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40,535 OFWs sent back home under "Hatid Probinsya" program

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:50:11 GMT

Photo Credit: PCG Facebook Page

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said a total of 40,534 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have benefitted from the “Hatid Probinsya para sa mga OFWs” government program.

Of the said number, 11,809 were transported by land, 16,637 by plane, and 12,088 by sea through the help of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies.

The PCG said the OFWs availed of the free transportation program of the government so they can go back to their home provinces.

The government’s health protocol requires OFWs to undergo a 14-day quarantine and submit to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19.

The PCG also provided temporary shelters for OFWs repatriated from coronavirus-hit areas.

The PCG said 41 individuals are undergoing mandatory quarantine at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal while a total of 398 have completed their mandatory quarantine period.

No COVID-19 cases have been confirmed so far in the said facilities.

P1.1 million worth of marijuana seized in Pampanga

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:47:15 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Customs PH Facebook Page

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized more than 900 grams of marijuana with an estimated market value of P1.1 million at Clark International Airport on Thursday.

The BOC said the contraband came in a package that arrived on June 9, which was declared as “art-work fine” from California, USA.

The agency said that the package yielded two vacuum-sealed clear plastic packs containing 966 grams of fine Kush weeds.

“Said shipment was likewise subjected to K9 sniffing which indicated the presence of illegal drugs. Thereafter, PDEA chemical analysis was conducted affirming the findings of BOC-Clark personnel,” the BOC said.

The BOC said that it seized two other packages containing one bottle of CBD (cannabidiol) oil and six tobacco-rolling papers that also contained marijuana.

The bureau is now preparing charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against those involved in the shipment.

5 nabbed, P342-K shabu seized in Zamboanga

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:40:27 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police arrested five alleged drug personalities, including a militiaman, and seized a firearm and some PHP342,000 worth of illegal drugs here and in Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director, identified those arrested as Faisal Maguindanaon Buisan, 32; Shariff Gausan Khan Kiram, 28; Al-Sharif Sahipa Kiram, 51; Abdurahman Sahiban Eugenio, 26; and Jovien Ramirez Velarde, 44.

Cambay said Buisan, tagged as a street-level illegal drug peddler, was arrested in possession of some 5 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP40,000, and the PHP1,000 marked money when arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Curvada, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Seized from the Kirams were suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP25,000, a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, and the PHP500 marked money when arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Pitogo, Sinunuc here at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police said.

Cambay identified the elder Kiram (Al-Sharif) as a member of the Army's militia force.

Meanwhile, Eugenio, a suspected big-time drug personality, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Talon-Talon here at about 10 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Police said Eugenio yielded some 40 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP272,000, and one rolled boodle money of PHP1,000 bills with five PHP100 bills as marked money.

Recovered from the possession of Velarde were suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP5,000 and PHP200 marked money when arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Calarian here at about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police said.

Cambay said charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are set to be filed against the suspects, who are in detention. (PNA)

6 suspects nabbed; P680-K shabu seized in Bulacan

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:39:10 GMT

BUSTED. Authorities seized around PHP680,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs (shown in photo) and six drug suspects, including a 16-year-old minor, in a buy-bust in Barangay Wawa, Balagtas, Bulacan on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Seized during the operation were more or less 100 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP680,000, among others. (Photo courtesy of the Bulacan PNP)

BALAGTAS, Bulacan – Authorities seized around PHP680,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested six suspects, including a 16-year-old minor, in a buy-bust in Barangay Wawa here on Wednesday night.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, identified the suspects as Melissa Interior, Elmer Letigo, France Lui David, Jaypee del Monte, Roy de Jesus and a male minor, all of Barangay Wawa.

Based on the report, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), as lead unit, together with Bulacan Intelligence Branch, and Balagtas and Meycauayan police, launched the buy-bust around 11 p.m.

An undercover intelligence operative, who acted as poseur buyer, was able to buy a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu from the suspects.

Confiscated during the operation were more or less 100 grams of suspected shabu with standard drug price of PHP680,000; a PHP1,000 bill and a weighing scale.

The suspects are now under the custody of PDEA-Bulacan while the pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.

The suspects are facing charges with a violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

P11.6-M shabu seized in Bacolod buy-bust

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:37:17 GMT

DRUG HAUL. An anti-drug operative conducts an inventory of suspected shabu seized by a joint police team from couple Joy Diamante, 18; and Rafael Cantuar, 23, inside an apartment in Green Plains Subdivision, Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City on Thursday afternoon (June 18, 2020). The drug haul included 211 sachets of shabu valued at PHP11.6 million. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)

BACOLOD CITY – Police anti-drug operatives seized an estimated PHP11.605 million worth of suspected shabu from a young couple during a buy-bust inside an apartment at Greenplains Subdivision, Barangay Singcang-Airport here on Thursday afternoon.

The operation was carried out by the joint team of Police Regional Office-6 (Western Visayas) Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), and Special Operation Unit (SOU) of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) after about two months of surveillance.

The suspects were identified as Joy Diamante, 18; and Rafael Cantuar, 23; both of Purok Langis in Barangay Banago.

“They are part of an organized group,” Lt. Thurslie Castillo of RDEU-6 said.

Considered a high-value individual, Diamante, the subject of the operation, has been tagged as seller or caretaker of the shabu supply.

The couple has been staying in the apartment for only several days since distributors like Diamante are mobile and don’t stay in one place for a long time, the police said.

Operatives seized 211 sachets of shabu weighing about 1.055 kilograms.

Earlier, a poseur-buyer bought PHP1,000 worth of shabu from the couple. During the subsequent search, operatives found Diamante’s shabu supply inside a black briefcase.

In a radio interview, Diamante said she has been instructed to watch the place and admitted knowing that she is being asked to peddle shabu. "We are given a budget," she said.

Diamante said the shabu items were delivered to her but did not name the people she was working for, claiming that the buyers just call her to pick up the supply. (PNA)

Palace alarmed over rising cases of violence vs. women, children

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:14:20 GMT

VIOLENCE VS. WOMEN, CHILDREN. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque holds virtual presser in Malacañang on Thursday (June 18, 2020). Roque said the government raised alarm over the reported surge in the cases of violence against women and children since the implementation of community quarantine in March to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. (Screenshot)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday raised alarm over the reported surge in the cases of violence against women and children since the implementation of community quarantine in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Ang domestic violence naman po ay isang krimen sa ating bansa. Naa-alarma po tayo (Domestic violence is a crime in our country. We are alarmed),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press briefing aired on government-owned PTV-4.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his 12th weekly report to Congress, revealed that as of June 11, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 4,260 cases of violations against women and children.

While the country is under different levels of community quarantine, around 2,183 women and 2,077 children have suffered violence, according to Duterte’s latest report.

The total of 4,260 cases of violence against women and children are higher by 561 cases or 13.1 percent from the 3,699 cases reported by Duterte the previous week.

As of June 4, the PNP has recorded 1,945 cases of violence against women and 1,754 cases of violence against children since the nationwide implementation of community quarantine, Duterte said in his 11th weekly report to Congress.

Despite the significant increase in cases of violence, Duterte ensured that the government would protect women and children amid the implementation of community quarantine in the country.

Roque reiterated that victims of domestic violence can seek assistance from authorities.

“Kaya nga po nagkakaroon na tayo ngayon ng mga hotline… (We are establishing crisis hotlines… Victims can ask for help),” he said.

PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier ordered a crackdown on cybercriminals, especially those who are targeting women and children.

Victims of any form of violence, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking, are encouraged to contact the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC).

They can make a report through (02) 1343, the PNP-WCPC hotlines 0919-777-7377 and 8723-0401 local 5261, and Messenger account @wcpcpnp.

PNP-WCPC chief, Brig. Gen. Alessandro Abella, said they have already conducted 5,049 investigations, 3,628 arrests, and 3,462 inquest proceedings since the start of the quarantine period in the country. (PNA)

Face-to-face classes to be studied: Palace

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:00:18 GMT

File photo

MANILA – While President Rodrigo Duterte has stood pat in his decision not to allow face-to-face (F2F) classes until a vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is developed, Malacañang on Thursday said that the proposal to hold F2F classes could still be studied for areas under the “new normal”.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision to prohibit F2F classes could still change should there be zero or a low number of new Covid-19 cases and community transmission in a particular area.

“Hayaan ninyo po (Don’t worry), never say die ‘no. Pagdating naman po ng Agosto, titingnan natin ang datos kung gaano karaming lugar ang nasa new normal na at ibibigay natin uli ‘no ang suhestiyon na baka naman pupuwede nang mag-face-to-face doon sa mga new normal (When August comes, we will check the data to see which areas are under the new normal and we will raise the suggestion to allow face-to-face classes),” he said in a virtual presser.

Roque, however, said that given the current situation with 27,799 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country, the likelihood of allowing F2F classes remains slim.

“As of now, the President has overruled the IATF and has correctly decided na hindi po dapat isapalaran ang kalusugan ng ating kabataan (that he should not put the health of our youth at risk),” he said.

Last week, Roque said Duterte may be open to further discussion on the possibility of allowing F2F classes in areas with zero cases of Covid-19.

“I am sure the President is open to further discussion on the possibility of face-to-face pero uulitin ko po, habang may banta ang Covid sa isang lugar eh out of the question po iyan (but I repeat, while the threat of Covid-19 exists, that is out of the question),” he said.

Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday suggested that F2F classes for students should be considered in areas with low risk of Covid-19 infection and those with limited digital capacity.

Alvarez, a former House Speaker, said F2F classes may be more effective and a practical option for certain areas in the country, noting that a nuanced and area-specific approach is the “best and realistic way forward”.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set the opening of classes for the school year 2020-2021 on August 24.

Colleges and universities using full online education can open anytime while those using flexible learning can open anytime in August 2020.

F2F classes will not be permitted until a vaccine for the Covid-19 is available, in compliance with Duterte’s order.

DepEd said it would implement a “blending learning” approach which makes use of radio, television, online, and modular learning.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero de Vera also disclosed that they are studying the possibility of allowing limited F2F classes in areas free of Covid-19. (PNA)

Australia under cyberattacks from state actor

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:25:37 GMT

by Andrew BEATTY

Photo Credit: Prime Minister Scott Morrison Official Facebook Page

Australia's prime minister revealed Friday his country was under a broad cyberattack from a "state-based actor" targeting government, public services and businesses, with suspicions falling on China.

Warning Australians of "specific risks" and an increased tempo of attacks, Scott Morrison told a press conference that a range of sensitive institutions had been hit.

"This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," he said.

Morrison levelled blame at a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", but declined to name the culprit, while saying that it could only come from one of a handful of states.

China, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, the United States and a number of European countries are known to have developed advanced cyberwarfare capabilities.

But suspicions immediately fell on Beijing, which has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests.

Most recently Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence gathering and geopolitical leverage.

China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.

Last year Australia's parliament, political parties and universities were targeted by state-backed cyberattacks, with China seen as the likely culprit.

Public broadcaster ABC cited "senior sources" confirming that China was believed to be behind today's ongoing attacks as well.

Beijing has previously described such allegations as "irresponsible" speculation and an attempt to "smear" China.

Experts say attribution is often difficult, time-consuming and, if made public, could escalate tensions further.

- 'Malicious' -

The current attack appears designed to hide authorship, using so-called "copy-paste" cyber tools that can be easily found open source, Australia's signals intelligence agency said.

They included "proof-of-concept exploit code" that targeted vulnerabilities in old versions of Microsoft, Telerik, SharePoint and Citrix products as well as "web shell" software that is uploaded and remains on compromised servers.

The attacks also used "spearfishing" techniques, sending emails with malicious files, links and Office 365 prompts.

Morrison said that he had notified the leader of the opposition and state premiers of the "malicious" cyberattacks, but said no personal data had been compromised and many of the attacks were unsuccessful.

"They are not new risks, but they are specific risks," he said.

"We encourage organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services to take expert advice and to implement technical defences," he said.

That warning is likely to raise alarm bells as the country's medical facilities -- already on crisis footing because of the coronavirus pandemic -- could come under further strain.

Morrison's vagueness about the threat and its source is deliberate, according to Ben Scott, a former Australian intelligence official now with the Lowy Institute, a think tank.

"Public attribution – and the threat of doing so -– is seen as one way of warning and deterring an opponent," he said.

"But early attribution can also be provocative," he added, saying China was "almost certainly" behind the attack.

"Australian agencies may hope that the PM's statement will deter the attackers from moving on to extract large volumes of information or engaging in any sabotage."

Australia is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network -- along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States -- which give the country access to advanced capabilities, but also makes it a rich target for adversaries.

ADB: Only 0.1% economic growth expected in developing Asia in 2020

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 12:04:14 GMT

Photo Credit: ADB Website

MANILA, June 18- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast a growth of only 0.1% in developing Asia as containment measures against COVID-19 pandemic obstructs economic and business activities in the region on Thursday .

ADB brought it down from the 2.2% initial forecast in April. It is seen as the slowest growth in the region since 1961.

Shocks from multiple waves of outbreaks in the coming period are also expected and sovereign debt and financial crises cannot be ruled out.

ADB said growth in 2021 is expected to rise to 6.2% based on its initial forecast last April, but gross domestic product (GDP) levels in 2021 will remain below what had been envisioned and below pre-crisis trends.

Inflation in developing Asia is forecast at 2.9% in 2020, down from the initial forecast of 3.2% in April. Depressed demand and lower oil prices affecting economic behavior reflected in the second quarter of 2020. Inflation is expected to ease to 2.4% by 2021.

The economy in East Asia is forecast to grow 1.3% in 2020 and seen as the only sub-region in Asia to experience growth this year. 6.8% growth is expected next year.

India in the South Asian region on the other hand is calculated to shrink by 3.0% in 2020 compared to the initial 4.1% growth predicted in April. Even 2021’s growth prospects changed from the initial 6.0% in April to only 4.9%.

Economies in Southeast Asia are expected to grow only 2.7% this year before reaching 5.2% in 2021.

“Contractions are forecast in key economies as containment measures affect domestic consumption and investment, including Indonesia (-1.0%), the Philippines (-3.8%), and Thailand (-6.5%). Viet Nam is forecast to grow 4.1% in 2020. While that is 0.7 percentage points lower than ADB’s April estimates, it is the fastest growth expected in Southeast Asia,” the ADB report said.

Central Asia's economic activity is expected to contract by 0.5% compared to the 2.8% growth forecast in April as a result of trade disruptions and low oil prices. Growth is forecast to recover to 4.2% in 2021.

Trade flows and decline in tourism affected the Pacific sub-region economy . “The sub-regional economy is forecast to contract by 4.3% in 2020 before rising to 1.6% growth in 2021,” ADB said.

ABS-CBN: 50 year limit applies to franchises, not companies

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:57:47 GMT

ABS-CBN general counsel Mario Bautista has argued that the 50-year cap imposed by the Constitution on franchises refers to the maximum period granted per franchise and not the number of years a company is allowed to operate.

“The 50-year limit applies to each franchise, certificate of authorization, and does not prohibit the grant of a new franchise to the same entity. Hence, Congress may grant several franchises to the same public utility. Wala pong pagbabawal dito. ‘Yun po ang fair reading of the provision as it is written (Nothing is prohibited here. That is the fair reading of the provision as it is written),” said Bautista at the joint hearing of the House committees on Legislative Franchise and on Good Government and Public Accountability.

Section 11 of Article 12 of the 1987 Constitution reads,“no franchise, certificate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted… for a longer period than 50 years.”

Bautista cited companies that have been operating for over 50 years but got their franchises renewed by Congress, such as PLDT, Inc. (100 years), Meralco (126 years), Visayas Electric Company (102 years), Philippine Airlines (93 years), Davao Light and Power Company (95 years), GMA Network (70 years), IBC Philippines (62 years), and TV5 (62 years).

“Kapag ang finding po ng Kongreso ay kailangan 50 years lang ang operation ng isang public utility, lahat po itong korporasyon na aking binanggit ay violative of the Constitution ‘yung kanilang prangkisa,” he said. “Kaya napakabigat po ng bintang na kailangan 50 years lang ang public utility.”

(If Congress finds that a public utility can operate for only 50 years, all the franchises of the corporations I mentioned violate the Constitution. Thus the assertion that public utilities can operate for 50 years is too grave.)

Justice Assistant Secretary Nicholas Ty said at the hearing that Congress can issue another franchise to the same corporation after its franchise has lapsed.

“Congress can once again issue a franchise to the same applicant, the same grantee. Like what Atty Bautista of ABS-CBN said, the 50-year limitation under the Constitution pertains to the franchise itself and not to the grantee,” said Ty. “Congress can issue multiple franchises that collectively exceed 50 years as long as the individual franchises do not exceed 50 years.”

10 NPA rebels surrender in South Cotabato

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:17:06 GMT

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12 (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Ten more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including three unit leaders, have surrendered to government authorities in South Cotabato following a series of negotiations.

Lt. Co. Lino Capellan, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said Thursday the rebels decided to yield voluntarily along with their firearms after reportedly getting tired of their uncertain cause.

He said the returnees initially signified to surrender last Monday in Sitio Datal Kadi, Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato.

“They were processed and later received by personnel from the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office through assistance from concerned local officials,” Capellan said in a statement.

It was supported by the PRO-12’s intelligence unit, Philippine National Police intelligence group and Special Action Force, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion.

Capellan said the former rebels comprised three-unit officers, a community teacher, and six members of field units under the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73 (Musa)-Far South Mindanao Region.

They surrendered an improvised M203 grenade launcher loaded with a 40mm rifle grenade, a homemade M16 rifle, three caliber .357 revolvers, a Springfield caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .22 revolver, a homemade single-shot caliber .45 pistol and a homemade single-shot caliber .357 pistol.

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, PRO-12 director, said the latest accomplishment was part of their continuing efforts to address internal insurgency through peaceful means.

He said these were in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s “whole-of-nation” approach, which seeks to “end local community armed conflict” by addressing the needs of local communities through convergence programs.

The official said they have endorsed the inclusion of the surrenderers into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under the E-CLIP, the former rebels will receive financial and livelihood assistance, remuneration for the surrendered firearms, and other support packages from various government agencies, he added. (PNA)

Maguindanao village official, son slain in NoCot gun attack

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:11:44 GMT

MUTE WITNESS. The motorcycle that ambush-slay victims Paitin Lando, 53, and his son Naron Mulod, 18, boarded lie in the middle of the highway in Barangay Lower Glad, Midsayap, North Cotabato on Wednesday (June 17, 2020). Police are pursuing the angle of a long-drawn feud by the victim’s family with another clan as a possible motive behind the incident. (Photo courtesy of Midsayap MPS)

COTABATO CITY – A Maguindanao village official and his son were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in the North Cotabato town of Midsayap on Wednesday.

Lt. Col, John Miridel Calinga, Midsayap municipal police chief, said police and elements of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion have launched a manhunt to get the perpetrators of the the incident.

Calinga identified the victims as Paitin Lando, 53, a village official of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, and his 18-year-old son, Noron Mulod. They both instantly died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Injured was Sued Kalambo, 21, driver of the motorbike hired by Lando and his son.

Responding police found empty shells from M-16 and M-14 assault rifles at the crime scene in Barangay Lower Glad in Midsayap.

“The attack could be related to a ‘rido’ involving the village official’s family and that of the ambushers,” Calinga said.

Police said the victims were heading to Midsayap at about 5 p.m. when flagged down and strafed by gunmen beside the highway in Barangay Lower Glad.

Citing witnesses, police said the gunmen fled toward Datu Piang, Maguindanao following the incident. (PNA)

5 'rebels' killed in clash with troops in NegOr town

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:10:09 GMT

SEIZED ARMS. Five suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in a clash with government troops in Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Thursday (June 18, 2020). Shown in photo are high-powered firearms, ammunition and subversive documents recovered by police and military from the clash site. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Five suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – were killed in an encounter with government troops early Thursday in Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental.

Joint elements of the 11th Infantry Battalion and the 94th Infantry Battalion, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 of the Philippine National Police and the Mabinay Police clashed with the group at around 12:45 a.m. as they were about to serve a warrant of arrest against one of them, a media release from the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said.

The government forces received a report from barangay officials and concerned residents of the presence of a wanted person, who was with the armed men occupying two houses in the area, it said.

While the government troops were approaching the area, they were fired upon by an undetermined number of suspected NPA members.

A heavy exchange of gunfire that lasted for about 30 minutes ensued, after which the armed group fled, leaving behind its slain members inside the houses.

The bodies were recovered, as well as three M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle with a defaced serial number, a caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number, three AK47 magazines, four rifle grenades, an improvised explosive device (IED), assorted magazines and ammunition, and subversive documents.

One of the dead, believed to be Isaias Villamor Rabilista, alias Sayas Ribilista, was the subject of the warrant of arrest for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The troops launched operations to secure the perimeter of the encounter site while waiting for the forensic experts to process the evidence at the site.

“This is a clear manifestation that the local residents do not want to be deceived again by the lies of these NPA terrorists,” Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, was quoted as saying.

“It also shows that EO 70 and the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) is up and running,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 embodies the Whole-of-Nation Approach in ending the country’s long-running insurgency problem and attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Persona non grata resolutions show Pinoys tired of Reds' abuses

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:06:19 GMT

2nd Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos. (File photo)

MANILA – Every resolution declaring the communist rebels persona non grata is a collective proclamation that Filipinos have grown tired of their atrocities and abuses, a ranking military official said Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Jr., 2nd Infantry Division commander, made this remark after Occidental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has officially declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata through Provincial Council Resolution No. 159.

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano formally signed the resolution on Tuesday together with Resolution No. 171 authorizing him to “conduct local peace engagement” with the communist terrorists.

“The enemy of the state’s eventual demise is near since they are running out of space to evade our forces who are slowly but surely closing in on their few remaining fighters,” Burgos said in a statement sent to reporters.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

These initiatives, Burgos said, show that the political will and cooperation of elected leaders in all levels of the government is a great helps fulfill the challenging task of "applying the finishing touches to this insurgency". (PNA)

Registration kits for nat’l ID system now available: PSA

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:04:09 GMT

MANILA – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is working on the components of the national identification system as the government targets to start registration by the last quarter of the year.

In a virtual roundtable discussion of the Integrity Initiative and the Makati Business Club on Thursday, National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said registration kits are now available, while the automated biometric system has already been procured and the service provider is working on the authentication system that would be used to verify persons registered in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

Mapa said the agency is still in the process of procuring the systems integrator (SI).

“The systems integrator is like the glue to make systems work,” he said. “So we have very good service providers that expressed interest in the procurement of the SI.”

Mapa added that the government would award the contract for the systems integrator next month.

The PSA, which is the primary implementing agency to carry out the provisions of the Philippine Identification System Act of 2018, has also identified the data centers for the PhilSys, which is under the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The primary data center is located in Subic.

The secondary data center and the recovery site have already been identified, according to Mapa.

“All data centers will be on board starting July 2020,” he said.

Mapa said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which signed a memorandum of agreement with PSA in October 2019, shall produce 116 million blank cards with security features for Philippine ID (Phil ID) within three years.

He added that the national ID could be distributed to the registrants in just two weeks.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11055 or PhilSys Act on August 6, 2018 that mandates the establishment of the Phil ID for all citizens and resident aliens of the country to make government and private transactions simpler and faster. (PNA)

Recto calls for one book, one student ratio in public schools

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:01:57 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Ralph Recto Official Facebook Page

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto called for a “one book to one student” ratio in public schools in the country.

"Broadband learning does not cancel the need for books. On the contrary, it makes it imperative. Hindi ibig sabihin na dahil via Internet na, wala nang instructional materials. Kung wala na ngang laptop, wala pang signal, tapos wala pang libro, eh paano na ang mga bata?" Recto said.

(It does not mean that if it’s via Internet, there will be no instructional materials. If the children have no laptop, no signal and even no books, how will they fare?)

The senator however expressed concern that the national inventory of books in public schools is not enough to meet the desired 1:1 book-to-learner ratio.

"The printing of millions of new books out of this year's and previous years' appropriations may have been disrupted by the recent three-month long lockdown”, he said.

Recto also noted the steady decline in appropriations for textbooks and instructional material. He pointed out that this year's budget for textbooks is P963 million, half of last year's P1.8 billion. In 2015, it was P3.46 billion, P4.1 billion in 2016, P3 billion in 2017 and P2.9 billion in 2018.

"So from 81 million books delivered since 2016, the target volume to be distributed out of this year's budget are 10.3 million textbooks and instructional materials," Recto said.

The senator also called for more funds for schools whose teachers are printing their own instruction modules under the new normal.

"Yung budget ng DepEd, kinaltasan ng halos P8 billion at inialay sa laban sa Covid. Eh di ibalik yung parte nito para sa libro at mga programang kailangan ng 27.2 million na kabataang Pilipino para sablended education nila," Recto said.

(P8 billion was transferred from the DepEd budget to the Covid effort. Then let us return part of this for books and programs for 27.2 million Filipino students undergoing blended education. )

DOTr: PUV Modernization will improve the condition of jeepney drivers

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:56:25 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Transportation - Philippines Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reiterated on Thursday that the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program will improve the condition of jeepney drivers by changing the driver-operator relationship.

DOTr Road Sector Senior Consultant Engr. Bert Suansing noted in an interview with PCOO Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio that jeepney drivers base their income on their collections from passengers under the boundary system. Boundary fees to the jeepney owner or operator and fuel expenses are deducted, resulting in a net income of P400 or less a day.

“Ang kanilang kompensasyon ay magiging sahuran sila ayon sa labor standards,” Suansing said.

(Their compensation will now become regular based on labor standards)

He also said that jeepney drivers will enjoy benefits that were not given previously because operators refused to recognize them as employees.

Suansing also said the removal of the boundary system will eliminate the need for jeepney drivers to compete for passengers.

PUV modernization is also expected to result in a more consistent public transportation service.

“Ang ini-emphasize natin is yung predictability nung serbisyo, and later, is yung punctuality ng serbisyo,” Suansing added.

(What we are emphasizing is the predictability of the service, and later on, the punctuality of the service.)

Over 1,000 BI employees undergo COVID-19 antibody tests

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:51:49 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente said 1,100 bureau employees underwent rapid antibody testing for COVID-19 earlier today.

“We will continue to conduct these tests for our employees until all of them are tested. We have to make sure that our frontliners are not infected with this virus,” he said.

The bureau chief said they are coordinating with the governments of the cities of Manila and Pasay for the rapid testing of their employees at their main office and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The BI’s main office in Intramuros, Manila was temporarily shut down after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The BI said the employee has received the necessary medical attention.

The discovery prompted Morente to order 3,000 employees to undergo COVID-19 testing last week.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 18)

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:10:08 GMT

The Department of Health records 562 new cases on Thursday.

Of this number, 481 are fresh cases while 81 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 27,799.

Cebu guv to downgrade Talisay status to GCQ

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:00:13 GMT

Photo Credit: Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia is set to use her powers to lift Talisay City’s modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status, which was reimposed last June 15.

Talisay is the only local government unit in Cebu province that was reverted back to MECQ by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID).

“We referred this yesterday to Usec. (Epomaco) Densing and I pointed this out, that after all the provincial governor is authorized to impose or lift ECQ amongst component cities and municipalities and he agreed. Usec. Densing agreed that we do have this power,” Garcia said in a statement published by Sugbo News.

Garcia met with local mayors, members of the Provincial Board, Cebu legislators, heads of concerned government agencies and members of the regional IATF, including its co-chair, Department of Health-7 Director Jaime Bernadas to discuss the quarantine status of Cebu.

The provincial mayors agreed with her plan to lift Talisay's MECQ status.

The governor will forward her Executive Order to the regional IATF for their approval. She said the EO is set to take effect on Friday, June 19. Under the IATF decision, Talisay’s second MECQ will remain in effect up to June 30.

Garcia said if Talisay will remain under MECQ she will be forced to find a new bus terminal for those traveling to and from the south of Cebu. The province’s south bus terminal has been temporarily moved from Cebu City to Talisay’s Barangay Tangke.

For his part, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas said in an interview with Advocates that although the Covid-19 cases in his city are rising his people should “not stay scared forever.”

He said that once they revert to GCQ status he will deploy more military and police personnel to areas with high covid cases like barangays Tangke, San Roque and Cansojong.

Coney Reyes, ibinahagi ang cute photos ni Vico Sotto

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:19:17 GMT

Photo Credit: Coney Reyes Instagram Account

Isang nakakatuwang pagbati para sa ika-31 kaarawan ng kanyang anak na si Vico Sotto ang ibinahagi ng aktres na si Coney Reyes nitong Miyerkoles, Hunyo 17.

Sa Instagram, ibinahagi niya ang mga cute na larawan ng anak na kinagiliwan ng netizens at mga tagahanga ng batang alkalde ng Pasig City. Sa caption ng kanyang post, isang makatunaw-puso naman ang naging mensahe ng aktres sa anak nila ng dating nakarelasyon na si Vic Sotto.

"Pangpa- Happy Birthday photos 6-17-2020 ❤️❤️❤️ @vicosotto Happy Birthday!!! �� I will always be here praying for you, helping you in any and every way I can. I love you so much, son! I praise and thank God for you everyday ��," ani Coney.

Samantala, para sa kanyang kaarawan, hiniling ni Vico sa mga taga-suporta na imbes na siya ay bigyan ng regalo ay bumili na lamang ang mga ito ng pagkain o grocery foodpack na ipapamahagi sa mga nangangailangan.

Sinabihan niya rin ang mga empleyado na huwag mag-organisa ng party para sa kanyang kaarawan bilang pag-iingat sa COVID-19. "Papunta na po akong opis ngayon. May binabalak kayo itigil niyo na 'yan!" ani Vico sa kanyang Twitter.

Cast of Black Sheep’s first Boys Love Series revealed

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:45:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Black Sheep PH Instagram Account

Black Sheep introduced the whole cast of its upcoming Boys Love (BL) series “Hello Stranger”, including Tony Labrusca’s on-screen male partner.

Labrusca will star opposite JC Alcantara, who also starred in ABS-CBN’s primetime series “Halik”. This is Alcantara’s first lead role in a series.

Other Star Magic artists like Gillian Vicencio, Vivoree Esclito, Patrick Quiroz and Miguel Almedras will be part of the cast too.

“Hello Stranger” is the first digital series of Black Sheep, following the success of “hugot” movies like Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s Alone/Together among others. The series will be directed by Petersen Vargas, who also directed Cinema One Original’s “2 Cool To Be Forgotten” .

It’s release date is yet to be announced.

The sudden popularity of the BL genre here in the Philippines inspired Black Sheep to create this series following Thailand’s popular Boys’ Love stories like “2gether” which consistently topped on Twitter during its run early this year.

DA to resolve poultry industry issues, oversupply amid COVID-19 crisis

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:34:05 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Agriculture (DA) Official Website

MANILA, June 18- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now working closely with Philippine poultry industry stakeholders to enhance productivity and competitiveness amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The United Broilers Raisers’ Association (UBRA) earlier raised the alarm on the oversupply of poultry products, which they say is now affecting the market.

“Ito po ay sanhi ng COVID restrictions. So halip na may delivery sa mga merkado, sarado. Yung mga dating kainan sarado. Bumaba ang demand at walang mapuntahan ang mga manok ngayon kaya nakatago sa mga cold storage,” Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC Director Ronnie Domingo said.

The bureau also clarified that the country is not importing poultry meat products and no announcement was made about increasing the volume of imported poultry meats.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar also denied reports that a limit was set on local production.

“We wish to reiterate that we did not ask UBRA nor the local poultry industry to limit their production," he said.

He then clarified that they continue to encourage not only poultry industry stakeholders, but also other key players in the food value chain to continuously elevate their game to ensure adequate, accessible and affordable food for our countrymen.

The department will institute policy reforms to resolve poultry oversupply issues, innovate, and build needed infrastructure and processing facilities to modernize not only the country's poultry industry, but also the entire agriculture and fishery sector, making it more productive, resilient and globally-competitive.

The DA and UBRA have also agreed on the provision of financial assistance to help industry players rise above the current crisis.

DOJ to open frontline offices on Monday

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:26:03 GMT

Photo Credit: DOJ Official Website

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that its frontline offices in Manila City will open on Monday while its main building and adjacent buildings are on lockdown after five employees of the department tested positive for COVID-19.

“While our physical operation will start on June 29, our frontline offices will start for public transactions on Monday,” DOJ spokesman Markk Perete said during Thursday’s Laging Handa virtual press conference.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the temporary closure of the department’s main building, the new NPS building and the annex building near the Court of Appeals (CA) on Wednesday to prevent possible exposure to employees who tested positive for COVID-19.

The DOJ has recorded 72 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Perete said they have to re-implement the same safety measures for their employees as when Metro Manila was still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Flexible working arrangements such as work from home schemes are also being implemented.

Solons seek probe on June 12 arrest of Muslim traders

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:18:55 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

A number of Muslim congressmen have called for a congressional inquiry into the alleged unreasonable search and seizure and the subsequent warrantless arrest of two Muslim traders in San Andres, Manila last June 12.

House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Adiong, Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison, Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong, Maguindanano Rep. Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Sr., and Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan filed House Resolution 981 to ask the House committees on Public Order and Safety and on Muslim Affairs to investigate the incident.

“The primary objective of this probe is to get to the bottom of what happened in the afternoon of June 12 in the residence of the two Muslim traders, get the side of the police, find out if there was really abuse of authority, and study if there is a need for legislation to address an injustice,” said Hataman.

He said the Manila police should have built a strong case against the traders instead of disregarding legal procedures.

“Had they done so, we wouldn’t be in this situation, na kailangang pa natin imbestigahan sa Kamara ang insidenteng ito. Good police work should have worked in this case. Pero ang nangyari, mukhang gustong ishort-cut ang proseso at the expense of trampling on the human rights of the Muslim traders,” the Basilan legislator added.

(Had they done so, we wouldn’t be in this situation, where we need Congress to investigate the incident. Good police work should have worked in this case. But what happened is that they took short cuts in the process at the expense of trampling on the human rights of the Muslim traders)

Hataman also said the San Andres incident proves that some policemen are abusing their powers and it could get worse with the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill that was already approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The lawmaker voted against the bill.

The resolution recounted that Manila Police District (MPD) officers were to meet Abdullah Palawan Maute and Saadudin Alawiya in Luneta for a buy bust, but the suspects failed to show up. The officers instead went to the house where Maute and Alawiya were residing and forced their way inside to arrest the two without identifying themselves.

The resolution also said the officers violated standard procedures in conducting search or buy-bust operations by failing to coordinate with the barangay officials, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the police station in the area.

Congress urged to act on bill decriminalizing libel

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:58:20 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook Page

DAVAO CITY — Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate has called on Congress to start deliberations on pending bills that seek to decriminalize libel and make it a civil case.

“Our current libel laws are draconian and repressive. We should not criminalize an act of expressing an opinion, a right guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.

The bill decriminalizes libel in accord with the October 2011 declaration of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC), which states that the criminal sanction for libel in the Philippines is “excessive” and in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of which the Philippines is a signatory.

The bill notes that current libel laws are used by public officials as “a tool to cow and muzzle an independent press,” and “to harass and silence critical and opposing voices.” It also says the threat to the people’s right to free expression and free press “has even become more serious and real” with the passage of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Law of 2012.

The bill however assures that a person who has been libeled by the media can still file for damages based on the Civil Code of the Philippines.

The libel decriminalization bill was first filed during the 14th Congress by then-Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, who refiled it in the 15th and 16th Congress. Zarate filed it as House Bill No. 1008 during the 17th Congress and then refiled it in the current Congress as HB No. 3455.

Zarate said the bill has remained at the committee level so far.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez meanwhile proposed to amend the Cybercrime law specifically its prescription period.

Rodriguez’ bill, HB 7010, requires accusers to file a complaint within one year of the alleged cyber offense, otherwise the charges will no longer be accepted by courts.

Zarate’s and Rodriguez’ actions follow the conviction of Rappler CEO and executive director Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. by a Manila Regional Trial Court for cyber-libel last June 15.

Businessman Wilfredo Keng filed libel charges against Rappler in 2017 for an article written in 2012. Rodriguez said the alleged crime stemming from the article had prescribed in May 2013 under the Revised Penal Code. Since Rappler republished the article in 2014 to correct an error, Keng had only until February 2015 to file a complaint.

“RA No. 10175 (the basis for Ressa’s conviction) did not provide for any prescription for punishable acts in said law. The Department of Justice used in court RA No. 3326, which provides that for any other offenses punishable by imprisonment for six years or more, the prescription period is 12 years,” Rodriguez added.

He added that former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio agreed that the 12-year prescription period was applied to Rappler’s case.

Bryant pilot trying to clear fog before chopper crash: probe

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:19:12 GMT

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 26, 2020 Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters and coroner staff check the wreckage at the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas. The pilot in the helicopter crash that claimed the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant told air traffic controllers he was trying to climb out of heavy fog just before the doomed chopper slammed into a hillside, preliminary findings showed on June 17, 2020.

Mark RALSTON / AFP

The pilot in the helicopter crash that claimed the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant told air traffic controllers he was trying to climb out of heavy fog just before the doomed chopper slammed into a hillside, preliminary findings showed on Wednesday.

Pilot Ara Zobayan radioed to air traffic control that he was climbing to 4,000 feet soon before the helicopter crashed near Calabasas on January 26.

Los Angeles Lakers icon Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and six other people on board died in the accident.

Zobayan's doomed attempts to pilot the aircraft out of trouble were revealed in 1,700 pages of investigative documents released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday.

The NTSB, which is continuing to investigate the crash, stressed the "public docket" was not a final report "nor does it contain analysis, findings, recommendations, or probable cause determinations."

"As such, no conclusions about how or why the crash occurred should be drawn from the information within the docket," the NTSB said.

"Analysis, findings, recommendations, and probable cause determinations related to the crash will be issued by the NTSB in a final report at a later date."

A partial transcript of communications between Zobayan and air traffic control in the final moments before the crash was among the documents released on Wednesday.

"Uh, we climbing to four thousand," Zobayan says in the transcript.

"And then what ya gonna do when ya get to altitude?" a controller replies in the transcript.

No further communication from the aircraft was heard after that point.

Previous disclosures from investigators have revealed the helicopter plunged several hundred feet before the crash, when Zobayan had been attempting to climb out of the heavy fog.

Bryant won five NBA championships for the Los Angeles Lakers during 20 NBA seasons. He was the NBA's most valuable player in 2007-08, a 15-time all-NBA selection, and an 18-time all-star.

He was twice named MVP of the NBA finals and was the all-star game MVP four times.

15 MRT3 depot workers positive for COVID-19

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 05:41:39 GMT

Photo Credit: DOTr MRT-3 Facebook Page

Metro Rail Transit 3 and Sumitomo-MHI-TESPI personnel are set to undergo rapid antibody testing today after 15 workers of the rail maintenance company tested positive for COVID-19.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct the testing.

