Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Guatemalan Unaccompanied Minors Amid Legal Challenge

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to pause the deportation of Guatemalan unaccompanied minors with ongoing immigration proceedings while a legal dispute continues. Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump and serving in Washington, D.C., upheld a previous injunction against the administration’s policy following a brief extension granted over the weekend. On August 31, the administration made a sudden move to deport 76 Guatemalan minors in U.S. custody, prompting a lawsuit and an emergency hearing that temporarily blocked the efforts. Initially, a Justice Department attorney claimed that the children’s parents had requested their return to Guatemala, but the government later withdrew that assertion. This reversal followed the release of an internal Guatemalan government report revealing that most parents of approximately 600 Guatemalan children detained in the U.S. could not be reached. Among those contacted, many expressed unwillingness for their children to be repatriated, according to the report. Under federal law, migrant children who arrive at U.S. borders without a parent or guardian are classified as unaccompanied and placed in government-operated shelters. They remain there until they can be reunited with family members or placed in foster care. A Guatemalan mother, whose 16-year-old son faces possible deportation under this policy, shared with Reuters that her son prefers to stay in California despite their separation. "This is what he wanted," she said in an interview near Guatemala City. She requested anonymity and explained that she works long hours at a restaurant, earning only enough to cover basic living expenses. The judge's decision underscores ongoing concerns around the treatment and rights of unaccompanied migrant children amid heightened immigration enforcement efforts.

DepEd Condemns Killing of Former Legal Officer Joshua Abrina in Palawan

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed strong condemnation on Thursday following the fatal shooting of Atty. Joshua L. Abrina, its former legal officer in Palawan. Abrina was reportedly shot by an unidentified assailant on Wednesday night while entering his home in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City. Education Secretary Sonny Angara paid tribute to Abrina's dedication, stating, \"We honor his service, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to protecting learners\' rights and strengthening the Department\'s legal foundations.\" Describing the incident as a \"senseless act of violence,\" Angara emphasized that the killing strikes at the core values of justice and public service. He assured that DepEd will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in the investigation. The department called on the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to extend full assistance in the inquiry. Furthermore, Angara stressed the importance of ensuring the protection of Abrina\'s family and any witnesses involved, asserting that \"truth must emerge without fear or intimidation.\" Authorities reported that Abrina was shot at approximately 8:30 p.m. as he was about to enter his residence. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to bring those responsible to justice.

Pateros Mayor Urges Peaceful Protest and Cautions Residents Ahead of September 21 Rallies

Pateros Mayor Gerald German has issued a call for calm and orderly conduct to residents planning to participate in the protest rallies scheduled for September 21. The demonstrations are set to highlight grievances over alleged failed and ghost flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). In a public advisory, Mayor German emphasized the importance of a peaceful protest, stating, \"A reminder for all those attending the anti-corruption rally tomorrow.\" He also shared practical guidance for participants, recommending that they avoid bringing backpacks and instead use transparent bags to facilitate security checks. Furthermore, the mayor informed residents that traffic enforcers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be fully deployed to manage traffic flow during the rallies. He also provided information on alternate routes for motorists. For those who do not intend to join the protests, Mayor German advised, \"Avoid areas affected by the demonstrations to prevent any inconvenience.\" This guidance aims to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety amid the expected rallies.

CBCP Calls on Filipinos to Join Trillion Peso March Against Corruption

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called upon all Filipino Catholics and Christians to take part in the "Trillion Peso March" today, Sunday, at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. This gathering aims to denounce corruption and demand justice in response to recent irregularities involving flood control funds. The CBCP encourages churches, organizations, schools, and individuals across the country to unite in this moral stand, emphasizing that the Filipino people, guided by their faith, must not remain silent in the face of injustice. Those outside Metro Manila are also urged to organize similar prayer rallies in their respective communities. Furthermore, the CBCP invites upright government officials to join the event, reinforcing the non-political nature of the march. The assembly is presented as a moral stance against corruption that has adversely affected the populace. The Trillion Peso March specifically seeks accountability regarding the recent anomalies tied to the flood control fund, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and justice.

