placed on him and that his family was threatened. "Sabihin ko lahat ng alam ko dahil binantaan mo na pati pamilya ko. Tanggap ko na sa sarili ko na patayin mo ako. Huwag mo lang idamay ang mag-ina ko," he said. ["I'll tell you everything I know because (they've) already threatened my family. I've accepted it on my own that you're going to kill me. Just don't involve my wife and child."] Alyas Totoy then boldly stated the fate of the missing sabungeros in an interview with Emil Sumangil. When asked if they were still alive, he responded, "Paano mabubuhay 'yan e nakabaon na doon sa Taal Lake?" ["How can they still be alive if they are buried beneath Taal Lake?"] He elaborated that the method of killing was 'killing me softly,' which involved twisting tie wires around their necks. "Kung huhukayin 'yun, mga buto-buto na lang," he said. ["If you dig it up, you'll only find bones."] "Paano natin makilala na sila 'yun? At hindi lang ang missing sabungero tinatapon doon, pati mga drug lord, tinatapon doon," he claimed. ["How would we even know it's them? It's not just the missing sabungeros who are being dumped— drug lords are thrown in too."] According to Alyas Totoy, the missing sabungeros were those caught "nantityope" or cheating in cockfights by weakening their own roosters and betting on their opponents' roosters. He described the process where he would pick up these sabungeros and bring them to rooms in places like Lipa, where they would be tied with plastic ties and loaded into vans per group. He also claimed to have heard direct orders over the phone to kill them, saying, "Wala tayong magagawa kung hindi natin patayin 'yan. Patuloy na lolokohin tayo ng mga 'yan." ["We have no choice but to kill them. If we don't, they'll just keep deceiving us. "] In a phone call with Carmen and Ederline Malacca, mother and sibling of Edgardo Malacca Jr., one of the missing sabungeros, Alyas Totoy confirmed: "Wala na po tayong pag-asa na mabuhay pa ang anak n'yo. Dahil wala na siya." ["We have no hope that your son is still alive—because he's already gone."] Alyas Totoy believes that 108 sabungeros were killed during his "term," although only 34 were investigated, possibly because he believes the other families were too afraid to come forward. However, some families are reported to have settled their cases financially. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice expressed its openness to placing Alyas Totoy under the Witness Protection Program. "Papakinggan namin siya at bibigyan ng proteksyon," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. ["We will listen to him and ensure his protection."] As of writing, seven cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention have been filed by the DOJ, with many other cases still under investigation by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation. —GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
15-06-2025
- GMA Network
Fishermen who recovered shabu in Pangasinan seas detail story
In Pangasinan, supposed packs of imported durian and tea were found in its waters. The sacks were later revealed to hold methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), 38 sacks of shabu have been recovered from Bolinao since June 5. There is an estimated 903 kilograms of shabu, amounting to more than P6 billion. Rodelito Fisherman Rodelito found the floating shabu in the morning of June 5. He was out 20 to 35 nautical miles from Bolinao in Pangasinan, which is part of the West Philippine Sea, when he hit floating items. "'Di ko naman alam kung ano 'yun. Basta kinuha ko lang. Paghawak ko, tinaas ko. Mabigat," Rodelito said on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho." ["I didn't even know what it was. I just took it. When I held it, I lifted it. It was heavy."] When he opened the packages, he found 25 packs, each with different packaging. One was a pack of dried durian with printed Chinese characters, while the other was a container of refined Chinese tea. Both were packed tightly with plastic. But upon opening, he saw that its contents were white. Rodelito eventually realized that it was shabu. "Napapanood ko sa pelikula na ganun ang hitsura. Natakot ako." ["I've seen things like that in movies—that's why I got scared."] He immediately reported it to the authorities. The Dalmacia barangay captain then reported it to their chief. