Month: May 2025
OPINION | A New Pope, A Shared Mission: How Evangelicals Can Walk With Pope Leo XIV
When the white smoke rose and the name “Leo XIV” echoed from the Vatican balcony, it marked more than a historical first—an American on the Chair of Peter. It also ushered in a moment of reckoning and opportunity for the global evangelical community. For too long, the relationship between Catholics and evangelicals has been painted
Robert Prevost is Pope Leo XIV: A Return to Tradition, A Nod to Social Justice
VATICAN CITY – American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, in a historic first for the Roman Catholic Church, emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday evening, May 8, as Pope Leo XIV, succeeding Pope Francis after his decade-long papacy. The 69-year-old prelate, born in Chicago and long immersed in pastoral work across Latin
Bill Gates sets 2045 sunset for foundation, eyes final $200B push for global health
MANILA, Philippines – Bill Gates marked the 25th anniversary of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with a sweeping announcement: the philanthropic giant will close its doors on December 31, 2045. In the next two decades, the foundation aims to disburse more than $200 billion to advance global health and human development — a final
US cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV, first American to lead Roman Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY – In a historic decision that reflects the Roman Catholic Church’s evolving global identity, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected as the new pope on Wednesday, May 8 (Thursday, May 9, Manila time), becoming the first American to ascend to the papacy. Prevost, 69, emerged as the new leader
5 BIFF bomb makers surrender in Maguindanao del Sur ahead of elections
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Five alleged bomb makers from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Philippine Army in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur, pledging to leave behind years of violence and reintegrate into civilian life. The former combatants, all reportedly skilled in assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs), turned themselves in to the
Groups launch independent watchdog to monitor May 12 polls in Moro areas
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Seven major organizations have joined forces to launch an independent election monitoring body aimed at safeguarding the polls from violence and irregularities as the May 12 elections draw near in southern Moro communities. The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) was formally launched on Monday, May 5, inside the Notre Dame University
2 soldiers found dead after Army boat capsizes
COTABATO CITY – Two soldiers were found dead nearly a day after their scout boat capsized during a river patrol in Maguindanao del Sur on Friday, May 2. The bodies of Private First Class Manuel Bermudez and Corporal Dennis Abrea were retrieved on Saturday, May 3, around 20 hours after the incident in Barangay Butalo,
Crocodile Incident in Siay Sparks Renewed Interest in Ecotourism Spot
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines – What was supposed to be a terrifying encounter with a captive crocodile in Siay town may ironically revive dwindling interest in the area’s ecotourism. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Zamboanga Peninsula has ordered the temporary closure of the crocodile enclosure in Barangay Laih after the reptile,
New Bangsamoro MP Naguib Sinarimbo hits the ground running with barangay dialogues
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Newly appointed Bangsamoro Parliament Member Naguib Sinarimbo has launched barangay consultations in Cotabato City, in a bid to bridge the gap between policymakers and ordinary citizens. Sinarimbo, a lawyer and former BARMM local government minister, met with residents of Barangays Rosary Heights 10 and 11 for “Kumustahan sa Barangay,” an initiative
Tribal leaders, government push back vs illegal mining in Tampakan with new signages
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Indigenous leaders, local officials, and mining regulators have joined forces to install 18 anti-illegal mining signages across Tampakan town in South Cotabato, a mineral-rich area eyed for large-scale copper and gold extraction by 2026. The initiative, involving Blaan tribal leaders, barangay officials, and representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in