“All employees will be required to undergo testing. We have been conducting disinfection in the depot, at stations, and in trains. We will continue to implement these and other measures to contain the spread of the virus in our workplace, stations, and trains,” said MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael J. Capati.

Capati also said depot-wide disinfection will be repeated despite having been done last Monday.

Personnel who will test positive in the rapid testing will be required to undergo RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) confirmatory testing and must self-quarantine while waiting for the confirmatory test results.

The MRT-3 management will also implement additional health and safety protocols to further limit the interaction between depot and station personnel.

“We have the best interest of our passengers and employees at heart. We want to immediately address the situation to prevent more people from contracting the disease,” Capati said.

Sumitomo-MHI-TESPI reported that the depot employee who tested positive underwent a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test on June 11. The result was released on June 14. The depot employee last reported for work on June 8.

Contact tracing followed, and 32 depot personnel were found to have made contact with the worker. RT-PCR testing the next day confirmed that 14 of the personnel contracted COVID-19.

Contact tracing is ongoing for the 14 COVID-19-positive depot personnel. Identified contacts have been advised to undergo self-quarantine and RT-PCR testing before going back to work at the MRT-3 depot.

Ret. Justice Antonio Carpio: Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 unconstitutional

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:49:35 GMT

Photo Credit: Management Association of the Philippines Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio said several provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Bill are unconstitutional.

Speaking at a webinar conducted by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Wednesday, Carpio said the bill demolishes the invariable fundamental right against unreasonable arrests provided by the constitution. He maintained that only a judge can issue warrants of arrests.

He next pointed out that certain provisions in the act are similar to the changes made in the 1973 constitution which authorized executive officials to issue warrants of arrests. This resulted in arrest search and seizure orders (ASSOs) issued by the secretary of National Defense during Martial Law.

“The Anti-Terrorism Act has demolished the first fortress and reinstated the ASSOs of the martial law period,” Carpio said.

Carpio noted that the Anti-Terrorism Counsil (ATC), composed of eight cabinet secretaries and the executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council under the control of President Rodrigo Duterte, has the power to issue arrest warrants.

“This is obviously unconstitutional since the present constitution allows only a judge to issue a warrant of arrest,” the former Senior Associate Justice said.

He also said that section 29 of the Act which refers to warrantless arrests is outside of Rule 113 of the Rules of Court. Rule 113 gives specific conditions by which a warrantless arrest may be done. The Act however allows the ATC to approve warrantless arrests even if they do not fit the conditions given in Rule 113.

This means the ATC is authorized to order the arrests of any person even if he or she has not commited any act of terrorism, violating the constitutional provision that arrest warrants may only be issued if there is probable cause.

He also said that the bill sets no standards or limitations on the ATC’s power to issue arrest orders.

“Clearly, the Anti-Terrorism Council can issue an arrest order even without probable cause, demolishing completely the second fortress erected by the constitution to ensure that the guarantee of unreasonable arrests is invariable,” Carpio said.

He added that the measure will have a devastating effect on freedom of speech and freedom of the press in the May 22 presidential elections.

He said that it punishes speech whether it is written, verbal, or visual that incites others to commit terrorism. He also said that the ATC without a judicial warrant can order the arrest of anyone for inciting others to terrorism even before the incitement is made. The arrested person can be detained for a total of 24 days.

He urged people to object to the said provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act if they wish to avoid a contraction of their civil liberties.

“Vigilance is a price of freedom,” he closed.

High value target nabbed with P340k worth of drugs in Legazpi City

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:33:53 GMT

Photo Credit: PDEA RO5,Albay PPO, and Legazpi CPS

A high value target fell into the hands of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) forces after a drug buy bust operation in Barangay Bogtong, Legazpi City on Wednesday evening.

The suspect was identified as Ramiel Embesto, 31 years old, of San Nicolas, Iriga City.

Arresting authorities confiscated one plastic sachet containing some 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P340,000.

Also recovered were the P1000 bills used as buy-bust money and other non drug items.

Policewoman, driver nabbed over 'hot' lumber in Aurora

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:58:52 GMT

HOT LOGS. Anti-illegal logging operatives arrest a policewoman and her driver for transporting illegally cut lumber worth around PHP36,720 in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province on Tuesday (June 16, 2020). Confiscated were 51 pieces of sawn “tanguile” lumber with a total volume of 612 board feet. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – Anti-illegal logging operatives arrested a police personnel and her driver for illegally transporting cut lumber worth around PHP36,720 in Maria Aurora town, this province on Tuesday.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Alfredo Collado said on Wednesday that the operatives caught Patrolwoman Aurora Ramos, presently assigned with the 1st Maneuver Mobile Force Company at Camp Captain Ravina here, and her driver Olimpio Figuracion, both residents of Barangay South Poblacion, Dipaculao, this province, in the act of transporting the "hot" lumber on board an Elf truck bearing plate number AAV5708.

Collado said PENRO personnel received a report from the residents of Barangay Diome, Maria Aurora on the illegal activity.

He said the operatives immediately proceeded to the area and confiscated 51 pieces of sawn “tanguile” lumber with a total volume of 612 board feet.

The suspects are now under the custody of Maria Aurora Police Station.

Col. Raul Siriban, provincial director of the Aurora Police Provincial Office, said they will not tolerate any violation of environmental laws.

“Managot ang dapat managot kahit sino pa yan. Walang compromise (The one responsible must be held responsible whoever they are. There is no compromise),” Siriban said as he commended the DENR personnel for their efforts in protecting the environment.

Charges have been filed against the suspects for violating Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705 as amended under Republic Act 7161, the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, with a recommended bail of PHP72,000 each. (PNA)

SAP anomaly raps filed against officials in 2 Bacolod villages

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:57:20 GMT

SAP COMPLAINT. Ronald Doronila of Barangay Banago submits his affidavit to the City Prosecutor’s Office at the Hall of Justice in Bacolod City on Wednesday (June 17, 2020). He filed a complaint against Purok Tinagong Paraiso chairman Ernesto Gonzaga, who allegedly took PHP4,000 out of the PHP6,000 cash aid he received under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). (Photo courtesy of PNP-CIDG Bacolod City)

BACOLOD CITY – More barangay officials in this city are facing charges for their alleged involvement in anomalies related to the distribution of government cash assistance for low-income families affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

The complainants filed charges against these officials before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday and Wednesday with the assistance of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Chief M/Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, officer-in-charge of CIDG-Bacolod City Field Unit, said they lodged the complaint on Wednesday against a sub-village official in Barangay Banago.

The respondent, identified as Purok Tinagong Paraiso chairman Ernesto Gonzaga, was charged for allegedly violating of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Complainant Ronald Doronila said Gonzaga took PHP4,000 out of the PHP6,000 cash aid he received under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

In his affidavit, Doronila said that on April 29, 2020, he received the PHP6,000 during the distribution held at the Barangay Banago Catholic church.

On his way home, Doronila passed by the store of Gonzaga, who asked him to turn over the amount of PHP4,000 since it will be used for the expenses of barangay front-liners.

The complainant said he “had no choice” but to surrender the amount to Gonzaga. However, his neighbor-companion Cristobal Gumabras refused to give in to Gonzaga, who also tried to get the same amount from him. Gumabras stood as a witness in the case filed by Doronila against Gonzaga.

On Tuesday, the CIDG-Bacolod also filed a complaint against Alangilan village chief Degie Tanista Sr., councilman Michael Solano, secretary Lema Magan, five barangay staff, and 13 surveyors before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

All 21 respondents, who were members of the barangay selection process team, were charged also for violation of RA 3019 and RA 6713.

According to the complaint, the respondents, on April 23, 2020, allegedly connived and confederated with each other in allowing their close relatives, family members, political affiliates, who are unqualified individuals to become recipients of government aid.

It added that Tanista signed and approved the list of names of the beneficiaries prepared by the appointed barangay officials and employees and submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Seven barangay residents executed a joint affidavit to support the complaint.

This is the fifth case filed by the PNP-CIDG against barangay officials in this city related to their alleged involvement in SAP anomalies. (PNA)

5 'pushers' nabbed, over P164-K shabu seized in Bicol

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:55:17 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – Over PHP164,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized from five alleged illegal drug pushers in separate drug stings on Tuesday in Camarines Sur, Albay and Masbate provinces, the Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) said.

Major Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, on Wednesday said in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Mark Christian Orbon, 39, a high value target (HVT) illegal drug pusher, was caught selling shabu in a drug operation.

“Seized from the suspect was 20 grams of shabu worth PHP136,000,” she said.

In Canaman town, also in Camarines Sur, anti-narcotics operative collared Joseph Ballena a.k.a. Apok, 38, of Barangay Pang-pang, around 11:50 a.m.

The suspect yielded two sachets of shabu with a street value of PHP15,000.

In Legazpi City, Albay, Cleonel Moyo, 34, a drug surrenderer from Barangay Bitano, was nabbed selling shabu to an undercover agent in a drug operation around 1 p.m.

The suspect yielded one sachet of shabu worth PHP11,500.

In Tabaco City, Albay, Antonio Butial a.k.a. "Adit", 38, also an HVT illegal drug pusher, was collared in a buy bust in Barangay Sto. Cristo, around 5:15 p.m.

Police operatives confiscated from him four sachets of shabu worth PHP2,000.

In Masbate City, Masbate, Salvador Ubac a.k.a. "Kaliwa", 52, of Barangay Ibingay, was caught selling three sachets of shabu during a drug operation in Barangay Espinosa, around 3:30 p.m.

The suspects are now detained at the police stations in their respective areas, facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. (PNA)

15 NPA rebels yield in Caraga

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:54:10 GMT

MASS SURRENDER. Fifteen communist New People’s Army rebels operating in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region on Tuesday (June 16, 2020). Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Police Region Office-13 director, says the surrenderers will be enrolled in the government's integration program for rebel returnees. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

BUTUAN CITY – Fifteen communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants have surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), the region's top police official said on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Police Region Office-13 director, said they welcomed the surrenderers on Tuesday (June 16) at the RMFB headquarters here.

Esquivel said the surrenderers belonged to the Guerrilla Front 4A of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Among the surrenderers, he said, are “Jun”, “CJ” and “Terang” -- who held sensitive positions with the GF-4A. Their identities were not divulged for security reasons.

Esquivel said Jun served as a medic, while CJ and Terang worked as revolutionary tax collectors; the rest were members of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan operating in Nasipit town, Agusan del Norte.

They handed over to the police three .38-caliber pistols, two .357 revolvers, and 25 rounds of ammunition.

“The surrender of the 15 NPA members were the result of the intensified campaign of the PNP and other concerned agencies to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict in the province of Agusan del Norte,” Esquivel said.

He added that the Philippine National Police in Caraga Region is committed to support President Rodrigo Duterte's thrust to end local communist armed conflicts in the countryside.

“Armed struggle is not a solution to the problem. Let us work hand in hand. I know that members of the New People’s Army are tired and are longing to be with their families and loved ones. That is the reason why I am appealing to them to let the government help them on their quest for peace and to be with their families," he said.

Esquivel also expressed gratitude to the local chief executives and officials for their support and commitment to end the local insurgency in the Caraga region.

He noted that most local government units (LGUs) in the region have already passed resolutions declaring the NPA as Persona Non-Grata.

He also cited the support of the people in the communities in providing vital information to the police and the Army.

"The return of these communist terrorist rebels is the outcome of true information delivered by the masses and in collaboration with civil authorities,” Esquivel said.

He added that the new batch of surrenderers will be given financial support, legal assistance, and livelihood as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government. (PNA)

India, China hold talks to de-escalate deadly border tensions

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 02:02:07 GMT

by Aishwarya Kumar with Parvaiz Bukhari in Srinagar and Jing Xuan Teng in Beijing

Police stand guard near India Gate before an anti-China demonstration in New Delhi on June 17, 2020. India and China agreed on June 17 to ease tensions at their disputed Himalayan border, even as they traded blame for a brawl that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Jewel SAMAD / AFP

India and China agreed Wednesday to ease tensions at their disputed Himalayan border, even as they traded blame for a brawl that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.

The two nations' foreign ministers spoke by telephone to calm nerves after a high-altitude melee involving fists, rocks and clubs.

The call between China's Wang Yi and India's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar came as sources told AFP that Indian paramilitaries were being deployed to the area of the skirmish high in the Himalayas opposite Tibet.

China's state broadcaster CCTV, meanwhile, showed footage of People's Liberation Army tanks and soldiers holding live fire drills in Tibet.

China has refused to confirm if it suffered any casualties in the first deadly clashes at the border in decades, although Indian media said at least 40 Chinese troops were killed or seriously hurt.

The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that Wang demanded "India conduct a thorough investigation" and punish those responsible.

"The Indian side must not misjudge the current situation, and must not underestimate China's firm will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty," it added.

India's foreign ministry said Jaishankar "conveyed the protest" of his government.

He warned that "this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship" and urged Beijing to "take corrective steps".

But the two ministers also sought to de-escalate tensions.

China said both sides agreed to "cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible".

India's foreign ministry said the two sides would implement a previously agreed disengagement, and "neither side would take any action to escalate matters".

However, ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said late Wednesday that "making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary" to a responsible de-escalation, in comments carried by the Press Trust of India.

The incident, which took place Monday at around 4,500 metres (15,000 feet) up in the Galwan valley area, dominated Indian news channels and inflamed social media in both countries.

In India, small groups of protesters called for the boycott of Chinese goods, with some burning posters of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the nation the deaths of the soldiers "will not be in vain".

Sources told AFP that military transport aircraft had made a number of rare night-time landings in Leh, capital of India's Ladakh region opposite China's Tibet, throughout Tuesday night.

- 'Hurtling down' -

The clashes reportedly involved intense hand-to-hand fighting but no gunfire, in line with longstanding practices aimed at avoiding a full military confrontation over the disputed 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) border.

An Indian army source told AFP there were "violent hand-to-hand scuffles", while media said that Chinese troops attacked with rods and nail-studded clubs.

Many of these killed appear to have been punched or shoved off a ridge onto rocks and into an icy river below.

"They came hurtling down like free-falling objects," one source told AFP.

Postmortem examinations on some of those killed showed that the "primary reason for death is drowning and it looks like they fell from a height into the water because of head injuries," an official told AFP.

Sources said Wednesday that six Indian soldiers were still missing.

Both sides have given competing versions of the violence.

Beijing said Indian troops "crossed the border line twice... provoking and attacking Chinese personnel".

New Delhi said the Chinese side sought to "erect a structure" on the Indian side of the valley and "took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible" for the violence.

- Calls for restraint -

The United States has said it was hoping for a "peaceful resolution" and the UN called for "maximum restraint".

Russia welcomed news of subsequent peaceful contacts between the two neighbours.

India and China have never even agreed on the length of their frontier, known as the "Line of Actual Control."

They fought a brief war in 1962 and deadly clashes followed in 1967, but the last shot fired in anger was in 1975 when four Indians died.

In 2017, there was a 72-day showdown after Chinese forces moved into the disputed Doklam plateau on the China-India-Bhutan border.

The recent uptick in tensions began in early May, when several Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in a clash involving fists and stone-throwing.

But the prickly relationship was strained when India in August last year revoked the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir and split off Ladakh into a new administrative territory.

Ladakh is partly claimed by Beijing.

India meanwhile has been irked by China's backing of Pakistan and an economic corridor going through parts of Kashmir controlled by Islamabad but claimed by India.

Jake Lopez: We took ABS-CBN back; It was not returned to us

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:11:54 GMT

ABS-CBN vice chairman Augusto “Jake” Almeda Lopez argued that ABS-CBN was not returned by the government in 1986 but was taken back by the Lopez family.

“Hindi sinauli sa amin ng Marcos ang istasyon, nakuha namin sa aming sariling sikap kasama yung forces ni (Juan Ponce) Enrile at (Fidel) Ramos,” said Lopez said at the joint hearing of the House Committees on Legislative Franchises and on Good Government and Public Accountability.

(Marcos never returned the station to us. We got it back through our own efforts and with the help of the forces of Enrile and Ramos)

Lopez recounted how ABS-CBN worked with the Aquino government for the proper return of its broadcast facilities after the EDSA Revolution through arbitration.

“We went into arbitration because the desire of both parties - the Malacañang group and the Lopez group - that let us present this to a neutral body and let them be the one to resolve this problem,” he said.

Lopez also defended the payment of P97.5 million to ABS-CBN by the administration of then President Corazon Aquino for the government’s use of ABS-CBN broadcast facilities while the country was still in transition.

“’Yung P1.2 million (monthly payment) that is just a token amount. Bukod sa maliit na maliit yung sinulat namin, pumayag na lang kami. Kung anong gusto niyo, papayag na lang kami. Pero walang cash. Hindi sila magbabayad. Sabi namin, okay alam naman namin walang maibabayad ang Cory government, bagong bagong pasok lang,” he added

(The P1.2 million [monthly payment ] was just a token amount. Aside from what we wrote being very small, we just agreed. Whatever they [the government] wanted, we just agreed. But with no cash. They won’t pay anything. We said, okay we know the Cory government has nothing to pay us with, since it just started. )

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said no constitutional provision in the 1987 Constitution was violated when the premises, facilities and operations of ABS-CBN were returned in 1986.

Lagman said the alleged violation is based on the claim that the Lopez family did not pay any compensation to the government when it reacquired ABS-CBN.

“Since the Lopez family as majority owners of ABS-CBN is the aggrieved party, it stands to reason that it should be the one to be compensated for the illegal seizure of ABS-CBN during martial law and the short takeover of the same by the Ramos-Enrile forces in the aftermath of the EDSA People Power revolution, which latter brief takeover was subsequently permitted by the Lopez family only for the duration of the crisis or emergency” he said.

He also pointed out that the return was covered by a legal order since it was approved by the Office of the President and a June 18, 1986 order of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).

BFP officer, personnel relieved over unauthorized party in Boracay; one attendee found COVID positive

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:53:23 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Fire Protection Facebook Page

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) regional director and all personnel involved in an unauthorized party held at a hotel in Boracay were relieved from their posts after it was found that one of them was COVID-19 positive.

Año said that administrative cases will also be filed against the BFP personnel.

“Nadismaya ako. Unang-una, dapat nga ay tayo ang ehemplo ng pagpapatupad ng kahit na ano gawin mo, kahit personal, kahit na walang nakakakita ay susunod ka sa lahat ng health standards at protocols,” he said.

(I am dismayed because we should have been examples in following health protocols and standards even if no one is watching. )

Año said those BFP personnel also endangered the lives of the hotel employees because of their irresponsible actions.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the 24 BFP employees held the “despedida” party in Boracay from June 12 to 14. They arrived after a June 11-12 meeting of Cabinet secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DILG and DOT also held in the island.

Puyat said the employee in question told authorities that she was in Boracay to attend a conference making it seem that she was part of the meeting of the Cabinet officials.

The said BFP employee had been waiting for the results of a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test conducted on June 9 while at the Boracay party. She was informed of the positive result on the day she left the island.

“The BFP personnel allegedly went on unofficial business and violated quarantine protocols of both the Municipality of Malay and Municipality of Kalibo (the personnel’s place of origin),” the Malay local government said. Malay officials meanwhile started tracing for people who had close contact with the BFP employee.

Local authorities and the DOT are also preparing charges against the establishments that helped the BFP employees get on the island. They will also try to get the operating license of the hotel revoked.

Puyat said Boracay Island was still closed to tourists when the incident took place.

DepEd Bicol probes health protocol breach by personnel in Camarines Norte

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:49:30 GMT

The Department of Education in Bicol is investigating a health protocol breach by one of its personnel during a graduation ceremony in Camarines Norte.

A video from the ceremony held last June 11 at a public school in Barangay Dogongan, Daet showed the said DepEd employee removing a facemask from a student and then putting it onto another.

DepEd has asked the employee to submit a written explanation.

The local DepEd COVID-19 Task Force is monitoring the health of everyone involved in the incident. The Barangay Health and Emergency Response Team and other local government offices have also been directed to apply precautionary measures.

DepEd reiterated that graduation rites and other events that require face-to-face interaction are postponed until further notice.

Schools and community learning centers are encouraged to conduct virtual rites and other alternative non face-to-face activities to celebrate the end of the school year.

Heads of schools that have yet to conduct school year-ending rites must submit to the Schools Division Superintendent their proposed activities for approval.

DepEd and IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease) guidelines allow activities that require face-to-face interaction only if the necessary health and safety precautions are complied with. This is subject as well to local community guidelines and the discretion of authorities.

DOJ locks down Manila office after employees test positive for COVID-19

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 11:03:18 GMT

Photo from Official Website of DOJ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has temporarily locked down its main building and adjacent buildings in Manila City after five employees were found positive for COVID-19 following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said one of the five employees was assigned to a field office while one was from outsourced services.

“I have ordered a lockdown on the DOJ main building, the new NPS building, and the annex building near the court of appeals due to possible exposure to CVID-positive employees reporting therein (one in each building),” Guevarra said.

Guevarra said physical operations will resume on June 29 after the buildings are disinfected. The DOJ will continue to operate while some employees work from home.

The secretary said that despite the buildings’ closure, affidavits, motions, and other papers in connection with scheduled preliminary investigations conducted by state prosecutors will continue to be received at the frontline.

He however said that preliminary investigations may need to be reset.

UAAP opens up about their future plans for the next season.

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:42:48 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Sportswriters Association Facebook Page

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) still has high hopes on the league’s future plans. These include the closing ceremony for Season 82 and the schedule for Season 83.

The target schedule and plans are still on the table, according to outgoing UAAP President Emmanuel Fernandez of current host Ateneo and Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag. There are also possible options available for the league in the “new normal” phase brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During their interview at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum webcast on June 16, Fernandez said that the UAAP is looking at a structured proposal in place moving forward after shortening Season 82.

Fernandez and Saguisag also expressed their plans on having a full calendar for next season. However, everything still depends on the government’s future rules and regulations.

Among the options available for the UAAP is holding the calendar of events in the same format as the Southeast Asian games. This is similar to holding different sports simultaneously in order to make the season shorter.

“Kung ang volleyball season runs technically from February to May, what’s stopping the UAAP from running basketball side-by-side with the volleyball tournament? Nothing.” Fernandez said in the interview.

Other plans are still lined up but there is uncertainty, according to the two UAAP officials. The Board Of Managing Directors (BMD) has been creative in coming up with different variations.

The UAAP will hand out the general championship award both in high school and college divisions, but no Athlete Of The Year award will be named. It is expected during the closing ceremony that the UAAP hosting for next season will be turned over to De La Salle University.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 17)

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:42:02 GMT

The Department of Health records 457 new cases on Wednesday.

Of this number, 342 are fresh cases while 115 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 27,238.

Over 300 ghost FB accounts under probe: DOJ

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:34:19 GMT

DOJ Undersecretary and Spokesperson Markk Perete. (File photo)

MANILA – An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said they are now investigating more than 300 "ghost accounts" on social media platform Facebook.

"The contents of the accounts have already been preserved upon the request of our law enforcers. An inter-agency task force consisting of NPC (National Privacy Commission), DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology), and DOJ has been created to investigate the matter. We have received 198 reports involving over 300 accounts," Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete told reporters.

The DOJ earlier said persons behind the so-called "ghost accounts" of many Facebook users may be prosecuted for criminal liability for computer-related identity theft defined and punished under Sec. 4 (b)(3) of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, among other possible violations.

The DOJ Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) initially received 112 reports from users with duplicate/dummy accounts.

Perete added that preserving data, as well as the determination of the subscriber information of those responsible, is essential to determine why these so-called ghost accounts existed in the first place.

He also assured that those who report violations have ample protection from the law since the Data Privacy Act "prohibits disclosure of information without consent or beyond the purpose for which data was obtained/provided".

"Liability, including criminal penalties, is imposed upon those who violate this prohibition. The DOJ Office of Cybercrime is not only aware of this prohibition, it will assiduously uphold the law that protects the privacy of citizens," he added. (PNA)

Village exec shot dead in Dumaguete City

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:32:39 GMT

LOOKING FOR CLUES. Scene of the Crime Operation personnel sift through evidence at the place where Harrison Gonzales, barangay chairperson of Poblacion 1 Tinago in Dumaguete City, was gunned down Tuesday night (June 16, 2020). Gonzales was with other barangay officials on a night watch when shot dead by one of four motorcycle-riding suspects. (Photo by Juancho Gallarde)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 1 Tinago here was shot dead Tuesday night by one of four motorcycle-riding suspects for a still unknown motive.

Harrison Kalubiran Gonzales, 52, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, a police report said.

Investigation showed that Gonzales was rendering duty at the barangay outpost around 9:30 p.m. together with some village councilmen, when four men riding individually on motorcycles approached them.

One of the men opened fire at the victim, hitting him several times. The suspects then fled towards an unknown location, the police report said.

Gonzales was rushed to the nearby Holy Child Hospital on board a private multi-cab but was pronounced dead by attending physician, Dr. Richmon Azuela.

The victim sustained eight gunshot wounds in the abdomen, five at the back of his body, one at the shoulder, and another at the back of his head.

Scene of the Crime Operation personnel recovered eight pieces of fired cartridge and two slugs of .45-caliber pistol; and a cellular phone.

Barangay councilman Jugemar Cañete told investigators that they were sitting in front of the village outpost when Gonzales was shot.

The police retrieved a video footage of the shooting incident from the closed circuit television (CCTV) system.

Investigation is ongoing to identify the suspects and the possible motive. (With report from Juancho Gallarde/PNA)

BI requires online appointment for foreign nationals amid COVID-19 pandemic

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:09:39 GMT

Photo from Official Website of Philippine Information Agency

Foreign nationals in the Philippines are discouraged from doing walk-in transactions in a bid to decongest the offices of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

BI acting spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said foreign nationals should set an appointment online before going to any immigration office to avoid getting inconvenienced as they will not be allowed to enter without an appointment.

“If mag transact sila dapat ay mayroong appointment kasi hindi sila basta-basta papasukin. We discourage walk-in applicants to observe social distancing,” Mabulac said during Laging Handa on Wednesday.

The online appointment is part of the BI’s measures to ensure health safety at their offices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mabulac said all of their offices nationwide have already resumed its operations since June 1.

The main office of the BI in Intramuros, Manila was temporarily shut down after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Mabulac said the COVID-19 patient was provided medical attention while other employees were required to undergo rapid testing to avoid the spread of the coronavirus disease.

He added that all nine immigration officers of the BI, who earlier tested positive for COVID-19 in the rapid testing have yielded negative results in the polymerase chain reaction tests at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

DOH welcomes Ombudsman probe on irregularities in COVID-19 response

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:02:59 GMT

Photo from Official Website of COVID-19 PH

MANILA, June 17- The Department of Health said it welcomes the Ombudsman’s investigation of alleged irregularities on the department’s COVID-19 response and will comply with all directives from the investigating agency.

“The DOH has been transparent in the COVID-19 response including procurement transactions and the provision of benefits to healthcare workers,” the agency said.

It also claimed that it already issued checks to relatives of all 32 fallen healthcare workers and 19 severe COVID19 patients who recovered last June 9.

“New claims to said benefits are being processed to this day,” the DOH added.

“The President also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation last May 26 to investigate the issues raised on the procurement of PPEs, machines, and testing kits by the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management,” the department further said.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered an investigation on Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other department employees earlier in the day.

The investigation will focus on the delayed procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical gear for healthcare workers; alleged lapses and irregularities that led to the death of medical workers, and the rising number of COVID-19 deaths and infected medical frontliners; inaction in the release and processing of benefits and financial assistance of fallen and infected medical frontliners; and the confusing and delayed reporting of Covid-19 related deaths and confirmed cases.

Two other investigation teams will focus on the purchase of 100,000 test kits by the DOH and reports regarding use of test kits invented by a University of the Philippines laboratory.

Martires said the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office started investigations a few weeks before the March 15 lockdown, but investigators were given a runaround by some DOH personnel who passed them from one department or office to another.

Malacañang meanwhile said it respects the Ombudsman’s investigation of Duque and other health officials and enjoined the entire DOH bureaucracy to cooperate with the investigation.

Beijing cancels flights, shuts schools over new virus outbreak

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:53:33 GMT

Beijing's airports cancelled two-thirds of all flights and schools in the Chinese capital were closed again on Wednesday as authorities rushed to contain a new coronavirus outbreak linked to a wholesale food market.

The city reported 31 new cases on Wednesday while officials urged residents not to leave Beijing, with fears growing about a second wave of infections in China, which had largely brought its outbreak under control.

Tens of thousands of people linked to the new Beijing virus cluster -- believed to have started in the sprawling Xinfadi wholesale food market -- are being tested, with almost 30 residential compounds in the city now under lockdown.

At least 1,255 scheduled flights were cancelled Wednesday morning, state-run People's Daily reported, nearly 70 percent of all trips to and from Beijing's main airports.

According to the Chinese flight-tracking database VariFlight, around two-thirds of inbound flights and more than half of outbound flights at Beijing Capital International Airport were cancelled on Wednesday, while three-quarters of outbound and more than two-thirds of inbound flights at the new Daxing International Airport were cancelled.

The outbreak had already forced authorities to announce a travel ban for residents of "medium- or high-risk" areas of the city, while requiring all other residents to take nucleic acid tests in order to leave Beijing.

Meanwhile, several provinces were quarantining travellers from Beijing, where all schools -- which had mostly reopened -- have been ordered to close again and return to online classes.

"The epidemic situation in the capital is extremely severe," Beijing city spokesman Xu Hejian warned Tuesday.

- Mass testing under way -

Officials have closed 11 markets and disinfected thousands of food and beverage businesses in Beijing after the outbreak was detected.

The city has now reported 137 infections over the last six days, with six new asymptomatic cases and three suspected cases on Wednesday, according to the municipal health commission.

An additional two domestic cases, one in neighbouring Hebei province and another in Zhejiang, were reported by national authorities on Wednesday, while there were 11 imported cases.

Authorities have so far banned group sports, ordered people to wear masks in crowded enclosed spaces, and suspended inter-provincial group tours in response to the outbreak.

Bars in the trendy Sanlitun area were ordered to shut down, while shops were seeing lighter foot traffic.

Officials said that since May 30, more than 200,000 people had visited Xinfadi market, which supplies more than 70 percent of Beijing's fruit and vegetables.

More than 8,000 workers there were tested and quarantined.

Until the new outbreak, most of China's recent cases were nationals returning from abroad as COVID-19 spread globally, and the government had all but declared victory against the disease.

China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that the virus type found in the Beijing outbreak was a "major epidemic strain" in Europe.

Oscars 2021 schedule have been postponed by two months

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:07:50 GMT

Photo Credit: The Academy Facebook Page

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday announced that instead of the original date of airing on February 28,2021, the telecast has been postponed by two months.

Oscars 2021 will now air on April 25,2021 at the Dolby Theater at Hollywood And Highland Center in Hollywood and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide, as announced on their official website.

“For over a century, movies have played an important role in comforting, inspiring and entertaining us during the darkest of times. They certainly have this year. Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our awards date is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone’s control,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.

The eligibility period of the Oscars will also be extended to February 28,2021 and the shortlist announcement will be on February 9, Nominations will be announced on March 15.

Other events involving the 93rd Academy Awards like the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is scheduled on April 30,2021.

The change of schedule is due to the result of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19.

LTO head office suspends work after employees test positive for COVID-19

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:04:05 GMT

Photo from Official Website of LTO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended all work and transactions at its Central Office and the Quezon City Licensing Office at 12 noon today after 12 of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

The said employees will undergo confirmatory RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing tomorrow.

The suspension will continue until Friday to give way for disinfection of the premises and make sure that possible transmission of the coronavirus is contained.

“The health and safety of our employees, as well as those of the public whom we are serving is important. We have suspended operations in order to make sure that the threat of spreading the coronavirus at our offices is contained. We are now conducting disinfection as well as further testing on all of our employees,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante.

The LTO conducted rapid testing for COVID-19 on 100 employees, 12 of whom tested positive.

All employees at the LTO Central Office and at its QC Licensing Office were ordered to undergo testing for the coronavirus on Thursday.

Operations are expected to resume on Monday.

Cebu City to appeal for GCQ status

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:59:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City PIO Facebook Page

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella is set to appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) to reconsider its decision reverting the city’s status to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“Up to this day, I still believe a GCQ is justified. The data I see do not warrant restrictions set by an ECQ,” said Labella on the Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook page hours after ECQ reversion was announced.

Before the IATF announcement, Labella expressed confidence that his city would get a GCQ extension based on the city’s low fatality rate.

“We have the lowest percentage of Covid related deaths among major cities in the country and one of the three LGUs to have completed a prevalence survey through serological testing,” he said.

As of June 16, the city has 3,613 Covid-19 cases, over 1,700 recoveries, and 33 deaths.

Labella also assured the public that he would fast-track hospital capacity expansion to accommodate more patients and more testing labs for faster discharge of patients.

The mayor meanwhile denied reports that hospitals within the city have already reached their maximum capacity, leading to the turning down of incoming patients. A British national purportedly died inside an ambulance while waiting to be admitted into a private hospital’s emergency room in Cebu City.

“We will continue to augment the manpower of our hospitals while making sure that our frontliners and health workers are well taken care of,” Labella said.

The mayor also said implementation of ECQ laws in the city will be stricter this time.

“I command every barangay official to strictly enforce the wearing of masks and social distancing. I will not hesitate to sanction barangay officials that fail to enforce protocols,” he said.

As of June 17, barricades between Cebu City and Talisay that were removed in May have been reinstalled. People going to Cebu City can use the Bulacao and SRP (South Road Properties) routes, but those going to Talisay can access only the SRP. Talisay was placed under modified ECQ on June 16.

ADB approves Philippines US$500-M loan accord to support 4Ps

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:04:33 GMT

Photo from Official Website of Asian Development Bank

MANILA, June 17- The Department of Finance confirmed on Wednesday the $500 million financing package the Philippine government is due to receive from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The package is intended to support the financial needs of Filipinos during the COVID-19 crisis mostly through the Expanded Social Assistance Project (ESAP) of the government.

The budget-support loan for the ESAP is part of the Philippine government’s external financing program for 2020 with $450 million of the fund proposed for speedy disbursement by next month.

“We thank the ADB for again extending its support to our sustained efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy and our people. This budget-support loan not only helps bridge our funding gap for our COVID-19 response but will also strengthen our social protection program as we restart our economy and help people get back on their feet amid the pandemic” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said.

The ESAP aims to boost the government’s conditional cash transfer initiative called the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). It will also fund education and health grants for eligible 4Ps household-beneficiaries for a period of four years starting in 2020.

The Finance department also said that the ESAP loan covers a maturity period of 29 years inclusive of an 8-year grace period, bringing to $ 2.6 billion the total financing package extended by the ADB to the Philippines for its programs that address the COVID-19 crisis.

The loan agreement was signed on Monday by Dominguez and ADB Country Director for the Philippines Kelly Bird.

PMS assures LGUs that stranded individuals sent home are COVID-free

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:55:27 GMT

Screengrab: PCOO Facebook Page

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo denied claims that locally stranded individuals (LSIs), which the government’s Hatid Tulong program helped, brought COVID-19 to the provinces.

Encabo said that LSIs undergo mandatory rapid testing for COVID-19 before they are allowed to board transportation provided through the Hatid Tulong program.

He added that the LSIs who yielded positive results are isolated for swab or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

“If they are negative makakasama. Pero if positive, kaakibat namin dito ang Department of Health (DOH) at ang Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) kung saan ang positive ay automatic na ilalagay sa quarantine facility subject for 14-day quarantine period and confirmatory tests,” Encabo said.

(If they are negative, they are cleared to travel home, but if positive, we follow DOH and BOQ protocols to subject those who tested positive to 14-day quarantine and confirmatory tests. )

Encabo also said that accepting LSIs is part of the constitutional obligations of local government units (LGUs) to their constituents and compliance with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

He added that LGUs who defy the order of the IATF will be penalized. They will also be made to explain their actions before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The government temporarily suspended the Balik Probinsya program to give way to the Hatid Tulong program and expedite the return of LSIs who were caught by the Metro Manila lockdown.

Solon urges Face-To-Face Classes in COVID-19-free areas

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 06:51:23 GMT

Photo from Official Website of House of Representatives

Former Speaker and Davao Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez asked the Department of Education (DepEd) to consider holding face-to-face classes in areas with low risk of COVID-19 infections and limited digital capacity.

“Yes, some areas must adopt a distance learning program given the risk of face-to-face classes. Yes, we have to continue shifting to the digital age as a necessity. However, we have to balance these aspirations with on the ground realities. Some areas are not considered high risk when it comes to the spread of COVID-19. Also, some areas lack digital gadgets and/or have limited capacity, on the part of end users, to utilize modern learning tools,” he added.

Alvarez said that while he supports the steps taken by DepEd to minimize the spread of COVID-19, “we must remember that there is also an imminent danger to the Filipino students’ education and future.”

The solon also pointed out that not everyone can afford laptops, tablets or any other digital devices, as well as internet connection.

“The online and broadcast materials proposed by DepEd may be helpful, but these are not easily available for many teachers, students, and families. There are Filipino families who do not even have radios or televisions at home. This is the reality we cannot ignore” he said.

Alvarez also said that the shift to digital modes requires sufficient time and experience for familiarization with new technological tools. “Sadly, many of our schools, our teachers, and our students in the peripheries have not even seen or held digital gadgets nor do they have much experience with the Internet,” he said

Alvarez however said areas with little to no background on digital technology can start learning to use modern tools, build capacities with help and support from the government and gradually shift to the digital age.

DepEd has confirmed that no face-to-face classes will be held during the opening of classes in public schools in August. The standard curriculum would instead be converted to a distance-learning program.

DICT now issues digital certs for private sector against cyber threats

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:55:32 GMT

Photo Credit: DICT Facebook Page

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is now providing digital certificates for various private sector transactions through its Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) services.

The department said digital certificates ensure confidentiality, authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of electronic transactions and documents as it adds another layer of protection to different digital transactions.

The agency also conducts vulnerability assessment and penetration testing services for its clients through its Cybersecurity Bureau.

The DICT also encourages corporations to gauge their exposure to cybersecurity risks and practices and craft appropriate policies and measures for addressing them.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently promoted data privacy protection in the Philippines especially in the corporate sector amid the COVID-19 health crisis. It was among the first agencies to apply the PNPKI process.

“These services will allow them to exchange private data in a secure manner, such as in issuance of notices, orders and decisions, as well as in the conduct of internal administration,” The department said.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan said the department supports the SEC’s initiative in promoting better cybersecurity practices in the private sector.

“We recognize cybersecurity as a vital component of digital transformation. As we increase our usage of ICT during our transition to the new normal, it is important to ensure that our institutions whether in the public or the private sector are safe from cyber threats and risks,” Honasan said.

Solon raises alarm on unauthorized vaccine sales

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:44:49 GMT

Photo file

ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Niña Taduran raised the alarm on the unregulated sale of vaccines online and reports of non-doctors performing inoculations at home.