Over 28,000 Families Impacted by Southwest Monsoon and Typhoons Mirasol, Nando

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday that approximately 28,014 families, equating to around 100,024 individuals, have been affected by the combined impacts of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Mirasol and Nando. These affected families are distributed among 181 barangays across various regions, including the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula. Out of the total impacted, 187 families have relocated to 10 evacuation centers, while another 173 have sought refuge elsewhere. Meanwhile, the NDRRMC is currently verifying reports of casualties linked to the recent severe weather events. Preliminary figures indicate two fatalities, two injuries, and five missing persons, with four of these incidents occurring in Central Luzon and one in the Bicol Region. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) 11 a.m. advisory, Super Typhoon Nando, internationally named Ragasa, is advancing westward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The typhoon was last recorded 110 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kph, with gusts reaching up to 265 kph. Signal No. 5 has been raised over the Babuyan Islands in response to the typhoon's intensity and trajectory.

Over 130 Police Officers Injured as Masked Protesters Clashed with Authorities in Manila

At least 131 police personnel were injured during confrontations with a group of masked protesters, many of whom were minors, in incidents described by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as deliberate acts of violence. NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin reported that 113 protesters were detained, with some requiring medical treatment for injuries sustained during the clashes. "Several of those taken into custody were minors and are currently under investigation in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They are facing charges including direct assault, physical injuries, arson, and other offenses supported by evidence," Aberin stated. Aberin personally oversaw the security response, implementing multiple tactical adjustments after the protesters persistently attempted to breach police barricades and lines. Initial demonstrations at Luneta Park in Manila and the People Power Monument in Quezon City remained largely peaceful. However, violence erupted in the afternoon when a faction of masked individuals initiated attacks on police officers near the Ayala Bridge in Manila. Some assailants deployed Molotov cocktails, setting fire to container vans and motorcycles. Subsequently, another group of masked protesters assaulted police forces in an effort to force passage through barricades. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla indicated that these coordinated actions suggested plans to target Malacañang Palace. "The majority of assemblies conducted across Metro Manila, particularly at EDSA and Luneta, proceeded peacefully and orderly. Regrettably, gatherings at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola, though initially unprovoked, escalated to violent confrontations," Aberin remarked. During these incidents, demonstrators transformed into aggressive mobs, hurling stones and various objects at law enforcement personnel. Beyond physical assaults, violent protesters vandalized property, setting motorcycles ablaze and damaging commercial establishments. These acts were documented and widely disseminated on social media platforms. Several police officers required hospitalization due to injuries sustained. While NCRPO fully endorses Filipinos' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, Aberin emphasized that these liberties carry limitations. "Such rights must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries. Violence and criminal conduct will not be condoned," he asserted. Aberin praised his officers for maintaining professionalism under duress. "Despite provocations and orchestrated violence, the National Capital Region Police Office upheld maximum tolerance. Our personnel remained composed, professional, and persevered through these challenges," he said. He reaffirmed the police force's dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of all individuals. "Our commitment is to protect the safety and security of everyone involved in assemblies — including protesters, bystanders, commuters, business owners, and our police officers," Aberin concluded.

Cavite Official Urges LGBTQ+ Community to Prioritize Well-being Over Overwork

Cavite Board Member Kerby Javier Salazar recently addressed the pressures faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community to relentlessly pursue work and achievements. Salazar highlighted that this drive often stems not solely from ambition but also from a sense of insecurity about slowing down or pausing. He noted that the tendency to equate busyness with success can lead to burnout, which should not be viewed as a badge of honor. Instead, Salazar encouraged members of the LGBTQ+ community to understand that their worth is not determined by the number of tasks they undertake or the busyness they maintain. "Many LGBTQ+ individuals work tirelessly, not just driven by ambition but because it sometimes feels unsafe to stop," Salazar said. "Being busy has mistakenly become a yardstick for value, and silence or rest are perceived as failure. But, dear brothers and sisters, simply being yourself is enough." He further reminded them that rest, love, and living fully are rights everyone deserves. "Burnout is not a trophy — it is a reminder that you also deserve to rest, to love, and to live wholly," Salazar added. His message advocates for greater self-compassion and mental health awareness within the community, promoting a healthier balance between productivity and personal well-being.

