LENTEN TRADITION.
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IN MET R MANILAO
Men prepare ‘palaspas’ or palm fronds in Quiapo, Manila ahead of Palm Sunday today that marks the start of the Holy Week. Norman Cruz
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 61 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES APRIL 13, 2025
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QUE’S FAMILY, ANG SEE REFUTE POGO TIES CLAIM
TRADE WAR SAGA: TRUMP TO ‘PUNCH BACK HARDER’ WORLD / A4
Pilita Corrales
SAY SLAIN STEEL MAGNATE NOT INVOLVED IN SHADY DEALINGS
By Rex Espiritu, Pot Chavez and Michael Ho
T
HE family of steel magnate Anson Que as well as Filipino-Chinese civic leader Teresita Ang See have dismissed the theory of the Philippine National Police that a POGO-linked debt collector group may have been involved in the abduction and murder of the businessman and his driver. “The family of the late Anson Tan (Anson Que) firmly disputes allegations that their father was involved in POGO transactions. They have no rental property in Bulacan to speak of,” said the family in a statement released through their lawyer Kit Belmonte in a statement. “Mr. Tan has been engaged in legitimate business for decades and is a stalwart member of the Filipino-Chinese business community and is known for his charitable work. During his lifetime, he stayed
away from shady dealings and only did business with people he knew and trusted.” “We appeal to the public to remain critical of misleading news and thank everyone for their support. The family will continue to fully cooperate with the Philippine National Police even as they request that they be accorded privacy during this time of grief and mourning,” the family added. Ang See, founding chairperson of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order, said there was
no basis for the PNP’s suggestion linking the killing of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo to POGOs. “No basis at all – this just showed the ineptness of the police. They are victimizing the family all over again. Haven’t they suffered enough?” Ang See said. Manila Standard sought comment from the Philippine National Police regarding the statements of Que’s family and Ang See but has yet to receive a reply. On Friday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said a group of debt collectors related to illegal POGO operations may be behind the kidnapping and murder of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo. She said the same group was previously tagged in a similar kidnap-for-ransom case last year. “The manner on how the kidnapped victims were killed -- even the use of duct tape to cover their victims faces, our two victims were put inside a nylon bag, and their hands were tied behind -- it is
similar to the first incident involving a Chinese national last year,” Fajardo said. “The group we mentioned in the first incident and may be connected with this new case was involved before with POGOs in that their modus operandi is they are allegedly the collectors of debt in relation to POGO operations,” she added. Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said they are looking into all possible motives behind the murder, including reports alleging that ex-POGO bosses were demanding a refund from Que. Also on Friday, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. held a meeting with the PNP, DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation. It held a separate meeting with officials from the Chinese Embassy who expressed deep concern over the case and other public security affecting Chinese nationals in the country.
ORMOC CITY POLICE CHIEF RELIEVED OVER KERWIN ESPINOSA SHOOTING By Maricel V. Cruz ORMOC City police chief Col. Reydante Ariza was relieved from his post amid an investigation into the shooting of Albuera, Leyte mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa. Ariza’s relief followed the detention of seven Ormoc-based cops who are now considered persons of interest in the crime, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said. Col. Dennis Jose Llavore was designated officer-in-charge.
Espinosa was shot in the right shoulder by an unidentified assailant around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday while attending a campaign event. He has denied allegations that the shooting incident, which also injured Espinosa’s sister and a minor, was selfinflicted. “Why would I shoot myself in the chest and use a double-action bullet? You can see the big puncture on my arm. Why would I stage hurting myself?” Espinosa said. Turn to Page 4
2 GRADE 8 STUDENTS KILLED BY THREE SCHOOLMATES OUTSIDE LAS PIÑAS SCHOOL TWO Grade 8 students were killed after being stabbed by fellow students outside their school while on their way home on Friday, Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla. Tafalla said the victims were both 15 years old and Grade 8 students. He said one of the victims died while undergoing treatment for a stab in the neck, while the other was pronounced
dead on arrival at the hospital. Police said one of the victims had an argument with a 15-year-old Grade 9 student after the former played with the lights in the comfort room of their school. Last month, a 14-year-old female student of a school in Parañaque was fatally stabbed by a 15-year-old male victim.
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SURGE OF TRAVELERS. Passengers arrive at the Manila North Harbor Port on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard personnel remain on heightened alert in preparation for the expected surge of travelers during Holy Week.
PILITA CORRALES, ASIA’S QUEEN OF SONGS, DIES AT 85 By Nickie Wang and Angelica Villanueva PILITA Corrales, dubbed “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” died on Saturday. She was 85. Born in Cebu on August 22, 1939, Corrales was widely regarded as a trailblazer in Philippine music and had recorded more than 135 albums over a career that spanned more than six decades. She was the first Filipino artist to top the Australian pop charts and win international recognition at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972. Her influence extended into television and film, with her variety show “An Evening with Pilita” considered a landmark in Philippine broadcasting. Corrales received multiple accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Visayas. She is remembered for timeless hits such as “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit,” and is widely credited with helping bring Filipino music to international audiences. Actress Janine Gutierrez paid tribute to her grandmother and honored her legacy both as a public figure and a family matriarch. “Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity,” wrote Janine. “She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family.” “Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life,” she added. The family has yet to release details regarding memorial services.
GOV’T AGENCIES PREPARE FOR INFLUX OF TRAVELERS DURING LENT By Joel E. Zurbano GOVERNMENT agencies on Saturday assured they are prepared for the anticipated increase in the number of land, sea and air travelers going to and from provinces for the observance of Lent. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the government is doubling its efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. “It’s really all about making the pas-
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senger experience more comfortable and convenient,” he said. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Don Artes said the agency will deploy a total of 2,542 field personnel and 468 assets on major roads, airports, seaports, and other transport hubs in Metro Manila to manage traffic flow and guide motorists and passengers returning to their respective provinces this Holy Week. Artes said provincial buses are allowed to pass through Epifanio de los
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Santos Avenue from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from April 16 to 20 to accommodate the expected influx of passengers. In Cubao, Quezon City, bus terminals began to overflow with passengers as transportation firms prepared for an even bigger spike in the days ahead. Gilbert Barral, a dispatcher and inspector at the Superlines Bus terminal, said that all trips beginning on Saturday, April 12, are completely booked. Turn to Page 4
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