Taduran’s statement followed the advisory issued by the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) on the unethical sale and use of vaccines with some nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers allegedly doing home vaccination as a business.

“Vaccines should be dispensed only to doctors and must be properly handled, stored and transported because these are biological products. Hindi puwedeng basta ibenta sa kahit sino, kahit na nurse pa o midwife. At hindi rin sila puwedeng mag-home service at basta isaksak sa mga pasyente,” said Taduran.

(You cannot sell it to anyone, even a nurse or midwife. They also cannot render home service and just inject it into patients)

The solon said some unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the quarantine by offering home vaccinations to those who are afraid to go out and be inoculated in health centers or private clinics.

“The Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration should look into these reported illegal vaccinations and unregulated sale of vaccines online. This is very dangerous because we don’t even know if these vaccines are genuine. Those who sell online or directly to people who are not authorized or qualified to vaccinate should answer to the law,” warned Taduran.

The PPS said only doctors are licensed to administer vaccines.

Nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers are not allowed to prescribe medicines but may perform the procedure only in the presence of a duly licensed physician. The doctor will be responsible for the procedure and outcome of the vaccination.

The law also prohibits the sale and advertisement of ethical drugs including biologicals and vaccines on any media platform including online media based on Administrative Order 55 series of 1989 of the FDA on Guidelines on Advertisement and Promotions to Implement the Generics Act of 1988.

NEDA: Intensified agricultural R&D needed to improve food security

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:09:23 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Agriculture Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) urged the government to intensify its support for agricultural research and development (R&D) programs in public research institutions and state universities and colleges.

NEDA Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the government should emphasize and promote the commercial viability of making healthy, safe, nutritious, medicinal or therapeutic, and well-packed agricultural food products.

“The shift in consumer preference for healthier diets will increase the demand for processed agri-food products with longer shelf life and improved nutritional content. This is especially needed during this time when good health is of the highest importance,” he said.

Chua also said cold chain logistics, which are temperature-controlled or refrigerated production, storage, and distribution, are needed to prolong the shelf life of food. With the provision of cold storage and refrigeration facilities, the shelf life of agri-food products will not only be prolonged but will also enable more consumers to enjoy fresh produce.

“Furthermore, strict enforcement of food safety laws, regulations, standards, and sanitation protocols is needed to ensure the safety of agri-food products supplied in the market,” he added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force Technological Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning under NEDA conducted a business assessment survey on the agriculture and fisheries sector last April. The survey showed that 85% of farmers and fisherfolk were still able to continue their agricultural activities but only 65% were able to sell their produce.

This led to a P94.3 million loss from unsold agricultural produce.

Chua also said that 96% of the respondents in the agriculture and fisheries sector will continue their agricultural activities in the next cropping season.

“Numerous challenges, including weaker domestic demand, highlights the need for better R&D to prevent wastage and spoilage,” he added.

Gatchalian: Build cell sites in public schools

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:04:19 GMT

Photo from Official Website of Win Gatchalian

Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Chair Senator Win Gatchalian has proposed the installation of cell sites and wifi stations in every school managed by the Department of Education (DepEd) in order to provide internet access for all 42,046 barangays in the country.

He added that this could enhance the capacity of public schools to implement distance learning, especially in times of emergencies such as the present worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

"We hit two birds with one stone. Out of the almost 62 thousand schools nationwide, merong 47 thousand na public schools. Now, there are about 42 thousand barangays nationwide. So bawat barangay merong public school at kung pwede nating patayuan ng cell site at wifi-based station sa bawat public school, sagip na natin ang buong Pilipinas dahil buong barangay ay makakabitan natin ng cell site," Gatchalian said.

(Each barangay has public schools and if we can put up cell sites and wifi-based stations in them, we can cover the whole Philippines because whole barangays will have cell sites)

The senator stressed that the installation of cell sites would save the country's public schools billions of pesos to pay for internet connection in the long run. He further explained that bridging the digital divide will help the country's education system in innovation and ensure that no learner is left behind.

"Kung meron sana tayong sapat na imprastraktura, meron tayong internet, meron tayong mga gadgets, hindi magiging problema yung pagtuturo sa mga estudyante, lalo na ngayong kailangan nating mag-shift sa distance learning," said Gatchalian.

(If we have enough infrastructure, internet, and gadgets, teaching students won’t be a problem especially for those who need to shift to distance learning)

The senator recently filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry on the implementation of Republic Act No.10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.

Senate Resolution No. 392 aims to review the law's implementation, coverage and effectiveness in elementary and secondary public schools, Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) technology institutions, and other community learning centers.

DepEd records show that 58% of elementary schools, 80% of junior high schools and 72% of senior high schools are connected to the internet.

A mapping of public schools and cell site towers by Project BASS (Bandwidth and Signal Statistics) revealed that 44 percent or 20,398 public schools were found to be located more than six kilometers away from the nearest cell site and such they have very poor signal or no access to the internet. Schools should be located three kilometers or less from a cell site to ensure good internet connection.

Go reminds Filipinos: Fight against COVID-19 is far from over

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:48:24 GMT

Photo Credit: Bong Go Official Facebook Page

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged the public to continue observing proper handwashing and other health protocols, reiterating that the battle against COVID-19 is not yet over.

"Kung ano po ang gagawin natin sa susunod na mga araw, kung paano po tayo magtutulungan na maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit, kung paano po natin mas maisasaayos ang ating health facilities -- ito po ang tanging makakapagsabi kung kailan tayo makakabalik muli sa normal na pamumuhay at tuluyang matapos ang krisis na dulot ng COVID-19," the senator continued.

(Whatever we do in the next days, how we help each other avert the spread of disease, how we set up our health facilities - this is the bases of when we can return to normal life and finally end the crisis brought about by COVID-19).

The senator also called on everyone to observe the spirit of bayanihan.

"Magtulungan at magbayanihan tayong lahat (Let us all help each other.) While government maximizes its limited resources, a lot of our fellow Filipinos have also lost jobs, livelihood and savings. We are fighting for survival -- as survival is the name of the game here," he added.

Go assured that President Rodrigo Duterte is carefully balancing everything from the need for the state to ensure and protect the health and safety of its people to the need to gradually open up the economy.

"Halos walang tulog na ang Pangulo sa kakaisip kung paano malampasan natin sa lalong madaling panahon ang krisis na ito. Lahat na apektado -- kabuhayan, ekonomiya, pag-aaral, at iba pa. Maingat na binabalanse ng gobyerno ang mga ito," Go said.

(The president is losing sleep sleep thinking of how we can overcome this crisis. Everything is affected - livelihood, economy, education and more. The government is carefully balancing this)

President Duterte meanwhile approved the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on the respective quarantine levels of various areas in the country, noting continued significant numbers of COVID-19 infection cases in major areas, particularly Metro Manila and Cebu City.

The President reverted Cebu City to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status. This will be in effect from June 16 until June 30.

PBA Fines and Suspends Coach Tab Baldwin

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:42:52 GMT

Photo Credit: PBA

After hearing Gilas program director Coach Tab Baldwin’s side about his controversial and unfiltered comments against local coaches and the PBA during an interview at the Coaches Unfiltered podcast last June 11, The PBA Commissioner's office decided to fine Baldwin P75,000 and suspend him for three games.

According to a report on the league’s website, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial handed down the penalty a day after hearing Baldwin’s side. He described Baldwin’s comments as “detrimental to the league”.

Baldwin, who also coaches the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP and also an assistant coach at TnT KaTropa felt apologetic to the league commissioner, saying that his comments were taken out of context and felt bad that it happened and doesn’t have any intention of making the league and coaches look bad.

Marcial gave Baldwin a chance to explain himself during a virtual meeting last Monday, June 15. Joining the commissioner was PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro and league legal counsel Atty, Melvin Mendoza.

Danding Cojuangco passes away

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:26:38 GMT

Business mogul Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. passed away yesterday, June 16, 2020. He was 85.

He was the chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, as well as Chairman Emeritus of the political party Nationalist People’s Coalition.

10 nabbed, more than P161K worth of shabu seized in Bicol drug busts

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:30:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Albay PPO

The Philippine National Police Bicol arrested ten suspects and seized more than P161,000 worth of suspected shabu in several drug busts in Masbate, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay yesterday.

Three busts were conducted in Albay province. Police nabbed suspect Cleonel Moyo in Zone 4, Barangay Bitano, Legazpi City; Antonio Butial in Barangay Santo Cristo, Tabaco City; and Belga Sr. in Barangay 13, Bacacay municipality. All were caught with one to five sachets of suspected shabu.

Camarines Norte authorities arrested suspects Mark Anthony Barcoma in Bagong Bayan, Jose Panganiban municipality and Marvin Obog in Barangay Calangcawan, Vinzons municipality. Seized from them were four and two sachets of suspected shabu respectively.

The biggest catch of the day was in Zone 1, Barangay San Jose, Iriga City, Camarines Sur with the arrest of Mark Christian Orbon and the seizure of three sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 20 grams and worth P136,000.

Other Camarines Sur arrests were Joseph Ballena in Zone 3, Barangay Pang-Pang, Canaman with two plastic sachets of suspected shabu worth P15,000; Gremar Cortez in Zone 4, Barangay San Isidro Baao with suspected shabu worth P5,000; and Mickey Briones also in Barangay San Isidro Baao with P3,000 worth of suspected shabu.

Authorities in Masbate City authorities arrested suspect Salvador Ubac and seized three plastic sachets of suspected shabu in an afternoon operation in Purok 2, Barangay Espinosa.

Batikang aktres at ina ni Christopher de Leon na si Lilia Dizon, pumanaw na

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:16:46 GMT

Photo Credit: Christopher de Leon Instagram Account

MAYNILA -- Pumanaw na ang batikang aktres na si Lilia Dizon, ina ng aktor na si Christopher de Leon.

Sinasabing pumanaw ang aktres dahil sa kumplikasyon sa kanser sa baga nitong Lunes ng umaga sa edad na 92.

Sa kanyang Instagram post nitong Martes, Hunyo 16, inalala ng aktor ang kanyang ina.

"Love you Ma❤️ from your only boy," ani Christopher sa caption ng kanyang post kung saan ibinahagi niya ang isang picture frame kung saan magkadikit ang kanilang mga larawan.

Sa kanya namang Instagram Stories post nitong Lunes, Hunyo 15, unang ipinaalam ng kapatid ni Christopher na si Toni Abad ang pagpanaw ng ina.

"The angels are rejoicing! Mom is now worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ not by faith, but by sight. She is now with our father God in heaven. No more pain, no more tears, no more suffering. She left us at exactly 8:20 this morning (June 15). I'm posting this with much sorrow because I will miss her. I love you Mom! Rest In Peace in the hands of our creator," ani Toni.

Claire Strauss sa totoong buhay, si Dizon ay sumikat noong dekada 50 sa mga pelikula na ginawa ng LVN Pictures tulad na lamang ng "Sanda Wong," "Bathaluman," at "Kandilerong Pilak" noong 1954 kung saan nagwagi siya bilang Asia's Best Actress o Pinakamahusay na Aktres sa Asya.

Nakatambal din ni Dizon ang ilan sa mga sikat na aktor noon tulad nina Pancho Magalona at Leopoldo Salcedo.

Siya ay unang ikinasal sa aktor at direktor na si Gil de Leon ang ama nina Christopher, Pinky at Melissa.

Si Antonio Abad naman ang naging pangalawang asawa ni Dizon kung saan ang mga naging anak nilang babae ay sina Corrie at Toni.

Taong 2007 nang huling lumabas sa pelikula si Dizon bilang parte ng “Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-asa.”

4 gunmen kill Iloilo cop

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:00:39 GMT

JUSTICE FOR PAURILLO. Master Sgt. Arnel Paurillo, 42, was shot to death in Tubungan town, Iloilo on Monday evening (June 15, 2020) by alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) regional director, ordered an in-depth investigation. (Photo courtesy of Iloilo Police Provincial Office)

ILOILO CITY – A police officer was shot to death in Tubungan town, Iloilo on Monday evening by four gunmen who introduced themselves as members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Master Sgt. Arnel Paurillo, 42, of Brgy Bongol, San Vicente, Guimbal, Iloilo, was assigned at Tubungan PNP and on detached service with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

Police reports said Paurillo was at the house of a civilian when the shooting took place.

He was waiting for an intelligence operative to plan the arrest of a wanted person at Teniente Benito village, Tubungan, Iloilo, the report said.

The Tubungan police found Paurillo lying at the kitchen floor with gunshot wounds on different parts of his body.

He was declared dead on the spot by Dr. Antonio Recodo, rural health physician of Tubungan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) regional director, condemned the cop’s killing.

Pamuspusan ordered an in-depth investigation to identify and arrest the suspects.

He assured that witnesses will be given due protection.

"Let us continue to unite and stand against terrorism in Western Visayas so that these ruthless criminals would finally meet their end,” he said.

Paurillo entered the police service on Sept. 30, 2004. (PNA)

P157-K shabu seized; 6 nabbed in Zambo City, Norte

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:58:28 GMT

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., PRO-9 director. (PNA file photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Anti-narcotics agents arrested six drug personalities in separate buy-bust operations here and in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a police official said Tuesday.

Police identified the suspects as Ryan Francisco Enriquez, 36; Joel Bella Jarque, 39; Vanessa Ramos Jupli, 38; Ronald Onad Siaca, 18; Vicmar Bataycan Maligro, 36; and Hanelyn Badiango Daarol, 20.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said Enriquez and Jarque were arrested with some PHP24,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust around 12:30 a.m. Monday in Barangay Pasonanca here.

Jupli yielded some PHP2,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money when arrested around 1 p.m. Monday in Barangay Lanzones, Cambay said.

Cambay said Siaca was found with some PHP1,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money when nabbed in sting operation around 2:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay Bagong Silang, Gutalac, Zamboanga Del Norte.

He said Maligro was arrested in a buy-bust around 2:40 p.m. Monday in Barangay Biasong, Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte province.

Maligro yielded some PHP80,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money, police said.

Daarol, meanwhile, yielded some PHP50,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money when cornered in a buy-bust around 9:50 p.m. Monday in Barangay Galas, Dipolog City, police said.

The PRO-9 director said formal charges will be filed against the suspects. (PNA)

Initial probe on quarantine breach raps vs. Koko reset

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:55:58 GMT

Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III. (File photo)

MANILA – State prosecutors rescheduled indefinitely the preliminary investigation originally set on Thursday of the case filed against Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III over his alleged violation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said they had ordered the complainant in the case, lawyer Rico Quicho, to comply with procedural requirements, such as submission of original complaints and attachments.

"If he will not comply, then (the case is) submitted for decision," Malcontento said.

He added that the order was mailed to Quicho last week and was given 10 days to comply.

In April, Quicho filed a complaint against Pimentel for alleged violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act which was signed into law last year.

Quicho has been asked to appear before state prosecutors within five days from the lifting of the ECQ to file a hard copy of his complaint.

In March, the Makati Medical Center said Pimentel breached its infection and containment protocols when he went to the hospital with his wife who was to give birth through cesarean section.

The hospital said Pimentel's visit "unduly exposed healthcare workers to possible infection" after it was found out that he tested positive for Covid-19. (PNA)

Bayern win eighth straight Bundesliga, Paderborn relegated

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:37:01 GMT

Bayern's players celebrate after the German first division Bundesliga football match SV Werder Bremen v FC Bayern Munich on June 16, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany. Bayern Munich were crowned German Bundesliga champions for the eight year in a row on June 16, 2020 after their away win against Bremen. Photo by: Martin MEISSNER | POOL | AFP

Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions on Tuesday for an eighth straight season as Robert Lewandowski's volley secured a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen, while Paderborn were relegated from the top flight in Berlin.

Bayern picked up their eighth consecutive win since the Bundesliga resumed in mid-May behind closed doors due to the coronavirus, as coach Hansi Flick won the league title in his first season in charge.

"Compliments to the team, it is sensational what we have achieved in the past few months," said Flick whose side have won all of their last 14 games.

"Today there is no criticism, you have to emphasise the way the players have done it.

"Player and coach, team have simply been one unit."

A deft chip over the Bremen defence from Jerome Boateng was chested down and volleyed home by Lewandowski, who claimed his 31st league goal this season and his 46th in all competitions, shortly before half-time.

But Bayern endured a nervy finale after teenage left-back Alphonso Davies was sent off 11 minutes before the final whistle for a second yellow card.

He was lucky to avoid a straight red after a kick on Leonardo Bittencourt which earned him his first yellow on 19 minutes.

The result keeps Werder Bremen second-from-bottom with just two games left to avoid dropping down to the second-tier for the first time since 1980.

Bottom side Paderborn had their relegation confirmed with a 1-0 defeat at Union Berlin after an own goal from the visitors by Ben Zolinski.

"There was always a little bit missing in our game", said Paderborn captain Christian Strohdiek.

"When the disappointment fades, we can simply be proud of what we have achieved in the last few years," added Strohdiek after Paderborn had earned back-to-back promotions in the previous seasons.

Union's win in Berlin means they are guaranteed a second Bundesliga season having come up for the first time in 2018/19.

Seventh-placed Freiburg stayed in the hunt for a Europa League place next season after replacement striker Nils Petersen came off the bench to net the winning goal and seal a 2-1 win at home to Hertha Berlin.

It was Petersen's 11th goal of the season, but the 25th of his career which he has scored as a substitute.

- Gladbach hunt Champions League -

Earlier, Borussia Moenchengladbach stayed in the hunt for a Champions League berth with an emphatic 3-0 home win over Wolfsburg as midfielder Jonas Hofmann scored twice.

After consecutive defeats by Freiburg and Bayern, Gladbach raced into a two-goal lead after half an hour at Borussia Park.

Hofmann scored twice before Germany international Lars Stindl swept a third into the net following a second-half counter-attack.

"We scored three goals, didn't concede and picked up three points with an ambitious performance in difficult conditions, so I am happy with that," said Gladbach head coach Marco Rose.

The result was all the more impressive as Gladbach eased to victory without injured French forwards Marcus Thuram and Alassane Plea.

Gladbach moved back into the fourth and final Champions League spot, two points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, who host Cologne on Wednesday in their game in hand.

Bayern and Borussia Dortmund have already qualified for next season's group stage, while RB Leipzig sit third, five points clear of Leverkusen.

The defeat leaves Wolfsburg sixth, which carries a Europa League place next season.

Gladbach face Paderborn on Saturday, then mid-table Hertha Berlin on the final day of the season, while Leverkusen face Hertha and Mainz in their last two games.

Kc Concepcion reveals the status of her heart: “Thank you Lord na kinikilig ako.”

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:02:34 GMT

Photo Credit: KC Concepcion Instagram

In a recent interview of KC Concepcion on the online show “I Feel U” hosted by Toni Gonzaga last June 14, she was asked about her quarantine experience, what she misses about showbiz and her relationship status..

Toni Gonzaga asked her, “Kamusta ba ang lagay ng puso ni KC Concepcion? Lagyan natin ng category, Ikaw ba ay in love, inspired, in a relationship?”

“Kung sa heart okay naman ako, I mean, may mga kausap ako, and, Thank you Lord, ‘diba, na kinikilig ako, ganyan” she replied.

She also added that what she looks for right now is a deeper relationship and not just something that is not serious.

“Sasabihin ko sa inyo pagdating ng time na alam ko na.” she added.

Concepcion did not hesitate to admit early this year that she is not in a relationship, after being asked by a brave netizen about her lovelife. This statement confirmed speculations that she broke up with her French boyfriend Pierre Plasart. There were also rumors about being linked to Black Eyed Peas’ member and The Voice Teen’s coach Apl.De.Ap, after both were seen together on several occasions.

North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office near border with South

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:52:44 GMT

by Kang Jin-kyu

North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border on Tuesday, after days of increasingly virulent rhetoric from Pyongyang.

The demolition came after Kim Yo Jong -- the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- said at the weekend the "useless north-south joint liaison office" would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

Footage of the explosion released by Seoul's presidential Blue House showed a blast rolling across several buildings just across the border in Kaesong, with a nearby tower partially collapsing as clouds of smoke rose into the sky.

Analysts say Pyongyang may be seeking to manufacture a crisis to increase pressure on Seoul while nuclear negotiations with Washington are at a standstill.

After an emergency meeting, the National Security Council said it would "react strongly" if Pyongyang "continues to take steps that aggravate the situation".

"All responsibility for repercussions stemming from this action falls squarely on the North," it added.

The liaison office -- in a dormant industrial zone where Southern companies once employed Northern workers -- was opened in September 2018, days before the South's President Moon Jae-in flew to Pyongyang for his third summit with Kim.

Around 20 officials from each side were stationed at the office during subsequent months.

But inter-Korean relations soured following the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in February last year over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.

Operations at the office were suspended in January because of the coronavirus pandemic.

And since early June, North Korea has issued a series of vitriolic condemnations of the South over activists sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets over the border -- something defectors do on a regular basis.

Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday the liaison office's destruction was in line with "the mindset of the enraged people to surely force human scum and those who have sheltered the scum to pay dearly for their crimes".

Last week Pyongyang announced it was severing all official communication links with Seoul.

"North Korea has started a provocation cycle with stages of escalation," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, calling the destruction of the office "a symbolic blow to inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation".

"The Kim regime is also signalling the United States won't have the luxury of keeping North Korea on the back-burner for the remainder of the year," he added.

- Relations soured -

Since Pyongyang condemned the leaflet launches -- usually attached to hot air balloons or floated in bottles -- the Unification ministry has filed a police complaint against two defector groups and warned of a "thorough crackdown" against activists.

On Monday, the left-leaning Moon urged the North not to "close the window of dialogue".

The two Koreas remain technically at war after Korean War hostilities ended with an armistice in 1953 that was never replaced with a peace treaty.

Last week the North criticised Trump in a stinging denunciation of the US on the second anniversary of the Singapore summit, with its foreign minister Ri Son Gwon accusing Washington of seeking regime change.

US diplomats insist that they believe Kim promised in Singapore to give up his nuclear arsenal, something Pyongyang has taken no steps to do.

The North is under multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes.

It believes it deserves to be rewarded for its moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and the disabling of its atomic test site, along with the return of jailed US citizens and remains of soldiers killed in the Korean War.

"Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise," Ri said in his statement, carried by the official KCNA news agency.

Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Sejong Institute's Center for North Korean Studies, said: "North Korea is frustrated that the South has failed to offer an alternative plan to revive the US-North talks, let alone create a right atmosphere for the revival.

"It has concluded the South has failed as a mediator in the process."

kjk-cdl/slb/fox

Indian and Chinese troops in deadly border clash

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:44:26 GMT

by Bhuvan Bagga with Parvaiz Buhkari in Srinagar and Jing Xuan Teng in Beijing

FILE PHOTO taken on September 14, 2018 shows a general view of the Pangong Lake in Leh district of Union territory of Ladakh bordering India and China. Photo by Prakash SINGH / AFP

Three Indian soldiers were killed in a violent face-off on the Chinese border, the Indian army said Tuesday, following weeks of rising tensions and the deployment of thousands of extra troops from both sides.

Brawls erupt regularly between the two nuclear-armed giants across their disputed 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) frontier, but no one has been killed in decades.

But the Indian army said there were "casualties on both sides" in Monday's incident on the Himalayan frontier between China's Tibet and India's region Ladakh, although Beijing made no mention of any -- while laying the blame squarely on Delhi.

"A violent face-off took place yesterday (Monday) night with casualties on both sides. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers," an Indian army spokesman said in a statement.

"Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation."

An Indian army officer in the region told AFP that there had been no shooting in the incident, on precipitous, rocky terrain in the strategically important Galwan Valley.

"It was violent hand-to-hand scuffles," the officer said on condition of anonymity.

- 'Attacking Chinese personnel' -

Beijing on Tuesday confirmed a clash took place, but made no mention of casualties. It accused Indian soldiers of crossing into Chinese territory and "attacking Chinese personnel".

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Indian troops "crossed the border line twice... provoking and attacking Chinese personnel, resulting in serious physical confrontation between border forces on the two sides".

"We again solemnly request that India follows the relevant attitude and restrains its frontline troops," he said.

On May 9, several Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in a clash involving fists and stone-throwing at Naku La in India's Sikkim state, which borders Bhutan, Nepal and China.

But the Chinese foreign ministry said only last week that a "positive consensus" had been reached following "effective communication" through diplomatic and military channels.

In a later statement, India's foreign ministry said the two sides would "continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation and to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas."

However, Indian sources and news reports suggested that Chinese troops remained in parts of the Galwan Valley and of the northern shore of the Pangong Tso lake that it occupied in recent weeks.

- Prickly relations -

India and China have never even agreed on how long their "Line of Actual Control" frontier is, and each side uses different frontier proposals made by Britain to China in the 19th century to back their claims.

India gives a figure of 3,500 kilometres (2,175 miles). China does not give a number, but state media says the border should be just 2,000 km (1,250 miles) when China's claims in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and other regions are taken into account.

Relations between China and India have long been prickly.

They fought a brief war in 1962 in which China took territory from India. Further deadly clashes followed in 1967, but the last shot fired in anger was in 1975.

In 2017 there was a 72-day showdown after Chinese forces moved into the disputed Doklam plateau on the China-India-Bhutan border.

After that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping sought to ease tensions at summits.

Alice Wells, the top US State Department official for South Asia, said last month that China was seeking to upset the regional balance and had to be "resisted".

US President Donald Trump also offered to mediate, but both countries sidestepped the offer.

burs-stu/fox

PRC helps RITM with supplies; LabX aids in COVID testing, info drive

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:26:59 GMT

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is sending consumable supplies to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to ensure that COVID-19 testing at the health research facility would continue without interruption.

"The more people are tested quickly, the sooner we would be able to ensure victory over COVID-19. If we unmask the virus hiding inside the people who are infected, we would be able to isolate them and cure them, thus, preventing the further spread of the virus. So we can't have the RITM's operations hampered due to the lack of the necessary NATCH CS items," said PRC chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

Gordon ordered the delivery to the RITM following a request for help from National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon.

Dizon said the RITM came close to losing a few days' testing time this week because the delivery of needed supplies for testing was hampered by the lack of available flights in China.

The PRC provided the following items: 5 mL Sterile tube (336 pieces); 96 Deep well plates (168 pieces); 1000 ul tips (336 racks); and 0.2mL 8-tube PCR strips with flat optical cap (336 bags).

Dizon said the items will be replaced upon receipt of the delivery from China.

The Philippine Red Cross previously assisted RITM in April when the health research facility had to trim down operations after some of its staff contracted the disease.

Meanwhile, medical firm LabX has set up a free medical consultation hotline. The public may contact 0917-7-CELLEX or 09177235539 for medical advice on COVID-19 and to request for rapid test supplies.

LabX Corp. also distributes Cellex, the only rapid test kit in the country so far approved by both the United States and Philippine FDAs (Food and Drug Administration). Cellex boasts an accuracy of 93.8 percent and a sensitivity of 96 percent.

“As we enhance our efforts to provide mass testing, we wanted to reassure the public that we can help them to be always safe by getting tested through our US and PH-approved rapid test kits,” LabX Asia chairman and CEO Hector Thomas Navasero said.

Roque to Ressa: Just face the decision

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:09:30 GMT

Manila, June 16 - Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Rappler CEO Maria Ressa should face the guilty verdict handed to her by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46.

“In law, as what we say, one’s freedom ends where someone else’s rights begin. Thus, I advise Ms. Ressa to just face the complaint/decision head-on,” Roque said.

The spokesman emphasized that Ressa transgressed the law when she maligned the reputation of a private individual.

“The private individual who Ms. Ressa besmirched simply exercised his right against abusive persons who wield power and influence, including journalists like Maria Ressa,” Roque said.

He however said that Ressa’s sentiments are understandable given her present state of mind as a result of the guilty verdict handed her.

“Ms. Ressa can speak and say whatever she wants against the current administration. It is her right. It is her freedom of expression. It goes to show that there is no stifling of free speech in the country and that democracy in the Philippines remains vibrant,” he added.

Ressa and former Rappler researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. were found guilty of cyber-libel on Monday.

In a 2012 Rappler article, Santos linked businessman Wilfredo Keng to human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Keng filed the libel suit against Ressa and Santos in 2017.

In a press statement, Keng emphasized that Rappler denied hin his right to clear his name. “It is of public record: My counsel had pleaded and begged with Rappler to correct their false public accusations that I am a criminal, or at the very least, to publish my side. They refused, " he said.

DOF confirms Create Act passed on third and final reading

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:01:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Finance Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino confirmed on Tuesday that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (Create) Act has been passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

Lambino said the act will decrease the corporate income tax of companies from 30%, which is the highest in the ASEAN region, to 25% to bring it closer to the regional average.

The act will also lengthen the duration of usage of the Net Operating Loss Carry-Over (NOLCO) from three years to five years to lessen the tax liability of companies for years to come.

Lambino added that the Create Act also aims to attract investors that would bring more job opportunities to Filipinos and improve the research and technology capabilities of the country.

“Kailangan po natin gawin diyan, i-advance, i-modernize yung ating tax incentive system. Gusto po natin ang flexibility para po mas maka-attract tayo ng mga investors dahil sa ngayon, mukhang nag-diversify po ang maraming global companies,” he said.

(We need to do that, to advance, modernize our tax incentive system. We want flexibility so we can attract investors because, at the moment, it seems that many global companies have diversified. )

Asec. Lambino also said global companies are realizing that relying on one location or country for their whole supply chain is a risky arrangement so they are more likely to diversify. This will be an opportunity for the Philippines to attract investors.

“We really need to start competing with our neighbors on an even playing field,” he said.

He also said the country needs to be competitive at this time and must impose less tax liabilities on private corporations, whether they are micro, small, medium or large enterprises.

“Mas marami pong pera ang iwan natin sa kamay ng mga negosyo para po makaretain sila ng mga mangagawa at makaexpand sila ng operations, mabayaran po nila ang kanilang gastusin every month,” the assistant secretary added.

(We should leave more money in the hands of businesses so they can retain workers and expand business operations, and pay their expenses every month.)

Lambino said that should the Create Act be implemented by July, P42 billion will be given to businesses to help them with their recovery. This is expected to eventually grow to P625 billion in the next five years.

House set to probe first tranche of SAP distribution

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 10:09:34 GMT

Photo Credit: Alan Peter Cayetano Official Facebook Page

Solons led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano have filed a resolution to investigate the confusion and delays on the distribution of the first tranche of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social amelioration program (SAP).

House Resolution 973 also called for the development of better methods for the distribution of the second tranche of cash assistance to qualified families.

“There is no question that we are here to support the efforts of those agencies tasked to implement the program. But we also have to do what is right and demand accountability for the failures and delays that have plagued the distribution from the start,” said Cayetano.

The resolution said that the “inexcusable” delay in the distribution was “contrary to the general principle espoused by President Rodrigo Duterte that the most vulnerable Filipinos should get the resources at the fastest possible time with the least number of requirements and regulations.”

The House will be looking into the DSWD’s reportedly lengthy and complicated procedure for distribution of the SAP benefit. The resolution said the procedure requires “a total of thirty (30) steps and five (5) layers of approval, with an estimated completion time of three (3) weeks.”

The “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” provided an emergency subsidy of P5,000-P8,000 per qualified person each month for two months, to help a total of 18 million low income households.

The distribution for the month of April was finished in May. The distribution for the second tranche has yet to start.

The Resolution also enumerates a number of issues and concerns which may have caused the DSWD to miss several critical distribution deadlines and delayed the release of the second tranche of aid for beneficiaries intended for May to June.

“The DSWD arbitrarily and without consultations with the LGUs, based the number of recipients on the 2015 national census, slightly adjusted upwards. Five years have passed and certainly the population has increased since, and thus the estimate proved inadequate,” the resolution read.

Cayetano earlier pointed out several problems in the process used by the DSWD.

“Because of the restrictive numbers of recipients proposed by DSWD, many of the LGUs have been in a quandary to identify whom to prioritize among their constituents since their expectation is to be able to give aid to 3 out of 4 families, even as some of our citizens expected that everyone will be receiving some sort of assistance from the Government,” he said

The inquiry will also look into other assistance programs of the DSWD aside from the SAP that dealt with the effects of COVID-19.

“The pandemic and its aftermath forces all of us to re-examine the way we do things. Especially in government where the bureaucracy can sometimes get in the way of helping the people. May mga tama at maling pamamaraan sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan. Dapat tignan natin kung paano mai-improve, hindi lang ung SAP, kundi pati ang 4Ps, at mga assistance sa mga biktima ng sakuna,” added Cayetano.

(There are right and wrong ways in helping our fellows. We should look at how it can be improved, not only the SAP, but also the 4Ps and assistance to victims of disasters.)

COVID-19 in numbers (June 16)

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:56:35 GMT

The Department of Health records 364 new cases on Tuesday.

Of this number, 249 are fresh cases while 115 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 26,781.

Suspected NPA rebels torch 3 heavy equipment in SoCot

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:23:20 GMT

Google map of Tboli, South Cotabato

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities are eyeing extortion by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels as the motive behind the burning of three heavy equipment in a quarry site in Tboli town, South Cotabato province on Monday afternoon.

Maj. Irish Hezron Parangan, acting chief of the Tboli municipal police station, said Tuesday workers of the Gemma Construction and Supply, Inc. were extracting gravel from the riverside in Barangay Edwards at the height of heavy rains at about 3 p.m. when four gunmen came and torched their heavy equipment.

Parangan said the three company drivers were not harmed but the backhoe, payloader, and dump truck were destroyed.

Citing accounts from one of the drivers, he said a lone gunman carrying a sack initially approached and asked them to leave the site.

Parangan said three more suspects appeared, poured gasoline on the heavy equipment, and set them on fire.

The suspects, who were wearing ski masks and armed with handguns, hastily left the site after the incident, he said.

Parangan said the circumstances of the incident showed that it could be the handiwork of NPA rebels, who had been held responsible for similar attacks in the area in previous years.

“We’re looking at extortion as (a) possible motive but we’re not discounting other angles,” he said in a radio interview.

Parangan said these include the recent surrender of former NPA combatants under the Guerilla Front 72-Far South Mindanao Region.

He said officials of Gemma Construction, which is working on various government-commissioned infrastructure projects in parts of the province, have yet to confirm whether they received extortion demands before the attack.

The company estimated the damage to the three burned heavy equipment at PHP20 million, Parangan said, adding that follow-up operations by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion were ongoing against the suspects. (PNA)

'Recidivist' slain in anti-drug op; P13.6-M ‘shabu’ seized

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:19:14 GMT

SEIZED. The suspected shab and personal belongings recovered from slain suspect Tohami Kamsa following a shootout with the police agents an entrapment operation in Barangay Poblacion, Cotabato City on Monday (June 15, 2020). The recovered shabu, estimated to weigh two kilos, has a street value of PHP13.5-million. (Photo courtesy of Brigada New – Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Police seized PHP13.6-million worth of suspected shabu following a shootout that killed a "recidivist" illegal drug offender here Monday.

Col. Richard Fiesta, city police director, identified the slain suspect as Tahami Kamsa, 39, of Barangay Poblacion here.

A poseur-buyer managed to secure the illegal drug from the suspect who quickly fled after sensing he was dealing with a law enforcer, Fiesta said.

“Kamsa traded bullets with the police agents that resulted in his death,” he said, referring to the 3 p.m. buy-bust operation in the barangay.

Fiesta said Kamsa yielded 2 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP13.6 million, a motorbike, a .45-caliber pistol, and mobile phones.

He noted that Kamsa was a drug surrenderer who yielded to authorities during the “Oplan Tokhang” a few years back. (PNA)

Spaniard involved in scuffle with Makati police blacklisted from the Philippines

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 08:02:58 GMT

Video source: Viral video posted on different online channels

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned from the country the Spaniard who figured in a scuffle with a police officer in Makati City over an alleged quarantine violation when the city was still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said 43-year-old Javier Salvador Parra has been blacklisted since June 3.

On April 26, Parra was caught on video berating Police SMSgt. Roland Madrona. Another video also taken that day showed him being wrestled to the ground by the police officer.

“Now that he has been placed in our immigration blacklist, he is now perpetually banned from reentering the Philippines for being an undesirable alien. Foreigners who disrespect our laws and persons of authority do not deserve the privilege to stay in our country,” Morente said.

Morente said the blacklist order against Parra should serve as a warning to other foreign nationals who are still in the Philippines.

Tthey should not taunt our laws and insult our policemen who are merely enforcing our laws on those who violate it, " he said.

BI records show that Parra left the Philippines on April 29 aboard a Qatar Airways flight to Doha bound for Madrid. The Spaniard was allowed to leave the country since there were no formal charges filed against him.

Parra was given a chance to explain his side about the incident, but he apparently ignored the immigration’s investigation and opted to leave the country. This prompted the BI to charge him for deportation on the grounds of being an undesirable alien.

Solon asks Philhealth to reimburse hospitals P18B

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:40:36 GMT

Photo Credit: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook Page

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) to settle at least P18 billion in unpaid reimbursement claims of accredited hospitals throughout the country.

He also asked the House of Representatives to help convince the health insurance agency to settle the claims.

“This is very urgent especially because we are still facing this Covid 19 pandemic and we all need the full operations of our hospitals with the necessary medical personnel. We don’t want our hospitals to close, down scale services nor lay off medical personnel because of non-payment of claims by PHilheath,” said Rodriguez.

Through House Resolution 970, Rodriguez highlighted that Philhealth owed members of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) P14 billion as of December 2018 and P4 billion at the end of 2019.

PHAP is composed of 733 hospitals with 44,700 beds nationwide.

“One of the reasons many private hospitals are struggling to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic is because they are running out of funds. Many of them have had to obtain emergency loans to sustain their operations,” Rodriguez said.

He added that some hospitals are already retrenching employees because of financial difficulties.

“As an example, the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Hospital has reduced its manpower and implemented cost-efficiency measures following ‘significant losses’ inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the delay in Philhealth payments,” the lawmaker said.

He quoted UST Hospital medical director Marcellus Francis Ramirez who said payments were delayed by “an average of 5-6 months” and that the hospital’s receivables from Philhealth stood “at more than P180 million and counting.”

“As a result of unpaid claims, PHAP members have signified their intention ‘to hold back or hold in abeyance’ their accreditation with Philhealth, which would be very detrimental to the Filipino people,” Rodriguez said.

The Mindanao lawmaker however noted that Philhealth has repeatedly denied that it owed UST and other hospitals large amounts in unpaid claims.

Rodriguez also cited complaints from certain Mindanao hospitals that they “have been stripped of accreditation over pending cases mostly in connection with alleged ‘upcasing,’ which is the practice of declaring that a patient has a different ailment to get higher reimbursements.

He said the hospitals claim their accreditation was cancelled even though they were not given the opportunity to explain their side in a formal hearing.

