TACLOBAN CITY — A group of 41 lawmakers has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an investigation into alleged extortion and coercion activities reportedly linked to an online media network.

House Resolution No. 1006 calls for a congressional inquiry into reports that digital platforms were allegedly used for intimidation, disinformation, and financial demands disguised as media content or commentary.

One of the authors, Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list group, said that alleged practices involving demands for money in exchange for withholding negative content “is not journalism” but extortion.

The resolution was filed following a privilege speech urging an investigation into what lawmakers described as “digital blackmail operations,” citing reports involving the arrest of individuals linked to an entrapment operation over an alleged P300-million extortion attempt.

Lawmakers stressed that while freedom of speech and press are protected by the Constitution, these rights do not cover criminal acts such as extortion, coercion, and cybercrime violations.

The measure also seeks to determine possible violations of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and to examine how online platforms may be used to pressure individuals and public officials.

The proposed inquiry will be referred to several House committees, including Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A newborn baby left inside a parked multicab in Barangay 107, Sta. Elena on Tuesday night was rescued after residents alerted police authorities, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said.

According to an initial police report, a concerned resident sought assistance after discovering the infant inside a paper bag placed in the parked vehicle at around 10:32 p.m. on May 12.

Responding personnel from the City Mobile Force Company and Police Station 3 of the Tacloban City Police Office immediately proceeded to the area and secured the child before emergency responders arrived.

Authorities later coordinated with the Women and Children Protection Desk, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Tacloban Rescue Unit to provide the infant with medical attention and temporary care.

Investigators said the baby still had an uncut umbilical cord and traces of dried blood on the hair, indicating that the child had only recently been delivered before being abandoned.
B/Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, said the successful rescue underscored the importance of cooperation between residents and law enforcement authorities in responding to emergencies involving vulnerable individuals.

Police are continuing their investigation to identify the person responsible for abandoning the newborn.

(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE LIM NICOLAS, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Extreme heat continues to grip Eastern Samar after Borongan City registered a heat index of 48 degrees Celsius on May 11, the highest recorded in the country so far this 2026 dry season, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa classified the reading under the “danger” level, warning that prolonged exposure to such extreme heat conditions may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

Based on Pagasa’s monitoring, Borongan topped all other weather stations nationwide in terms of computed heat index, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing warm and dry season affecting Eastern Visayas.

The heat index reflects the temperature felt by the human body, combining actual air temperature and humidity levels. High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool down through perspiration, making conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.

With the continued threat of extreme heat, PAGASA advised the public to limit outdoor activities during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stay hydrated, and wear light, breathable clothing to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Local authorities also urged residents—particularly senior citizens, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing health conditions—to take extra precautions as the region continues to experience intense heat conditions.

Despite occasional rain showers brought by the easterlies, PAGASA said hot and humid weather will likely persist in Eastern Visayas in the coming days.

(ROCHELLE MORILLA, LNU Student Intern)