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed that the sacks tested positive for suspected shabu. It is estimated that the shabu Rodelito collected and surrendered to the authorities weighs 56 kilos, priced for more than P380 million. Cornelio On June 7, fisherman Cornelio was having a challenging day at work. Eventually, he spotted a floating sack right beside his boat. When he opened it, Cornelio was sure it was drugs. "Alam na alam ko kasi na droga talaga. Alam kong mahal 'yan." ["I knew for sure it was drugs. I knew it was worth a lot of money."] Although Cornelio knew that the drugs cost money and could help his family if he ever sold it, he was aware that drugs are dangerous. "Kahit mahirap ang buhay namin sa pangingisda, hindi ko naisipan na magbenta, hanggang kaya ko pang magtrabaho, magtatrabaho ako," he added. ["Life as a fisherman is tough, but I never once considered selling [drugs]. As long as I'm able to work, I'll keep going."] Because of this, he surrendered the drugs to the PNP. Darrel and John Lloyd It was father-and-son Darrel and John Lloyd who found the most floating shabu, collecting 56 sacks. They found these on the way home in the afternoon of June 6, in the towns of Bani, Agno, and Suan. "Expected ko na po na drugs 'yun. Kasi po may nauna po nung nakapulot kaysa sa amin," Darrel said. ["I already expected it was drugs because someone else had found some before we did."] They found a total of 96 kilos of shabu, priced more than P600 million. John Lloyd added, "Kahit mahirap 'yung pangingisda, hindi namin kayang ibenta 'yun. 'Pag ibinenta mo 'yun, masisira 'yung buhay mo." ["Even though fishing is difficult, we couldn't bring ourselves to sell it. Because once you do, it will ruin your life."] Weeks after the first reports of floating shabu in Pangasinan, there were more floating contrabands found in Masinloc, Zambales, found by "Randy" and his fishermen's group. There were 10 people aboard the boat when they came across the two floating sacks. At first, they thought that these held food as they were used to receiving food packs from the Vietnamese. It was only upon opening that they realized that the sacks held drugs. They surrendered them to the PNP and received P1,000 from their local government unit. The other fisherfolk are also hoping to receive honorariums for surrendering the floating shabu, as these would also help their families. "Wala po kaming pagsisisi, na sinurrender 'yung mga drugs na 'yun. Kasi po para sa kapakanan ng maraming kababayan na Pilipino," Darrel said. [We have no regrets surrendering those drugs because it was for the good of our fellow Filipinos."] Ongoing investigations Also in June of 2024, blocks of shabu amounting to almost half a billion pesos were found floating in the sea in Ilocos Sur. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, an investigation is still ongoing into whether the two events are connected. PCG added that the syndicate threw the shabu into Philippine waters possibly because of the strictness of the Bureau of Customs. "Nilalaglag po nila ito on these specific coordinates saka po ito kukunin ng kanilang mga contact," PCG said. "Possible po 'yung mga floating drugs, meron po naka-attach na GPS pero inaalam pa rin po natin. Mas mahirap bantayan po ang ating karagatan dahil mas malawak po ito." ["They drop the drugs at specific coordinates, where local contacts retrieve them. Some of these floating packages may even have GPS trackers, but that's still under investigation. The vastness of our waters makes surveillance much more difficult."] The agency added that Bataan or Zambales are where the floating shabu originated but because of the bad weather and strong current, the packages would drift to Pangasinan until Ilocos Sur. The floating shabu may also possibly come from the "Golden Triangle," located within the boundaries of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos which is where shabu production happens. Another possible suspect is Sam Gor, a giant international drug syndicate. PDEA said, "That's a multinational drug syndicate. They are operating dito sa Asia Pacific region. Sila ang nagko-control ng 40-70 percent of distribution, sale ng methamphetamine." ["That's a multinational drug syndicate operating across the Asia Pacific region. They control 40 to 70 percent of the methamphetamine distribution and sales in the area."] The suspect behind the group is dubbed the El Chapo of Asia. He was never arrested in the Philippines, but there were drug incidents where he was connected with a group. PDEA said that in terms of recovery from the seas, this is the largest in the history of their agency. Whether or not the syndicate would be held liable would depend on the procured evidence. Meanwhile, PNP said the shabu will be disposed. PDEA also calls on fisherfolk or those in coastal areas to turnover any floating sacks for proper disposition. "We are still waiting for the final laboratory analysis to determine kung ano 'yung quantity and quality of the dangerous drugs that were discovered because this will be the basis for the rewards to be given out in this fishermen." ["We are still awaiting for the final laboratory analysis to determine the quantity and quality of the dangerous drugs recovered, as this will serve as the basis for the rewards to be given to the fishermen."] "Ang Philippine Coast Guard ay patuloy na nagpa-patrolya dito sa ating West Philippine Sea para masiguro natin na ma-check po natin ang ating karagatan kung may illegal activities na ginagawa," they added. ["The Philippine Coast Guard continues to patrol the West Philippine Sea to ensure that our waters are monitored for any illegal activity."] —JCB, GMA Integrated News