DOF: Registration of online business mean to protect sellers

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:28:16 GMT

Photo Credit: Tony Lambino Facebook Profile

Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino defended the order of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) requiring online sellers to register their businesses and pay taxes.

Lambino said Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 60-2020 was not crafted to run after online sellers, but to implement the tax code on all businesses in the Philippines no matter how big or small.

“Paalala lamang sa mga online sellers na kailangang registered sila sa BIR. Hindi na bago ito kasi nasa batas naman na ‘yan. Paalala na dapat registered lahat ng negosyo whether may tax due or wala,” Lambino said.

(This is a reminder to online sellers to register with the BIR. This not new because it’s in the law anyway. Businesses should be registered whether they have tax dues or none)

Lambino said online sellers will also benefit from the BIR’s order since being registered will guarantee their qualification for the small wage subsidy program and other financial assistance programs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Social Security System (SSS).

He added that online sellers will also benefit from the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) and the proposed Net Operating Loss Cover-Over (NOLCO) extension once approved.

Lambino clarified that online sellers who earn only up to P250,000.00 are exempted from paying taxes.

UPLB Math Prof: Actual Covid-19 positives may have reached 35K

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:19:43 GMT

University of the Philippines Los Baños mathematics professor Dr. Virgilio P. Sison says the number of positive cases may have reached 35,000.

“There is still a validation backlog of 6,798 cases, as there are actually 32,728 unique individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19, but only 25,930 of them have been confirmed. The backlog has stayed around this number for the past two weeks now,” Sison said.

The professor also said that based on the current positivity rate of 7%, 2,149 out of 30,703 individuals currently reported by DOH as suspect might be positive for the disease.

He also cited the possibility that some patients using ICU (intensive care unit) beds dedicated to Covid-19 cases may not have been included in the count. The DOH said 428 patients are occupying ICU beds, but only 80 are reported as being in severe or critical condition.

Sison also said more individuals are being tested now, with the government’s testing capacity having increased to 0.43% of the national population compared to 0.29% on May 31, while 715,484 tests remain available as of Tuesday.

“The number of positive cases is very important because this gives a picture of the extent of infection in the country. Definitely there is still local community transmission in Metro Manila, and in other critical areas, especially in Cebu City,” he said.

Sison also noted a sharp acceleration in the number of total cases since the last week of May. This coincided with the shifting of many areas of the country from ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to GCQ (general community quarantine).

The professor also said it will take a longer time and greater effort to push down the curve of positive cases further and finally bring it down to zero.

Sison supported the continuation of protocols for controlling the spread of Covid-19.

“The only way for now to control the infection is to strengthen social distancing measures and other mitigation efforts, like wearing of face masks in the workplace, in transport systems and in other public areas,” he said.

The first graph shows the daily new cases with the seven-day moving average, while the second and third graphs give the total cases in linear scale and in logarithmic scale.

LIST: Areas under ECQ, MECQ, GCQ until June 30

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:18:50 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte reverts Cebu City to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and places Talisay City, Cebu under MECQ starting June 16. Metro Manila remains under general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of the month.

Lauren Young shares her own #HijaAko story on Twitter

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:39:20 GMT

Photo Credit: Lauren Young Twitter Account

Actress Lauren Young recently used her voice on social media to share her own #HijaAko story.

Over the weekend, Frankie Pangilinan’s twitter feud with Ben Tulfo about his response to her speaking out on rape culture instantly took social media by storm. Women rousingly used the hashtag #HijaAko, coined from Ben Tulfo’s response to Frankie, to raise awareness on sexual misconduct, spread the word that a woman’s choice of clothing does not prevent rape or other forms of sexual violence, and to stop victim-blaming.

“I was at a bar in Boracay, sober, with my friends and a guy kept harassing everyone there. He kept talking to me and bothering me and just grabbed my boobs out of nowhere. I was fully covered up even at the beach and yet he violated me publicly. #HijaAko,” she tweeted in response to Ben Tulfo’s saying that a ‘rapists’ desire to commit a crime will always be there,” and all they need is an opportunity to do it, so women should be careful with the way they dress.

Lauren also stressed that people should stop blaming it on what others choose to wear, and educate others that victims aren’t asking for it if they choose to wear revealing clothes.

Young also gave a mouthful about the double standard involving men and women: “And btw if a women is intoxicated it’s her fault? If a man is intoxicated ‘ayy sorry lasing ako’ excuses start to come in. #HijaAko,” she tweeted.

Highlights: President Duterte’s June 15, 2020 Address

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:29:36 GMT

WATCH: In a televised address on Monday night, President Duterte reminded the public that easing quarantine restrictions does not mean the battle against COVID-19 is over.

Ako Bicol solon appeals for resumption of provincial bus services

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:25:50 GMT

Photo Credit: MMDA

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co appealed to the national government to allow the resumption of provincial bus services to give those who got stranded in other areas a means to return home.

Co asked the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), relevant departments and local government units to come up with a set of unified guidelines to facilitate the resumption of provincial bus operations.

“With all due respect, the national government and LGUs must discuss, agree and lay down clear cut guidelines for bus operators and commuters. The goal is to allow stranded Filipinos to ride provincial buses while minimizing risks of potential COVID-19 infection,” he said.

Transporting people across borders at this time entails a lot of coordination between national and local government agencies.

Co cited his experience in bringing home stranded construction workers and Bicolano students from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. “It’s difficult, but not impossible,” he stressed.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. I’m sure we can all agree on a set of clear, systematic and non-redundant guidelines. We owe it to our kababayans (countrymen),” he said.

Co also wanted test clearances for COVID-19 and adherence to quarantine requirements to be imperative for all passengers, bus drivers and crew. He said requiring passengers to undergo another 14-day quarantine upon arrival, if mandated by LGUs, is better than not being allowed to go home at all.

“The cost of rapid tests and protective gear like masks can be included in the cost of tickets so there’s some level of comfort for commuters and bus operators. For those who were tested, cleared and have completed the mandatory quarantine, I don’t think they would mind going through another two weeks of self-isolation in the province just to reunite with their families,” he added.

Co said buses ferry millions of passengers each year, more than all domestic airlines combined. He added that buses are critical especially with airports in the Bicol region having recently reopened.

The Bicol Region will remain under Modified General Community Quaratine (MGCQ) until June 30 based on the statement released by President Rodrigo Duterte.

ASPAP: Stop making unfair remarks and start helping one another

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:22:49 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) Spokesperson Atty. Margarita Gutierrez asked the public to stop making false remarks about the tax payments of POGO Service Providers (PSPs).

The spokesperson's statement follows calls circulating on social media for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to go after PSPs for additional taxes and focus on tracking down illegal offshore gaming operations instead of placing the burden on online sellers and retailers.

“Members of our organization are paying the correct taxes to the government as prerequisite to resuming operations. It is unfair to put us down without knowing the real story. Instead, we should try to contribute what we can in big or small ways to bring our economy back on track,” she said.

ASPAP clarified that BIR Memorandum 60-2020 only requires online sellers and retailers to register their business and does not automatically subject them to taxes. Taxes will only be imposed on businesses that are earning more than P250,000 annually, while those earning below the said amount are exempted from paying taxes under the tax reform law.

Gutierrez reiterated that they are committed to paying appropriate taxes imposed by the government prior to the partial reopening of online gaming operations.

“This is consistent with our assurances to fully support the country’s recovery from the crushing pandemic,” she added.

Manila taxpayers on the last day of ITR filing

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 03:21:42 GMT

WATCH: Scenes from the last day of filing of taxes at the Bureau of Internal Revenue office in Manila.

Yesterday, June 15, 2020, was the last day of filing of income tax returns.

Cebu City reverts to ECQ, Cebu province except Talisay remains under GCQ

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 02:43:18 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

Cebu City reverted to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) today, June 16, following a spike in Covid-19 cases two weeks after it was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

“Due to the increasing number of new cases and widespread community transmission in majority of the barangays in the city as well as the consistent case doubling time of less than seven days and the significant increase in critical care utilization against critical care capacity, Cebu City shall be escalated back to ECQ,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in a live presscon late Monday.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) also extended the GCQ status of Cebu province which now has over 4,000 COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, Talisay City with 66 active cases and 16 deaths is now under MECQ.

“It has been declared by the IATF that we be put under MECQ. So unfortunately, we are taking a step back,” said Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas in a post on his official Facebook page.

“Just right now I just finished talking to Sec. (Carlito) Galvez of the IATF and he told me that Epidemiologists from DOH-7 gave the IATF data that showed we need to be under MECQ. Of course I was surprised, but I will never be someone who will question the decision,” the Talisay mayor added.

Gullas said Galvez gave him the option to appeal his city’s quarantine status. He said he will still consult with the governor and some leaders before deciding on it.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Traffic Office reminds the public to observe ECQ guidelines. Under the rules, quarantine passes will be required when going out, public transport will be suspended, and border controls will be implemented again.

The city has also suspended until further notice the distribution of financial aid to senior citizens as the elderly are among those prohibited from going out throughout the duration of the ECQ.

PRRD says it’s ‘heartening’ to see more Covid-19 recoveries

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 02:12:33 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on June 15, 2020. (Presidential photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte found it “heartening” to see the rise in recoveries among the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in the country.

In a televised public briefing late Monday night, Duterte said the 6,252 recoveries as of Monday (June 15) was “a good record compared to other countries”.

Despite this development, he reminded the public that the threat against Covid-19 remains until a vaccine is developed.

“The battle sa (against) Covid is not over. Sabi ko nandiyan pa 'yung germ na ‘yan at hindi nawawala (I said the germ is still here, it has not disappeared),” he said.

He said he could not yet tell when the country could determine whether it is already experiencing a second wave in Covid-19 infection.

“I cannot say it’s [the] second wave because it is still increasing,” he said.

Duterte explained that the easing of quarantine restrictions in some parts of the country does not mean that the public should forget to observe minimum health standards.

He acknowledged that he could not prevent everyone from leaving their homes, especially if they had jobs.

However, he also appealed to the public not to blame the government for the continuous increase of Covid-19 cases.

“Ngayon kung lumabas talaga kayo (Now, if you go out), you run the risk of getting infected, ‘wag ninyo kaming sisihin (don’t blame us),” he said. “Do not forget that we warned you of the grave consequences.”

He urged the public to continue observing minimum health standards such as practicing physical distancing, wearing face masks, and frequent hand washing.

Meanwhile, he also vowed to “personally supervise” the distribution of a possible cure against Covid-19.

“There’s a pill, I hope it’s true na parang lalaban (that it can fight) and it can maybe sabi (they say) kill the…’yun ang maganda, pag 'yun ang dumating, 'pag available na, mag-order na ako, (that's good if it becomes available, I will order) and I will distribute it… I will personally supervise the distribution, ako mismo (me myself), I will supervise the distribution of whatever there is...to guarantee that everybody gets a fair share of the medicines and medical care,” he said.

On Monday (June 15), the country recorded its highest number of Covid-19 recoveries on a single day at 298, topping last June 12 record of 289 recoveries.

Meanwhile, there are a total of 26,420 Covid-19 cases in the country, of which 348 are fresh cases and 142 are late cases.

Ten more people died due to the disease bringing the total number of deaths to 1,098. (PNA)

PH Navy formally welcomes missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 02:10:51 GMT

WELCOME, BRP JOSE RIZAL. The Philippines' first missile-capable frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, is docked at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales on Monday (June 15, 2020). The ship is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – With its crew having completed mandatory quarantine, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday formally welcomed its first missile-frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales.

In a statement, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the christening and commissioning date of the ship, which was originally scheduled for June 19, was moved to a later date due to unavoidable circumstances.

"President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend the momentous event as the guest of honor and speaker," Roxas said.

The ship has a maiden crew of 65 led by Captain Jerry Garrido, she added.

Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe, who led the welcoming ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal, thanked the officers and enlisted personnel aboard for their efforts and perseverance in familiarizing the different systems of the ship through constant training and drills.

He also conveyed his appreciation to shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and the South Korean government for their support in the country's efforts to modernize the PN and bring home the vessel and its crew safe and secured.

“Together, let us bring our Navy to the next level, not only because of more modern ships, weapons, and sensors but because of more competent and confident personnel, equipped with modern and disciplined mindsets,” Bernabe said.

In the same manner, the personal protective equipment (PPE) sets carried by the vessel that was donated by the South Korean government and HHI, was formally turned over by HHI`s representative, Bokyeung Kang to the PN.

The donation will augment the Philippines' capacity in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Earlier, Roxas said the ship's crew were scheduled for a Covid-19 swab test on May 28 or five days after they arrived in Subic Bay. BRP Jose Rizal left the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea last May 18.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations. BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

Incidentally, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the sistership of BRP Jose Rizal, was launched in the same facility on November 8 of last year.

The contract for the two ships is placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions. (PNA)

LGUs urged to support DepEd's reconfigured Brigada Eskwela

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 02:09:40 GMT

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)

MANILA – Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday urged local government units (LGUs) to assist the Department of Education's (DepEd) reconfigured Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela programs amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

With this year's Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela slogan, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan”, Año urged everyone, especially the parents, to join the government in ensuring that the youth gets the best possible education despite challenges of new learning methods amid the health crisis.

“Magtulungan po tayo para sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng karunungan ng ating mga kabataan (Let us work together for the continued learning development of our youth),” he said in a statement.

He said the education of the youth, despite the challenges brought by Covid-19, remains to be one of the top priorities of the government.

As the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela take new forms to adapt to the new normal, the Department of the Interior and Local Government pledged complete cooperation to ensure that these will be implemented down to the grassroots level.

He added that LGUs are committed to extending any form of assistance to students, parents, and teachers to make this school year a productive one while battling the Covid-19 threat.

“In aid of the 2020 Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela programs, I enjoin all LGUs and all barangays to assist the schools within your jurisdictions adjust to the new learning modalities. I encourage all LGUs to be more creative in assisting schools and students as they immerse in a new learning environment while I commend those local chief executives, who, as early as now, have committed to providing assistance such as laptops and printed materials, among others. Mabuhay po kayo!” he said. (PNA)

ABS-CBN defends PDRs, return of company to Lopezes

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:34:12 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Live Video

ABS-CBN lawyer Atty. Arecio Rendor said the Lopez family’s reacquisition of the broadcasting company after the fall of the Marcos regime was legal.

Rendor, at the continuation of the joint hearing of the House Committees on Legislative Franchises and on Good Government and Public Accountability, pointed out that the arbitration agreement between the Lopez family and the Corazon Aquino administration for the reacquisition was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1989.

Another arbitration agreement was agreed upon during the Ramos administration for the payment of the use of ABS-CBN’s equipment and other assets from 1986 to 1992.

“Two administrations gave imprimatur for the return of the possession of ABS-CBN of its real estate, properties, and broadcast equipment,” Rendor said.

Rendor also insisted that the Lopezes never lost their ownership of the network even during the Martial Law era. He also maintained that the arbitration case was needed because the broadcast company’s shutdown and takeover in 1972 were not in accordance with the law.

“Hindi po nawalay ang pag-aari ng Lopez family sa ABS-CBN at mga broadcast facilities and equipment even from the time when Martial Law was declared until today,” he said.

(The Lopez family’s ownership of ABS-CBN broadcast facilities and equipment was never lost from the time when Martial Law was declared until today)

ABS-CBN lawyer Cynthia Del Castillo meanwhile insisted that ABS-CBN Holdings, which owns shares of stocks of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, is a legitimate company contrary to the assertions of some lawmakers that it was created to commit fraud.

“We stand on our ground na wala pong pananagutan ang ABS-CBN Broadcasting Company na inilipat sa ABS-CBN Holdings. Hindi po 'yun ini-structure para makaiwas sa pananagutan ng ABS-CBN Broadcasting (We stand on our ground that no responsibilities of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Company were transferred to ABS-CBN Holdings. It is not structured to help evade responsibilities for ABS-CBN Broadcasting). It was not organized for purposes of fraud or perpetuating fraud for that matter,” she said.

Del Castillo explained that ABS-CBN Holdings is not the owner of all shares of stocks of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

She added that ABS-CBN Holdings is no different from other holding companies that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Normal po 'yan na may holding company na ang kanila lang pong business ay mag-invest sa other companies at ang kanila pong kita ay nanggagaling sa dibidendo na binibigay ng mga kompanya na kanilang ini-invest-an,” she explained.

(It is just normal to have a holding company that invests in other companies. Its earnings come from dividends from the companies it invested in)

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman meanwhile pointed out that the Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) of ABS-CBN Holdings are completely compliant with the Constitution since they are permitted by the SEC and Philippine Stock Exchange.

“The PDRs of ABS-CBN which are issued to foreign investors are completely compliant with the Constitution, and do not constitute a scheme to circumvent the constitutional requirement on 100% Filipino ownership and management of mass media enterprises,” he said.

“The criticism that PDRs achieved indirectly what the Constitution directly prohibits, is utterly baseless speculation. PDR holders are not stockholders because they have no voting rights and full beneficial ownership of a mass media corporation like ABS-CBN. Neither do they have title over the underlying shares,” he added

Wilfredo Keng's Statement on Maria Ressa's Conviction

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 23:13:40 GMT

Businessman Wilfredo Keng said he asked Rappler to correct the accusations against him or to publish his side but the news website refused.

Keng issued a statement after a Manila court convicted Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa and former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. of cyber-libel.

Salceda encourages online MSMEs to register

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:43:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Joey Salceda Facebook Profile

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Joey Salceda has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to encourage micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that trade online to register and become part of the formal economy in order to avail of the benefits in the upcoming stimulus programs.

Salceda said “the widest and most liberal” implementation of exemptions under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Law, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) should be given to MSMEs.

“Online MSMEs are saviors of the economy in this time of the pandemic. In the countryside, like Albay, they are becoming the motive force of the economy in these difficult conditions,” said Salceda.

The solon also said MSMEs are very effective in translating economic stimulus programs and recovery plans into tangible growth and dynamism in the economy.

“They (MSMEs) move faster than most bigger enterprises. They require very little capital to operate. They employ even stay-at-home mothers. And they encourage people to stay at home. I can’t think of a more efficient recipient and multiplier of our supply-side interventions,” said Salceda.

The Albay representative estimates that one million informal MSMEs are doing business online and that most of them qualify for tax exemptions provided in the law. He encouraged these MSMEs to register with the DTI to “provide proof of their existence as a business.”

Salceda also said the DTI through its Negosyo Centers can give good advice on tax compliance and exemptions.

The TRAIN law allows companies with gross sales under P3,000,000 to not register for VAT. Under the BMBE Law (Republic Act 9178), companies with gross assets of less than P3,000,000 are exempt from income taxes.

“Also, while BIR encourages enterprises to file tax returns, note that those earning less than P250,000 are exempt from filing and payment of any income taxes,” added Salceda.

He continues to urge companies already registered with the DTI and whose income threshold has surpassed the amount stated in the above laws to register with the BIR.

Salceda also explained that Revenue Memorandum Circular 60-2020 of the BIR is not an added burden, but actually gives amnesty to registrants. “ If you register by July 31, your penalties and surcharges for not registering before are forgiven,” he said.

“We need more online MSMEs registered. Kahit wala tayong makolektang buwis ngayon (even if we collect no taxes now). The economic benefits are beyond taxes. My office is doing a policy briefer on the implications of regularizing MSMEs. When they are registered duly, they can borrow. When they can borrow, the liquidity we released in the banking system is maximized. It’s a win for all of us, even without tax collections from MSMEs. I was the first to introduce the concept in our country’s stimulus plans, so we are watching this sector very closely,” he added.

QC places certain areas under special lockdown

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:19:38 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

The Quezon City government placed two specific areas in Barangay E. Rodriguez, Cubao under special concern lockdown (SCL) following a surge in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

Assistant City Administrator Alberto Kimpo said the areas placed under SCL are 138 Ermin Garcia Street and 52 Imperial Street.

Kimpo said the number of active COVID-19 cases in these two areas went up from two to 15.

The assistant administrator added that the decision to place these areas under SCL was based on the request of the Barangay E. Rodriguez captain, followed by verification by the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QC-ESU) and other Barangay officials.

“Due to the seriousness of the situation, we immediately put these places under SCL, and seek the national government's concurrence,” said Kimpo.

The QC-ESU of the QC Health Department will conduct further rapid diagnostic testing in the area.

Kimpo said the city government might also place Cadena de Amor St. in Barangay Central under SCL after three residents tested positive under rapid testing conducted in the area.

“The patients are under home quarantine and have been swabbed for confirmatory testing,” said Kimpo.

The city government placed Sitio Militar in Barangay Bahay Toro, Calle 29 in Barangay Libis, and Kaingin Bukid in Barangay Apolonio Samson under SCL earlier.

Rappler CEO Ressa found guilty of cyber-libel

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:18:58 GMT

MANILA, June 15- The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 presided by Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa declared high-profile Philippine veteran journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. guilty of cyber-libel on Monday.

Ressa and Santos could face from six months to six years in jail. The court also ordered the two to pay businessman Wilfredo Keng a total of 400,000 pesos in damages. The company Rappler, although charged in the suit, was exonerated.

"I have first hand knowledge of the abuse of my rights. The violation of my rights... Rappler has been under attack for 4 years and I think where we’re going, we know first hand where we’re going to be," Ressa said immediately after the verdict..

Businessman Wilfredo Keng had accused Maria Ressa and Rappler of discrediting his reputation in a May 2012 article that said he lent former chief justice Renato Corona his sports utility vehicle. The article also linked him to cases involving human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The court in its verdict said Rappler offered no proof to verify allegations against Keng. It added that the writer did not attempt to verify the claims of the “intelligence report” in the article and also did not publish a follow-up article to air Keng’s side.

The court also said freedom of the press cannot be used as a shield against this.

Ressa and her company Rappler also faced charges of tax fraud, violation of the anti-dummy law and the Securities Regulation Code among others.

She was arrested on June 13 last year and was released from detention after posting P100,000 bail.

The Manila court worked on Ressa’s case for eight months. It moved the verdict announcement to June 15 from the original date of April 3 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision can still be appealed against in the Court of Appeals.

Various groups have criticized the verdict, saying it confirms that press freedom in the country is under attack.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said this is a dark day not only for independent Philippine media but for all Filipinos.

"The verdict basically kills freedom of speech and of the press. But we will not be cowed. We will continue to stand our ground against all attempts to suppress our freedoms," NUJP said in a Facebook statement post.

Vice President Leni Robredo called it a “chilling development” in a statement on Facebook.

“We must remember that this is merely the latest instance of law being utilized to muzzle our free press. Silencing, harassing, and weaponizing law against the media sends a clear message to every dissenting voice: Keep quiet or you are next,” she said.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman said press freedom received another devastating blow from what he called the “the improvident and barren conviction” of Ressa.

Lagman also argued that the law was retroactively applied even if its provisions do not provide for such.

“The purported cyber libel for which Ressa is charged with was allegedly published or committed in May 2012 but the case was filed in 2017 or only five years later. Verily, it has proscribed,” explained the solon.

Lagman said Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code states that cyber-libel has a one year prescription period, meaning the case should have been filed within a year of the alleged violation.

Maria Ressa’s Cyber-libel Case: A Timeline

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:48:42 GMT

Veteran journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and Rappler’s former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. were found guilty of cyber-libel on Monday. Here is a timeline of events that led to their conviction.

NLEX Harbor Link opens to improve traffic and flow of commerce

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:45:37 GMT

Photo Credit: Mark Villar Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar led the opening of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Project in Caloocan today.

Also present at the opening were Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and CEO Rodrigo Franco and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista.

The NLEX harbor link is a new 2.6 kilometer (km) elevated section between the New Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, and the New Navotas Interchange.

This project is part of the Build, Build, Build program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and it aims to expand the NLEX network to the Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon and Valenzuela City (CAMANAVA) area and to Mel Lopez Boulevard (formerly known as R10) in Manila.

“This will be an alternative route between Quezon City and Manila. From the Mindanao Toll Plaza, motorists may now reach the Port Area in Manila in about 15 to 20 minutes,” Villar said.

The DPWH said the elevated expressway is expected to help around 30,000 vehicles per day and will improve the traffic situation of the country by 40-60%.

“We expect to speed up transport of goods as well as increased economic activities in Metro Manila and North and Central Luzon regions,” Bautista said.

The project also aims to help cargo trucks that are struggling in traffic-congested areas such as Quezon Avenue, EDSA, and Manila by giving them all-day access to NLEX, where no truck ban is imposed. This is expected to eventually help the flow of commerce in the country.

“We worked overtime to deliver this piece of infrastructure that our metropolis needs not only to improve driving experience but also to hasten economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Franco added.

No additional toll will be imposed at the NLEX Harbor Link for now.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 15)

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:35:13 GMT

The Department of Health records 490 new cases on Monday.

Of this number, 348 are fresh cases while 142 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 26,420.

Archdiocese of Manila calls for younger Church volunteers amid COVID-19 pandemic

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:32:22 GMT

Photo Credit: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary - Binondo Chinese Parish Facebook Page

The Archdiocese of Manila is calling on younger volunteers to serve the Catholic Church while the elderly are still banned from going outside their homes under the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.

“My dear elderly parish volunteers, even as we appreciate your willingness and good intention to serve, we are also concerned about your health and the health of your family. Please make this sacrifice, and I know for many it is a sacrifice, not to serve in the liturgical services until this pandemic is over,” Manila Auxiliary bishop and Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Broderick Pabillo said.

He explained that the younger volunteers will help them man the recently opened Health Ministry and the Social Communications Ministry, which have been created in a bid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

They will also help in the preparations for the resumption of masses once the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allows mass gatherings.

“In many of our communities, a good number of lay volunteers are among the elderly. So we sorely need younger volunteers. I would appeal to our elderly parish volunteers that if you truly love your parish, you will recruit one or two young volunteers to take your place in the church,” Pabillo added.

P35-M molecular biology lab to rise in Sarangani

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:55:34 GMT

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, Sarangani health officer. (File photo courtesy of the provincial government)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--A modern laboratory that will have the capability to test various emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), will soon rise in Sarangani province.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, head of the Sarangani health office, said Monday that initial preparations are underway for the establishment of the laboratory, which will be funded through a PHP35-million grant from the Department of Health (DOH).

Alejandro said the funding approval was relayed last week by DOH to the local government, through Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon.

“It is a molecular biology center that we can also use for Covid-19 testing,” he said.

Alejandro said the grant was part of the national government’s commitment to the province being one of the 33 pilot areas in the country for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.

The assistance includes the improvement and upgrading of the province’s health care facilities, including the Sarangani Health Care Facility situated at the provincial capitol compound in Alabel town.

He said the funds will be downloaded by the Department of Budget and Management to the DOH, which will implement the project.

DOH has not required a counterpart funding from the provincial government but will manage the facility through its own medical personnel, he said.

Alejandro noted that the establishment of the molecular biology center will be a huge boost to the continuing efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the province, which already recorded three confirmed cases.

“It would allow us to process and test swab samples for Covid-19 and other diseases much faster,” he said.

The provincial government previously sent collected swab samples from the area to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for testing, with the results coming out in three to five days.

Since last week, it began sending swab samples to the newly-opened partner testing laboratory of the provincial government of South Cotabato at the Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center in Koronadal City.

Of the three Covid-19 cases in the province, two were classified as active and one has already fully recovered.

The latest case, which was confirmed last Saturday, was a returning 28-year-old overseas Filipino worker from Alabel town who returned home from Manila last June 10. (PNA)

P7.4-M shabu seized, 4 drug suspects nabbed in Pangasinan

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:53:54 GMT

BUSTED. Authorities seize about PHP7.4 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested four individuals in separate operations in Dagupan City and Binmaley town in Pangasinan on June 14, 2020. One of the arrested suspects is considered a high-value target. (Photo courtesy of PDEA Pangasinan)

BINMALEY, Pangasinan – Authorities seized on Sunday around PHP7.4 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested four individuals in separate operations in Dagupan City and this town.

In a buy-bust operation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Pangasinan and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Barangay Naguilayan here have recovered from suspects Roscius Dadacay and Jim Resuello one kilogram of suspected shabu worth PHP6.8 million.

In an interview, PDEA Pangasinan team leader Retchie Camacho said Dadacay was considered as a high-value target (HVT) by both the police and PDEA, with his scope of operations reaching other towns in central Pangasinan.

Camacho said they have been monitoring Dadacay for some time, but he laid low and became active again in his illegal operations in 2019.

“Dadacay is getting his supply of shabu from the National Capital Region. His driver Resuello was delivering essential goods, making him exempt from checkpoints, which made their travels and transactions easier,” he added.

The suspects are both residents of San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

Authorities also recovered a mobile phone, one L300 van, and three bundles of boodle money used in the operation.

Also on Sunday, the police confiscated 16 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 100 grams worth PHP600,000 from suspects Melody Sollum of Barangay Bonuan Gueset, and Dawn Mariel Mejia of Barangay Caranglaan.

The subject of the police’s operation is Sollum, but the entrapment happened at Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan City leading also to the arrest of Mejia.

The suspects now face violations of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

313 NPA members, allies surrender June 6-12

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:52:36 GMT

MANILA – Intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 313 New People's Army (NPA) members and supporters from June 6 to 12.

In a statement Sunday, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Captain Jonathan Zata, said the Northern Luzon Command area posted the highest number of surrendered regular rebels, supporters, and members of NPA-organized mass organizations who withdrew membership and support from communist rebel units in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora during the period.

On Independence Day, the AFP, in cooperation with the local government of Tarlac, facilitated the withdrawal of support by 100 members of Ambala, also known as the "Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Hacienda Luisita", from the communist terrorist group.

Zata said these individuals also joined 41 other members of Ambala who also denounced the NPA on June 6.

Meanwhile, the 7th Infantry Division, which covers the area of Tarlac, described Ambala as a group organized by the NPA to exploit farmers and agrarian reform issues in the area and has recruited members from 11 different barangays in Hacienda Luisita.

"The AFP also facilitated the withdrawal of support of a total of 132 members of a similar organization in Barangays Bacayao and Manggang Marikit in Guimba, Nueva Ecija on June 7 and 8 respectively," Zata added.

On June 8, four members of another farmers group based in Aurora returned to the fold of the law and withdrew their support from the NPA in a ceremony held at Barangay Calabuanan in the town of Baler.

Meanwhile, 14 communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) surfaced and surrendered to joint elements of AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna the under Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) on June 11.

Confiscated from these individuals were a shotgun, .45-caliber pistol, and four .38-caliber revolvers.

Solcom also recorded the surrender of 12 other rebels in Quezon and Laguna on June 7 and 11, respectively.

In Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), four “Milisya ng Bayan” members presented themselves to joint elements of 73rd Infantry Battalion and PNP in Davao Occidental on June 6.

On the same day, two CNTs also surrendered with their firearms to government forces in Agusan Del Norte and Agusan Del Sur.

Meanwhile, two former NPAs returned to the folds of the law in Tago, Surigao Del Sur on June 7 and 9.

On June 7 and 12, the Western Mindanao Command and Central Command recorded two NPAs who surrendered in Zamboanga del Norte and Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, after a series of intense encounters, apprehensions, and voluntary submissions resulted in the overall seizure of 38 assorted firearms, seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 51 rounds of ammunition for the said period.

The most notable of which came from a 20-minute firefight between the 3rd Infantry Division and 10 NPAs in Igbaras, Iloilo on June 6.

The encounter resulted in the seizure of one M-16 rifle, two rounds of M-203 GL ammunition, one bandolier, three M-16 magazines with 17 rounds of ammunition, an NPA flag, one jungle pack, assorted propaganda materials, and personal belongings.

“We congratulate our troops on the group for these remarkable achievements. The commemoration of our nation’s Independence Day was made more hopeful with these victories in our communities,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said.

He added that every Filipino can rest assured that the AFP is dedicated to securing the nation’s freedom and in liberating exploited masses from the influence of the communist terrorist group.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

6 nabbed, P115-K shabu seized in Zamboanga City

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:51:06 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Drug Enforcement Unit of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) arrested six persons and seized some PHP115,000 worth of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations in this southern port city, an official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office-9 director, identified the arrested drug suspects as John Mark Lucia Bansoy, 22; Aliyasar Mohammad Kahal, 35; Isa Halim Turail, 47; Radzma Pintasan Halim, 25; Valentin Roy Santiago Malik, 32; and Liza Usman Hajijun, 19.

Bansoy yielded some PHP3,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money when arrested around 3 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Guiwan here, police said.

Kahal, on the other hand, yielded some PHP12,000 worth of suspected shabu, a coin purse, and PHP200 marked money when arrested around 3 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Bugguck, Barangay Kasanyangan here, police said.

Meanwhile, police said Turail, Halim, Malik, and Hajijun were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 6:10 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Kasangyangan here.

Recovered from the four were some PHP100,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in 13 heat-sealed plastic sachets, PHP500 marked money, and a coin purse, police said.

Cambay said all the arrested suspects were placed under the custody of ZCPO in preparation for the filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)

Sen. Gatchalian asks Meralco to incentivize online customers

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:12:08 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Official Facebook Page

Senate Energy Committee chairman Win Gatchalian criticized the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) after it announced that it will reimpose the 47-peso convenience fee for online transactions that it had waived during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

"The 47 peso convenience fee is a disincentive for consumers moving online. Why will Meralco resume collecting 47 pesos from every household when many of our ordinary kababayans have just returned to work trying to recover financial losses? This should not happen! The public has been inconvenienced enough," Gatchalian reiterated.

The senator urged the company to provide incentives to its customers who are transacting business online in order to promote staying home and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

“Even with the easing of community quarantine, the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic remains and many customers may still be unable to visit business centers due to limited transportation,” the senator noted.

"We don't want other distribution utilities to get an idea in coming up with a similar setup, to the detriment of power consumers. We don't want to create undue stress to our consumers," he added.

Meralco earlier clarified that the P47 fee does not go to its coffers and that payments go through a payment gateway operated and maintained by an online third-party service provider.

Gatchalian meanwhile voiced support for the ERC issuance of a Show Cause Order against Meralco for not complying with its advisories by not clearly stating the word "estimate" on the consumer bill and that the installment payment should have been clearly explained to the consumers.

The senator also previously urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to look into fees being charged by third-party service providers and other matters concerning electricity bills to help consumers who are continuously facing financial difficulties because of the health crisis.

Lacson willing to join protests if Anti-Terrorism Law is abused

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:07:40 GMT

Photo Credit: Panfilo “Ping” Lacson Official Facebook Page

Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Chairman Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson assured the public that he will closely monitor the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 once it becomes a law and call out potential abuses.

"The Anti-Terrorism Bill is the wrong tree to bark at. I vow to join those who are concerned, genuinely or otherwise, about the proposed law's implementation to be as vigilant in monitoring each and every wrongful implementation by our security forces, even to the point of joining them in street protests, just like what I did before during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," said Lacson who is also one of the bill’s primary authors.

He stressed that the bill contains more than enough provisions against abuse, such as 10-year jail terms and perpetual disqualification from public service for law enforcers who arrest suspected terrorists but fail to immediately inform the nearest judge and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Lacson further explained that he would lead investigations on potential abuses that go against the legislative purpose of the measure.

"I assure them that I will be the first to stand on the Senate floor and call out those responsible for abuse at the top of my voice in privilege speeches and Senate inquiries, if and when it comes to that, as I have done so before and during this current administration," Lacson said.

"Regarding the abuses, we've seen them, we've investigated them. The cops responsible for the murder of Kian de los Santos were convicted, largely because of our Senate inquiries. We need a tough anti-terror law but with tougher safeguards to fight and defeat both," he continued.

SAF troopers deployed after attack on police station in Sulu

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:53:27 GMT

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa (File photo)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Sunday ordered hot pursuit operations against unidentified armed men who attacked a local police station in Sulu on Saturday, killing two police officers and wounding two others.

Gamboa said PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14 troops have been deployed to go after the assailants.

He also directed Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) regional director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu to provide necessary medical attention to the wounded police officers.

"I directed the PROBAR to launch hot pursuit operations, and investigation in coordination with our counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to bring the suspects to justice," Gamboa said in a statement.

Gamboa condemned the latest attack against a government installation in Sulu amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In behalf of the entire PNP, he extended condolences to the bereaved families of Cpl. Mudar Salamat and Pat. Arjun Putalan.

According to report, the Parang Municipal Police Station was fired upon by unidentified suspects at 7 p.m. on Saturday, resulting in at least 30 minutes gunfight.

Putalan and Salamat suffered fatal gunshot wounds and died later at the Parang Municipal Hospital.

Executive M/Sgt. Hamid Saribbon and Senior M/Sgt. Harold Nieva were also brought to Parang Municipal Hospital and are now recuperating under close observation by PNP doctors from PROBAR.

The suspects were last seen fleeing towards the direction of Indanan, Sulu.

All PNP units in the region were advised to be alert and vigilant to thwart similar attacks by lawless elements, Gamboa said. (PNA)

Anti-terror bill to spare youth from armed groups' recruitment

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:52:08 GMT

MANILA – The proposed anti-terrorism bill will serve as a strong backbone against violent extremism and recruitment of youth into the armed movement, the League of Parents in the Philippines (LPP) said Sunday.

In a statement, LPP chairperson Remy Rosadio said the measure will protect minors against active organizations "who are instilling hatred and brainwashing them to fight the government at all cost."

She said children will also be protected against all forms of exploitation.

"We, parents, fully believe that the bill when passed into law will put a strong legal backbone against terrorism -- which are locally carried out by the Abu Sayyaf and the CPP-NPA-NDF -- thus, protecting our children from their treacherous and harmful schemes," Rosadio said.

The terrorists, she said, are constantly recruiting child combatants for the armed struggle through their allied groups.

"These terrorists have been nothing but a constant and aggravating threat to our children’s rights, which include: the right to health, education, family life, play and recreation, an adequate standard of living and to be protected from abuse and harm," she added.

She said enacting the bill into law will provide a tougher response against the threat of terrorism and will end the long-standing violence by the communist terrorist groups.

"We have heard and lamented over stories of minors being brainwashed by these terrorists and brought them to the mountains to train them to fight, then left beaten and alone, if not dead, after an unfortunate engagement with the military. Thank God for children who have already been rescued by our valiant men in uniform. But what about the others?" Rosadio said. "We need to protect our children because they are the future of this country, and to teach them that terrorizing people can never be a solution to anything."

'Display of ignorance'

Rosadio said the parents of supposed recruited minors, who joined militant organizations, were disheartened by what she called "massive disinformation" created by the groups against the measure.

"We are very displeased with those creating massive disinformation against the anti-terrorism bill, especially because they have not fully read or understood the provisions thereof. Most of what they howl and yammer in the streets or on social media are but a display of their ignorance. Or, as we are inclined to believe more, they may just be fearful," she said.

Rosadio emphasized the passage of the bill could put a halt to children being brought into the mountains and will curb human trafficking, exploiting children as well as teaching them with armed mobilizations.

The parents of those who were reportedly recruited by various militant groups only seek a normal life for their children, Rosadio said.

