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Davao police clueless on Quiboloy’s whereabouts
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Police authorities in the Davao region claim they are still clueless on the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Senate had earlier ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for his continued refusal to attend its investigation of alleged human trafficking and child abuse. Police major Catheine Dela Rey, Police […].....»»
Drug den in Brgy. Apas: Couple nabbed, P108,800 ‘shabu’ seized
CEBU CITY, Philippine — A couple was arrested for allegedly running a drug den in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with call center agents and habal-habal drivers as their usual clients. A buy-bust operation at around 5:30 p.m. led to the arrest of Jonathan Roca, 44, and his common law partner,.....»»
PRO-Davao awaiting order from Senate’s sgt-at-arms to arrest Pastor Quiboloy
THE Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-Davao) has confirmed that they have not deployed law enforcers to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a long-time religious fugitive in the country as they are awaiting a direct signal from the Office of Sergeant-at-Arms (Osaa) in the Senate......»»
3 nabbed for using FL’s name in extortion scheme
Three persons are facing criminal charges following their arrest in Pasay City for allegedly using the name of First Lady Liza Marcos in extorting P5 million from a businessman......»»
10 cops axed for illegal arrest of 4 Chinese
Ten policemen tagged in the allegedly unlawful arrest of four Chinese women in Parañaque City in September last year were dismissed from the service......»»
Comatosed teen dies
Iranian teenager Armita Garawand died on Saturday a month after falling into a coma following a disputed incident on Tehran’s metro, media in the Islamic republic said. “Armita Garawand, a student in Tehran, died an hour ago after intensive medical treatment and 28 days of hospitalization in intensive care,” reported the Borna news agency affiliated with the youth ministry. The 16-year-old ethnic Kurd was hospitalized in Tehran after she fell unconscious on the metro. Her case was first reported on 3 October by Kurdish-focused rights group Hengaw, which said she had been critically wounded during an incident on the underground train network. Authorities say she suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure and denied that any “physical or verbal altercations” had taken place between her and other passengers. But rights groups have said the teen was critically wounded during an alleged assault by members of Iran’s morality police. It came just over a year after the death of Mahsa Amini, also a young Iranian Kurd, following her arrest by the morality police for allegedly breaching Iran’s strict dress code for women in an incident that sparked mass protests across the Islamic republic. On Saturday, Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted doctors as saying that Garawand had “suffered a fall resulting in brain damage followed by continued convulsions, a decline in brain oxygen and a cerebral edema after a sudden drop in blood pressure.” WITH AFP The post Comatosed teen dies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday advised all foreign travelers who are leaving the country during the upcoming Undas holiday break to comply with their immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport on the date of their departure. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded registered foreigners who are studying, working, or living permanently in the Philippines that they can obtain their special return certificate (SRC) or re-entry permit (RP) prior to departure at any of the various BI's district, field, satellite, or extension offices nationwide. While foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months may also secure their emigration clearance certificates (ECC) before departure, Tansingco said securing the required permits early will decrease queueing time by half, as they will not have to line up at the BI’s airport cashiers anymore. The BI chief added that with the complete elimination of all COVID-related travel restrictions, the bureau is anticipating a spike in passengers at all international airports in the country, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), this upcoming December, and this time they are also experiencing a big increase in the volume of New Year's Day travelers. During this peak season, the bureau reminded all travelers that other immigration services are also available online via the BI’s e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Tansingco shared that the bureau also has a one-stop shop (OSS) facility located at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also secure the said documents. He also reiterated previous reminders for passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight and go straight to immigration after check-in. The BI is confident that its operations will be smoother this holiday season as it has deployed additional immigration officers and assigned a rapid response team as well as mobile counters for immediate deployment as necessary. