Phivolcs: Magnitude-4.1 quake rocks Ilocos Norte

A magnitude-4.1 quake rocked parts of Ilocos Norte in northern Philippines before dawn Friday, even as state seismologists said no damage was expected.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake was recorded at 5:37 a.m. and was tectonic in origin.

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter of the quake was traced to 53 km northwest of Burgos town in Ilocos Norte.

However, Phivolcs did not immediately cite specific areas where the quake was felt.

No aftershocks were expected from the quake, it added. (report from RSJ/GMA News)

Royal wedding eve: Crowds swell outside the abbey

With just hours to go before his wedding to Kate Middleton, dedicated royal watchers camped outside got an unexpected surprise - a visit from Prince William.

The 28-year-old groom-to-be emerged from his residence Thursday night to greet the hordes of well-wishers gathered along the processional route. Dressed in khakis and grinning broadly, William shook countless hands as his photo was snapped on cell phones and digital cameras.

The visit lent further excitement to the carnival atmosphere near the abbey, where hours earlier 29-year-old Kate had a final run-through with William's best man, Prince Harry.

A throng of curious tourists, dedicated monarchists, souvenir vendors, William-watchers and Harry-hunters have turned the Union Jack-bedecked streets into a scene of festive chaos.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Not many kings-to-be are going to be married anytime soon," said 26-year-old Sarah White, camped out with her sister, Liz. "Everyone's making friends and is in good spirits - or at least will be until tomorrow." (report from Jill Lawless/Associated Press)

Militant tribes stage rally against Quiboloy

Militant tribal groups are seeking the intervention of the Davao City government and have urged the City Council to conduct a probe on the reported violations of their rights in Sitio Kahusayan in Barangay Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District.

To press their case, the tribal groups staged rallies in front of the church led by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy Sunday and near City Hall last week.

Security men at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound of Pastor Quiboloy, according to ABS-CBN News Davao reports, pleaded to the rallyists to disperse to no avail.

The Pastor, a “spiritual adviser” of the ruling Duterte family, has yet to issue his official statement on the claims of the rallyists.

In a press conference before Holy Week, the Kahugpongan sa mga Lumad (KSL) together with PASAKA Regional Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao condemned "latest threats and harassment by forces" which they alleged were identified with the Pastor. These forces were supposedly backed by military soldiers under 84th Infantry Battalion.

The tribal leaders are claiming the religious leader ordered a road construction in the area, and just a day after 3 backhoe units were brought in the area, 84th IB soldiers also begun their patrol operations.

The road is allegedly in pursuit the Pastor's supposed desire to expand his prayer mountain and tourism project in Kahusayan village and even other villages in Barangay Manuel Guianga.

“We believe that the recent deployment of 84th IB elements prove how influential Quiboloy is in using for his vested interests the armed forces to secure his territorial expansion,” said the activist tribal groups.

The tribal groups claimed their ancestral lands were affected by the road-building.

“The land where Datu Dominador Diarog’s blood was spilled is the same land now being bulldozed,” said said Diolito Diarog, a Kahusayan leader and the PASAKA Deputy Secretary General.

Datu Dominador Diarog was killed three years ago over alleged land dispute. Pastor Quiboloy has denied any hand in the murder.

In the still unresolved murder case, armed men encircled and opened fire at the house of the Diarog family, killing in the process Datu Dominador aside from wounding his wife and two children.

The City Council conducted an investigation a few years ago on the reported land dispute case being the motive behind the killing of Diarog. Subsequent City Council resolutions ordered a status quo of “fences” around affected areas until lands had been surveyed.

But still, according to the tribal groups, the fences were moved and even built stronger by Quiboloy’s men.

“Despite this recent attacks on our human rights, we will never give up our struggle in regaining and defending our ancestral lands that our ancestors and Datu Doming Diarog fought and died for, it has been 3 years now since his death but we continue to call for justice for Datu Doming Diarog and respect the rights of the lumads,” said the PASAKA Deputy Secretary General. (report from Mindanao Insider)

EC: Border row might affect elections

The violent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia might affect the approaching general election, Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham said on Monday.

Mrs Sodsri said more troops and security units would have to be deployed to the disputed border area when they should be used elsewhere to help oversee the election process.

She called on the government to quickly end the border row before the election is held.

The EC will meet the different political parties on May 2 to discuss regulations regarding election campaigning, she said.

Mrs Sodsri said the commission will consider the role of politicians who are still banned from politics, as some of them still have direct or indirect political influence. (report from Bangkok Post)

Pokwang joining 'Happy Yipee Yehey?'

MANILA, Philippines - Comedienne Pokwang, who hosted the defunct shows "Wowowee" and "Pilipinas Win na Win," said she misses hosting an afternoon program.

She made the statement during her recent appearance on ABS-CBN's newest noontime show "Happy Yipee Yehey" to promote her movie, "Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak" by Star Cinema and M-Zet Films.

"Na-miss ko ito," she said.

John Estrada, one of the hosts of "Happy Yipee Yehey," asked Pokwang if she would consider being part of their show.

"Kung pagbibigyan ka ba na makasama namin, papayag ka ba?," he said during the show on Monday last week. Pokwang then proceeded to do her usual comic act instead of giving a straightforward response.

"May malaki kaming sorpresang ibibigay sa inyo pagkatapos ng linggong ito," Estrada told the audience.

Mariel Rodriguez, who used to host "Wowowee" and "Pilipinas Win na Win" with Pokwang, earlier said that "Happy Yipee Yehey" will soon have additional co-hosts, Push.com.ph reported.

The wife of action star Robin Padilla refused to name them as ABS-CBN management has yet to make the announcement. (report from abs-cbnNEWS.com)