She urged her fellow parents to remain vigilant and informed with the "propaganda of the fearful and the guilty militant organizations."

"If we will all just take time to read this anti-terrorism bill, then we will understand that it has provisions that will make sure no human rights will be violated, in fact, it’s all about preserving and safeguarding the human life," she said.

"Furthermore, it is not against activism, as some allegedly accuse, because we the League of Parents are also activists and we have been going out in the streets protesting for the sake of our children and our country. And this we will do so until our very last breath," she added. (PNA)

US willing to share Covid-19 vaccine, treatment to PH

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:35:11 GMT

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

MANILA – The US government is very much willing to share to the Philippines any coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines and therapeutics once these become available.

This was one of the topics discussed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his US counterpart, Mark Esper, during their telephone call Friday (June 12).

"Secretary Esper mentioned that developments on vaccines and therapeutics in the US are making very good progress and expressed their willingness to share them with US allies and partners once available," the DND statement said on Sunday.

Lorenzana also took the opportunity to share the Philippines’ response to the Covid-19 and expressed his appreciation for the medical assistance and donations of medical supplies provided by the US government.

Esper, on the other hand, expressed his appreciation for the DND’s support for the Philippine government’s decision to suspend the termination of the agreement regarding the treatment of US Armed Forces visiting the Philippines, referred to as “the Visiting Forces Agreement”.

Both defense officials also discussed the security situation in the South China Sea, counter-terrorism, and logistics cooperation, particularly on the capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Both sides committed to sustain dialogues amidst the pandemic and strengthen cooperation between the two defense establishments," the DND statement added. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (June 14)

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:29:46 GMT

The Department of Health records 539 new cases on Sunday.

Of this number, 366 are fresh cases while 173 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 25,930.

Solon scores “illegal arrest” of Muslims in Manila

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 08:20:45 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives Official Website

Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman condemned the warrantless arrest of two Muslims in Manila and the illegal search of their houses during the Independence Day celebration.

Hataman questioned the handling of the operation against Saadudin Alawiya and Abdullah Maute who were tagged as drug suspects by the Manila Police District.

“I am not passing judgment on the guilt or innocence of everyone involved, but I am expressing strong feelings against the way law enforcers handled the situation. Parang madaming shortcut ang ginawa (It seems shortcuts were made). It would seem that they did not do their jobs well, and by failing on their responsibilities, they deprived people of their rights to due process. At yan ay nakakatakot (and that is scary),” said Hataman.

Anti-drugs agents of the MPD allegedly stormed the house of the suspects without identifying themselves; conducted a search of the vicinity without any search warrant; and arrested the two without an arrest warrant.

The police also failed to show any identification and did not coordinate with barangay officials.

Relatives of the suspects posted recordings of the four-hour ordeal in social media. They claimed that the two were legitimate jewelry traders and not drug peddlers.

Hataman called on the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to probe the incident, saying that there is mounting evidence to suggest that law enforcers in this case went beyond their authority and abused their powers.

“Ang sabi, buy-bust operation dapat ito. Ang sabi, dapat sa Luneta nangyari, pero hindi nagpakita. Given na totoo itong claim ng pulis, may kapangyarihan na ba sila na puntahan ang mga Muslim na ito sa bahay at halughugin ang kagamitan at arestuhin sila kahit walang warrant?” Hataman asked.

(Police said it was supposed to be a buy-bust operation. They said they were to meet in Luneta, but the suspects failed to show up. Given that this claim of the police is true, do they have power to go to the house of the Muslims and ransack their property and arrest them without warrants?)

Hataman also expressed concern that more similar cases will occur once the Anti-Terrorism bill becomes a law.

“I hope that this will not be commonplace if the Anti-Terrorism Bill is signed into law. This is another reason to oppose such measures. If in drug cases, law enforcement can disregard basic rights of citizens, what more under this measure where they will be given more powers and more discretion?”

PRRD mulls MECQ, 2 other options in Metro Manila, Cebu

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 07:54:05 GMT

IATF MEETING. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on June 4, 2020. Duterte is set to meet IATF-EID again on Monday (June 15) in Manila. (Presidential photo Joey Dalumpines)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is weighing in on three options for the new quarantine classification to be implemented over Metro Manila and Cebu by June 16.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte could retain the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification in both areas, place them in the least strict modified GCQ (MGCQ), or return them to more strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Bahala po ang Presidente kasi binabalanse naman po natin iyong ekonomiya at sapat naman po iyong kakayahan nating magbigay ng medical care doon sa mga magkakasakit nang critical, iyong critical care capacity natin (It would be up to the President because we are balancing the economy and enough capacity to provide medical care for critical patients),” he said in an interview over DZBB on Saturday.

MGCQ is the lowest level of community quarantine imposed by the government before the shift to the new normal.

Under MGCQ, public gatherings would be allowed up to 50 percent of the venue’s capacity and more transport options would be available.

Roque, however, said the high number of cases in Metro Manila and Cebu do not seem to deem a transition from the current GCQ to MGCQ.

“It’s a gamble po na hinayaan na natin ang Presidente na magdesisyon (that we’re letting the President decide),” he said.

Earlier, Roque ensured that the country is ready to enforce the new quarantine rules by June 16.

He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had already informed the local government units (LGUs) about the possible quarantine reclassifications in their respective localities.

Duterte is set to announce the new quarantine classifications in the country on June 15.

He was supposed to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Davao City last Thursday (June 11) but decided to move the meeting to Monday in Manila.

On June 13, a total of 607 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the country, bringing the total to 25,392 cases with 1,074 deaths and 5,706 are recoveries.

Metro Manila has the most number of Covid-19 cases at 5,706 while Cebu City has 3,361 infections as of June 12.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella wanted Cebu City to remain under GCQ after June 15.

Five regions including the National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, the provinces of Pangasinan and Albay and the cities of Zamboanga City, Davao City, Cebu City and Mandaue are under GCQ until June 15. The rest of the country is under MGCQ. (PNA)

Villar supports ‘Buy Local’ initiative to help Pinoy entrepreneurs recover

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 06:47:33 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia Villar Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Senator Cynthia Villar has voiced her support for ‘Buy Local’ and ‘Buyanihan’ initiatives which promote products and services offered by local entrepreneurs.

“Our micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) suffered because of the pandemic. It is high-time we give premium to the mantra “Tangkilikin ang sariling atin (patronize our own),” and really make it a point to buy Filipino products,” Villar said.

The senator noted that there is now a growing demand for local products especially on social media and online selling sites.

“We have been pushing for a concerted effort on the part of the government and stakeholders to bring the benefit of this practice to the consciousness of the consuming public. One of the positive things this pandemic brought us is the opportunity to put our very own Filipino products on centerstage,” She said.

Villar also commended MSMEs which have learned to cope with the operational stress brought about by the pandemic. She said online selling enabled local sellers to reach consumers at a time when quarantine measures are in place.

The senator noted that MSMEs are a vital component to the development of our nation's economy. In 2017, the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries said MSMEs account for 99.52% of registered businesses in the Philippines and employ over 62.9% of the Filipino labor force.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we support our resourceful Filipino entrepreneurs in order to help them quickly recover and also to promote their development and competitiveness in the long run,” she said.

Villar authored Senate Bill 145 designating the month of November as “Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy Month” to encourage the public and private sectors to prioritize the purchase and utilization of Filipino products, labor and services. The month of November was strategically chosen because of the increased consumer spending that occurs during the Christmas season.

“There is a need to inculcate in each Filipino the wisdom of supporting our very own Filipino made products, and in the process, give due recognition to Filipino producers whose creativity and ingenuity brought us products and services which can be considered world-class,” she added.

Solon seeks gov't assistance for private school teachers

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 06:36:23 GMT

A leader of the House of Representantes has called on the government to look into the plight of some 300,000 private school teachers whose work and livelihood were affected by quarantine measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera pointed out that, unlike those in the public school system, private school teachers do not enjoy guaranteed salaries at this time when classes are put on hold because of the health crisis.

“Considering that there is much uncertainty on the enrollment of students which would consequently affect the ability of many private schools to sustain themselves, teachers and non-teaching personnel in private educational institutions should also be given assistance to help them cope with the effects of the pandemic,” Herrera said.

The lady solon was alarmed by reports that small private schools were not qualified to get assistance from the government’s Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program, which provides wage subsidies of P5,000 or P8,000 per month to eligible employees in the private sector.

“If these private schools are not qualified under the SBWS program, then how will the government provide support for their teaching and non-teaching personnel during this global public health crisis?” Herrera asked.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), which serves as the unifying voice of private education in the country noted that many private schools are already bleeding financially and are on the verge of closing down.

Herrera said school fees are collected per term and therefore teaching and non-teaching staff can only be remunerated when these fees are collected at the beginning of the term.

She warned that permanent closure of private schools would render their teaching and non-teaching personnel jobless, Herrera added.

“It’s Showtime”, balik-telebisyon na

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 04:07:00 GMT

Photo Credit :It's Showtime Instagram Account

Nagbalik na ang “It’s Showtime” nitong Sabado, Hunyo 13, sa telebisyon matapos ang halos isang buwan.

Naging hudyat ito ng pagsisimula ng Kapamilya Channel kung saan ipapalabas ang mga programa ng ABS-CBN.

Sa ngayon, ang “It’s Showtime” ay mapapanood sa pamamagitan ng Kapamilya Channel sa SKY, Cablelink, G Sat at karamihan sa miyembro ng Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) sa buong bansa.

Hindi napigil ni Vice Ganda ang maging emosyonal: "We are back. Miss na miss namin kayong lahat. Alam namin hinihintay n’yo kami. Ito na, magkakasama na tayo ulit. Sana magdire-diretso na.”

Nagbukas ang programa sa pag-awit nina Jhong Hilario at Vhong Navarro na sinundan naman ng dance number ni Ion Perez at Jackque Gonzaga ng sikat na awitin ni Kim Chiu na “Bawal Lumabas.”

Inawit naman ni Vice Ganda ang “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig” na pinasikat ng December Avenue.

Sunod ding nag-perform sina Karylle, Jugs Jugueta at Teddy Corpuz.

Virtual ang naging parte ng iba pang hosts na sina Amy Perez at Ryan Bang.

Maliban sa mga bagong segment, tulad ng “Pamilyanaryo” at “1Ted Now Hiring” ay muli ring nagbalik ang “Tawag ng Tanghalan” kung saan naging hurado sina Karylle, K Brosas at Randy Santiago.

Huling nagsama-sama ng live ang mga host ng “It’s Showtime” noong Marso, bago ipatupad ang enhanced community quarantine dahil sa coronavirus (COVID-19).

Tuluyang nawala sa ere ang programa nang ipag-utos ng National Telecommunications Commission ang paghinto ng operasyon ng ABS-CBN noong Mayo 5.

City Admin: Cebu City not going back to ECQ

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 02:52:27 GMT

Photo Credit: Floro Casas Jr. Facebook Account

Cebu City administrator Floro Casas Jr. belied rumors that Cebu City will return to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) because of the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

“As of today (June 13, 2020), the following post circulating in social media is fake news. This is malicious misinformation,” said Casas in his Facebook post on Saturday.

Casas said IATF Resolution No. 35 dated May 11, 2020 is “no longer applicable or relevant today.”

Cebu City has been under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) since June 1. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is expected to release a new memo regarding the city’s status on Monday.

Cebu City has the highest number of COVID-19 cases among all cities in the country with 3,000.

Albay prepares to resume commercial flights at Legazpi Airport on Monday

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:55:03 GMT

Photo Credit: Provincial Tourism for Culture and the Arts Office

The Albay provincial government is preparing for the resumption of commercial flights at Legazpi Domestic Airport on Monday.

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara issued an Executive Order outlining preventive protocols and reporting procedures on COVID-19 for passengers of inbound routes and connecting flights.

All travellers coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) or other areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases will undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Markings are also put on the tarmac to indicate where passengers will stand while waiting.

Faucets and hand sanitizers are also installed so that passengers can wash their hands before entering the airport terminal.

Passengers should also present original copies of COVID-19-related travel documents.

A vehicle should be available to fetch the traveller upon their exit from the airport.

All locally stranded individuals upon arrival in Albay must report immediately to their respective LGU for documentation and undergo proper medical disposition subject to local regulations and quarantine procedures.

Personnel of the Albay Provincial Tourism for Culture and the Arts Office (PTCAO) conducted a simulation exercise to test the procedures for the proper receiving of arriving passengers.

The Department of Health Center for Health Development in Bicol recorded two new confirmed cases of COVID-19, one from Catanduanes and one from Albay. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Bicol Region to 84.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 13)

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 09:44:23 GMT

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country exceeds 25,000 as the Department of Health records 607 new cases on Saturday.

Of this number, 504 are fresh cases while 103 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 25,392.

DOH debunks information on Metro Manila’s return to ECQ

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 07:25:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Laging Handa PH

The Department of Health (DOH) belied rumors circulating on social media that Metro Manila will revert to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on Monday.

“Wala pa pong nilalabas ang IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) na recommendations ukol dito sa June 15 decisions. Lahat ng lalabas ay wala pang basehan,” said DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire.

(The IATF has not released any recommendations related to June 15 decisions. All rumors coming out are baseless)

Vergeire said the IATF will send its recommendations on the quarantine status of Metro Manila to President Rodrigo Duterte by Monday.

The spokesperson advised the public to focus on staying safe and healthy as they could not yet tell if the country is already flattening the curve of COVID-19 infections in terms of doubling time and care utilization rate.

She also emphasized the need to follow health protocols such as the wearing of facemasks and social distancing measures to avoid COVID-19 infection.

Vergeire added that people should wear their facemasks in the proper way, which means that both nose and mouth are covered by the masks.

She also discouraged non-frontliner Filipinos from using N95 masks to ensure the supply of the mask type for medical frontliners.

The IATF placed Metro Manila under ECQ in March after the country reported its first COVID-19 case. This was shifted to modified ECQ and then to GCQ (general community quarantine) in May.

OFW who used fake quarantine pass is Catanduanes’ 2nd COVID-19 case

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 05:10:20 GMT

Photo Credit: DOH CHD - Bicol Facebook Page

A returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is under quarantine in Catanduanes after Department of Health Bicol officials confirmed on Friday that he is the province’s second COVID-19 patient.

DOH Bicol said the OFW had already been confirmed as COVID-19-positive by the Philippine Red Cross in Metro Manila last June 1 after his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The OFW used a fake quarantine pass when he arrived in the province last June 8 through the Balik Happy Island Program.

The Provincial Government of Catanduanes has imposed stricter protocols in the inspection of documents of returning OFWs and locally stranded individuals as a result.

The government will require returning OFWs to secure a copy of the Molecular Laboratory Result Form issued by the Philippine Red Cross to confirm that they tested negative for COVID-19 after going through Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

Catanduanes however announced that its Balik Happy Island program will continue and will not be affected by the suspension of the Balik Probinsya Program of the National Government .

Of the 82 total recorded COVID-19 cases in the Bicol Region, 68 patients have recovered, seven are still in the hospital, two are in quarantine facilities and five have died from the disease.

Chief Justice Peralta honors medical frontliners on Independence Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:59:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Supreme Court's Public Information Office Twitter Account

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta honored medical frontliners in the battle against 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during Friday’s celebration of the country’s 122nd year of independence from Spanish rule.

“Habang ginugunita natin ang kagitingan ng ating mga bayani na nag-alay ng kanilang karunungan at nagbuwis ng mga buhay upang ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan at kasarinlan, nararapat din na bigyan natin ng pagpupugay ang ating mga bagong bayani – ang ating mga frontliners na buong tapang na hinaharap ang banta ng sakit upang makapag silbi sa kapwa,” Peralta said.

(As we celebrate the courage of our heroes who gave their lives to fight for our freedom and independence, it is also fitting to honor our new heroes - the frontliners who bravely face the risk of illness to serve their fellowmen.)

He encouraged the Filipino people to spread the spirit of bayanihan and care for one another while the country is still grappling with COVID-19 pandemic.

“Tayo ay magkaisa upang mapagtagumpayan ang laban sa gitna ng mga hamon tungo sa isang malayang pamumuhay at malusog na sambayanan,” he said.

(We must unite in order to succeed against challenges toward a freedom-filled life and a healthy society.)

No arrests as Cebu protesters rally on Independence Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 11:29:30 GMT

Photo Credit: College Editors Guild of the Philippines Cebu Facebook Page

Supporters and protesters of the controversial Anti-Terror Bill held separate rallies in Cebu City on the country’s 122nd Independence Day.

Cebu City Police Office officer-in-charge Col. Cydric Earl Tamayo said the protest groups had less than 10 people in them. He said police were deployed to rally venues to try to convince the protesters to go home.

Protesters at the University of the Philippines Cebu rally started their "mañanita” at 10 a.m. on Friday. The College Editors Guild of the Philippines Cebu posted that riot police were already stationed at the waiting shed across the UP Cebu entrance gate at the time.

BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan) Central Visayas hit the government for observing a double standard in handling the protests.

“If the supporters of the Anti-Terrorism Bill can freely hold a rally without threat or fear of violent dispersal or arrest, then the dissenters should also be extended the same courtesy," BAYAN Central Visayas spokesperson Jaime Paglinawan said.

Paglinawan was referring to the protest last June 5 at UP Cebu where he and six other protesters and one bystander were arrested after a forced dispersal by police.

He said his group pushed with the Independence Day rally despite the possibility of dispersals and more arrests.

"It is ironic that the police are decked in riot gear for our protest on the Philippines' 122nd Independence Day," said Regletto Imbong, president of the All UP Academic Employees' Union (AUPAEU) and a convenor of MAT Cebu.

"The police and the Duterte administration who are allergic to criticism and dissent are the very symbols of why the Philippines is not truly independent," he added.

A group of Anti-Terror Bill supporters meanwhile rallied at Colon Street without any incident.

BI reports zero COVID cases among its frontliners at NAIA

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 11:26:04 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Immigration Facebook Page

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente confirmed that all bureau frontliners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) tested negative for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after swab testing.

“We are elated upon learning that, so far, none of our frontliners at the NAIA have been infected by the virus,” Morente said on Friday.

Morente also said this includes the nine immigration officers at the NAIA who were earlier suspected of having COVID-19.

The nine officials were made to undergo confirmatory tests after they yielded positive results in the rapid antibody tests administered on June 5.

Morente added that the 43 bureau personnel at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga have also tested negative for COVID-19.

The bureau chief however urged all of his employees to remain vigilant and not be complacent as the battle against COVID-19 is far from over.

“This is a necessary measure we cannot forego in the face of this continuing pandemic,” he said.

Morente recently required over 3,000 BI employees to undergo rapid testing for COVID-19 after one of the bureau’s main office employees in Intramuros tested positive for the disease, leading to the temporary closure of the said office.

June 12, 2020 - “Grand Mañanita” Protest at UP Diliman

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 11:13:53 GMT

LOOK: The rain did not stop protesters from holding a “grand mañanita” rally at the UP Diliman campus on Independence Day to show their opposition to the controversial anti-terror bill.

The bill is now in Malacañang awaiting the President’s signature.

“Partygoers” hold Independence Day “Grand Mañanita” protest

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:55:44 GMT

QUEZON CITY - Different groups from various sectors braved stormy weather to hold “Mañanita” protests against the anti-terror bill and other issues on the 122nd Independence Day of the Philippines.

The event held at the University of the Philippines Diliman combined protest action with a festive theme, with the participants calling themselves partygoers.

The event was named Grand Mañanita after the widely criticized birthday celebration of National Capital Region Police Chief Debold Sinas that was held while Metro Manila was under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

It also followed Senator Francis Pangilinan’s earlier advice to protesters to call their rallies Mañanitas. Pangilinan met with other opposition leaders online on Thursday night to discuss the conduct of the protest.

The protests focused on the government’s alleged failures and misplaced priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic: the arrest of six members of PISTON (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide) by the Northern Police District on June 2: the arrest of seven activists in UP Cebu: and the recently passed Anti-Terror bill.

Among the groups that attended the Grand Mañanita are the Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy, Movement against Tyranny (MAT), Gabriela Youth, Anakbayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Metro Manila, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Sama-samang artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo, College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Anakpawis party-list.

The protesters aired the event on social media. Participants were also told to wear black and any Mañanita-related outfit.

Activists followed health protocols, including the use of facemasks and imposition of social distancing while rallying.

KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said they are safeguarding the remaining democratic rights and civil liberties of Filipinos.

“The government must stop using the coronavirus and the pandemic situation as an excuse to curtail people’s rights and abuse the rule of law,” Ramos said.

The Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police asked the public yesterday to avoid mass gatherings in accordance with the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 12)

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:27:35 GMT

The Department of Health records 615 new cases on Friday, June 12.

Of this number, 336 are fresh cases while 279 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 24,787.

PDEA nabs 7 suspects in Bacolod drug den

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:44:35 GMT

ARRESTED. Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Western Visayas arrest seven suspects inside a drug den in Purok Kaingin, Barangay Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City on Thursday afternoon (June 11, 2020). The suspects yielded about 13 grams of suspected shabu. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-Western Visayas)

BACOLOD CITY – Seven persons were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) inside a drug den in Barangay Singcang-Airport on Thursday afternoon.

A report of PDEA-Western Visayas Special Enforcement Unit identified the suspects as Jocelyn Valencia, Ronnie Taha, Felix Mahinay Jr., Randy Banihit, Joel Salazar, Kris Martin Duff, and Gene Michael Dairo.

As of Friday, the suspects are still detained at Police Station 8.

During the operation in Purok Kaingin at 4:20 p.m., the agents launched a buy-bust, which led to the recovery of about 13 grams of suspected shabu.

The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs), Section 6 (maintenance of a drug den), Section 7 (visitors of a drug den) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Last Tuesday afternoon, the same team also arrested three drug personalities-- Thelma Tabudlong, Jenny Cris Rofelos, and Eduardo Tabudlong Jr.—in a sting operation in Barangay 12 here.

The suspects yielded some seven grams of shabu.

They will be charged with violation of Section 5, Section 11 and Section 26 (attempt or conspiracy) of R.A. 9165.

On June 4, suspect Abraham Badana Te was arrested by PDEA-Negros Occidental operatives in a buy-bust also in Barangay 12.

Operatives seized about 20 grams of shabu from the suspect, who is facing charges for violation of Section 5 and Section 11 of R.A. 9165. (PNA)

MNLF 'member' nabbed in Zambo Sibugay anti-drug op

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:40:52 GMT

ARRESTED. An alleged member of the Moro National Liberation Front (seated, left) was arrested while a minor was rescued (seated, right) in an anti-drug operation in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday (June 10, 2020). The lawmen recovered from the suspect some 2.5 grams of suspected shabu. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities arrested an alleged member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rescued a minor in an anti-drug operation in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, an official said Friday.

Emerson Margate, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director, identified the arrested MNLF member as Johan Bensali, 28, of Kabasalan town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Margate said Bensali was arrested by a team of PDEA, police, and military personnel at a bakeshop in Barangay Poblacion, Kabasalan at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The minor who was with Bensali was turned over to the municipal social welfare and development office for proper disposition, he said.

Bensali yielded some 2.5 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP17,000, the buy-bust money, an MNLF identification card, PHP1,690 cash in different denominations believed to be proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs, and other pieces of evidence, Margate said.

The buy-bust operation was launched following surveillance in the suspect’s illegal drug activity, he said, adding that cases for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being readied to be filed against the suspect. (PNA)

Siblings nabbed, yield P2.8-M shabu in Maguindanao

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:38:19 GMT

ARRESTED. Drug suspects Kenny Pulalon, and his sister Fhai, were both handcuffed following a drug bust operation in Maguindanao on June 12, 2020. The seized illegal drugs (inset) have an estimated street value of PHP2.8 million. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Acting on a tip from relatives, anti-narcotics agents arrested a brother-sister duo and seized some PHP2.8-million worth of suspected shabu during a drug buy-bust operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat Friday.

Juvenal Azurin, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), identified the suspects as Kenny Pulalon, 39, and his sister Fhai, 30, both of Barangay Taviran, Datu Odin Sinsuat.

PDEA-BARMM agents, backed by police and soldiers in plainclothes, immediately arrested the duo after they handed over nine huge sachets of shabu at 10 a.m. to an undercover agent in fish landing area beside Tamontaka river.

PDEA agents seized around 450 grams of shabu in nine sachets, mobile phones, and “boodle money” used in the transaction.

Azurin told reporters that the suspects’ relatives provided the information leading to the entrapment operation.

The arrest of the Pulalons came after PDEA-BARMM agents arrested on Wednesday big-time drug peddler Jordan Rakim in Barangay Pinguiaman of the same municipality.

Rakim, whom Azurin alleged is a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao, yielded 500 grams of shabu worth PHP3.4 million.

Azurin said investigators are still determining if the stuff seized from the Pulalons and those from Rakim belonged to one source.

“We are trying to determine the links, they could be members of big-time drug syndicates operating in Maguindanao and nearby provinces,” Azurin told reporters in an interview.

The siblings are now detained at PDEA custodial facility in Cotabato City. (PNA)

Pinoys urged to have ‘courage, hope, optimism’ amid health crisis

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:37:05 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on his fellow Filipinos to live with “courage, hope, and optimism” even as the country continues its battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Duterte made the call in a taped video message played during the 122nd Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park in Manila.

“Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic,” Duterte said.

Duterte recognized that while the noble heroes of the past faced the might of colonial powers, the country is still confronted with problems brought about by the Covid-19 crisis.

He was optimistic that the country would once again rise to the challenge.

“As we wage united battle against Covid-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the ability of character as the heroes of our past,” Duterte said.

Duterte skipped the ceremonies for the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the declaration of the Philippine Independence held at the Rizal Park in Manila because the number of attendees was limited to 10 people only.

He was instead represented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who led the wreath-laying and flag-raising rites during the Independence Day celebration.

Duterte, nevertheless, honored the country’s forefathers who “proudly proclaimed the birth of the Filipino nation” 122 years ago.

“I join all Filipinos in celebrating the 122nd anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence,” he said. “Today, we honor them (the country’s forefathers) for their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice, as well as we thank them for the gifts of democracy and freedom.”

On June 12, 1898, the Philippines’ independence from Spain was declared at the ancestral house of the first Philippine president, Emilio Aguinaldo, in Kawit, Cavite.

June 12 is a regular holiday in the country to allow Filipinos to celebrate the Philippine Independence. (PNA)

Remember cops' sacrifices in fight vs. Covid-19: Gamboa

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:35:03 GMT

MANILA – As the country celebrates its 122nd Independence Day, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Friday urged the public to remember the sacrifices of law enforcers in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Gamboa's message, which was read by PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, said the country's police force has shown its resolve and courage as front-liners and guardians of security and peace, in helping the government handle the pandemic.

"Sila ang matatawag nating mga makabagong bayani sa bagong panahon(They are our modern-day heroes during this crisis)," the PNP chief's message said.

He also urged the public to remember and honor the sacrifices made by the men and women in police uniform, who put their lives on the line.

"Bigyan natin sila ng pagkilala, pasasalamat, at pagpupugay(Let us recognize, thank, and salute them for their sacrifices)," Gamboa said.

And despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said all PNP operatives remain committed to performing their duties as front-liners and as law enforcers.

As of Thursday, five PNP personnel have already died of the Covid-19. (PNA)

Duterte, Xi reaffirm partnership to develop Covid-19 vaccine

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:33:19 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Presidential photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their commitment to boost the partnership between the Philippines and China for the development of a vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Friday.

During their 38-minute phone conversation on Thursday night, Duterte and Xi pledged to work together in fighting Covid-19, as part of international efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The President mentioned to his Chinese counterpart the need for cooperation in research trials for Covid-19 vaccine development and underscored the importance of making the vaccine accessible and affordable to all countries,” Roque said.

He said Duterte had received assurance from Xi that China would make the Covid-19 vaccine “available for all,” once developed.

Roque added that Xi had promised that the Philippines, as a “friendly neighbor,” would be a “priority.”

China and the Philippines are among the countries that are still struggling to defeat Covid-19, which originated in Hubei, China in December 2019.

China has a total of 83,064 confirmed Covid-19 cases, while the Philippines has reported 24,175 infections.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved in May the Philippines’ planned collaboration with Chinese and Taiwanese organizations and research groups in the clinical trials for a vaccine against Covid-19.

Also in May, Duterte expressed confidence that China would be among the first countries to develop a Covid-19 vaccine.

Rebooting the economy

In a separate press statement, Malacañang said Duterte and Xi had both acknowledged the importance of international solidarity to address the health and socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Palace said the two leaders had likewise recognized the progress in both countries when it comes to their efforts to address the Covid-19 crisis and reboot their respective economies.

“Both leaders discussed progress in their respective governments' fight against Covid-19 and crucial strategies to restart economies under the new normal,” it said.

Malacañang said Xi had assured Duterte of the continued supply chain connectivity in critical medical supplies and equipment, the promotion of the free flow of goods, and the resumption and completion of priority infrastructure cooperation projects in the Philippines.

Xi, it said, had also thanked the Philippines for helping China by giving donations to Wuhan and stressed that such act of kindness “shall be returned many times more.”

Value of friendship

The “productive, open, and focused” phone conversation between Duterte and Xi, as described by the Palace, happened two days after Manila and Beijing marked the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Malacañang said Duterte and Xi had looked back on the value of friendship between the two countries and the significant increase in their cooperation in a wide range of areas.

The two leaders had expressed appreciation for each other’s “very warm” written messages on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations, it added.

“The exchange of letters demonstrated shared commitment to strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperation and articulated the resolve to uphold peace, stability, prosperity, and principles of international law, including the rule of law,” the Palace said. (PNA)

DepEd, CHED urged to link with UN groups to enhance distance learning systems

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:30:15 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Francis Tolentino Official Facebook Page

Senator Francis Tolentino called on the government’s education agencies to tie up with international and private groups to enhance their existing distance learning systems.

"Why don't we take advantage of the existing platforms tailor-made by these international educational organizations? We must tie up with these big players para hindi na tayo mahirapan sa ating gagawing distance learning (We must tie up with these big players so we won’t have difficulty when we set up distance learning)," Tolentino said during a hearing of the House Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Tolentino criticized both the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for failing to mention in past hearings their plans to adopt existing learning modalities from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and private groups.

"For instance, UNICEF has a learning passport supported by Microsoft to help the children of Ukraine, UNESCO has an institute for information technology and education to combat COVID-19 while Google has its Classroom that teachers can use to deliver learning materials to students," he said.

The senator said online platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Facebook would not suffice in the delivery of learning materials to students so DepEd and CHED must seek help from other groups.

"I am a bit worried baka sa unang dalawang linggo sumablay po tayo dito (I am a bit worried we might see failure in the first two weeks), not because of the lack of competencies on the part of the teachers who will perform this but due to the proper software that will be utilized. Ano po bang software ang gagamitin (What software will be used)?" he said.

Tolentino also asked the committee for a demonstration of distance learning modalities to be conducted two weeks before the scheduled start of classes on August 24.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones told Tolentino that her office is already speaking with both UNICEF and UNESCO.

Direk Freddie Santos: Theater only has one purpose, to tell a story

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 08:03:19 GMT

State of Philippine theater during the pandemic: the director’s point of view

Renowned Filipino theater and concert director Freddie Santos said theater is in a confused state on how it can cope with the “new normal” in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Right now, it’s in a very confused state. People either don’t know what to do or they’re looking for something to do. They’re coming up with all sorts of things to do. But in the process, we don’t determine a new normal for theater,” he said during an online interview.

He then stressed that theater itself has to have a new normal.

Direk Freddie explained that one of the problems facing theater is that people have gotten accustomed to peak productions, meaning productions that are intricately designed, acted, lit, and staged. It has become a standard that people expect.

“They have to understand, theater never began that way and, right now, always, when you can’t look forward, look back; look back and it’ll tell you how to look forward,” he said.

He also said people need to fully understand what the goal of theater is, which has never changed.

“A lot of theater people really make the mistake as to what the purpose of theater is. Theater only has one purpose: to tell a story,” the director said.

“You skip out on that, you will end up getting lost in the quagmire of things. But you stick to that and, believe me, a piece of paper will be all you need,” he added.

He said that with all of the problems that the country is facing, the path that theater will take next is hard to determine.

“Because people are too busy getting upset about it, getting optimistic about it, getting hopeful, getting whatever, but none of them are getting united about it,” Santos said.

Advice to theater actors and actresses

Direk Freddie advised theater actors and actresses to be realistic about the situation when coping with the pandemic.

He said they will have to admit whether they are willing or not to work with any other system.

“If you can’t, then might as well go. Find something else to do,” Direk Freddie said.

He stressed that the most important thing during the crisis is to be alive and well.

He also suggested that actors and actresses should adjust, same as what people in other career areas are doing. As long as they are willing to adjust, the artform will not be dead.

“We strive, we fight, we adjust for today,” the director said. “We don’t compromise, we don’t settle, but we adjust.”

Former Senator JV Ejercito on the Doble Plaka Law

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 07:40:05 GMT

We talk to former senator JV Ejercito about the Doble Plaka Law in the second episode of the Advocates TV vlog.

ASPAP vows to resolve tax issues

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 07:15:27 GMT

Photo Credit: ASPAP Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – The Accredited Service Providers of PAGCOR (ASPAP) assured that payment of correct taxes to the government will be their top priority when they resume their operations.

ASPAP Spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez said the group’s members are paying the required regulatory fees, corporate taxes, and withholding taxes of its workers.

“We reiterate our unequivocal commitment to pay the appropriate tax dues imposed by the government prior to the limited reopening of the online gaming operations,” Gutierrez said in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros who called on government to tax PSPs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO Service Providers) instead of online retailers.

She said PSPs have been complying with the government’s tax laws even before the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have not sought any tax breaks or incentives since they started.

Gutierrez added that PSPs have contributed around P94.7 billion to the local economy so far, and total contributions this year could reach P104 billion.

The ASPAP spokesperson also assured that all health and safety protocols will be observed once limited PSP operations resume.

“We wish to reassure our legislators and the public that resumption of PSP operations would not undermine quarantine protocols or pose unnecessary health risk to the community,” said Gutierrez.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile denied that the government is not collecting unpaid taxes from PSPs.

“We collect their taxes, Senator Risa Hontiveros. They will not be allowed to open unless they pay their taxes,” said Roque.

QC Rep to NBI, PNP: Step up drive against fake Covid test kits

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 06:54:40 GMT

Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to step up their efforts against online sellers of fake Covid-19-related products.

“These online sellers have no accountability, because they are not registered with the concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. So it should not be hard for the NBI and the PNP and even local government units to stop their trade, apprehend them and file charges against them,” said Castelo.

She said aside from unapproved Covid-19 test kits, dubious sellers also offer poor-quality alcohol, facemasks and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Castelo also asked law enforcers to have bogus sellers blacklisted on the Internet and their posts and advertisements taken down.

“They cannot pursue their illegal activities if they cannot access the Internet, which ironically has become an enabler of their scams,” she stressed.

Castelo also advised the public not to buy rapid Covid-19 test kits from unreliable sources.

“These should be purchased from a licensed hospital or drugstore through a doctor’s prescription. A test should be administered and interpreted by a trained health professional.”

She said the national government is partly to blame for the flourishing trade in bogus and questionable Covid-19 products since it has failed to increase testing capacity and build or accredit enough laboratories, as well as supply its healthcare workers with sufficient PPEs.

Castelo also said some personnel in certain Quezon City hospitals obtained test kits from the black market and tested themselves to get instant results, since the more reliable swab examination still takes days to finish despite repeated promises by officials of a faster process.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. passes away

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 04:31:07 GMT

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. passed away on Friday morning according to a post by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. He was 73.

Yasay is the chairperson of the Philippine Christian University Board of Trustees. He was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs from June 30, 2016 to March 8, 2017. He also served as the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission during the Ramos Administration.

Ako Bicol Rep. Co urges Dar to fire BAI officials

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 04:06:38 GMT

Photo Credit: AKB Rep. Elizaldy Co, Facebook Account

Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy S. Co urged Agriculture Secretary William Dar to fire officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) who asked local chicken farmers to give way to chicken importation.

Co said the recent BAI pronouncement to poultry producers is anti-Filipino.

“It’s like rubbing salt to the wounds of local poultry raisers facing the grim specter of bankruptcy and business closures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The solon added that unabated importation is flooding the local market with chicken meat from unknown foreign sources. This, he said, also poses severe health hazards.

Co also said BAI officials failed to show evidence of overpricing or even lack of local supply to justify more imports.

“Even at the start of the Luzonwide lockdown, chicken prices have fallen to precariously low levels of P60 to P70 per kilo which is unsustainable. Thus, allowing more imports at a time of local oversupply is both shady and unpatriotic,” the lawmaker said.

He also asked Dar to review BAI’s decision making and whether its officials are working for Filipino or foreign interests.

Co echoed the position of the United Broilers Association (UBA) in questioning BAI’s claim that poultry imports were not enough to hurt local producers.

“I agree with Atty. Bong Inciong that unbridled importation has caused so much damage to the poultry industry in the last 25 years. It’s true that the volume of imports need not be overwhelming to cause damage. We’ve seen how it depressed prices to unsustainable levels,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that the policy of favoring imports over local production is a grave threat to the country’s food security, apart from causing damage to local producers.

Army hits NPA killing of militiaman, village official in Surigao

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 02:03:00 GMT

KILLED BY NPA. The remains of a militiaman and former village councilor who were abducted and killed in April 2019 by suspected communist New People’s Army rebels are exhumed Tuesday (June 9, 2020) in the hinterland village of Ima in Sison town, Surigao del Norte. Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia warned residents not to fall prey to the rebels' recruitment. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

BUTUAN CITY--The Philippine Army in Surigao del Norte condemned the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for the abduction and killing of a militiaman and a village councilor in Sison town.

Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, commander of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion, said the military joins the grief of the victims' families, local officials, and peace advocates in denouncing the NPA for the killing of Bertoldo Rangas and Ermil Madrona.

Authorities said Rangas, a village councilor in Barangay Gacepan in Sison town, and Madrona, a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), were abducted by the NPA and eventually found dead in April last year.

Their bodies were exhumed by authorities in the hinterlands of Barangay Ima in Sison on Tuesday following the revelation of a former NPA combatant on the location of their knee-deep grave in the hinterland village of Ima in Sison.

Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia, was present during the exhumation along with the victims' families.

Callanta said the killing of Madrona and Rangas showed that NPA rebels "are no longer ideologues as manifested by their barbaric, murderous, and terroristic acts".

“Along with the peace-loving people of Surigao del Norte, we strongly condemn the barbaric act of the NPA terrorists as they abduct and inhumanely killed innocent civilians,” Callanta said in a statement on Thursday (June 11).

“Such crime is another clear and blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) under Republic Act 9851. The civilians are non-combatants and therefore, they have to be spared and protected at all costs,” he said.