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 24 October, BI agents detained a South Korean wanted person who was allegedly part of a major narcotics ring that smuggled contraband into Korea from the Philippines. Commissioner Tansingco identified the suspect as Choi Sun Hyeok, a 56-year-old male who was arrested at his residence in Bgy. Lahug, Cebu City by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. The BI-FSU operatives were armed with a warrant of deportation, which Tansingco issued pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI Board of Commissioners issued against Choi in 2017. Tansingco said that Choi would be immediately deported to Seoul, South Korea after the bureau had secured the necessary clearances for his departure. According to the South Korean government, Choi was tagged as a high-profile fugitive, as he is believed to be a member of the so-called MS Alliance syndicate that facilitates the illicit transport of narcotics to Korea. A red notice for his capture was also issued by Interpol this year after an investigation confirmed that he was in the country. According to Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, Choi is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Changwon District Court in Korea, where he is charged with violating his country’s narcotics control act. Investigators have also established that this year alone, Choi’s accomplices in the syndicate managed to smuggle into Korea more than 265 grams of methamphetamine by concealing the drug in their underwear. It was gathered that the passport of Choi, who will be committed to the BI detention facility in Taguig City, was already revoked by the Korean government, thus making him an undocumented alien. Choi's name was also placed on the BI blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines. The post BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aspiring village chief gunned down
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — Authorities here reported that a barangay chairperson candidate for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections was shot dead in Barangay Bayaoas, Aguilar town. Aguilar police investigator Master Sgt. Reynante Abril said that the victim — identified as Arnel Flormata and a contender for the barangay captain post — was employed as an administrative supervisor at Aboitiz Solar Services. More police operatives have been deployed to identify and arrest the suspect behind the shooting. “The incident happened at around 11:35 p.m. Sunday. The victim had just finished his miting de avance and was walking back to his parked car when the unidentified suspect, who allegedly pretended to be asking for alcoholic beverage from the victim, walked alongside him,” Abril said. The post Aspiring village chief gunned down appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jansen shooting: Police hunt carpenter accused of shooting neighbor during fistfight
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Police here are hot on the trail of a 52-year-old carpenter accused of shooting a neighbor after getting hit with a stick during a fistfight in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City on Monday, October 16, 2023. They are also coordinating with the family of the alleged suspect to convince him to turn himself over to the authorities. This was according to Police Major Jonathan Bethooven Nifiel Taneo, chief of Mambaling Police Station, who spoke to CDN Digital in a phone interview. The shooting suspect was identified as 52-year-old Roger Tanduyan, a carpenter and a resident of Sitio Kanipaan, Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City. Tanduyan is accused of shooting his neighbor whom he got into a fight while in Jansen Street in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas around 8:40 a.m. on Monday. Taneo said that they are coordinating with the suspect’s family to convince him to surrender himself to the police. READ: Woman shot dead while doing laundry inside home in Cebu City “Nakipagcoordinate na ta sa iyang pamilya para, usa sa atong tumong is mapa-surrender. Aside ana, padayon atong pagpangita sa suspetsado kay allegedly, niadto man daw ni sa iyahang relatives,” he stated. He added that the hot-pursuit operation is ongoing to arrest Tanduyan who is allegedly hiding with some relatives. Taneo, however, chose not to divulge where the alleged suspect is believed to be hiding as the operation is ongoing. He also narrated that the shooting incident happened after the alleged suspect got into a fistfight with the victim whom he had been on bad terms with for a long time. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Joventer Margaha, jobless and a resident of Sitio Lusimba in the said barangay. The police report revealed that Margaha was standing in the area when he was suddenly approached by Tanduyan. The two then engaged in a fistfight which escalated after Margaha grabbed a wooden stick and hit Tanduyan with it. Tanduyan then drew a firearm of unknown caliber and shot the victim once, according to Taneo. Tanduyan allegedly shot the victim once on his back which caused the latter to fall to the ground. He then fled the crime scene. READ: Love triangle eyed as motive behind fatal shooting in Hipodromo The shooting incident was reported to the Mambaling Police Station by a concerned citizen minutes after. Responding officers along with personnel from the Barangay Peace and Safety.....»»
