Philippines Roundup: Tropical Storm Trami, murder of broadcast journalist, celebrity pastor denies sexual abuse allegations
Tropical Storm Trami
Tropical Storm Trami has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, causing significant rainfall and resultant floods that have tragically led to fatalities. The adverse weather conditions have necessitated the efforts of rescue workers who are actively engaged in evacuating those in peril, Sky News reports. The storm's trajectory suggests an ongoing threat to the region, raising concerns over disaster preparedness and management protocols in place for future occurrences.
Murder of broadcast journalist
The Philippines has expressed outrage over the murder of broadcast journalist Maria Vilma Rodriguez, aged 56, who was fatally shot in Zamboanga City. The office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for an exhaustive investigation into this grievous act, highlighting it as part of a concerning trend wherein five journalists have lost their lives since Marcos' presidency commenced in June 2022. Notably, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reported a disconcerting total of 200 journalist fatalities since the restoration of democracy in 1986. According to news agency The Sun, the authorities have apprehended a suspect and are investigating potential familial motives.
Celebrity pastor denies sexual abuse allegations
Adding to the country's tumult, pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, has vehemently denied fresh allegations of sexual abuse as he testified before a Senate inquiry following his indictment for trafficking and related charges. Quiboloy faces serious accusations from former church members, including grooming minors and compelling followers into labour and sexual acts. He challenged these accusers to advance their claims legally, asserting their allegations to be fabricated, Channel News Asia reports. Victims, such as Teresita Valdehueza, have detailed traumatic experiences involving the pastor, while Yulya Tartova has also alleged coercion into sexual encounters.
Fatalities from the storm
Compounding the situation in the region, Tropical Storm Trami has resulted in 14 confirmed fatalities and compelled thousands of individuals to evacuate their homes. Rescue teams are navigating perilous chest-deep floodwaters to rescue stranded residents from the clutches of torrential rain, which has led to extensive flooding, particularly submerging villages and encasing vehicles in volcanic debris, Daily Journal reported.
Online gambling
In a related context, the Indonesian National Police have successfully repatriated 67 out of 69 citizens who faced arrest in the Philippines for suspected involvement in online gambling and cyber scams. This action followed a crackdown by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). According to Indonesian media Jakarta Globe, although two Indonesian nationals remain in custody as suspects, many among the repatriated individuals assert that they were victims of human trafficking. Nevertheless, officials have clarified that a majority identified as participants in both illegal gambling operations and scams. This operation comes in the wake of the Philippines' terminating operations of Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), significantly impacting the workforce across both legitimate and illicit avenues in the sector.