Davao City Launches First Senior Citizens Community Care Center

The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) officially opened the first Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) in Davao City on September 22, 2025. The center is located in the Dacoville Subdivision, Dumoy, in the Toril district. Osca head Lorenzo Borja highlighted that the facility, which includes a covered court provided by the barangay, is ready to serve senior citizens. The SC3C offers livelihood training in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). "That is what is available right now. The facility and location that has a covered court is all ready, provided by the barangay," Borja explained during an interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on September 19, 2025. The center houses services from the National Center for Senior Citizens (NCSC), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and PhilHealth, creating a comprehensive resource hub to address the needs of elder residents. Osca aims to replicate the SC3C model across Davao City’s three congressional districts, following directives from Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte. Plans are underway to establish another center in Osmeña Park along Magallanes Street for District 2 residents, though documentation for the donated space is still in progress. Currently, Davao City has approximately 200,000 senior citizens registered with Osca. The SC3C serves as a one-stop facility that provides healthcare, wellness programs, social and recreational activities, livelihood training, and access to government services tailored for the elderly. The establishment of such centers is supported by Republic Act No. 7432 (Senior Citizens Act), Republic Act No. 11350 (which created the National Commission of Senior Citizens), and the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the promotion and protection of senior citizens’ rights.

Over 100 Police Officers Injured in September 21 Protest Violence, PNP Considers Awards

During the violent clashes at the September 21 protest near Malacañang, over 100 police personnel sustained injuries. Among those hospitalized is Patrolman Emerson Macasling, who was reportedly assaulted by individuals dressed in black, as shown in a widely circulated video capturing the attack. Macasling recounted, \"I think about four people attacked me. I was the one being beaten in the video. I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive because my vision went blank. I just forced myself to run to stay alive.\" He remains under care at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital. Similarly, Patrolman King Francis Luno was admitted after receiving a deep arm wound following an assault by several men. Luno explained, \"Someone grabbed a signage from the traffic center and struck us. We fell and then retreated. We’re not enemies — we’re all Filipinos.\" The injured officers suspect that those responsible for the attacks were not typical protesters. Fortunately, most affected officers have since been discharged. PNP General Hospital chief surgeon Police Lieutenant Colonel Anna Marie Cabasal stated, \"The condition of our patients is not serious. They are currently under monitoring and observation.\" In response to the incident, the Philippine National Police is evaluating the possibility of awarding medals and rewards to the officers who were harmed. Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, emphasized the need to consider the sacrifices of police members, remarking, \"We must also consider the side of our injured PNP personnel. The harm inflicted upon them does not equate to the injuries sustained by the protesters, who caused these wounds.\" A PNP report indicated that over 70 civilians were injured during the course of the unrest in Manila. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the restrained approach of the police, noting, \"The President’s directive clearly mandated that the PNP exercise maximum tolerance. They were only equipped with riot gear and did not carry firearms.\"

Church Leaders Call for Integrity and Compassion in Public Service

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle delivered a powerful message to public officials during a Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Malate, Manila, on September 21, 2025, reminding them that they serve as stewards, not owners, of the nation’s wealth. He called for honesty and accountability in managing public resources, underscoring that God, the true owner, will one day require an account of how entrusted assets were used. "To our leaders: You are not the owners of the nation’s wealth. You are stewards," Tagle stated. "And God, who is the true owner, will ask you one day: How did you use what was entrusted to you?" The former Archbishop of Manila highlighted trustworthiness as a defining trait of stewardship, contrasting it with the behavior of thieves. He echoed a broader call from the Catholic bishops for an "examination of conscience," applying both to government officials and citizens. He emphasized the need for cultural renewal and transformation in the collective mindset toward responsibility and integrity. "The invitation is for everyone to reflect — of course, especially our leaders, but not only them. All of us," said Tagle, who also serves as pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. He encouraged prayers to seek enduring values, urging both leaders and ordinary citizens to invest their skills and wisdom toward the common good. "We pray for our leaders, we pray for our people, so that our lives may be peaceful," the cardinal said. "Let us turn to God, the true owner of our lives." Meanwhile, in Cebu, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown addressed the faithful during Mass on the eve of Danao City’s fiesta at Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, denouncing corruption as a "plague" and expressing optimism that public demonstrations would spark a cultural shift toward transparency and justice. "We hope that today will be a moment in which [the] nation begins to change, in which we set a new course away from corruption, towards more transparency and more fairness," Brown said. The Vatican envoy called on the community to prioritize compassion for the poor, framing it as a Christian duty with eternal significance. He painted a vivid picture of the gates of heaven, where those who aided the marginalized will receive divine welcome. "When we come to the end of our lives, the poor people that we have helped will help us… they will help us enter into the Kingdom of heaven," Archbishop Brown affirmed. Together, these church leaders reinforced the message that stewardship, accountability, and empathy are essential to fostering social justice and national progress.