Hacking suspect shot dead inside his house in Minglanilla
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 33-year-old man, who was found to be a suspect to a hacking incident, died after he was shot multiple times by a still unidentified assailant inside his home in Purok Manga, Barangay Manduwang, Minglanilla in southern Cebu on early Tuesday morning, October 17, 2023. The police report showed that the shooting incident happened at around 1:30 a.m. and was reported to the Minglanilla Police Station at around 2:50 a.m. by the barangay chairperson of Manduang. READ: Cebu City shooting: E-bike driver killed, police after persons-of-interest How victim was killed The victim was identified as 33-year-old Jessie Delantar Ordoño, a resident of the barangay. The victim was brought to the Minglanilla District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. According to the report, one of the victim’s neighbor told police that he heard seven gunshots at the time of the incident. The neighbor claimed that the sounds came from Ordoño’s house which prompted him to ask help from other neighbors. READ: 16 shooting incidents recorded in Cebu City but police say situation under control Victim an at-large hacking suspect Initial investigation of the Minglanilla Police Station showed that the victim was an at-large suspect to a previous hacking incident in the same barangay. Ordoño was accused of hacking 45-year-old Noel Agac-ac Antipuesto, also a resident of the barangay, at around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The report also showed that the victim previously had a quarrel with his mother who had not been sleeping in the victim’s house after she was evicted by her son who allegedly threatened to kill her. READ: Jansen shooting: Police hunt carpenter accused of shooting neighbor during fistfight Neighbor heard 7 gunshots The victim’s neighbor, a 72-year-old man, also told police that he had a previous altercation with Ordoño after he confronted the latter to stop throwing stones at the roof of his house. The victim allegedly attempted to hack him, but he was not hit. However, the matter was settled amicably at the barangay hall. According to the report, police are looking into personal grudge or revenge as the possible motive behind the shooting because it was found that the victim previously threatened to kill Antipuesto’s entire family. READ: 13-yr-old boy shot dead in Pangasinan; police say possible mistaken identity Follow-up investigation Police are conducting a follow-up investigation to identify and arrest the assailant.....»»
Maggie Wilson says mom out of jail, blames ex Victor Consunji as behind carnapping arrest
Maggie Wilson has named ex Victor Consuji as among those who allegedly hurled "countless allegations" against her in a series of Instagram Stories on October 12. She also shared that her mother has been out of detention after posting bail. .....»»
CHR welcomes murder charges vs. cops linked to Jemboy Baltazar’s death
The Commission on Human Rights on Saturday welcomed the filing of murder charges against six police officers in connection with the “unjust killing” of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar Navotas City in August. In a statement, the CHR likewise commended the Department of Justice for “conducting a comprehensive review” of Baltazar’s slay case, which has led to the decision to file murder charges against police officers allegedly involved in the killing. “This swift development on the case is an important step towards ensuring justice and accountability, especially as it involves law enforcement agents,” it said. The human rights body said the “senseless death” of Baltazar “underscored the importance of holding law enforcement agents” accountable for their actions to curb violations and abuses that breach fundamental rights. CHR firmly stressed that positions of authority, including law enforcers, “are not above the law. “Those who committed alleged violations must be held responsible considering that they made an oath to serve in accordance with the rules and standards required of police officers," it added. CHR hopes that the filing of murder charges against the suspects "will serve as a strong message that any alleged human rights violations by law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in our society.” “Aside from its crucial importance in delivering justice to Jemboy and his family, it can also help restore public trust in our law enforcement agencies,” it further stated. "The Commission also expects that the case amplifies the importance of abiding with established rules of operations that adhere to human rights-based policing to prevent violations that denigrate human rights, especially the utmost right to life.” CHR likewise urged the Philippine National Police to continue strengthening its programs and training “that will imbue its personnel with a renewed commitment to human rights practice” and values in the conduct of their duty. The commission said it will continue monitoring the case and provide support “in aid of ascertaining justice.” “As we mark this positive development, it is equally important to ensure continued commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability throughout the legal proceedings," it said. After the issuance of the warrant of arrest, the six police officers turned themselves into the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Lucena City in Quezon last Wednesday. They will be facing murder charges and are not entitled to bail. Eight policemen, including the six who were ordered arrested by the court, were dismissed due to serious grave neglect of duty. Since then, their benefits have been forfeited and their eligibility was revoked. While they were perpetually disqualified from holding any other government posts. The post CHR welcomes murder charges vs. cops linked to Jemboy Baltazar’s death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 wanted suspects fall in Rizal sting
