The prelate said the Kidapawan diocese’s website and social media accounts of several religious personalities, including himself, in Cotabato were hacked on August 20 and were still unrecovered as of Saturday, August 26. ADVERTISEMENTBagaforo reported that a check on the transparency section of the Kidapawan diocese’s Facebook account on Saturday morning indicated that the page is being managed from Pakistan. The Kidapawan diocese’s Facebook page has been a source of religious news and information as well as live novena and Holy Masses. He also recommended inviting the presence of telecommunication firms and social media firm Meta, which runs Facebook, to shed light on the phenomenon that largely happens on their platform. Aside from being Kidapawan bishop, Bagaforo is also the current president of the Caritas Pilipinas of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines.

Five of them were core members of the syndicate, and the rest were holders of stooge bank accounts. The premises were used for keeping their crime proceeds, and police seized about HK$600,000 in cash there. Investigations found that the arrestees used at least 52 bank accounts to launder over HK$124 million between last October and this August. Police added they are now actively investigating the whereabouts of other crime proceeds. Police also remind citizens not to rent or sell their bank accounts, securities accounts, or accounts on other payment platforms to handle sums and assets of unknown origin.

PLAYING in front of a record crowd of 38,115 fans in his FIBA World Cup debut, Jordan Clarkson did all he could for the home team Philippines against the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic. Clarkson poured 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists but his efforts went down the drain as the Dominicans escaped with an 87-81 triumph at the Philippine Arena. Just kind of upset we didn't come out with the win. Some things didn't go our way but we fought hard," said Clarkson, who shot 9-of-24 from the field. Like I said, some things didn't go our way toward the end.

He should have spared his officials all the hewing and hawing by saying the price goal for rice was misspoken. Given price stickiness, it is unlikely rice prices will turn around and head south. Palay, unmilled rice, is now selling at about P35 per kilo. The simple reason unmilled rice is selling at that price is the higher cost of farm inputs. If we force the farmers to sell unmilled rice at a lower price than what is currently prevailing, they will simply stop farming.

President Marcos wants simplified visa application for foreignersPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivers his speech during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 24, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has directed government agencies to simplify visa application for foreign tourists and students to encourage them to come to the country. Also part of the recommendations is allowing online submission of student visa applications. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were five million foreign students who applied for visas, he said. As of Aug. 14, the country has welcomed 3.4 million foreign visitors, representing 71.4 percent of the 4.8 million baseline industry target for this year.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup got underway in three Asian countries on Friday, with co-hosts the Philippines losing to Dominican Republic 87-81 in a game that shattered the tournament's 29-year-old attendance record. FIBA said a record crowd of 38,115 attended the world's largest indoor arena north of the capital Manila, erasing the previous record of 32,616 fans that watched the US-Russia final at the 1994 World Cup in Toronto, Canada. The basketball-obsessed and boisterous Filipino fans went home disappointed, however, following the defeat of the 40th-ranked Philippines to 23rd-ranked Dominican Republic. "We found a way to stay disciplined tonight," Dominican Republic center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters. Seven teams, two each from the Americas and Europe as well as one apiece from Africa, Asia and Oceania, will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics based on their World Cup finish.

BOEING and a key supplier say that a new manufacturing flaw could delay deliveries of the 737 Max, Boeing's best-selling plane. Airline supplier Spirit AeroSystems, along with Boeing, have discovered a new issue affecting the 737 Max jetliners that could delay its deliveries to clients. Airline supplier Spirit AeroSystems, along with Boeing, have discovered a new issue affecting the 737 Max jetliners that could delay its deliveries to clients. Boeing said the issue does not affect safety of flight, and 737 Max planes already in service can keep flying. Spirit AeroSystems builds the fuselage for Boeing's 737 Max narrowbody jet and substantial sections of aircraft bodies in other Boeing models.