The RA 9851 defines and penalizes crimes against IHL, genocide, and other crimes against humanity.

Callanta assured the 30IB will assist in the investigation of the killings to serve justice on the victims and their families.

'We demand justice'

Madrona's widow, who was not named, was quoted by the 30IB as saying in the dialect: "I was praying every day for him to come home alive. Now, I was informed about their fate. He was mercilessly killed and buried by the terrorists."

"It is hard to accept, they are innocents and we are living simple lives yet they succumbed to such fate. We demand for justice,” the wife added.

Meanwhile, Fetalvero-Paronia warned residents to reject NPA recruitment in their villages, noting that the communist rebels have been aggressively enlisting young people and members of the indigenous peoples (IPs).

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)

2 Chinese 'kidnappers' killed, cop hurt in Angeles City shootout

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 02:00:29 GMT

SHOOTOUT. One of the two Chinese nationals who were killed during a shootout at Emerald Classic Compound in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga on Thursday (June 11, 2020). The incident transpired during a follow-up operation on the June 1 kidnapping of three Chinese nationals. (Photo courtesy of the Angeles City Police Station)

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – Two Chinese nationals suspected of kidnapping their compatriots were killed while a police operative was wounded in a shootout on Thursday morning at Emerald Classic Compound in Barangay Pampang here.

The incident transpired during a follow-up operation on the June 1 kidnapping of three Chinese nationals.

Investigation disclosed that around 9 a.m., Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) head, Col. Villaflor Bannawagan, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Angeles City head, Capt. Leopoldo Cajipe Jr., in coordination with the Angeles City Police Office, conducted a follow-up operation after a Hyundai Starex used as the getaway vehicle of the suspects in the kidnapping incident was seen in the area.

Police operatives were on their way to approach the suspects inside the vehicle for verification when they were fired upon, which led to a shootout.

Two still unidentified Chinese suspects were killed while a police officer identified only as Capt. Diaz from the AKG suffered a gunshot wound and was brought to a hospital.

Recovered from the crime scene were two .45-caliber pistols, one M4 5.56-caliber gun and the white Hyundai Starex van.

Based on the CIDG-Angeles report, the operation was a follow-up to the kidnapping of three Chinese who were rescued by the AKG and Angeles police on June 1, followed by the arrest of two suspects in Pasay City by the AKG on June 6. (PNA)

Ex-Anakpawis solon, group not yet ‘off the hook’: DILG

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:59:02 GMT

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (File photo)

MANILA – Former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and six members of his group are not completely absolved of criminal liabilities following the dismissal of one of the charges against them by the Norzagaray Municipal Trial Court, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Thursday.

In a news release, DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that despite the dismissal of the charge for violation of Section 9 (d) of Republic Act (RA) 11332, also known as the law on the mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases, Casilao and his companions will still be facing other charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ), “therefore they are still not off the hook”.

“It was clear that Casilao and his group committed criminal offenses when they conducted an unauthorized travel outside of Metro Manila and conducted a mass gathering during ECQ (enhanced community quarantine). One case against them may have been dismissed but it is certain that they have not been absolved from other criminal liabilities. Magpapatuloy po ang pagdinig sa iba pa nilang mga kaso (The proceedings on other charges against them will continue),” Malaya said.

"We respect the decision of the court, which clearly shows the independence of the judiciary, but they will still face the other charges filed by the DOJ,” he added.

Judge Julie Rita Suarez-Badillo of the Norzagaray Municipal Trial Court dismissed only the charge arising from RA 11332 of the ‘Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act saying the alleged facts do not constitute an offense.

“In dismissing the charge against the former Anakpawis Representative and his group, the judge stated that RA 11332 may not be the law violated at this point,” Malaya said.

Suarez-Badilla expressed through an order dated May 13 that "while such act [traveling outside the residence without the travel permit or quarantine pass] illustrates defiance for the open directive to observe the ECQ, such infraction does not fall under the prohibited acts of RA 11332".

Malaya explains that the dismissal is without prejudice to the prosecutor’s filing of another information in relation to non-cooperation.

He said the accused are still facing prosecution for the other charges on resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents; attempted inciting to sedition; and in the case of Casilao, usurpation of authority filed by the DOJ.

“They are not completely off the hook sapagkat may iba pa silang mga kasong dapat lusutan (because they still have other charges to deal with) kaya it is absurd for them to claim exoneration,” he said.

Malaya said that Casilao and his group’s purpose for the unauthorized travel outside the National Capital Region was to conduct a mass gathering in the form of a teach-in or propaganda work against the government. Numerous tarpaulins, pamphlets, and propaganda materials were found inside their jeepney.

“Clearly, there was an ulterior motive in their clandestine operation last April as they have guised their propaganda work as a relief operation at mayroon silang nalabag na batas (and they have violated a law). Fortunately, pieces of evidence were confiscated and gathered, which will be presented by the DOJ to the court,” he said.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menandro Guevarra said in an interview that the prosecutors of the case against Casilao and his group can still appeal the court dismissal of the non-cooperation case versus the accused saying that the prosecutors can file a motion for partial reconsideration.

The accused will be arraigned on June 24, 2020, said Guevarra.

The former Anakpawis representative and six other members were caught violating the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon last April when they broke the ‘stay at home policy,’ conducted an unauthorized journey outside of Metro Manila, and attempted to organize a mass gathering in Norzagaray, Bulacan in the guise of distributing relief goods. (PR)

Cordillera CPP-NPA leader surrenders to gov't

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:57:18 GMT

SUPPORTING THE GOV'T. National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict vice-chairman Hermogenes Esperon (right) joins Anne Margarette Tauli, a member of the Executive Committee and former Secretary of the Regional White Area Committee of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) who surrendered to the government. Tauli and two of her friends flew with military and police officials from Besao, Mountain Province to Baguio where she met with Esperon and Cordillera Peace and Order Council chairman Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

BAGUIO CITY – A high ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has surrendered to the government to start a normal life, National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said on Thursday.

Esperon said Anne Margarette Tauli, a member of the Executive Committee and former Secretary of the Regional White Area Committee of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) voluntarily yielded to authorities last Thursday in Kin-iway, Besao, Mountain Province.

In the communist movement, Tauli provides shelter to high-ranking officers of the CPP-NPA-NDF during their stay in Baguio, Esperon said.

Tauli helped Julius Soriano Giron, CPP-NPA Military Commissioner, and his two companions, who were later killed in a firefight with government forces on March 13 in Baguio after resisting arrest.

Esperon, who is also vice-chairman of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said Tauli’s surrender was facilitated by her sister, former UN Special Rapporteur Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, and 503rd Infantry Brigade (503rd IB) led by Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen under the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army and the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) led by Brig. Gen. R’Win Pagkalinawan.

"This is a sign that the more than 50 years of nonsense armed struggle is nearing closure," Esperon said.

Esperon said members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who want to embrace the law are afforded assistance but the government is also always ready to counter the atrocities perpetrated by enemies of the government.

Esperon was with Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council chairman and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong when the PNP and the Philippine Army in the Cordillera formally turned over Tauli to the government.

Tauli and two of her friends flew with the officials from Besao, Mountain Province to Baguio to meet with Esperon and Magalong.

She will be assessed for availing of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In a media statement, Tauli said she came forward to clean her name and have a peaceful life.

Government officials have reiterated their call to the NPA rebels to surrender and abandon their lost cause. (PNA)

3 jailbreakers die in Masbate shootout with cops

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:54:34 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – Three of four inmates who bolted the Masbate provincial jail on Tuesday were slain in a shootout with police operatives in Milagros town, Masbate province on Thursday.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol), said in an interview that slain in the shootout were Bryan Basulgan, 22, of Barangay Cabas-an Aroroy town; and Jose Jeven Fuentes, 30, of Barangay Calasuche, and Richard Espayos, 37, of Barangay Cayabon, both in Milagros.

"They were facing criminal offenses for several counts of rape, (and) illegal firearms possession and trading," Calubaquib said.

The escapees fired on the police tracker team from the provincial and Milagros town police stations, that was pursuing them in Barangay Bonbon, prompting the latter to engage them in a firefight.

However, the fourth inmate, who was not identified, was able to flee.

Recovered from the fight scene was a 12-gauge homemade shotgun. (PNA)

P2.5-B shabu seized in Cavite

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:53:28 GMT

ILLEGAL DRUGS HAUL. Members of the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) enforcers examine 63 boxes containing 374 packs of suspected shabu with a street value of PHP2.5 billion. The illegal drugs were seized in a General Trias, Cavite buy-bust that resulted in the arrest of a drug suspect on Thursday evening (June 11, 2020). (Photo courtesy PNP PIO)

MANILA – Members of the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) arrested a drug suspect and seized around PHP2.5 billion shabu in a buy-bust in General Trias, Cavite, PNP Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said on Friday.

Based on the report of the PDEG, Gamboa identified the suspect as Muad Romorus Abedin Mangotara, who was arrested by the PNP DEG and Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) on Somerset 9 Subdivision in Barangay Navarro at 8:30 p.m.on Thursday.

Seized from the suspect were 63 boxes containing 374 packs of suspected shabu with a street value of PHP2.5 billion and boodle money worth PHP1 million.

Gamboa, meanwhile said the PNP has shifted to its focus on "supply reduction" in the anti-drug campaign.

On Monday, the PNP presented a part of more than PHP6 billion worth of shabu seized in anti-drug operations from January 1 to June 4.

Last June 4, police officers arrested a Chinese national and his two cohorts and seized PHP5.1 billion worth of shabu in a buy-bust at a warehouse in Marilao, Bulacan.

On June 6, law enforcers seized PHP244.8 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust that resulted in the killing of two drug suspects in Parañaque City. (PNA)

DA to ensure graft-free fertilizer bidding

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:50:40 GMT

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has completed the procurement of the first batch of fertilizers under the Rice Resiliency Project, strictly following the procurement modality of negotiated procurement (emergency purchase), under Sec. 53.2 of RA 9184 and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB).

“We have initially procured a total of 1,811,090 bags of urea fertilizer at a price lower than the national average retail prices of PHP1,035.60 for April 27 to May 1; PHP1,037.53 for May 4 to 8; and PHP1,040.68 for May 11 to 15. The volume procured comprises four of the 16 lots for wet season 2020 cropping,” DA Secretary William Dar said in a virtual presser on Thursday.

"Such prices were a lot cheaper compared to previous purchases at the regions, ranging from PHP1,300 to PHP1,500 per 50-kilo bag of urea fertilizer," he said.

Dar said, at less than PHP1,000 per 50kg, the government is already saving a lot.

"And there is a downward trend of prices, as we are conducting a more transparent centralized bidding through the DA Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)" he said. The DA-BAC is chaired by Undersecretary Waldo Carpio.

The PHP1,000/bag (50kgs./bag) Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) was pegged after consultation with various players in the fertilizer industry, and recommendation of the DA's Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) based on a four-month price monitoring trend.

“The DA-BAC considered the ABC submitted by the end-user of PHP1,000 per bag. As per end-user, the DA Operations Group, headed by Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, the PHP1,000 was based on the FPA and PSA retail price of urea,” Dar said.

The DA conducted a series of negotiated procurement (emergency purchase) under the State of Calamity that attracted fertilizer distributors in the country, starting on Apr. 29, 2020, for the procurement of 5,691,477 bags with the ABC PHP5,691,477,000.

"As part of this process and in strict adherence to R.A. 9184 and its 2016 RIRR, we had to disqualify those whose technical capabilities were found to be questionable," he said.

The DA has issued Notices to Award and Purchase Orders to the two winning fertilizer companies:La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation for the delivery of 97,615 bags at PHP990/bag to Region 4A; 694,904 bags at PHP995/bag to Region 6, and 911,073 bags at PHP995/bag to Region 3, on May 8, 2020 and May 14, 2020, respectively; and Atlas Fertilizer for the delivery of 107,498 bags at PHP900/bag to Region 7 on May 14, 2020.

Currently, there is an on-going procurement for the remaining 12 lots. After a thorough review of the Terms of Reference, the End-user regrouped these 12 lots to 26 lots to ensure wider participation of fertilizer distributors. The respective bidding for the 26 lots are ongoing.

“I can personally vouch for the truthfulness and trustworthiness of the procurement process that the DA-BAC has exercised for these fertilizers. Guided by our legal office and in constant consultation with the GPPB, we made sure we followed to the number the prescribed procurement procedure as required by the law,” the DA chief said.

Dar earlier instructed the DA-BAC to look into the most feasible and fastest way to provide for the fertilizer in time for the main wet cropping season.

“We have been very transparent on the procurement of fertilizer as we know this might be used to stir false information against the government. The DA will not wrongfully hold any information that should be known to the public. I encourage everyone to help us look even closer to ensure that every peso we allot is going to where it should be spent,” he said.

Dar said the DA has further streamlined the procurement for the remaining bid lots to ensure that the suppliers comply to every requirement that is advantageous to the government and the people.

"This is one of our responses to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to provide transparency and integrity in all government transactions and interventions, as part of our recently created 'integrity circles,' dubbed as 'Agriculture Dialogue and Information Network Groups' or ADING," he said.

ADING is a systematic and institutional system that will enable us to monitor and evaluate our agri-fishery policies, programs, and projects on the ground, and if these are effectively and cost-efficiently implemented, without any shade of graft and corruption.

"We vowed from the beginning of a no-corruption policy at the Department of Agriculture," he said. (PR)

Cops help 8K Eastern Visayas families displaced by crisis

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:48:42 GMT

AID FOR THE POOR. A woman in Naubay village in Llorente, Eastern Samar receives a pack of relief goods from the Police Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) on June 8, 2020. The Philippine National Police in the region on Thursday (June 11, 2020) said they already assisted 8,101 indigent families affected by the health crisis through its “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko!” adopt-a-family program. (Photo courtesy of ESPMFC)

PALO, Leyte – Some 8,101 poor families in Eastern Visayas affected by the health crisis have received assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This is comprised of 39,578 individuals, said Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director, in a statement on Thursday.

“We understand how difficult living is nowadays in these back-breaking moments. We sympathize with the community, especially those who have less income to sustain their daily needs,” he added.

The nationwide effort dubbed Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko! encouraged police officers to adopt an indigent family in their respective areas of responsibility by providing them food and financial assistance.

Balba said the initiative began on March 31 and is expected to help more deserving families amid the community quarantine aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He added that their personnel are not only dedicated to safeguarding the communities but also finding ways to ease the burden of some families adversely affected by the pandemic.

“As we face this unseen enemy, may we continue to follow the mandate of the government to stay home. Stay home, save lives,” he said.

Since the spread of Covid-19 in the country, a total of 274 checkpoints across the region have been established to control the movement of people and the spread of the virus.

To date, the PNP regional office here has no case of infected police personnel.

Meanwhile, Eastern Visayas has confirmed a total of 76 coronavirus cases, including 34 recoveries and zero death, according to the Department of Health. (PNA)

122nd Philippine Independence Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:25:35 GMT

122 years today, the Philippines declared independence from Spain.

ABS-CBN counsel: PDRs are not shares

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:40:32 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook Page

ABS-CBN legal counsel Atty. Cynthia del Castillo clarified the nature of Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) issued by her company at the joint hearing of the House committees on Legislative Franchises and Good Government and Public Accountability earlier today.

Del Castillo said PDR buyers are passive investors and do not have the right to own and manage ABS-CBN Corporation.

“PDRs are purely financial instruments. Hindi po ito shares. Hindi po sila nakakaboto sa ABS-CBN Broadcasting at hindi po sila nakakapag-participate sa management ng ABS-CBN,” said Del Castillo.

(PDRs are purely financial instruments. They are not shares. [PDR holders] cannot vote on ABS-CBN Broadcasting and they cannot participate in the company’s management)

Del Castillo explained that ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Holdings are two different companies and it is the latter that issues the PDRs.

She also argued that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the registration of ABS-CBN Holdings’ PDRs.

“Their acts are all above board. They have relied on the approvals and the permits and licenses issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange,” she said. “Wala po kaming itinatago (we are hiding nothing). We have not circumvented the Philippine Constitution. All the terms and conditions of the PDRs have been fully disclosed and of course evaluated by the government agencies and the market authority.”

Del Castillo insisted that the PDR is a contract between the holder and the issuer, ABS-CBN Holdings, and such contractual arrangement has nothing to do with ABS-CBN Broadcasting.

“The PDRs have a life of their own. They are not attached to the shares of ABS-CBN Broadcasting. They trade independently, and their financial and cash distributions are separately given by ABS-CBN Holdings,” she added

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak maintained that ABS-CBN Holdings acted in good faith by securing SEC approval before offering the PDRs to the public in 1999.

“At that time, the SEC agreed that the instrument was legal. But if the SEC or a court of law, or even Congress wishes to disqualify the use of PDRs equally across the entire media industry, then ABS-CBN will be willing to modify, alter, or comply with the order if so directed,” he said.

Good Government committee chair and Bulacan Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado meanwhile asked other mass media entities to submit copies of their PDRs to his committee.

“Para sa kaalaman ng lahat dahil po ang pinag-uusapan ay PDR kahit po ABS-CBN lang po ang nag-aapply ngayon, ay nais po ng komiteng ito na makita lahat ng mga PDRs ng mga mass media, na nabigyan na, formerly nagbigyan na or mag-a-apply pa lang… Sana sa susunod na hearing ay makuha na natin upang mapag-compare natin kung pare-parehas ba ang laman ng kanilang mga PDRs,” said Sy-Alvarado.

(For everyone’s knowledge, because the topic is PDRs, even if only ABS-CBN is the one applying now, this committee seeks to see the PDRs of mass media whether recently issued, formerly issued or under application. Hopefully in the next hearing we could compare the content of the PDRs)

GMA7 also sold PDRs but the issue was not raised when it renewed its franchise in 2017.

Philippines receives A- rating from Japanese Credit Rating Firm

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:36:11 GMT

Photo Credit: Joey Salceda Facebook Profile

House Ways and Means chairman Rep. Joey Salceda said the Philippines received an A- sovereign credit rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), one of the leading credit bench-markers in Asia.

“This is an unprecedented achievement and it is validation of the hard work we have been doing over recent years,” said Salceda.

The lawmaker added that the credit rating adjustment brings the country alongside the strongest emerging economies in the world.

“The rating suggests that we can borrow at very favorable rates, and that we can beef up our infrastructure spending more sustainably. I take this as a sign both to continue the pace of reforms that we have undertaken, and to push for reforms that will speed up infrastructure completion to bolster GDP growth,” Salceda said.

The credit agency attributed its rating to the Philippine government’s ability to maintain momentum in its pursuit of reforms. Salceda highlighted infrastructure spending reforms in the government’s Build, Build, Build program as part of the effort to keep this momentum.

JCR also kept its credit outlook for the Philippines at Stable, which Salceda explained as “more or less secure.”

“That’s why I am relieved that we are facing the current crisis from a position of great strength,” he said.

“The Duterte administration's centerpiece infrastructure development policy and Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) aimed to secure part of the development costs have been steadily progressing since JCR's last rating review,” said the JCR in its rating document.

Marcos Urges DOLE to hire displaced but skilled OFWs

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:32:57 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Imee Marcos Official Facebook Page

Senator Imee Marcos has called on the government to employ returned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the administration’s economic recovery projects.

She urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to survey the skills of the returned OFWs.

"We help ourselves by helping our OFWs. They have value-added knowledge and skills plus a solid work ethic that can improve government efficiency and boost development in the countryside where many of them have returned," Marcos said.

"For decades, OFW remittances have sustained the Bangko Sentral's currency reserves during many economic crises. This is the best time for the government to prove to our OFWs that its gratitude is sincere," she added.

The senator also saw unemployment rising from the 17.7% rate recorded in April. She stressed that this can be countered with job creation so that income streams and consumer spending can continue to keep the economy running.

Marcos meanwhile filed the Trabaho Sa Oras ng Pandemya Act (TROPA) bill which consolidates the wage subsidy and cash-for-work programs of the Labor and Social Welfare departments.

The said department programs will first be combined into a P200 million peso fund to be managed by a council of government agency heads led by DOLE. Additional appropriations will be subject to approval by the Department of Budget and Management.

BI requires over 3,000 employees to undergo COVID tests

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:28:54 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Immigration Facebook Page

The Bureau of Immigration will subject more than 3,000 of its employees to rapid testing for COVID-19 after one employee tested positive for the disease.

“We have decided to make these tests compulsory for all our personnel to further safeguard the health of our employees and the people who transact business in our offices due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

Morente said employees who refuse to get tested will not be allowed to report for work. He also encouraged employees to coordinate with their local government units (LGUs) to avail of free rapid testing for frontliners.

The immigration chief said accredited liaison officers and representatives of travel agencies and law offices transacting at the BI are also required to undergo rapid testing or they will be barred from entering the bureau’s premises.

Morente added that they have previously conducted voluntary rapid testing at their main office in Intramuros, Manila and other satellite offices at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark Airport and at their detention facility in Taguig City.

The BI temporarily shut down its office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday after the discovery of the COVID-19 status of one of its employees.

TD BUTCHOY: Signal #1 raised over several areas in Luzon including Metro Manila

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:15:45 GMT

PAGASA raised Signal No. 1 over several areas in Luzon including Metro Manila after the low pressure area east of Quezon intensified into a tropical depression now named Butchoy.

Based on the latest weather bulletin, the center of Butchoy was last seen 75 km northwest of Daet, Camarines Norte. It has maximum sustained winds of up to 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is moving west northwest at 20 kph.

Butchoy is forecast to cross Polillo Islands and make landfall over northern Quezon-southern Aurora between tonight and tomorrow morning.

Lacson: Protests vs Anti-Terror Bill is basic right, but observe quarantine protocols

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:39:07 GMT

Photo Credit: Panfilo “Ping” Lacson Official Facebook Page

Anti-Terror Bill principal author Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the right to protest will remain unaffected even if the bill is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Thus, the plan of those opposing the Anti-Terrorism Bill to hold protests on Independence Day – regardless of whether they have read and understood the bill – is their basic right, guaranteed under the Bill of Rights,” Lacson said.

He also stressed that law-abiding citizens need not fear the measure since its provisions include safeguards to ensure the rights of those detained.

Senator and bill co-author Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also assured that the proposed measure cannot lead to human rights violations nor silence political dissent and activism in the country.

The senator’s statement came after various groups revealed plans to hold an online rally to protest the controversial bill and other issues on Independence Day.

Lacson however reminded protesters to be mindful of health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malacañang earlier asked critics to consider using social media for their protests in order to avoid mass gatherings and breaching of quarantine protocols.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said that gatherings to commemorate the country’s independence will be allowed at Rizal Park on Friday but the number of participants will be limited to 10.

Arnel Pineda, may bagong awitin para sa COVID-19 frontliners

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:22:17 GMT

Photo Credit: Arnel Pineda Instagram Account

MANILA – May bagong awiting inilabas ang international singer na si Arnel Pineda.

Sa ilalim ng DNA Music, ibinahagi ni Arnel ang nilikha niyang awiting “Your Soldiers” na handog niya sa coronavirus (COVID-19) frontliners.

Ang awit ay nagbibigay pugay sa mga bagong bayani na inaalay ang kanilang buhay para makapaglingkod sa kapwa sa kabila ng banta ng pandemyang sakit.

Paraan ito ni Arnel para hikayatin ang lahat na magkaisa sa kabila ng krisis.

Si Arnel din ang naglapat ng tunog ng “Your Soldiers” na inareglo ni Gabriel Tagadtad. Si Jonathan Manalo ang prodyuser na siyang creative director ng ABS-CBN Star Music.

Simula 2007 ay kinilala si Pineda bilang bokalista ng sikat na American rock band na Journey.

Kamakailan lang ay naging bahagi si Pineda at ang banda sa “Won’t Stop” benefit show ng UNICEF para sa mga naapektuhan ng COVID-19.

Ang bagong awitin ni Pineda na “Your Song” ay maaring mapakinggan sa iba’t ibang digital platforms.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 11)

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:36:08 GMT

The total number of patients who recovered from COVID-19 exceeds 5,000 as the Department of Health reports 270 new recoveries on Thursday.

The DOH also reports 443 new cases and 9 new deaths. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 24,175.

NCAA plans opening of Season 96 early next year

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:15:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Colegio de San Juan de Letran Facebook Page

The Policy Board of the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced Thursday, June 11, that Season 96, with Colegio De San Juan De Letran as host, will prospectively start in the early months of 2021 if the government gives its go signal, while strictly observing safety and health protocols.

Four mandatory sports will tentatively be allowed this upcoming season, which include basketball, volleyball, swimming and track and field.

Rules and requirements on the student-athletes' eligibility, such as age, enrollment, grades and playing years, shall be relaxed, in consideration of the many changes in the educational system of each participating schools, and schedule of the school year.

Other sports, such as online chess tournaments and e-sports, are likewise being finalized.

The league’s objective of youth development through sports aside, NCAA’s top priority is to ensure the safety and health of the athletes, coaches, trainers and the viewing public.

Dawn fire razes left wing of Mandaue City Hall

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:07:05 GMT

Photo Credit: Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook Page

Fire struck the left wing of the Mandaue City Hall past 2 a.m. Thursday. Responders put the fire out by 3:20 a.m.

The affected portions of the building were the office of the vice mayor, the public information headquarters and the City Council session hall.

The Mandaue City Public Information Office said the cost of damage from the fire is estimated at P300,000. An individual named Winston Ouano was injured in the incident.

The cause of the fire is still being determined

The city hall, also named the Presidencia, was originally built in 1937.

House approved 389 Bills from 2019 to 2020

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:55:46 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook Page

The House of Representatives approved 389 measures during the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress, including six COVID-19 response measures and nine priority bills mentioned in the 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Of the 389 measures approved, nine bills were enacted into law, eight local and national measures transmitted to the President for signature, 74 resolutions adopted, one joint resolution adopted, 250 local and national bills passed on Third Reading, 32 bills approved on Second Reading, two bills which adopted the Senate Version, five local and national bills which concurred with Senate amendments and eight local bills passed without Senate amendments.

The priority measures mentioned in the SONA that were approved by the House were:

the postponement of the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections;
a measure establishing Malasakit Centers;
a measure increasing and restructuring alcohol, tobacco and vapor product taxes;
the Corporate Income Tax & Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA);
the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA);
the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Act;
the Creation of the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment;
the Creation of the National Academy of Sports;
the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

A Statistical Report released by the Committee on Rules said the House of Representatives also processed a total of 1,630 proposals.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano lauded his colleagues and urged them to continue their remarkable performance and hard work.

“Let us continue to give hope sa ating mga kababayan. ‘Be patient in affliction.’ Kung tama ang ginagawa ng Executive Branch, suportahan natin. Kung mali, let us continue to show kindness, makipag-usap tayo. But let us make sure they know there will be an accounting,” Cayetano said.

(Let us continue to give hope to our countrymen. ‘Be patient in affliction.’ If what the Executive Branch is doing is right, let us support it. If wrong, let us continue to show kindness, let us talk. But let us make sure they know there will be an accounting)

The First Regular Session of the 18th Congress ran from July 22, 2019 to June 5, 2020.

Kalinga towns declare NPA persona non grata

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:48:57 GMT

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – All seven towns in the province have passed local measures declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata with Pasil municipality approving its ordinance on June 1.

Pasil approved Ordinance 2020-11, which declares CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal organizations as persona non grata for the barbaric acts done against the government security forces.

"The residents of Pasil Municipality lived a peaceful and harmonious life prior to the infiltration of the CPP-NPA wherein the majority of the residents were threatened, attacked and deceived to support and join the organization against the government," the ordinance read.

"The peace-loving residents of Pasil municipality will uphold its support and allegiance to the government and refuse to associate with members of the CPP-NPA-NDF in order to live a normal life," it added.

The local law also provides that citizens who openly support lawless elements shall also be documented and charged in court.

In 2015, Balbalan town was the first to pass a local measure to condemn the terror acts of the NPA, the armed wing of the communist movement.

It also passed Resolution No. 2015-05 where the local government adopted the Balbalan Police Station Action Plan on Anti-Insurgency.

Other towns in the province that condemned the terroristic acts and violence espoused by the communist movement via local measures include municipalities of Tinglayan, Pinukpuk, Tanudan, Lubuagan, and Rizal.

Tabuk has yet to pass a similar measure.

Based on a report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the province has three NPA "influenced" villages (Mabaca and Poswoy in Balbalan and Tanglag in Lubuagan) and 13 "less-influenced" villages in Western Uma, Upper Uma and Lower Uma in Lubuagan; Guina-ang in Pasil; Dupag of Tabuk, barangays Balantoy (Sitio Ligayan), Gawa-an and Ab-abaan of Balbalan; and the villages of Ba-ay, Apatan, Wagod, Ammacian (Sitio Bonnong) and Limos in Pinukpuk.

During the recent joint Provincial Peace and Order Council-Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Governor Ferdinand Tubban ordered for the inclusion of villages in the “Pumiyaan project” of the provincial local government which is similar with Executive 70 or the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

The Pumiyaan is a poverty reduction program of the LGU that uses the convergence concept of public service delivery.

The poorest barangays in the municipalities are identified and are given priority in the delivery of services by the provincial and line agencies. In identifying the priority projects to be implemented, the target barangays undergo participative situational analysis.

Tubban noted the need for a coordinated move among stakeholders in solving the insurgency problem and a concerted effort to end it, with the affected communities identifying the solutions and the LGUs assisting in providing interventions.

Provincial DILG director Mayer Max Adong agreed with Tubban, saying that to achieve a significant impact, the task force has to converge its services similar to the “Pumiyaan” approach where frontline services are pooled and delivered in those places. (PNA)

Anti-terror law to bring justice to NPA victims: E. Samar mayor

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:47:51 GMT

BOMBING VICTIMS. Passersby rescue tricycle passengers seriously wounded by an explosion perpetrated by the New People's Army in Libuton village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar in this Dec. 13, 2019 photo. At least three civilians and a police officer died in this attack. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Genelex Deloria)

TACLOBAN CITY – The deaths of civilians, policemen, and soldiers in Borongan City, Eastern Samar in 2019 due to bombings perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA) have prompted its mayor to support the passage of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

In a phone interview on Thursday, Mayor Jose Ivan Agda said the terroristic acts committed by the NPA that tainted the city’s peaceful status calls for the need to pass the law against terrorism.

The mayor of Eastern Samar provincial capital said the enactment of House Bill 6875 will serve justice to the past and future victims of terror attacks.

“My message is brief and direct. The soldiers and civilians who have perished should not be forgotten. We need to remind everyone of the horror of bombings so that it is not repeated in the future," Agda told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

On Dec. 13, 2019, a junior police officer and an old woman were killed on the spot while four other policemen and 12 civilians, including three minors, were injured when the NPA detonated the explosive meant for a passing police patrol car along a major road in the city’s Libuton village.

Fatalities in the bombing incident rose after a local government employee of Taft, Eastern Samar died hours later while being transported in an ambulance due to severe injury and a mother succumbed due to head fracture a week after.

On Nov. 11, 2019, six soldiers died and 20 others from the government troops were critically injured after the NPA detonated a landmine and staged an ambush in the city’s remote Pinanag-an village.

“I am positive that atrocities will be prevented with the passage of the bill. The rule of law should prevail since we are a democratic country. I hope my stand will not be misconstrued by groups who are against the proposed law,” Agda added.

Borongan, the capital of Eastern Samar province, is home to about 70,000 people.

At least nine of its 61 villages are still threatened by activities of NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Philippine Army earlier said the bill seeks to end the decades-long communist insurgency in the country.

The bill introduces provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; possess objects connected with the preparation for the commission of terrorism; or collect or make documents connected with the preparation of terrorism.

Under the bill, any person who will threaten to commit terrorism will suffer the penalty of 12 years. The same jail term will be meted against those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism.

Any person who will voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization, will suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Under the bill, the number of days a suspected person can be detained without a warrant of arrest is 14 calendar days, extendable by 10 days. (PNA)

Pardoned OFW from Bahrain comes home, reunites with family

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:46:25 GMT

HOME AT LAST. Pardoned OFW from Bahrain, Roderick Aguinaldo (left), reunites with his family in Caloocan City on June 10, 2020. He was convicted for the death of a foreign national, was sentenced to death penalty until his subsequent pardon and release from prison as a result of the efforts of the Philippine government. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) detained in Bahrain for murder but later released through grant of royal pardon was reunited with his family in Caloocan City on Wednesday.

The Bahraini government released Roderick Aguinaldo, 43, along with other Filipinos in prison on May 24, which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadhan in Bahrain, and were directly sent to the Philippine immigration detention center for the repatriation process.

Aguinaldo, along with his friend, who was also released from jail, finally came home to the Philippines.

They departed from Bahrain on June 6 via Gulf Air 154 and arrived in Manila at around 11:30 am on June 7, Sunday.

“Hindi ko ma-explain talaga kung ano ang naramdaman ko ng panahon na ‘yun. Lumapit sa akin ‘yung officer, tinawag ako akala ko nagbibiro. Noong sinabing pauwiin na ako, sobrang tuwa ko, ni hindi ko ma-explain (I can't really explain how I felt during that time. The officer came near to me, I thought he was joking. When I was told I'll be going home, I was so happy. I couldn't even explain the feeling)," he said in an interview.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Aguinaldo and his friend underwent a step-by-step procedure for arriving OFWs in a one-stop-shop set up inside the terminal, as part of government measures to contain transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

SAFELY REPATRIATED. OFW Roderick Aguinaldo, 43, undergoes processes for Covid-19 swab test at NAIA's one-stop-shop for returning OFWs. The Bahraini government released Aguinaldo from imprisonment on May 24 through grant of royal pardon. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

The repatriated OFWs were sent to one of the isolation facility located in Manila City, and were subjected to a mandatory quarantine while waiting for their Covid-19 swab tests result.

Life in prison

Aguinaldo recounted his life behind bars, saying he immediately submitted himself to authorities after the murder of a Pakistani national.

The Bahraini police already found his place before surrendering.

He was arrested along with his friend, who was hiding Aguinaldo in his apartment.

They were brought to prison and spent years in jail.

Aguinaldo was sentenced to death, while his friend was penalized with 15 years of imprisonment.

Despite all circumstances, Aguinaldo did not lose hope.

He said he prayed a lot and expressed optimism throughout his days in jail.

Spending years in prison, Aguinaldo said he was still lucky that Bahraini authorities and his other fellow prisoners treated him well inside the cell, however, knowing that he was lined up in the death row scared him more.

Earlier in January, the Philippine government assisted Aguinaldo's family to have a compassionate visit to him in Bahrain.

Senator Bong Go and DFA officials accompany members of the Aguinaldo family in their visit to Malacanang on January 22, 2020. Scholarships and other forms of assistance were provided to his children. (Contributed photo)

He said his three children received scholarships from Senator Christopher "Bong" Go and Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Amable Aguiluz V.

The government, he said, also shouldered the medication of his mother, who suffered a stroke.

Journey to freedom

In 2018, Aguinaldo said his family sought the help of Go, who was then Special Assistant to the President.

Aguinaldo’s call for help prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to ask Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to commute Aguinaldo’s death sentence into life imprisonment.

Duterte wrote a personal letter to King Khalifa requesting a pardon for imprisoned Filipinos in Bahrain.

Luckily, the Bahraini King granted a royal pardon to Aguinaldo along with his friend and two other OFW detainees imprisoned in Bahrain.

"Nagpasalamat kaagad ako sa itaas, dininig niya ang aking mga panalangin. Lalo na kay Presidente Duterte na hindi rin nagsawang sumuporta sa akin at tulungan ako at ang aking pamilya. Pati na rin kay Senator Bong Go, napakabuti nila. Hindi sila tumalikod sa akin, kung anong ipinangako nila sa akin talagang ginawa nila (I immediately thanked God for hearing all my prayers. Especially to President Duterte for tirelessly supporting me and helped me as well as my family. Also to Senator Bong Go. They were very kind to me. They didn't leave me behind, they really fulfilled their promise)," he said.

Upon Aguinaldo's release in Bahrain, Go immediately coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Overseas Labor & Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to speed up the repatriation process of these OFWs.

Aguinaldo expressed his gratefulness to the officials who worked on his release.

“Gusto ko magpasalamat nang harapan sa kanila, sa ating Pangulong Duterte at Senator Bong Go. Napakabuti n’yo po, sir. Sana po madagdagan pa ng katulad ninyong tao sa ating gobyerno. Maraming mga Pilipinong matulungan, lalong-lalo na sa ibang bansa (I would like to thank them personally, President Duterte and Senator Bong Go. You are so kind. I hope more people like you would join government. Many Filipinos will be assisted, especially those abroad),” he said.

Meanwhile, OWWA facilitated the testing and quarantine process of Aguinaldo and his friend, upon their arrival in the country.

OWWA Deputy Administrator Faustino L. Sabarez III said the government will continue to extend assistance to OFWs have the same situation with Aguinaldo.

Reunited with loved ones

Alighting from a vehicle, Aguinaldo couldn't hold back his tears upon seeing his family for the first time in years.

Aguinaldo was allowed to go back home in their residence in Caloocan City after he tested negative for Covid-19.

He rushed to his wife, children, and his parents to give them a tight embrace.

Aguinaldo promised to start a new life.

He said he wants to focus on the welfare of his family and spend quality time with them.

“Bagong buhay talaga. Tutok sa pamilya, lalung lalo na apat na taon ang bunso ko. Tatlong taon ko siya huling nakita, ngayon napakalaki na. ‘Yung nawala sa kanila sa apat na taon ko sa loob ng kulungan papalitan ko, mas dodoblehin ko pa (It's totally a new life. I want to focus on my family, especially on my four-year-old child. It's been three years since I saw her, now she's grown-up. I will make it up to them. I spent four years in jail, this time I'll double the efforts for my family),” he added.

Meanwhile, Aguinaldo's wife, Imelda, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Philippine government to ensure the safe release of his husband and other Filipinos.

"Dininig ng Diyos ang aming dasal. Wala pong mintis na kaming mag-anak, lagi po 'yun, walang mintis ang pagsisimba namin. Kaya thank you po sa lahat, kay Senator Bong Go. Kase biruin mo galing pa kaming Bicol, pinauwi kami dito sa Manila. Tapos ayun po, naipasok niya ako sa trabaho (God answered all our prayers. We didn't miss a single prayer. Thank you for everything, thanks to Senator Bong Go. Imagine from Bicol, we were sent here in Manila, then he also helped me find a job)," she said. (PNA)

UN report excluded IP leaders' testimonies vs. CPP-NPA: NCIP

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:40:46 GMT

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chair Allen Capuyan (NCIP file photo)

MANILA – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has raised concerns over a recent report released by the United Nation’s Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights (UN-OHCHR), saying statements provided by chieftains and elders of Philippine tribal communities could have served as a "strong testament" of their resistance against the presence of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in their ancestral domains.

NCIP Chair, Secretary Allen Capuyan, expressed his dismay through a response letter sent to the office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, saying the report has “failed to correctly depict" the situation of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICC-IP) of the Philippines.