Three wanted persons were arrested in separate manhunt operations on Tuesday, the Rizal police provincial office said Wednesday. Rizal police provincial director P/Col. Rainerio de Chavez said the three individuals were nabbed for various cases in the towns of Rodriguez and Tanay, and Antipolo City. In Rodriguez, the 42-year-old accused, identified only as alias Zaldy, was arrested by operatives of the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder. It can be recalled that the accused was allegedly tagged behind the stabbing incident against alias Ryan who miraculously survived the attack after he was rushed to a nearby hospital. In Antipolo, rape suspect alias Junior was nabbed by the police by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Jose Bayani Usman of Puerto Princesa City Regional Trial Court Branch 50 (Family Court) for the crime of two counts of rape, acts of lasciviousness, and violation under Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law. The post 3 wanted suspects fall in Rizal sting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P75-M PAGCOR mess: CIDG launches manhunt vs. suspect
The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has launched a nationwide manhunt for the primary suspect in the P75-million controversy in the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) after he and four others were able to elude arrest during a recent raid in their lair in Loac, Pangasinan. The PNP-CIDG director, Major General Romeo Caramat, identified the primary suspect as Jewel Castro. He and certain Ethan Eleazar, Norbert Escalante, Enrico San Miguel, and Rebecca Ferolina managed to escape even before the operatives swooped down a secluded illegal online sabong operation in Loac. Castro and his cohorts in PAGCOR are the subject of a top-to-bottom investigation ordered by PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco in connection with the missing P75-million cash performance bond exposed by an investor and officer of a corporation, an erstwhile franchisee of the disbanded e-sabong operation. The raid conducted by CIDG coincided with the lodging of a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman by one Joaquin Sy, against a former and two top officials of PAGCOR and three private individuals headed by Jewel Castro. Sy, who is the treasurer and the chairman of the board of Kamura Highlands Gaming and Holdings Inc., in his complaint said that on 4 April 2022, he personally posted cash for the performance bond at PAGCOR's office in Malate, Manila on behalf of their corporation. He provided two manager’s checks payable to PAGCOR and drawn against his personal bank accounts. In return, PAGCOR issued official receipts and other documents proving the posting of a bond by the corporation. Under PAGCOR’s guidelines, only a corporation can apply to be a franchisee of e-sabong operation. Sy, however, said that when then-president Rodrigo Duterte disbanded the e-sabong on May 2022, he requested PAGCOR in writing of the intention of his corporation to withdraw the cash performance bond but to no avail. He added that later on, he was told by PAGCOR's Assistant Vice President for Finance Lolita Gonzales that a P75-million Land Bank check was already issued to one Jewel Castro sometime in July 2022. Meanwhile, in a press statement, the newly-appointed PAGCOR chair said, “We have launched an internal investigation and we are trying to re-create the sequence of events since the department allegedly involved, the E-Sabong Department, has already been disbanded.” Tengco hinted that the release of a check in the name of an individual not to the corporation that posted it, could not be possible without the connivance of personnel within PAGCOR. “We will bring the perpetrators to justice if indeed there was any anomaly,” he stressed. On the other hand, a confidant of Castro in his clandestine e-sabong operation who refused to be identified said that Castro expressed his intention to cooperate with PAGCOR’s ongoing investigation but fears for his safety, considering the persons and the amount of money involved in the anomaly. Castro is considered the key figure to unlock the mystery of the missing P75-million cash performance bond. The post P75-M PAGCOR mess: CIDG launches manhunt vs. suspect appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
75 foreigners involved in online scams deported
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed the deportation of 75 foreign nationals on 22 September at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared that those foreigners departed on Friday afternoon via a Royal Air flight RW410 bound for Nanning, Guangxi. These deportees, according to Tansingco, are the first group of foreign nationals to be kicked out of the country for engaging in scams while posing as an online gaming customer care provider. They are part of the group arrested in an operation led by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) against SA Rivendell Global Gaming Corporation located in Pasay City. They were later charged by the BI for undesirability after being tagged as part of a scam syndicate. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which made the arrests, kept custody of the aforementioned foreigners throughout their deportation procedures. The deportees allegedly took part in bitcoin and love schemes that preyed on Westerners. The BI chief said that the initial count of deportees was 76, but the airline offloaded one of them—identified as He Zeng Ming—due to a medical issue after he purportedly complained about chest symptoms. All deportees have been added to the BI's blacklist; thereby, prohibiting them from returning to the country. “The strong partnership of the BI with PAOCC as well as IACAT member agencies led to this massive arrest and deportation of foreign nationals abusing their stay in the country,” said Tansingco. “This is in line with the President’s directive for government agencies to work closely together, in unity, to achieve greater results,” he added. -----anthony ching----- The post 75 foreigners involved in online scams deported appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bacoor police chief sacked
Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday ordered the relief of Bacoor City Police Office in Cavite after two of his police sergeants were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for allegedly collecting P1.5 million every month from transport operators in Bacoor. The PNP chief stressed that he ordered the sacking of the Bacoor City Police Office chief for command responsibility. “In line with our one-strike policy, the chief of police, he will be affected. He will be relieved. I will be giving the order as soon as we are done with our press conference,” Acorda said. CIDG director Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat said the two cops were identified as Senior Master Sgt. Joselito Bugay, assigned as intelligence officer of the Bacoor City Police Station; and Staff Sgt. Gregor Bautista, also assigned to the Bacoor City Police Station. “These policemen gained notoriety for allegedly extorting money from transport groups in Bacoor City. These individuals stand accused of collecting monthly payments or payola from tricycle operators, driver’s associations, and other transport groups,” Caramat said. Also arrested was a civilian identified as John Louie de Leon while another, Edralin Gawaran, the head of the Bacoor Traffic Management Department of Bacoor City fled. Acorda said the arrest of the suspects came during the conduct of entrapment operation in Barangay Molino in the morning of Tuesday and recovered from the suspects were three firearms and various ammunitions. The PNP chief disclosed that the operation stemmed from a complaint from local transport leaders as well as the local government of Bacoor City on the said illegal activities involving cops. The post Bacoor police chief sacked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese national intercepted at NAIA
The Bureau of Immigration arrested a Chinese national last Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after being found to be facing charges in China for illegal gambling. The BI-NAIA identified the suspect as Jiang Ning, a 27-year-old male who attempted to depart via a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when the BI officers noted a derogatory record in their system issued against him by the Chinese authorities. Upon verification, the Bureau confirmed that Jiang is the subject of an Interpol Red notice after allegedly being wanted in China for involvement in setting up a gambling group, which was said to control 14 gambling platforms for illegal profits in China and the Philippines. The BI-NAIA added that his group was said to have operated from 2014 to 2021 and to have induced more than 100 thousand Chinese to engage in illegal gambling activities. A warrant of arrest was already issued against him by the Qijiang District Public Security Bureau of Chongqing Municipality. He was charged with opening a casino in violation of the Criminal Law of China and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Jiang was immediately referred to the BI Legal Division to be charged with undesirability. He will be detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending his deportation proceedings. The post Chinese national intercepted at NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 registered SIM card sellers arrested
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested three persons reportedly engaged in the online selling of registered Subscriber Identity Module cards. Arrested in separate operations in Pasay City and Las Piñas City were identified by the NBI as Beverly Cruz, Keone Gabrielle Lebumfacil and Aljon Christian Reyes. Violations of Section 7 of Republic Act 11934, the Sim Registration Act, in relation to Section 6 and Section 4(a)(5)(i)(aa) of RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 were filed against them. The NBI said the operation stemmed from the information that several individuals were selling registered SIM cards on Facebook specifically on the SIM Card Philippines buying and selling group. The registered SIM cards are allegedly used for fraudulent purposes, such as online scams. It said that Lebumfacil and Reyes were arrested in Las Piñas City as part of an operation against the Facebook account with the name Armando Samling which claimed to have 5,000 pieces of registered SIM cards that were being sold at P30 each. The NBI said the subjects Lebumfacil and Reyes were placed under arrest after receiving P2,000 as payment for the registered SIM cards. A total of 1,023 SIM cards of different networks were seized in the said operations wherein some were verified to be registered and some are unregistered, deactivated, or expired. The post 3 registered SIM card sellers arrested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese national wanted for illegal gambling nabbed at NAIA
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that a Chinese national was arrested on 18 September by BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after being found to be facing charges in China for illegal gambling. The BI-NAIA identified the suspect as Jiang Ning, a 27-year-old male. Jiang was arrested at the NAIA Terminal 1. He attempted to depart the country via a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when BI officers noted a derogatory record in their system issued against him by the Chinese authorities. Upon verification, the BI confirmed that Jiang is the subject of an Interpol Red notice after allegedly being wanted in China for involvement in setting up a gambling group, which was said to control 14 gambling platforms for illegal profits in China and the Philippines. The BI-NAIA added that his group was said to have operated from 2014 to 2021 and to have induced more than 100 thousand Chinese to engage in illegal gambling activities. A warrant of arrest was already issued against him by the Qijiang District Public Security Bureau of Chongqing Municipality. He was charged with opening a casino in violation of the Criminal Law of China and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Jiang was immediately referred to the BI Legal Division to be charged with undesirability. He will be detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending his deportation proceedings. The post Chinese national wanted for illegal gambling nabbed at NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Iran release prisoners in $6 billion swap deal