Bayo Group, known for Filipino brands like Bayo, Viseversa and Tela, just launched a unique multi-brand store that promotes chic, contemporary, and conscientious fashion. (From left) Leo Lagon, Bayo Group co-CEO; Alyssa Lagon, Branding and Sustainability executive and Tela founder; Louie Lagon, Business Development head; and Anna Lagon, creative director and co-CEO. The Bayo Group quickly adopted the same and created online shopping destinations www.styleshops.com.ph and www.telamnl.com. The brands under Bayo Group are committed to using eco-friendly materials and practices. Featuring Bayo, Tela and Viseversa, the multi-brand store is now open at the ground level of Glorietta 2, Makati City.

In 2011, violin maker Nakazawa Muneyuki and his musician wife Kimiko were deeply moved by TV images of the wreckage and uprooted trees left by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Nakazawa decided to make a violin using wood salvaged from the place hardest hit by the tsunami, Rikuzentakata in Iwate. For his sound post, the part that determines the violin's tone, he chose a twig from the Miracle Pine - the only tree left standing there by the tsunami. Ten years after the disaster, his violin, which he called it the "Tsunami Violin", still plays at concerts around Japan, ensuring that the experiences of that terrible day will never be forgotten. VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has backed the recommendation of his Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) for easier visa applications for foreign students and tourists in the Philippines, including allowing the online submission of student visa applications. Marcos has suggested removing medical requirements for foreign student visa applicants. In a statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said among PSAC’s recommendations were the standardization of information application procedure on student visa requirements. Garafil said PSAC also recommended the accreditation of clinics for medical clearance and certificate requirements for foreign students. Garafil pointed out that student visa processing takes about two months in the Philippines, the longest processing period among its Southeast Asian neighbors.

"All my prayers and well wishes for the Gilas team," Alapag said via FB Messenger. Jimmy Alapag FIBA PHOTOAlapag would have been a welcome addition to the Nationals in their bid to secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the highest Asian finisher in the World Cup. While Alapag achieved heights in his pro playing career that most of his peers could only dream of scaling, he could be best remembered for his role during the 2013 FIBA Asian Championship semifinal at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Even that, though, pales to experiencing this World Cup, according to Alapag. "Nothing like playing against the best in the world at home!!"

Landmark collaboration to bring smart solutions to Philippine sports. CONTRIBUTED PHOTODigital Human technology has been developed by NTT DATA, along with NTT Ltd. and NTT DATA Business Solutions, to promote Smart Solutions for fans to experience globally. The NTT Group has introduced Smart Solutions through various sporting events such as the Tour de France, IndyCar Series, and Major League Baseball. In collaboration with Smart and PLDT, through its business-to-business arm, PLDT Enterprise, Mediaquest, Cignal, and the NTT Group have brought Smart Solutions to the Philippines just in time for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. That's why we are quite keen on bringing Smart Solutions to Philippine sports.

Green Hour, a local environmental organization, is hosting a beach cleanup drive at Shek O Beach on September 10th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Green Hour hopes to raise awareness about the importance of keeping our beaches clean and preserving the environment. Green Hour HK is a registered charity working to promote green living through engaging grassroots members of society. Green Hour HK has organized dozens of cleanups, over one hundred weekly Bun Runs fighting food waste, as well as school and corporate partnerships, making a positive impact in Hong Kong. The event is open to the public, and anyone interested in participating can register by contacting Green Hour at +852 9541 9217 or info@greenhourhk.com.

Over 100 mayors sign good governance pledgeMANILA, Philippines — More than 100 mayors from different parts of the country have signed a manifesto committing to “uphold the principles of good governance” and serve the best interests of their constituents. The Mayors for Good Governance was formally launched at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Aug. 24. Our actions and decisions will be driven by honesty and accountability, ensuring that the public’s trust in our office remains our foundation for our service,” read the manifesto. “We shall embrace a strong public service orientation, putting the welfare and needs of our citizens at the forefront of our agenda. “We will embrace innovation and modern technology to improve governance and public services.

Goring to peak this weekendThe Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the eastern portion of Isabela. 1 has been raised over Batanes, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the eastern portion of Isabela. Local chief executives in Cagayan Valley were also told to perform their mandate in times of calamities. Food packsAlmost 10,000 family food packs (FFPs) have been prepositioned in places affected by Goring, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said yesterday.