“IP communities have similarly expressed deep sadness and frustration that their testimonies have been disregarded in favor of the reports from groups claiming to be civil society and non-government organizations from the Philippines,” Capuyan said in the letter dated May 30.

Bachelet, in the UN report dated June 4, 2020, reminded the Philippine government "that its response to major challenges such as poverty, inequality, armed conflict, natural disasters, and the Covid-19 pandemic should be grounded on human rights approaches and meaningful dialogue”.

“People who disagree with government policies and criticize them, including in international fora, should not be vilified as terrorist sympathizers. Indigenous peoples should not be victims of a tug-of-war between the state, non-state armed groups, and business interests,” the report added.

Affidavit of tribal chieftains, elders

Supposed to be included in the report, chieftains from various tribes in Mindanao signed their sworn statements to voice out the human rights violations and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as well as their armed wing, the NPA, against IPs in Mindanao.

Datu Angelito Omos, 66, seventh generation leader of the Mangguangan tribe in New Corella town, Davao del Norte province, said he was “lured into joining” the CPP-NDFP-NPA sometime in the 1980s through the church, but resigned from being a church worker when he and the parish priest had a misunderstanding regarding its management.

“I first started my active participation as an activist during the IP Assembly in 1982. This was the first assembly of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (NCCP) in EDSA, Quezon City. During this assembly, the Consultative Assembly of Minority People of the Philippines (CAMPP) was created,” Omos said in his statement.

He added that his legal participation as an activist started in 1983 when he was elected as a representative of the Sector of Tribal Filipino/Indigenous People.

Shortly after, a general assembly of multi-sectoral groups was gathered to organize a larger organization that was later named Mindanao-Sulu Interfaith Peoples Conference (MIPC) in Talomo, Davao City.

He was elected to represent the group.

Still blinded by the group’s real motive at that time, Omos said during the assemblies of the MIPC that were covered by the media, discussions floated that the MIPC would be able to get assistance from European funding agencies.

“In July 1987, in the middle of my term as the secretariat of the Lumad Mindanao, I was tasked by the CPP-NDF-NPA to attend the fifth session of the UN Conference of Indigenous Peoples Population in Geneva, Switzerland, with Fr. Eduardo Solang, a representative from Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) of Tadian, Bontoc, Mountain Province, assisted by the couple Cesar Taguba and Yvon Carinio (a political refugee living in The Netherlands), and the sister of Joanna Carino who was holding important positions in the CPP/NPA,” he added in the statement.

After the conference, he said they continued to travel to 10 European countries for the International Alliance for Solidarity Campaign in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

Establishing networks, campaign for funding

For four months from July to October 1987, he said they attended different meetings, conventions, assemblies, and other gatherings.

“The purpose of which was to deliver negative speeches and highlight false issues on human rights violations, killings, and militarization committed by the Army, the police and armed groups allegedly connected and supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Government of the Republic of Philippines,” he said.

He added that their objectives in going to Europe were: to attend the fifth session of the UN Conference on Indigenous Populations; to promote/spread issues and concerns of human rights violations in the Philippines against the IP; to establish networks with the minority population/IPs from other countries, especially with IPs who were members of the UN; to promote the struggle of Filipinos in line with the armed struggle of the leftists; to campaign for financial support of the funding agencies; to halt the Nobel Peace Prize of the late President Corazon Aquino for being human rights violator; to create an impression that the Philippine government is abusive, specifically with its militarization; and to be a permanent member of the UN for the IPs to have a voice in the international community.

As part of their mission, Omos said along with Father Eduardo Salang and United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Pastor Cesar Taguba, who is also an NDFP leader, submitted a protest letter to oppose Aquino’s nomination, citing a massacre incident initiated by the Philippine government against civilians.

“However, the truth of the matter was, there was no massacre committed. What really happened was an encounter between the military and the NPA which led to the killing of more or less ten NPA members,” he added.

Before the letter was submitted, Omos and Taguba first requested the tour guide for a dialogue with the committee of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“President Aquino was number one in the list of nominees at that time and that was the last week of October 1987, the period in which the committee is required to come up with the decision,” he said.

Recruitment tactics, media mileage

In a separate statement, Dioleto Diarog, 38, shared a much recent brush with death experience with the CPP-NPA.

Diarog is part of the Bagobo Clata Tribe of Calinan District in Davao City.

He was also recruited to the CPP-NPA in the wake of his resentment upon knowledge that a group of armed men ambushed and killed his uncle, then tribal chieftain Datu Dominador Diarog in his residence on April 29, 2008.

He assumed that the older Diarog was murdered after not coming to terms with businessman and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's desire to own their ancestral domain.

This prompted him to approach Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) also known as NPA where a certain Komander Bobi “influenced him into thinking that joining the rebellion would be the only way to give justice to the sudden death of his uncle".

Quite hesitant to carry arms, Diarog was instead recruited into the Paskaddoy Salugpuang Kalimudan (PASAKA).

He became spokesperson of PASAKA and started appearing in television, radio, and newspaper media to communicate their woes as natives.

"Kami sa (PASAKA) ay nag-aklas at nag-rally laban sa iba't-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para matugunan ang problema ng mga katutubo at para ipakita sa publiko at sa kumunidad ang kawalan ng tulong ng gobyerno (We in (PASAKA) rebelled and rallied against different government agencies aimed at conveying a message to the public that government authorities do not help us)," he said in his statement.

In Sept. 21, 2008, he pledged his loyalty to the CPP.

Later, he became a full-time NPA member under the Front Guerilla Unit 20 with Crucifino Oballas as commander.

Salugpungan schools

From 2012 to 2016, he worked as a recruiter for carpenters in the community to build Salugpungan schools, the school that was shut down by the Department of Education in 2019 for alleged irregularities and links with the communist rebel movement.

"Itinayo ang Salugpungan para mahikayat ang mga bata sa ideolohiya ng CPP-NPA. May mga pagkakataon din na pinapapunta sa posting ng mga NPA ang mga estudyante ng Salugpungan para turuan papaano humawak ng armas (Salugpungan was built to plant the seeds of CPP-NPA ideology to the children. There were times when children would be ordered to go to NPA postings so they can learn how to use guns)," Diarog narrated.

Diarog cited an instance when he and his colleagues were using the vehicle of UCCP and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines' (RMP), religious institutions that helped build the Salugpungan schools, when he found a document that shows a record of financial transactions.

He said he also saw the logo of the European Union on the document.

They were "organizing bakwits" where they gather IPs from various municipalities in nearby provinces to collect in Davao City and begin wave of protests against the government, he added.

"Ang layunin nito ay mapakita na madaming problema ang mga tribo at komunidad na hindi tinutugunan ng gobyerno kahit ito ay walang katotohanan (Our mission is to make others see our many struggles, that we are not getting any support from the government)," he said, adding that they were also the ones who stormed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 office in Uyanguren, Davao City in 2014 to rob sacks of rice that were meant as assistance to Typhoon Pablo victims.

He said his life as a rebel revolved around extortion and harassment against government agencies and businesses.

After some time, he realized that he steered away from his reason of joining the group and after a long time, the promise of bringing justice to his departed uncle was not made.

That time, he said he grew doubtful of the group's goals.

In 2015 to 2016, he said the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SRMC) noticed change in his actions.

He was then suspected as a deep penetration agent of the government.

"Ako ay pinagbantaan ng SRMC. Kanilang kinuha ang aking bag at pitaka. Dahil sa kanilang pagdududa, naramdaman ko na ako'y wala nang silbi sa CPP-NPA at ang aking buhay ay maaaring nanganganib na (SRMC threatened me, they took my bag and wallet. I think they see realized I am no longer of use to them, that my life is in danger now)," he shared.

Questioning the non-inclusion

Capuyan, for his part, raised concerns on the UN report, citing its heavy focus on "third party statements."

“We raise serious concerns on the report's unsubstantiated claims of militarization and increase in killings, which, as the report itself concedes, relied heavily on third party statements, accepted without any form of verification on the ground, where we continue to stand with the IPs,” he said.

The UN’s report, he added, should also account for the CPP-NPA's utter disregard for human rights, as they seek to impose their communist ideology and control over vast indigenous lands, people, and resources.

“We question the non-inclusion of sworn testimonies of our IP leaders and we urge this body to take cognizance of the voluminous submissions of the IPs concerned. If this UN report hopes to fully describe the situation of the IPs of violence and displacements due to "armed conflict and radicalization arising from the absence of progress in transitional justice and reconciliation,” he added.

Among the atrocities of the CPP/NPA during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that were not taken into account by the OHCHR are as follows: Burning of houses and a church in an IP community in Opol, Misamis Oriental on May 28, 2020; Brutal murder of Datu Astudillo on March 19, immediately after President Rodrigo Duterte declared suspension of military operations and at the height of the battle against Covid-19; Raid and harassment of Talipayon IP community in Davao del Norte March 24; Brutal murder of Manobo tribesman, Wilson Behing April 14; Landmine explosion incident in Paquibato hitting a government convoy delivering aid to IP families in Paquibato, Davao on April 19; Brutal murder of Datu Arman Mangumihay on April 21; and murder of Subanen Tribesman, Barley Gumilid in Tudela, Misamis Oriental on April 25.

"By being silent on the CPP/NPA’s grave abuses, while lending credence to unsubstantiated claims of aggression, violence, and abuse by so-called civil society groups, this OHCHR report would be aiding certain groups in their commission of grave abuses as reprehensible as the systematic and organized killing of our indigenous peoples. This is worse than supporting the CPP/NPA/NDF’s stated aim of subverting and overthrowing the democratically-elected government of the country," he said. "Any state, group, or individual that values human life, equality, democracy, and the rule of law certainly would not want this happen."

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Israel delivers 2nd batch of PPE donation to PNP

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:34:59 GMT

MANILA – Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz on Wednesday delivered the second batch of personal protective equipment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support its front-liners in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“I see them every day standing along the roads of Manila to ensure everyone’s safety and to make sure that social distancing is observed,” Harpaz said in a ceremonial turnover, praising the efforts of the PNP during the pandemic.

In a news release, the Israel Embassy said the PPE donation includes surgical masks, N95 filtered face masks, gowns, shields, gloves, and non-contact thermometers.

“We would like to thank the State of Israel for their generosity and making today's turnover of personal protective equipment possible. Supplementing the vital needs of the organization as we fight the unseen enemy, this turnover will be of great help to our police front-liners. All these donated PPE will certainly go a long way in enhancing our capability in protecting our police force while battling Covid-19,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the assistance is a "gesture of generosity" depicting the act of “bayanihan”.

“Israel has friendly relations with the Philippines. Our cooperation includes many areas such as development assistance, agriculture, health, innovation, and sharing of military technologies and counterterrorism strategies. We have conducted one of the biggest relief operations in our history when Typhoon Yolanda devastated the Philippines in 2013. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers, nurses, and assistant workers helped the Filipinos affected by the typhoon,” Harpaz said.

“We’ll see how Israel could assist further the Philippines,” the envoy added.

He also cited President Manuel Quezon’s open-door policy that saved Jewish refugees and the Philippines’ vote in favor of the creation of the State of Israel in 1947 as the pillars of strong bilateral relations between Israel and the Philippines.

The ceremonial turnover of the donation took place at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame on June 10, 2020.

The first batch of the donation was turned over to the Department of National Defense in a ceremony held on June 2, 2020 at the Villamor Airbase. (PR)

Australia donates P35-M worth of medical supplies to AFP

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:31:47 GMT

DONATION. Australia donates hospital and personal protective equipment valued at PHP35 million (AUD 1 million) to support the 30-bed expansion at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center-AFP Medical Center infectious disease ward. The donation is seen to increase the capacity of AFP to deal with Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – Australia is donating PHP35-million worth of medical supplies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to further aid the military's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.

The donation includes hospital and personal protective equipment, and support for the 30-bed expansion of the Victoriano Luna Medical Center- AFP Medical Center infectious disease ward.

“I am pleased to join Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to formally handover this assistance. What better way to invoke the spirit of mateship and bayanihan between our countries, than by supporting the health and welfare of AFP members, who are carrying out such a challenging role for the people of the Philippines," said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO on Thursday.

Lorenzana and the envoy were joined by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. and Col. Edgar Cardinoza, commanding officer of the AFP Health Service Command.

During the turnover ceremony, Lorenzana thanked the Australian government.

“We are very thankful for this assistance to the V. Luna Medical Center, especially during this pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to increase the capacities of our hospitals to combat the virus,” Lorenzana said.

Earlier, Australia’s Defence Minister Linda Reynolds cited Manila and Canberra's “long-term commitment" to work as partners in advancing regional security and stability as well as addressing the pandemic. (PNA)

NHA suspends Balik Probinsya program

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:07:15 GMT

National Housing Authority (NHA) general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. said his agency has temporarily suspended the Balik Probinsya program to allow the Hatid Tulong program to finish bringing locally stranded individuals home.

Escalada said the program will resume by July or as soon as the public transportation system starts to normalize in Metro Manila, which is still under general community quarantine (GCQ).

“We’ve suspended the roll outs for Balik Probinsya to give way … unahing pauwiin ang mga kababayan na stranded (we will first bring home stranded countrymen) like OFWs [overseas Filipino workers], construction workers, tourists and students,” Escalada said.

He also asked the public to distinguish between the Balik Probinsya and Hatid Tulong programs.

Escalada explained that Balik Probinsya is a long-term program which aims to send some people in Metro Manila back to their home provinces for good, while Hatid Tulong is an effort of the government to transport individuals who were stranded when the metropolis was placed under community quarantine.

Some locally stranded individuals temporarily stayed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after their flights were cancelled since changes in the health protocols of their home provinces under community quarantine prevented their return.

Escalada said that they hope to send back all stranded individuals before the end of June.

IATF allows dine-in services in Metro Manila

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:04:01 GMT

File Photo

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed dining-in for restaurants in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) including Metro Manila.

“Na-approve na ng IATF kagabi. At least, makapag-umpisa man lang yung mga trabaho, maibalik agad sa ating mga kababayang nasa restaurant lalo na itong dine-in operation,” Lopez said in a radio interview.

(The IATF approved it last night. At least, work could start, our fellow countrymen in the restaurant industry could return for dine-in operations)

The IATF said restaurants in GCQ areas can allow up to 30 percent of their capacity starting June 15.

Lopez emphasized that even limited restaurant operations would help generate income and livelihood since 70 to 80 percent of the total workforce are in dine-in services.

He added that restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity once Metro Manila shifts to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Buffets however remain prohibited.

Lopez earlier urged restaurant owners to comply with health protocols and other guidelines which are available on their official website and Facebook page.

He said representatives from DTI, Department of Tourism and Department of Labor and Employment will conduct random visits of restaurants to check their compliance with protocols.

“We will no longer require them to undergo the accreditation process, but they are subject to random inspections,” he said.

Erring restaurant owners may face closure.

Lopez meanwhile reiterated that gym facilities, spas and massage services are not yet allowed under GCQ, but are allowed in MGCQ areas.

DHSUD: Marawi rehab efforts on track despite COVID-19 pandemic

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:00:29 GMT

Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario assured that rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City are still on track in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are on the right track despite the three-month lockdown. Continuous pa rin ang trabaho dun kahit during the COVID pandemic, contrary sa mga batikos na tayo ay tumigil sa trabaho natin,” Del Rosario said during Thursday’s Laging Handa virtual press conference.

(We are on the right track despite the three-month lockdown. Work is continuous even during the COVID pandemic, contrary to claims that we stopped work. )

Del Rosario however admitted that that community quarantine resulted in limitations on manpower and supply of construction materials.

Rosario said they aim to resume full operation by next month after President Rodrigo Duterte approves the P3.6 billion fund for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“The fund was already mobilized para magamit (so it will be used) to start the full blast construction by July. We are confident that the Marawi rehabilitation will be completed by December 2021, which is within our timeline,” Del Rosario said.

Marawi City was in ruins after the five month-long battle between the Philippine military and the Islamic State-linked Maute terrorist group that started on May 23, 2017.

The Marawi siege prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law over Mindanao.

NEDA: Trade sector needs structural and logistics reforms for recovery

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:41:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Karl Kendrick Chua Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) acting head Karl Kendrick T. Chua said structural and logistics reforms are needed to help the trade sector of the country recover.

“For faster trade growth recovery, the government needs to intensify its efforts by prioritizing structural and logistics reforms that will serve as the backbone of ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and create development opportunities,” said Chua.

The economist said the reforms will make the country a suitable investment destination for investors who can also bring technological advancements to help in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He also said the government must prioritize legislation that makes foreign investment easier in some sectors, such as the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act, the Foreign Investment Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

He supported logistics reforms such as rationalizing the freight system and establishing strategic warehousing and cold chain systems for continuous production.

“While the government is laying the groundwork with improved infrastructure, logistics, regulations and reforms, the business sector also needs to recognize the change in consumer preference. This is now an opportune time for them to re-orient and re-design their production and supplies network accordingly,” Chua added.

He also supported the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which gives various incentives to businesses seeking to expand.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported that the total merchandise trade of the country had its lowest monthly decline since 1991, reaching $6.1 billion in April this year.

Solon scores FDA for allowing sales of dubious COVID-19 Test Kits

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:14:26 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives Official Website

House Committee on Public Accounts chair Rep. Mike Defensor scored the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for allowing the sale of more than a dozen brands of COVID-19 rapid test kits without proper validation.

The lawmaker said he has been receiving complaints about the unreliability and inaccuracy of a number of RTK (rapid test kit) brands.

“Masyadong maraming inaprubahan kahit walang permit sa country of origin na mga rapid test kits (Too many rapid test kits were approved without a permit from their country of origin). FDA has no capacity to test the reliability of RTK so it has to depend on its counterparts from overseas,” said Defensor.

He wanted FDA Director-General Rolando Enrique Domingo and FDA Director Bayani San Juan to explain the approval of the questionable RTK brands.

Defensor said nearly half of the 39 RTKs approved by FDA for use and distribution in the Philippines have a high rate of inaccuracy.

He accused the FDA of relaxing its rules for eight Chinese-made RTK brands that were not endorsed by the National Medical Products Administration because of a letter of inclusion from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia.

The lawmaker also said 16 RTKs approved by FDA were not endorsed by regulators in their home countries. They are:

1) Onsite COVID-19 by CTK Biotech made in USA (manufactured in China) no EUA FROM US FDA

2) Qingdao Hightop Biotech

3) Diagnosure COVID-19 by Hangzhou Biotest Biotech

4) Bioscience Chongqing

5) Zybio Inc.

6) Zheijang Orient Gene Biotech

7) Maglumi 2019 NCOs by Shenzen New Industries Biomedical

8) VivaDiag by Vivachek Biotech Hangzhou

9) Shanghai Outdo Biotech

10) Beijing Lepu Medical Technology

11) Hecin Scientific Inc.

12) Shanghai Kehua Bio-Engineering

13) Medical System Biotechnology Co.

14) Clongene by Hangzhou Clongene Biotech co.

15) Wantai Sars-Cov by Beijing Wantai Biological

16) Hangzhou Alltest Biotech Co. Ltd

Only five Chinese RTK brands were approved by both the NMPA and FDA:

1) Guangzhou Wondfo

2) Innovita Biological Technology Co. Ltd.

3) Guangdong Hecin

4) Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd.

5) Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics Ltd.

The FDA approves RTKs for sale in the country if they get so-called “emergency use” approval from their respective regulatory agencies in their countries of origin. An American brand for example needs approval from the United States FDA and a Chinese brand from the National Medical Products Administration before the FDA approves them for sale here.

The regulatory body has also approved for sale products that were previously cleared by authorities in South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

“Mass testing is crucial in determining how many people among the population have antibodies. RTKs are meant to augment the PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) test through sampling of population with or without illness to determine how many in the community have been exposed. It is important that the FDA regulate the RTK brands sold in the market to ensure equality and protect corporations and individuals using these products,” Defensor said.

The Department of Health has opposed the use of most antibody tests and maintains that the PCR test is the gold standard.

PDEA agents bust Maguindanao drug suspect, seize P3.5-M shabu

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:52:19 GMT

BUSTED. Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao account the suspected shabu drugs worth PHP3.5-million seized from Jordan Rakim (seated, handcuffed), an alleged high-value target, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pinguiaman, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (June 10, 2020). Aside from the suspected shabu (inset), also recovered from the suspect were the bogus bundles of money used by PDEA in the transaction and the suspect’s commuter van. (Photos courtesy of PDEA-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents arrested a high-value target and seized some PHP3.5-million worth of suspected shabu following a drug sting operation in the Maguindanao town of Datu Odin Sinsuat Wednesday.

Juvenal Azurin, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) identified the arrested suspect as Jordan Rakim, 38, commuter van driver, and resident of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao.

“The suspect was arrested after dealing with a poseur-buyer,” Azurin said of the buy-bust operation that took place along the national highway in Barangay Pinguiaman, Datu Odin Sinsuat, shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Seized from the suspect were some 500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated PHP3.5 million street value and concealed inside a plastic bag; the bundled “bogus money” used in the transaction with several genuine money bills on top; a mobile phone and the suspect’s commuter van.

Rakim claimed he knew nothing about the deal as someone has asked him to deliver the bag to a receiver in the Pinguiaman area.

He is set to be charged with violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). He is now detained at the PDEA-BARMM headquarters in this city. (PNA)

Troops thwart NPA extortion in remote Zambo Norte village

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:50:54 GMT

EXTORTION THWARTED. Troopers of the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion clash on Tuesday (June 9, 2020) against a group of communist New People's Army in Sitio Waloangka, Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. Soldiers recovered two high-powered firearms and other war materials following the encounter. (Photo courtesy of 44th Infantry Battalion)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Government troops have thwarted an extortion activity of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after engaging the guerillas in a firefight in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the encounter broke out Tuesday afternoon while the troops were checking on the reported extortion activities of the NPA in Sitio Waloangka, Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo town.

“Our troops received information from the locals (residents) of the continued extortion activities of the NPAs in the far-flung sitios of the said barangay,” Templonuevo said.

He said no one was killed or wounded on the government side during the five-minute firefight that led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, an M16A1 “baby Armalite”, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the 44IB has deployed troops to track down the fleeing NPA rebels, who scampered at the height of the firefight.

Nicola underscored the "active participation of the local populace" in the government’s campaign to end the communist armed conflict.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, commended the troops for displaying "competence in warfighting against the NPA rebels".

“We are now regaining the grounds of NPAs exploited communities as well as gaining the trust and confidence of the local populace with the sincerity of the government in its pursuit of genuine peace,” Ponio said. (PNA)

P1.8-M shabu seized, drug suspect arrested in Bulacan

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:49:31 GMT

SHABU SEIZED. The plastic sachets of shabu confiscated from a drug suspect during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tuktukan, Guiguinto, Bulacan on Tuesday (June 9, 2020). The confiscated drugs have a street value of PHP1.8 million. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan Police Provincial Office)

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan – Some PHP1.8 million worth of shabu was confiscated from a drug suspect during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tuktukan, Guiguinto, this province on Tuesday.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, on Wednesday identified the suspect as Joerly Tisado, 33, a security guard from Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto.

He said that based on the report submitted to him, an undercover policeman was able to buy a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing shabu from the suspect that resulted in his arrest.

Cajipe said during the body search, three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu with an estimated weight of 147.630 grams and street value of PHP1.8 million were found from the suspect.

He said the suspect was brought to the town's police station while the recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.

Cajipe added that the suspect will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

San Carlos City cops get P1.5-M in guns, tactical gear

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:48:32 GMT

GUNS, SWAT GEAR. San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo (left) and 1st District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor Jr. (2nd from left) turn over PHP1.5 million worth of firearms and Special Weapons and Tactics gear to the city police on Wednesday (June 10, 2020). Col. Romy Palgue (2nd from right), officer-in-charge provincial director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Maj. Mark Angelo Junco (far right), OIC of the San Carlos City Police, received the gear in rites held at the City Council session hall. (Photo courtesy of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental LGU)

BACOLOD CITY – Personnel of the San Carlos City Police in Negros Occidental received PHP1.5 million worth of firearms and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) gear from the city government on Wednesday.

The firepower boost consisted of two caliber 5.56 automatic assault rifles, three caliber 40mm pistols, eight tactical police/SWAT vest with trauma plates, eight Kevlar helmets, eight pairs of tactical boots, eight gas masks, official tactical mobile entry shield, and one sniper scope.

In rites held at the City Council session hall, the firearms and tactical gear were turned over by Mayor Renato Gustilo and 1st District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor Jr. to Col. Romy Palgue, officer-in-charge provincial director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Maj. Mark Angelo Junco, OIC of the San Carlos City Police.

“It has been a continuing tradition of the city to support the Philippine National Police by providing them firearms and equipment,” said Valmayor, a former city mayor.

He said he hopes that the police and the city government would have a better partnership amid the challenging times.

Palgue thanked the city government for equipping the policemen with the needed gear.

“This would increase their confidence, competence, character, and credibility in serving and protecting the people,” he added.

Junco said the additional equipment would boost the enforcement of public safety, investigation, and intelligence operations.

Councilor Benito Gustilo Jr., chairman of the committee on police matters, urged policemen to be responsible in the use of equipment and continue to safeguard the city from threats.

Last June 2, the provincial government also turned over 30 units of similar gear worth PHP2.43 million to the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.

These included tactical bulletproof vests, ballistic plates, and fast type ballistic helmets. (PNA)

It’s a baby boy for Coleen and Billy

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:12:36 GMT

Photo Credit: Coleen Garcia Crawford Instagram Account

MANILA – Celebrity couple Coleen Garcia and husband Billy Crawford are expecting a baby boy.

The two shared the good news in a virtual gender reveal party on Wednesday, June 10.

Aside from their YouTube page, their Under-The Sea-themed celebration was also streamed on Facebook and Kumu.

“It’s a boy,” Crawford happily shouted as Garcia pulled the piñata string revealing blue confetti.

“We have the ultrasound … Here’s our little boy,” Garcia shared.

The actress also took to Instagram to thank those who attended their special event.

“… Thank you to everyone who joined our baby shower/gender reveal today! We’re so happy we finally got to share this with you!” Garcia posted.

Aside from revealing their child’s gender, the couple decided to have an online party to raise funds for UNICEF and other charitable organizations to give back to mothers and children in need.

It was only last March when Garcia confirmed her pregnancy. In her vlog, Garcia said that she discovered she was on the family way last January.

Garcia and Crawford got married last April 20, 2018.

Duremdes: MPBL will be better, stronger

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:39:01 GMT

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes shared in an online remote interview that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it was a difficult decision for the league to have to postpone its upcoming season, which was originally slated to open this week on Independence Day: “Alam natin na very passionate ang mga Pinoy sa basketball."

Commissioner Duremdes explained that league founder/CEO Senator Manny Pacquiao, along with the MPBL Committee, met with the team owners and managers regarding the matter of coping with the new normal.

While the health factor was not deemed significantly at risk, they came to the decision that it's not quite right for many to enjoy the league while others are suffering.

They also needed to consider such factors as permits, clearance from the Inter-Agency Task Force For Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), guidelines from the Department of Health, and venue stipulations from local government units.

According to Duremdes, the new set-up includes having only one venue for the remaining games, instead of the usual home court advantage engagements. Safety precautions will include scouting for hotels near the venue for quarantine purposes, COVID-19 tests would have to be conducted before the game, and there will be a closed-door game policy.

Teams will have a month to train and get back into shape. Transportation is also seen as a big challenge, as some teams will be coming from the South, such as the Davao Occidental Tigers and Basilan Steel.

Duremdes reiterated that teams cannot acquire or recruit players unless Lakan Cup 2019-20 is finished because it is going to be unfair, especially for the last few teams who are competing for the division and national finals. The league informed all teams that they can acquire and plan on building their respective teams after Lakan.

MPBL will also be holding pre-season tournaments to prepare the teams for the next season. Clustering will be based per division, to include North, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.

With so many challenges up ahead, Duremdes remains positive: “Lahat kakayanin natin.” He encourages everyone “to be patient and positive,” keeping faith that the fans are looking forward to watching MPBL again, supporting their teams and cities as “the league will be back stronger and better.”

Dela Rosa: Anti-terror bill will not lead to abuse or human rights violations

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:12:49 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Official Facebook Page

Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa maintained that the proposed anti-terrorism measure cannot be used as a tool for human rights violations and to silence political dissent and activism in the country.

Dela Rosa said Senate Bill No. 1083 or the Anti-Terror Bill clearly defines acts of terror and contains safeguards for civil and political rights.

“Terrorism as defined in this section shall not include advocacy, protest, dissent stoppage of work, industrial or mass action and other similar exercises of civil and political rights which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create a serious risk to public safety,” the senator and former police chief explained.

He reiterated that activism and rallying are not even considered acts of terror.

“Kahit po magsigaw-sigaw ka dyan [ng] makibaka, makibaka hindi po kayo saklaw dito. Mahirap kasi yung information ngayon na ginagawa ng mga kaliwa about anti-terrorism bill dahil takot sila alam nila tatamaan ang NPA dito kaya talagang humaharang talaga sila,” Dela Rosa said.

(Even if someone said, fight, that is not under the scope of this law. The information that the left is spreading is not trustworthy because they know the law will hit the NPA (New People’s Army), which is why they are blocking it)

The senator also clarified that the sole function of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) is purely administrative in nature and not judicial.

The proposed anti-terror measure was already transmitted to the Palace for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Pres. Duterte signs National Academy Of Sports Act

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:08:56 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

At a ceremony on June 9 in the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City, President Duterte signed the law establishing the National Academy Of Sports.

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Tesoro Go, who chairs the Senate Sports Committee and was present during the signing, said the new law will benefit student-athletes and promote long-term sports development in the country through educational programs for sports.

Go, who was one of the principal authors of the law, said he believes that Filipino athletes will now be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports development.

An elated Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez expressed support at seeing the result of the hard work of the Senate and Congress: "The PSC commits its cooperation in the implementation of RA 11470’s provisions, recognizing that its success is a vital boost to the country’s sports development, complementing our agency’s efforts in developing grassroots and elite sports.”

Senator Go shared on social media that the country can expect world-class facilities, housing and amenities at par with international standards at New Clark City in Tarlac.

The sports academy will also, if needed, facilitate the hiring of licensed foreign coaches, trainers and consultants duly certified by The Philippine Sports Commission.

Senator Go underscored that student-athletes will now be able to acquire world-class training and quality education through a learning institution for sports that will give Pinoy athletes a chance to hone their skills to high standards. This, he added, would also be a perfect way to inspire the youth to focus on what’s best for them instead of getting involved in things that are not good for their future, such as drugs.

$500 million loan approved by ADB to support 4Ps program

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:04:11 GMT

MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support the country’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“The 4Ps program provides vulnerable households with an income supplement to help their children become educated, stay healthy, and leave poverty for good. Our evidence shows that this is working. The 4Ps program has helped 1.5 million people escape poverty since it began in 2008,” said ADB Vice President Ahmed Saeed.

The bank will also provide an additional $3.1 million as technical assistance to help improve family and youth development sessions, update the list of eligible poor households, provide a package of livelihood and other support to help up to 3,000 households out of poverty, support information technology reforms to automate compliance verification and grievance redress, and prepare for the integration of the 4Ps database with the government’s national ID system.

ADB has lent a total of $1.5 billion to support the government’s 4Ps program. This includes the $200 million loan approved last April to provide emergency cash transfers to 4Ps households amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ADB loans to the Philippines have reached a total of $2.6 billion this year, exceeding last year’s total of $2.5 billion.

Solon calls for Special Session to approve P1.3T stimulus

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:14:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook Page

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Rodrigo Duterte to call for a special session of Congress to approve the P1.3-trillion economic stimulus bill that would help boost the economy.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 6815 or the Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy (ARISE) bill before it adjourned last week.

Rodriguez said the president is authorized by the Constitution to call for a special session at any time during a recess.

“Time is of the essence. We should approve this stimulus package to help various sectors crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic. If we wait until August or September after we convene for our second regular session in late July, we will have wasted precious time,” he added.

The solon said many small businesses need assistance despite the easing of quarantine restrictions in many areas of the country.

Rodriguez explained that the bill will allocate funds for wage subsidies and cash for returning OFWS and domestic displaced workers; loans for micro, small and medium enterprises; programs under the agriculture and fishery sector, transportation industry and tourism; and financial aid to students.

It also reserves P650 billion for President Duterte’s enhanced Build, Build, Build infrastructure program for 2021.

Members of the administration’s economic team have previously described the stimulus package as “un-fundable,” as there are neither excess revenues or new revenue sources for it.

Supporters of the bill suggested using funds from the government’s savings from the 2018 and 2019 national budget; money returned from discontinued projects in the 2019 and 2020 budgets; an amount from the Special fund; loans from multilateral financial institutions, international and domestic banks; and the issuance of economic stimulus bonds.

Ph Embassy addresses reports of discrimination against OFWs in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:56:11 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto allayed concerns about alleged racial discrimination against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking medical attention in the territory.

Alonto said he met with an official of the Saudi Ministry of Health to discuss reports of delayed response and non-admittance of Filipinos in hospitals.

“I was assured by our host government na wala pong diskriminasyon na nangyayari, ito po ay largely because of the numbers of infection cases,” Alonto told PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar on Wednesday.

(I was assured by our host government that no discrimination is happening. This is largely because of the numbers of infection cases)

He said Saudi Arabia did not expect COVID-19 cases in its territory to exceed 100,000.

Alonto also created a dedicated team in his embassy to investigate the reports.

“I am very glad to report that the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia has actually designated more and more dedicated COVID medical facilities,” he added.

He was assured by Saudi authorities that OFWs are being treated. Depending on the patient’s condition, they are held at a quarantine facility. If the condition of the patient worsens, only then will they be admitted to a hospital for appropriate treatment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently has 108,571 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 783 deaths, and 76,339 recoveries.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 10)

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:34:23 GMT

The Department of Health records 740 new cases on Wednesday.

Of this number, 452 are fresh cases while 288 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 23,732.

House Speaker calls for Accountability on Covid-19 Pandemic Response Delays

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:06:27 GMT

Photo Credit: Alan Peter Cayetano Official Facebook Page

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has called on his fellow representatives to work on measures for more accountability and faster delivery of services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can continue to discuss how to hold people accountable not for the sake of being accountable, but to give people better services,” said Cayetano to the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Defeat COVID-19 Adhoc Committee.

In his speech before Congress adjourned sine die last week, Cayetano demanded accountability for failures and delays in implementing the government’s coronavirus pandemic response.

He urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure a better and smoother system of distributing the second tranche of the P100-billion Social Amelioration Program to low-income families.

He appealed to Assistant Secretaries, Undersecretaries and Regional Directors of various Departments to help their Secretaries deliver efficient and effective service and veer away from bureaucratic procedures that cause delays in the distribution of SAP and other services and benefits provided by the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.

He also reminded government officials of President Rodrigo Duterte's mantra in serving the people.

“Simple lang po sinasabi niya: ‘wag paiintayin ang tao, ibigay ang tamang serbisyo. Ganun din naman po ngayon. Nung naging Presidente siya at wala pang COVID, ‘di ba, sabi niya, ‘wag pong tatagal ang papeles sa mesa ng public official. Walang corruption dapat,” he said.

(What he said is simple: don’t make the people wait, give the right service. The same applies today. When he became President and there was no COVID, he said, public officials must not keep papers on their desks for long. There should be no corruption)

A number of lawmakers filed separate resolutions to probe alleged anomalies and mishandling of the SAP implementation. They also called for faster disbursement of the second tranche.

'SAF 44' widows seek amendment of ‘indemnification’ rule in HSA

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:58:10 GMT

A screenshot of a page from the soon-to-be-released book of former Tarlac governor and Philippine Army reserve colonel Margarita "Tingting" R. Cojuangco

MANILA – Some of the widows of the "SAF 44" personally wrote to concerned government authorities to request for an amendment or repeal of a provision of Republic Act (RA) 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA) that mandates the payment or indemnification of PHP500,000 for every day a person acquitted of terrorism charges is imprisoned or detained.

This was revealed in the soon-to-be-released book titled "SAF 44", written by former Tarlac governor and Philippine Army reserve colonel Margarita "Tingting" R. Cojuangco.

Some of the "SAF 44" widows found this provision "anathema" to the underlying constitutional policy of affording protection to life, liberty, and property that they decided to air their concerns to Solicitor General Jose Calida and members of Congress to repeal this provision of the law.

These women also found the atrocities resulting from acts of terrorism "despicable".

"It is beyond telling that the crime of terrorism, in every facet, grievous, and its effect, severe and serious, compared to crimes defined and penalized under the Revised Penal Code. It is therefore beyond comprehension that the persons charged, or would be charged under RA 9372, would eventually be acquitted (since the elements are hard to prove) and receive as much as PHP500,000 for every day of imprisonment, when the indemnification under RA 7309 is only up to PHP10,000," SAF 44 widows Merlyn Gamutan, Rachel Sumbilla, Adelisa Bedua, Kristine Clemencio, Mimi Tayrus, Lhea Tabdi, Margaret Tulnuan, and Melanie Duque said in their letter.

This portion of the letter was contained in parts of the book forwarded by Cojuangco to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

The widows were referring to Republic Act 7309 mandating the creation of a ‘Board of Claims’ under the Department of Justice for victims of unjust imprisonment or detention and victims of violent crimes.

The fallen SAF troopers who died in the Mamasapano clash in 2015.

Section 4 of the law states that the “in all other cases, the maximum amount for which the Board may approve a claim shall not exceed PHP10,000 or the amount necessary to reimburse the claimant the expenses incurred for hospitalization, medical treatment, loss of wage, loss of support or other expenses directly related to injury, whichever is lower”.

Meanwhile, Section 50 of the HSA stipulates that the amount of damages shall be automatically charged against the appropriations of the police agency or the Anti-Terrorism Council that brought or sanctioned the filing of the charges against the accused.

"Our laws should mean to deter wrongdoing, and its penalty is a discouragement for the commission of crimes ahead. In the same manner, our laws, to be effective, should be just and fair for everyone. Our laws should not be the source of exaltation and refuge for known terrorists and criminals. Along this line, we respectfully move the amendment/repeal of Section 50 of Republic Act 9372 be proposed and duly endorsed," the widows said in their letter.

"SAF 44" refers to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police SAF killed-in-action during the operation launched to neutralize Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir alias "Marwan" and other Malaysian terrorists in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Aside from the SAF troopers, the 12-hour gunbattle left 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters forces and five civilians dead. (PNA)

Army chief says anti-terror bill to help cut funding for Reds

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:55:25 GMT

Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

MANILA – The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will allow the government to cut sources of financial and logistical support for communist terrorist groups, Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said Wednesday.