The United States and Iran on Monday swapped five prisoners each in one of the arch-foes' first deals in years as Tehran gained access to $6 billion in frozen funds. The five Americans freed by Iran, including one held for eight years, flew out of Tehran in a Qatari jet, hours after the unblocked funds were deposited in accounts also managed by Qatar. The White House said it was "pleased to confirm" the plane carrying the freed Americans had left Doha, Qatar for the United States, and that President Joe Biden had spoken with the families of the Americans in an "emotional call". The five had walked in the setting sun on the tarmac in Doha, three of them with arms around one another's shoulders. One of them praised Biden for ignoring the political backlash and taking the "incredibly difficult decisions" that freed them. "Thank you, President Biden, for ultimately putting the lives of American citizens above politics," Siamak Namazi, a businessman held since 2015, said in a statement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who spoke to the released Americans by telephone after they landed in Doha, insisted the Biden administration had "no higher priority" than freeing US citizens. "It's very good to be able to say that our fellow citizens are free," Blinken told reporters in New York, where he and Biden are taking part in UN meetings. Two of the Iranian detainees arrived in Qatar, Iranian media said. The other three released by the United States have opted to remain there or in a third country. After quiet discussions led in part by Qatar, the two countries completed the exchange after the transfer of $6 billion in funds, frozen by US ally South Korea. The Biden administration has rejected criticism at home that it is paying "ransom," insisting the money will be used only humanitarian purposes, with a threat to re-freeze the funds if not. But Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, speaking earlier in Tehran, said the clerical state will have "total access" to the assets. Political risks for Biden Biden's Republican rivals have roundly denounced the deal. Republican Senator Mitt Romney said it would lead to "kidnappings". "The idea of basically paying to release, in this effect, a hostage is a terrible idea," he said. Mindful of political risks, Biden in a statement said he would "continue to impose costs" on Iran and announced sanctions against former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country's intelligence ministry. The sanctions were imposed over alleged deceit in the disappearance of Bob Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran in mysterious circumstance and is presumed dead. Biden in his statement did not mention that he granted clemency to five Iranians. A US official said that all were convicted or changed with non-violent crimes, with one already set to be released soon. Iran had generated the revenue through oil sales. South Korea froze the funds after Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord and imposed unilateral US sanctions on buying oil from Iran. Iran's central bank governor said Iran would seek damages from South Korea. "We're making a complaint on behalf of Iran against South Korea for not giving access to these funds and the reduction in value of these funds in order to receive damages," Mohammadreza Farzin said on state television. The five Americans of Iranian descent -- all considered Iranian nationals by Tehran, which rejects dual nationality -- were released to house arrest when the deal was agreed last month. Besides Namazi, they include wildlife conservationist Morad Tahbaz, venture capitalist Emad Sharqi and two others who wished to remain anonymous. All were accused of spying or other crimes that they strongly reject. Tahbaz also holds UK nationality. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Britain was not involved in the deal but that he was "extremely pleased" he was free. A US official said that two more US citizens flew out of Tehran -- Namazi's mother and Sharqi's wife, who were not in prison but had ont been allowed to leave. According to Tehran, the freed Iranians include Reza Sarhangpour and Kambiz Attar Kashani, both accused of violating US sanctions against Tehran. A third prisoner, Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi, was detained at his home near Boston in 2021 and charged with being an Iranian government agent, according to US officials. The two others, Mehrdad Moein Ansari and Amin Hasanzadeh, were said to have links to Iranian security forces. Nudge on nuclear? The swap was the first deal sealed by Biden with Iran's clerical rulers, who toppled the pro-Western shah in 1979 and are deeply hostile to the United States. Biden took office with hopes of restoring the 2015 nuclear agreement, under which Iran promised to constrain its contested nuclear work in return for sanctions relief. But months of talks failed to produce a breakthrough. Prospects to restore the deal sank further after protests broke out almost exactly a year ago in Iran following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the country's Islamic dress code for women. Blinken said that the release of the prisoners "doesn't speak to anything else in the relationship," with the nuclear issue "a different track." Biden is not expected to meet in New York with Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi, who arrived Monday. The post US, Iran release prisoners in $6 billion swap deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»