Unang Balita sa Unang Hirit (Part 1): SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 [HD]

Brief Summary

This news report covers several important updates: the resignation of Congressman Saldy Co and the ongoing investigation into a flood control project, the appointment of a new special advisor to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), flooding in parts of Maguindanao del Norte due to heavy rain, and developments in the case of missing sabungeros and the murder of Wesley Barayuga, including arrest warrants issued for Royina Garma and others.

• Congressman Saldy Co's resignation has been accepted, but he will still face charges related to a questionable flood control project.
• Former PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. replaces Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special advisor and investigator of the ICI.
• Heavy rain caused flooding in Maguindanao del Norte.
• A former employee testifies against Atong Ang in the case of missing sabungeros, and arrest warrants are issued in connection with the murder of Wesley Barayuga.

Resignation of Congressman Saldy Co and Investigation into Flood Control Project

House Speaker Faustino BJ Dir accepted the resignation of Ako Bicol Partyist Representative Saldy Co, a decision that shocked many. Despite the resignation, Co will still face charges related to a questionable flood control project in Naohan, Oriental Mindoro. The Department of Justice and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) are handling the investigation, with the House Ethics Committee no longer having authority. The project, worth nearly Php290 million and undertaken by Sunwest Incorporated, allegedly used substandard materials, potentially resulting in a government loss of up to Php63 million. The ICI believes Co may still have beneficial ownership in Sunwest, even after claiming to have divested.

Appointment of New Special Advisor to ICI and Magalong's Resignation

Former PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has been appointed as the new special advisor and investigator of the ICI, replacing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who resigned. The palace thanked Magalong for his assistance and remains open to receiving further information from him. The ICI expressed regret over Magalong's resignation but emphasized the need to continue their investigation. ICI Executive Director Attorney Brian Hosaka stated that hearings will remain private to prevent political exploitation of the investigation.

Flooding in Maguindanao del Norte Due to Heavy Rain

Heavy rain caused flooding in parts of Dato Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, with floodwaters reaching ankle-deep in several houses. The water originated from the mountainous regions of the town. The rain is attributed to the effects of Easterlies, affecting Metro Manila, the Bicol Region, Bulacan, Rizal, and Quezon Province.

Developments in Missing Sabungeros Case and Arrest Warrants in Barayuga Murder Case

A former employee of Atong Ang testified against him in connection with the disappearance of six sabungeros at the Manila Arena in 2022. The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed five affidavits, including the former employee's, as additional evidence with the Department of Justice. In a separate case, the Madaluyong regional trial court ordered the arrest of retired police colonel and former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and four others in connection with the murder of former PCSO board Secretary Wesley Barayuga in July 2020. Garma was last seen leaving for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after being deported from America. The National Bureau of Investigation has been asked to prioritize Interpol in the effort to apprehend Garma.