"It would enable us because you know they (communist terrorist groups) are still espousing armed violence to bring about change in our society, in our country. And of course, in doing so, they need support, they need finance and logistics support from other sectors so this bill would also enable us to cut that umbilical cord so that it could, and we could prevent and hopefully, finally end this communist insurgency," Gapay said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Section 25 of the bill mandates that the proposed Anti-Terrorism Council "shall automatically adopt the United Nations Security Council Consolidated List of designated individuals, groups of persons, organizations, or associations designated and/or identified as a terrorist, one who finances terrorism, or a terrorist organization or group".

Gapay added that the New People's Army (NPA) is well within the definition of terrorism in the proposed measure as they have killed civilians and uniformed personnel using treachery, and violence.

"They have killed innocent civilians, even us in the security sector employing treachery, you know, ambushes and using IEDs (improvised explosive devices), they (also) have bombs, and I don't think with that they are no different (with the) other terrorists, so they are included because they are well within the definition of what terrorism means, who terrorists are in this new anti-terror bill," he added.

Under the bill, terrorism is committed when a person commits acts intended to cause death or injury to any person or endangers a person's life, engages in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government facility, public place or private property and critical infrastructure among others.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said the measure is not targeting any specific group.

“The proposed law is not targeting any specific organization, group, or individual. But if any of them commits an act or acts which are included in the definition of Terrorism, then they will be prosecuted and penalized under the proposed law,” Santos said in a statement.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

IATF to hotels: No DOT certificate, no operations

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:54:13 GMT

MANILA – Hotels and similar accommodation establishments (AEs) are required to secure a certificate of authority to operate from the Department of Tourism before resuming to business operations during the community quarantine.

Under the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 43 of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine, accommodation establishments may operate only upon the issuance of a certificate of authority to operate.

“This is a welcome development for us to ensure that the safety and health of visitors will be given utmost priority and will not be compromised,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Erring establishments face penalties, she warned.

The application for the certification remains free of charge.

DOT–accredited hotels and other AEs need only to submit to the DOT regional office with jurisdiction over their area the Letter of Intent to Operate.

Non-DOT-accredited hotels and AEs will need to apply for accreditation to ensure compliance with basic requirements.

Under the same resolution, AEs refer to establishments operating primarily for accommodation purposes including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, tourist inns, motels, pension houses, private homes used for homestay, ecolodges, serviced apartments, condotels, and bed and breakfast facilities. (DOT PR)

Abu Sayyaf 'member' killed, 3 others nabbed in anti-drug ops

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:53:00 GMT

KILLED. An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed while two of his companions arrested in an anti-drug operation Sunday (June 7, 2020) in Barangay Tubig Basag, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Some PHP340,000 worth of suspected shabu, a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, marked money, and illegal drug paraphernalia were seized during the anti-drug operation. (Photo from Facebook of PDEA-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while three others arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces, an official said Wednesday.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 9 (PDEA-9) Director Emerson Margate, identified the slain ASG member as Bensal Aradi, and the arrested individuals as Mahmud Ainal, 42; Najil Sangkula, 35; and, Madal Ladang.

In a report to PDEA Director-General Wilkins Villanueva, Margate said Aradi was killed in a shootout during an anti-drug operation around 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Tubig Basag, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Margate said the shootout broke out after Aradi opened fire and prompted the authorities to return fire, killing the alleged ASG member.

He said Ainal of Sangkula, who was with Aradi during the buy-bust operation, was arrested by the joint operatives of PDEA, police, and the military.

He said the joint operatives have recovered some 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P340,000, one .45-caliber pistol with live ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and marked money.

The PDEA-9 director said Ladang was arrested in another buy-bust operation around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Orchids, Barangay FL Peña, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Margate said confiscated from Ladang were some PHP13,600 worth of suspected shabu, a tricycle, and marked money.

Margate said appropriate charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects. (PNA)

6 arrested in Dagupan drug bust

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:51:36 GMT

DRUG DEN. Six persons are arrested in a drug bust in Barangay Bonuan Boquig, Dagupan City on Tuesday (June 9, 2020). The operation was conducted by the provincial office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dagupan City Police. (Photo courtesy of PDEA Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY – Authorities have arrested six persons and seized from them suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP82,000 in a drug den in Barangay Bonuan Boquig here.

The operation that was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - Pangasinan, assisted by the Dagupan City Police, on Tuesday afternoon led to the arrest of suspects Sergio Raguindin, Wendell Dulay, Sergio Casilang, Allan Natividad, Warren Gonzales, and Christine Landingin.

In an interview, PDEA-Pangasinan team leader Retchie Camacho said Landingin was the subject of the operation as her house had allegedly become a one-stop-shop for illegal drugs in the city.

“This was the result of our relentless follow-up after each operation we do,” Camacho said, adding that Landingin’s name came up after a similar operation in neighboring Barangay Bonuan Gueset two weeks ago.

He said a previously arrested suspect disclosed that part of his shipment was allegedly brought to Landingin.

Operatives, Camacho said, entrapped the suspect in a buy-bust operation but the other suspects were also in the drug den amid a pot session.

Authorities seized one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, which was sold to the poseur-buyer. They confiscated seven more sachets in the suspect’s pot room.

The suspected illegal drugs weighed about 12 grams estimated at PHP82,000, he said.

Recovered were assorted drug paraphernalia, buy-bust money, one cellphone, two motorcycles used by customers, and cash.

The suspects are under the custody of PDEA and face charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Canada provides P45-M worth of Covid-19 aid to PH

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:50:18 GMT

MANILA – The Canadian government is providing over 1.2 million Canadian dollars (approximately PHP45 million) in assistance to the Philippines' fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"The Covid-19 pandemic is a global threat that does not recognize borders and can only be overcome through coordinated action around the world. The Government of Canada is therefore pleased to partner with the Philippines in its efforts to combat the virus," the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Wednesday.

Part of Canada's aid is the donation of 120,000 N95 masks worth about PHP29.5 million.

Canada is also providing an additional 400,000 Canadian dollars or about PHP15 million to the existing 17.8 million Canadian dollars Sexual Health and Empowerment Philippines (SHE) project with Oxfam to ensure the unhampered provision of sexual and reproductive health services during the pandemic.

"This investment complements ongoing response activities, including the establishment of an emergency hotline for health services and gender-based violence, procurement of PPE (personal protective equipment) for barangay health workers, and distribution of family planning information materials," it said.

The additional funding will support core activities of the SHE project which aims to improve the quality, availability, and uptake of health services of over 85,000 women of reproductive ages as well as adolescent girls and boys in conflict-affected and disadvantaged regions in the Philippines.

Canada is supporting other Southeast Asian nations by providing PPE and capacity-building for the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) BioDiaspora Virtual Centre within the Asean Emergency Operations Centre Network.

The Philippines is also one of the beneficiary-countries identified to receive Covid-19 diagnostic equipment, testing kits, reagents, and laboratory consumables as part of 5 million Canadian dollars global project Canada is funding through the International Atomic Energy Agency. (PNA)

Returned OFW in Catanduanes may be charged for presenting fake quarantine certificate

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:47:12 GMT

Photo Credit: Governor Joseph Cua Facebook Account

Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua said an overseas Filipino worker who recently returned to their province could face civil and criminal charges for presenting a fake quarantine certificate.

Cua learned from the local Bureau of Quarantine that a certain OFW beneficiary of their Balik Happy Island Program who arrived last June 8 might be COVID-19 positive. After further checking, they found that the quarantine certificate of the said OFW showed signs of falsification.

The OFW arrived in the Philippines on May 23 and was quarantined in a Makati hotel. He was transported to Tabaco City in Albay on June 6 where he presented the said quarantine certificate dated June 5. He stayed in Tabaco until he arrived at a quarantine facility in Catanduanes on June 8.

Specimens for PCR testing were already collected from the OFW and other people he had contact with. They remain under quarantine and monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

Governor Cua advised the Philippine Coast Guard in Catanduanes to implement stricter inspection of documents of returning OFWs as well as locally stranded individuals.

Catanduanes had only recorded one positive case of COVID-19 and the said patient has already recovered.

Cebu to revive tourism industry

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:31:17 GMT

Photo Credit: Governor Gwen Garcia Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said most tourism activities in the province have been cleared to resume as long as health protocols are observed.

“We are looking at tourism as a way to provide livelihoods to our people. So definitely we cannot say tourism is dead. We will see what we can do to revive it because people need the jobs and the economic activity that tourism generates,” Garcia said on Sugbo News.

Garcia and several mayors met with Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 officials to plan the next steps for Cebu’s tourism industry.

“We will be meeting again this week and we asked them depending on the kind of activity in their area kung unsa ilang ma (whatever they can) propose nga protocols taking into consideration health and sanitation and our push towards boosting the immune system,” Garcia said.

The governor said the province will be repackaged as a health and wellness destination.

Garcia also promoted kayaking in Badian or doing any water sports as a way of strengthening the immune system against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRAC) President Carlo Anton Suarez appealed to the Capitol for help, saying it will take them one to two years to recover from this crisis

The entire province stopped most business operations on March 30. The province’s tourism was also at a standstill because of travel bans. Some hotels had to lay off workers while a few shut down before Cebu transitioned into general community quarantine (GCQ) last June 1

DOLE: COVID-19 displaces over 300,000 OFWs, 70,000 local workers

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 08:49:19 GMT

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III revealed that more than 300,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were left jobless because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So far, the recorded affected (OFWs) because of COVID-19 is 300,021,” Bello said on Wednesday.

The secretary added that 191,000 of the affected OFWs chose to stay where they are until everything normalizes. DOLE has given them an allowance $200 to help them through. About 62,000 OFWs sought repatriation.

Bello also said around 44,000 OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines once they finish processing their papers. The government has already repatriated 16,679 OFWs from May to June this year all of whom were given P10,000 before they were brought home.

Bello,meanwhile clarified that the actual number of locally-based Filipino workers left unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic was only around 70,000 and not 7.3 million.

He said 7.3 million was just the projected figure by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) based on a survey it conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The actual number is 69,022 workers. These workers were affected by the closure of 2,068 business establishments.

The secretary meanwhile said his department is planning an emergency employment program which will give informal employees three to six months emergency employment to help them during the pandemic.

Bello further added that the Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy of the Philippines (ARISE Philippines) Act will provide employers with 25 to 50 percent subsidy provided that they will not lay off employees, but instead hire more.

Solon probes alleged smuggling and tax evasion involving CBWs

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:10:08 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives Official Website

House Committee on Ways and Means chair Rep. Joey Salceda has started an investigation into reports that Customs Bonded Warehouses (CBWs) are being used for smuggling and tax evasion.

Salceda’s committee saw procedural lapses in the accreditation, classification, and operations of CBWs, resulting in loss of revenue from smuggling and unliquidated bonds. They also found that corporations circumvented the law by taking advantage of CBWs and avoiding tax payments.

Salceda requested an audit of corporations involved in domestic trade using CBWs.

He also directed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to create a plan to increase its manpower and improve its current system for the purpose of monitoring trade and export and increasing revenue collection.

The lawmaker also asked key committee members to conduct personal inspections of Bureau operations in aid of legislating proposals to amend the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA or Republic Act No. 10863).

“We need all the revenues we can get under existing laws to fund our COVID-19 efforts. This is a matter of life and death for the country, if we cannot get our lifeblood – taxes – flowing,” Salceda said. “I promised the economic managers that I will help find the money that we need. The committee is working hard to get that promise done.”

Customs law mandates that all articles imported into the Philippines are subject to the payment of customs duties, taxes and other charges. Section 812 of the CMTA however allows the duty-and-tax free storage of articles imported for the purpose of manufacture into re-exported products in a licensed CBW.

Telco: Welcome messages from China, Vietnam nothing unusual

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:30:53 GMT

Photo Credit: Smart Twitter Account

Smart Communications, Inc. spokesperson Ramon Isberto said there is nothing unusual with the welcome messages from China and Vietnam that Philippine government officials and other visitors received in their mobile phones during their visit to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Tuesday.

Isberto said the messages came from Smart’s partner mobile operators in China and Vietnam.

“Yung mga nakita nila, those were the roaming welcome messages sent out by our partners in China and Vietnam. Mayroong signal in that area, particularly in that Pag-asa Island kaya na-pick up nila ang roaming message,” Isberto said during the Laging Handa press conference on Wednesday.

(What they saw are roaming welcome messages sent out by our partners in China and Vietnam. There are telecom signals in that area particularly in Pag-asa Island so they picked up the roaming message)

He added that travellers with cellphones set to roaming usually receive welcome messages or greetings once they set foot in a foreign land.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and some reporters received “Welcome to China” and “Welcome to Vietnam” messages when they arrived at Pag-asa Island for the inauguration of a beaching ramp, which would aid in the delivery of materials for repairing island facilities.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Felimon Santos Jr., Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay and AFP Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria were also present during the inauguration.

Cayetano: Bayanihan II will avoid past mistakes

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:14:23 GMT

Photo Credit: Alan Peter Cayetano Official Facebook Page

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano vowed that the House of Representatives will improve the proposed Bayanihan To Recover As One Act or Bayanihan II (House Bill 6953) by using its oversight functions and ensure that mistakes of the past will not be repeated.

The speaker said Bayanihan II will institute mechanisms to improve Social Amelioration Package (SAP) distribution.

“We want also to ensure that SAP will be given to all Filipinos who need it most. We respect and acknowledge the tremendous work done by the departments involved, but our citizens cannot afford to wait that long. There must be a better way, and together we will find it,” said Cayetano.

The bill will establish mechanisms that will consolidate, update and validate existing records through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and local government units. This is expected to lead to a comprehensive, up to date and unified database to properly identify recipients and effectively implement the provision of socio-economic relief.

Bayanihan II aims to provide an emergency subsidy for low-income families, households with recently returned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs); no-work, no-pay individuals including freelancers and self-employed individuals, and other families or individuals properly identified by the Government as in need of emergency subsidy.

The measure will also give an unemployment or involuntary separation assistance of P10,000 to displaced workers or employees including probationary, project, seasonal, contractual and casual employees in private health institutions, tourism, culture and arts, creative jobs, industries and freelance work. The self-employed, repatriated OFWs and OFWs whose deployment was suspended by the government are included as well.

Cayetano said Congress is also working to include provisions that will strengthen the support system provided by the government for essential workers. This includes better occupational safety conditions, employment benefits, and other measures commensurate to their contribution to the country.

Cayetano added that Congress is working on solutions in the bill to deal with a possible second wave of COVID-19.

“Now we must take the hard lessons we have learned in the past months and apply it in the testing, tracing, and treatment of patients in order to escape the threat of a more devastating second wave,” Cayetano said.

The House Committee of the Whole passed Bayanihan II to address the impact of COVID-19 on the Philippine economy and society last June 3. It extends the effectivity of Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act in addition to the provisions mentioned above.

Batikang aktres na si Anita Linda, pumanaw na

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 03:20:52 GMT

Photo Credit: Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr. Instagram Account

MAYNILA – Pumanaw na ang batikang aktres na si Anita Linda sa edad na 95.

Ayon sa direktor na si Adolfo Alix Jr., sumakabilang-buhay ang aktres nitong umaga ng Miyerkules.

“This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts... The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15AM. Prayers for her soul. My condolences to her family and her children, Francesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn,” ani Alix.

Noong nakaraang taon, kasabay ng pagdiwang ng ika-100 taon ng pelikulang Pilipino, binigyang pugay ng Film Development Council of the Philippines si Anita sa kanyang mga ambag sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino sa loob ng halos 75 taon.

Nagsimula si Anita Linda bilang kapareha ng mga sikat na aktor noon, tulad nina Jaime dela Rosa at Carlos Padilla, Sr.

Nitong nagdaang mga panahon, kinilala si Linda sa madalas na pagganap ng mga papel bilang ina o lola.

Dalawa sa mga kilalang pelikula ni Anita Linda ay ang “Lola” na dinirehe ni Brillante Mendoza at ang “Adela” na dinirehe ni Alix Jr.

Sa nakaraang panayam kay Linda, sinabi niyang ang pag-arte sa pelikula man o telebisyon ang nais niyang gawin at inspirasyon niya ang mga manonood na kanyang napapasaya.

Noong nakaraang taon, ginawa ni Linda ang pelikulang “Circa” na naging bahagi ng Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

Anti-terror law to shield Agusan Norte IPs from NPA abuse

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 02:15:49 GMT

Agusan del Norte provincial Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Datu Bawang Eddie Sulhayan Ampiyawan of the Higaonon tribe. (Photo grab from Sangguniang Panlalawigan Agusan del Norte Facebook Page)

BUTUAN CITY – The passage of the anti-terrorism bill, which now awaits the signature of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is welcomed by the indigenous peoples (IPs) in Agusan del Norte, saying the measure would protect them from the abuses of communist rebels.

Datu Bawang Eddie Sulhayan Ampiyawan, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of Agusan del Norte (IPMR-ADN), said there is nothing to be afraid of with the measure as it is only meant to "protect the ordinary people."

"It will protect the people — especially the IPs and their communities — from the recruitment, extortion, and other forms of abuse being done for years by the communist New People’s Army (NPA)," Ampiyawan told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday. “The IPs of Agusan del Norte are supporting the passage of the anti-terror bill and we ask President Duterte to sign it.”

For years, the Higaonon leader said NPA rebels have been intruding into their ancestral lands to influence the IPs to join the communist rebellion, adding that "violent repercussions" await against those "who refused to join the communist cause."

Ampiyawan said the IP communities in the entire country will benefit from the anti-terror bill, noting that peace will engender development in the countryside — especially in ancestral lands.

“We have to look at the law in all aspects. The law will not only shield the IP communities it will also become a ticket for development programs and progress to far-flung IP and non-IP communities in Agusan del Norte and other parts of the Caraga Region,” the tribal leader said.

He also called on various sectors opposed to the anti-terror bill to "reflect on their one-sided stand."

“The country is facing terrorism every day. Threats are always posed by the NPA, the extremists, and the criminals. This law is needed to combat these terrorists that threaten our families and communities,” Ampiyawan said.

He also expressed gratitude to President Duterte and the leaders of the House of Representatives for their "perseverance and resolve to enact the said law."

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)

7 'pushers' slain, 5 nabbed in GenSan drug busts

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 02:13:11 GMT

Col. Aden Lagradante, General Santos City police director. (PNA GenSan file photo)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Seven target-listed drug personalities, including two “notorious” pushers from the Zamboanga Peninsula, were killed while five others were arrested in a “one time, big time” anti-drug operation here on Monday.

Col. Aden Lagradante, city police director, said Tuesday the suspects died in separate shootouts with joint operatives during a series of entrapment and follow-up operations in four villages here.

Lagradante said the crackdown was spearheaded by elements of the Police Regional Office-12’s drug enforcement unit, regional intelligence division, and the city police office, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12.

He said suspected shabu pusher Mark Bon Dasal was killed after resisting arrest in a buy-bust operation around 9:40 a.m. in Barangay Fatima.

During the transaction, he said the suspect, who sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP500, sensed that he was dealing with a police officer and drew a .38-caliber handgun.

Dasal, who was included on the inter-agency drug information database, was fatally wounded in an ensuing shootout and was declared dead upon arrival at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital (DJPRH).

Lagradante said two pushers identified as Andrew Ignacio of Dipolog City and Romel Vailosis Hanio of Zamboanga City died in an encounter with joint operatives around 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Baluan.

He said the suspects, who were temporarily residing in the area, engaged operatives in a shootout and reportedly tried to throw a hand grenade during a buy-bust operation.

The official said the operating team was forced to retaliate, resulting in the killing of the suspects who were declared dead upon arrival at the DJPRH.

Recovered from the suspects were a .38-caliber revolver, a hand grenade, an improvised tooter, and 16 small sachets, and four packs of suspected shabu.

“They had been linked to robbery and other criminal activities and were reportedly a part of a local drug group,” Lagradante told reporters.

An alleged cohort of the slain suspects identified as Joel Espiga was killed in an encounter with police operatives in Purok San Jose, Barangay Baluan while reportedly fleeing around 12:30 p.m.

Lagradante said two other suspected pushers died in another shootout around 12:40 p.m. in Barangay Mabuhay.

Suspects Fernil Licao and Evance Estacio resisted arrest after selling a sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to a police officer who posed as a buyer, police said.

Police said the two were cornered and fatally wounded after engaging the operating team in a brief firefight. They were also declared dead upon arrival at the DJPRH.

Another suspected pusher was slain in an encounter around 4 p.m. in Barangay Apopong, police said.

He said suspect Arman Mato was shot dead by joint operatives after resisting arrest and drawing a handgun during a buy-bust operation inside the Princefield Inn.

Moreover, Lagradante said five suspects were arrested by operatives in separate buy-bust operations in Barangays Labangal, Lagao, Calumpang, and Buayan.

He said suspects Rommel Pallado and Jasper Padilla yielded two sachets of suspected shabu during an entrapment around 9:30 a.m. along the national highway in Espina, Barangay Labangal; while alleged pusher John Mark Cutamora was nabbed around the same time in Barangay Calumpang after selling a sachet of shabu to an undercover police officer.

Two more suspects identified as Marvin Adiam and Herman Gabotero were separately arrested around 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in buy-bust operations in Barangays Lagao and Buayan, respectively.

Adiam yielded a sachet of suspected shabu while six more were found in Gabotero’s possession, police said.

Lagradante said the five suspects will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 or selling and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

PDEA probes 'drug protector' cop in Zambo Sibugay

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 02:11:10 GMT

DRUG CODDLING COP? The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has launched a probe to identify the policeman named of being her protector by drug suspect, Wendell Cristine Mijares. She was arrested in a buy-bust operation June 5, 2020 in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo lifted from the Facebook page of PDEA-Zamboanga Sibugay)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has launched an investigation to identify a policeman who has been tagged as an alleged drug protector in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a PDEA official disclosed Tuesday.

Dorothy Joy Villoso, Zamboanga Sibugay PDEA head, said Tuesday they initiated the investigation after a 21-year-old woman claimed that she cannot be arrested since she is under the protection of a policeman.

The suspect, Wendell Christine Mijares, was arrested in a buy-bust operation last Friday by a joint team of PDEA and police operatives in Barangay Concepcion, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Seized from her during the buy-bust operation were some five grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP40,800 and the PHP500 marked money.

“Upon arrest, she was saying we [arresting team] could not arrest her since she has protection from a policeman,” Villoso said.

Following the incident, the PDEA Zamboanga Sibugay posted the suspect's photo on its official Facebook Page, with a caption that said: “This 21-year-old mom is NOT WORRIED that she'll be in jail after nabbed selling drugs. She claims she's PROTECTED by an unidentified LAW ENFORCER.”

The post immediately went viral and gathered more than 8,000 comments from netizens, calling the authorities to identify the protector.

Many also reacted after Mijares is seen smiling in her mugshot, with netizens accusing her of mocking the authorities that she would be rescued by her unnamed protector.

Villoso said that formal charges have been filed against the suspect while an investigation is ongoing to establish the identity of the reported drug-coddling policeman. (PNA)

Gyms, travel, leisure businesses open at 50% capacity in MGCQ

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:28:42 GMT

EASING LOCKDOWN. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez during the briefing at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday (June 9, 2020). Lopez talks about sectors that will further open during modified general community quarantine and rental payment arrangements, as the government is expected to ease lockdown measures in the country next week. (Screengrab from RTVM's live streaming)

MANILA – As the government is expected to further ease community quarantine measures next week, it is allowing more business establishments, including fitness and sports - as well as travel and leisure industries, to open in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

In a Palace briefing Tuesday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said businesses that will open at 50-percent capacity in MGCQ areas include gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities; kid amusement industries; and entertainment industries like cinemas, theaters, and karaoke bars.

Likewise, the government will allow the opening of libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers; tourist destinations such as water parks, beaches, and resorts; travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities; other personal care services such as massage parlors, sauna, facial care, and waxing; and pet grooming services.

Internet and computer shops are allowed to operate but only for educational purposes and subject to strict health protocols as well as other education and educational support establishments, such as testing centers, tutorial and review centers, language, driving, dancing, acting, and voice schools.

In terms of rental payment arrangement in MGCQ areas, landlords and landowners can start collecting rents from their tenants whose businesses were not allowed to operate under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified ECQ, and GCQ.

The minimum 30-day grace period for residential rents and commercial rents for businesses that were not allowed to operate under ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ shall commence from the last due date, or from the lifting of the ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ, whichever is longer, without incurring interests, penalties, fees, and other charges, Lopez said.

With more sectors allowed to operate as the government eases lockdown measures, the DTI chief is hopeful that more businesses and jobs will be saved.

“If they won’t close and continue to create jobs -- because (of) these jobs, the income of these workers, they will stimulate our economy,” Lopez said in Filipino.

He added the administration remains bullish with the economy’s medium-term outlook despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Hopefully, we can even say a 9-percent growth rate by 2021 if we recover from this pandemic,” he added. (PNA)

PBA Commissioner Marcial has high hopes for league’s future

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:19:51 GMT

“Ang pinaka-goal ng ating liga is ang safety ng lahat,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial declares in a remote interview with Advocates of Media Information via Zoom as he shared the league’s prospects under the “new normal” set-up.

But, first, no radical changes for now, he quickly adds, because the league is waiting for the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, or IATF: “As of now, wala naman kaming ‘new normal’ set-up. Sumulat na tayo sa IATF para payagan tayong mag-practice pa lang – conditioning. Walang scrimmages, walang games, four players at a time sa court, so yun lang muna.”

Most PBA contingents are done with their COVID-19 tests to ensure the health and safety of their teams and families. San Miguel, Ginebra, Magnolia, Meralco, Talk N Text, and NLEX have completed their tests, all with negative results. The same goes for the PBA staff. “Salamat na wala, at sana wala na talaga (Thankfully, no bad news. We hope it stays that way),” Commissioner Marcial said.

If it is decided that the league can push through, Marcial points out, there will be new protocols, like PBA-proposed rules for practice, games, closed-door rules, plus more protocols proffered by the Games And Amusement Board, International Basketball Federation, the government, and the respective venue managers, all to be taken as one comprehensive package for the safety of everyone involved in the league.

“Pag nabuksan ang PBA, parang binigyan natin ng pagasa ang lahat ng nasa industriya ng sports. Parang magkakaron sila ng kumpiyansa, makikita ng lahat na there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he pointed out with high hopes when asked about the league improvements when the new rules are implemented. “Sa lahat ng tumatangkilik sa PBA, maraming maraming salamat po. Asahan po ninyo na nandito po kami, patuloy po namin kayong aaliwin, at sana ay mas mapasaya namin kayo.”

QC solon to Meralco: Continue waiving convenience fee

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:34:53 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives Official Website

Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter "Onyx" Crisologo urged the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to continue waiving the P47 convenience fee for its online payment.

Crisologo said some consumers are choosing online payment options because they are finding it difficult to go to payment centers because of the limited number of public utility vehicles under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.

“Sana po intindihin rin ng Meralco if you can possibly still waive it because kahit naman GCQ na tayo and open na po ang business centers po ninyo, yung normal na tao, yung mamamayan natin wala po silang means of transportation,” he said.

(I hope Meralco can understand this, if you can possibly still waive it because, even if we're now under GCQ and your business centers have reopened, people have no means of transportation).

Meralco Senior Vice President and Legal and Corporate Governance Office Head Atty. William Pamintuan said his company waived the fee when their business centers and other payment channels were closed during the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine).

“Our consumers now have options in terms of how they will pay their bills," Pamintuan said. “Because of the opening of business centers, the waiver will not be effective anymore.”

Pamintuan however said Meralco will consider Crisologo’s suggestion.

Meralco earlier said that convenience fees do not go to Meralco, but to the online payment service provider.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 9)

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:09:23 GMT

The Department of Health records 518 new cases on Tuesday.

Of this number, 280 are fresh cases while 238 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 22,992.

UP Cebu students, protesters released without bail

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:52:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Tug-ani Facebook Page

Police released without bail on Monday night seven protesters and one bystander who were arrested at the University of the Philippines Cebu protest last Friday.

Cebu City Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 4 Judge Jenelyn Villaceran Forrosuelo issued the release order on Monday afternoon.

Released were Jaime Paglinawan of BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan) Central Visayas, Bern Cañedo of the UP Cebu University Student Council, Nor Porlas of Anakbayan UP Cebu, Dyan Paula Gumanao of Kabataan Partylist Cebu, Janry Ubal of Food Not Bombs Cebu, UP alumnus Al Ingking, Associate Vice President of National Union of Students of the Philippines Joahanna Veloso, and 19-year-old bystander Clement Corominas.

UP Cebu’s Tug-ani student publication said that the so-called #Cebu8 were given 10 days to comment on the charges of violating the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) rules that prohibit public gatherings.

UP Cebu students meanwhile urged the school administration to file appropriate charges against the Cebu City Police Office for violating the 1982 UP-Department of National Defense Peace Accord during Friday’s protest. The accord signed during the Martial Law era allows the police and the military to conduct operations within the UP premises only with the approval of the UP administration.

The UP students pointed to video footage showing police entering the campus while pursuing the protesters. They also said the accord applies to Friday’s protest even if it was held just outside the UP Cebu campus.

Tug-ani also said close to 700 individuals, organizations and student councils signed a petition that was already forwarded to UP Cebu Chancellor Liza Corro, UP President Danilo Concepcion, and the sectoral members of the Board of Regents.

“This blatant violation of not only the Accord but also the 1987 Constitution should not go by unpunished. At a time when violations and crimes happen with impunity, UPC should be firm in its stand for accountability and justice, especially if these violations target its constituents,” the petition read.

The UP Cebu administration condemned the arrests made by the police within its premises.

LTFRB opens 15 P2P bus routes

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:18:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Transportation - Philippines Facebook Page

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened 15 point-to-point bus routes while it continues to limit other public utility vehicles in Metro Manila.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said two to three more bus routes will be opened by tomorrow.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagbukas ng bus routes kasi (Opening of bus routes continues because) we’re meeting a target earlier than the start of phase two, which means all 31 other rationalized city bus routes will be opened by June 19,” Delgra said.

The destinations of the newly opened routes are: Imus, Bacoor, Dasmariñas and Noveleta in Cavite; Sta. Rosa and Calamba in Laguna; Cainta and Antipolo in Rizal; Malolos, Balagtas, Pandi, Sta. Maria and Plaridel in Bulacan; Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay and Sangley Airport in Cavite.

Delgra said the LTFRB will still prohibit UV Express vehicles as they still do not comply with the social distancing measures of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

He added that they are also studying if provincial buses should be allowed to enter the greater Metro Manila area or be limited to the integrated terminals such as the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITEX) and the Sta. Rosa Laguna and Valenzuela City terminals.

Delgra also said they can only allow jeepneys and other public vehicles to resume operations once the LTFRB has completed the second phase of its program for gradual restoration of public transportation.

Baby girl ni Andi Eigenmann, nag-surf kasama ang ama nito

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:07:43 GMT

Photo Credit: Philmar Alipayo Instagram Account

MAYNILA – Kinagigiliwan ngayon ng mga netizen ang video clip ng unang surfing experience ni Lilo, ang sampung buwang baby girl ni Andi Eigenmann sa partner nitong si Philmar Alipayo, isang surfing champion.

Sa Instagram ibinahagi ni Philmar ang video ng pakikipaglaro sa alon ng anak ni Andi sa isla ng Siargao, kung saan sila naninirahan.

Sa caption ng kanyang post, pinahiwatig ni Philmar ang kaligayahang makasama sa surfing ang kanyang anak.

“Lilo’s First Surf w/ Papa Soo happy! Lilo’s first surf at 10 months. Can’t wait for more surf with me . Next time better video quality ,” ani Philmar.

Hulyo ng nakaraang taon isinilang ni Andi si Lilo, ang pangalawang anak niyang babae.

Si Lilo ang unang anak nila ni Philmar, na may dalawa namang anak na lalaki sa mga dating nakarelasyon.

Samantala, si Ellie ang unang anak na babae ni Andi sa dati niyang nobyo na si Jake Ejercito.

Over 2,000 new lawyers to take their oath online

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:02:45 GMT

Photo Credit: Supreme Court of the Philippines Official Website

The Supreme Court (SC) will conduct the first ever virtual oath-taking ceremony for bar examination passers on June 25.

The SC said they approved a resolution allowing the conduct of the oath-taking ceremony through online video conference with a link to a government television network for broadcast.

“The court noted that the current health crisis and COVID-19 pandemic made it not possible to hold the oath-taking ceremony the traditional way, as it had to take into consideration the existing government policies on public health, particularly on mass gatherings,” the SC said.

More than 2,000 new lawyers will be taking their oaths online.

The SC clarified that the online oath-taking will be “pro hac vice,” which means the resolution applies only to the 2019 bar passers.

The SC said the Office of the Bar Confidant will announce the details, guidelines and instructions for the online oath-taking.

PNP Chief: The United Nations has their own opinion

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:49:11 GMT

Photo Credit: Laging Handa

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa said the United Nations (UN) “has their own opinion” on the Anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte's Administration.

“Ganoon naman palagi sila, they always accuse the Philippine National Police, they always accuse the Philippine government na maraming human rights violations,” Gamboa said in an interview with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

(They’re always like that. They always accuse the Philippine National Police. They always accuse the Philippine government of human rights violations)

Gamboa maintained that the police follow specific procedures in their operations.

“Our campaign has been relentless but had observed always the human rights or rights of the people” he added.

He also assured that appropriate cases were filed against policemen who failed to follow the official procedures for anti-drug operations.

Gamboa’s statement follows the June 4 release of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report that accused the Duterte administration of red-tagging.

Hunt on for killers of soldier in Maguindanao

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:42:40 GMT

Google map of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

COTABATO CITY – Police and military personnel are in pursuit of two gunmen who shot dead an Army soldier and wounded a bystander during an ambush in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday.

In a report, Col. Arnold Santiago, Maguindanao police chief, identified the victim as Staff Sgt. Bien Zamora Mendoza, 42, of the 61st Reconnaissance Company under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in the province.

Santiago also identified the wounded bystander as Abohair Royod Kusain, 38, a local motorcycle mechanic.

Mendoza's vehicle was traversing the section of the highway in Barangay Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat shortly before 10 a.m. when tailed and fired upon by the gunmen onboard a motorcycle.

“Witnesses said the perpetrators sped off after the incident, leaving the bloodied Mendoza sprawling on the pavement,” Santiago said, adding that the victim, who was unarmed, died on the spot.

Initial police investigation said that Mendoza had earlier secured a weekend pass from his superiors for a short visit to his family in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, and was on his way back to the 6ID camp in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao when ambushed.

Hit by a wayward bullet was Kusain who was near the road at the time of the incident. He is currently being treated at a hospital.

Both the police and military investigators are eyeing a hit squad of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as possible perpetrators of the attack.

More than a dozen off-duty motorcycle-riding soldiers were killed in a rash of attacks in this city and the nearby towns of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat over the past two years. (PNA)

Netizens slam 'Defend UPLB' over 'fake' death threat

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:41:21 GMT

MANILA – Netizens on Tuesday criticized an organization from the University of the Philippines Los Baños over an alleged “fake” death threat received by one of their volunteers, amid a surge in calls online to junk the proposed anti-terrorism bill.

Netizens, including students of the same university, slammed the group "Defend UPLB" and expressed their disappointment on social media.

Twitter user @kikocorpuz called the group's action “reckless."

“Ang tanga naman ng Defend UPLB na ‘yan. Sobrang reckless (Defend UPLB was stupid and reckless). So now we get to watch the entire cause get invalidated by the bill’s proponents and defenders. You shouldn’t make this shit up, (because) these things are lived realities for some," he said.

Twitter user @kimbapunnie expressed worry that all UP students will be affected by the incident.

“Nakakahiya talaga ‘yong ginawa ng Defend UPLB. Sirang-sira na credibility niyo pati buong 'peyups' nadadamay. Tapos ‘yong online petition tuloy naging isang malaking joke. (This is so embarrassing. Your credibility went down the drain and the UP community is affected. The online petition has now become a big joke," she said, referring to a petition made by the group to junk the anti-terrorism bill.

Defend UPLB, in a social media post, claimed to have received a death threat but the message turned out to come from their own contact number.

The post comes on the heels of online protests and petitions for lawmakers to reconsider their positions on the measure.

Twitter user @jairotuazon said issues of death threats should not be taken lightly and that everyone should be vigilant.

“I understand the severity and the need for vigilance regarding the issue of death threats but I think it is only fair that we demand from Defend UPLB accountability as much as we hold gov’t officials accountable for their actions. We cant use the other legit threats to let this go," he said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mon Cualoping, meanwhile, slammed the hypocrisy of individuals calling out the government.

“Purveyors of fake news are roaming around, wild and free. Some are in Los Baños, Laguna. When called out, they play the victim card. And blame the Duterte administration. Enough said," he said on Facebook.

Defend UPLB has already taken down their tweet which shows the picture of the alleged death threat sent to their member.

In their social media account, the group said it is "investing its utmost manpower for further investigations."

A certain Vani Ann, however, commented: “How is it misguided exaction of accountability? It was clearly your page and your number (as indicated in your pubmats). How then can people hold you accountable if you even took down the post? Hypocrites. You call for justice pero di niyo rin naman maharap pag kayo gumawa ng masama (but you cannot face it when it is you who is at fault)."

"We demand to be informed of the results of your 'investigation.' We demand a better explanation. As students and alumni of the university you keep in your title, we have the right to," she added.

In another post, Defend UPLB categorically denied that they have manufactured the “fake” death threat.

They said that they only received the report from one of their volunteers and as a matter of standard procedure, they urgently released the post.

The organization also gave an assurance that they will do a thorough investigation of the case. (PNA)

China donates 2K rice bags to Northern Luzon residents

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:34:53 GMT

RICE DONATION. The Chinese government represented by Zhou Youbin(right), head of post and Consul of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City, turns over rice bags to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc (left), and Laoag Mayor Micahel Keon (center) on Tuesday. These will be given to health front-liners at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac City and to some jeepney and tricycle drivers in Laoag City. (PNA photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)

LAOAG CITY – About 2,000 bags of well-milled rice, packed at five kilograms each, were turned over to at least 10 provinces in Northern Luzon courtesy of the People’s Republic of China.

In a simple turn-over ceremony held at the Laoag City auditorium on Tuesday, Head of Post and Consul Zhou Youbin of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag personally handed the rice bags to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon.

In a media statement, the Chinese Consul recognized the people of Northern Luzon who have always been friendly to China since the time of former president Ferdinand Marcos.

“During China’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak, we received full support from officials as well as the local people, and we will always be thankful,” said Zhou Youbin.

Last April when provincial health workers are struggling for personal protective equipment amid the Covid-19 pandemic, boxes of medical supplies were delivered at the Ilocos Norte Capitol.

The Chinese government through its sister-province Shandong donated these items to health front-liners in Ilocos Norte consisting of 25,000 medical surgical masks, 2,000 N95 medical masks, 2,000 goggles, and 2,000 sets of medical protective suits.

Packs of relief goods worth PHP600,000 also came in earlier as the first batch of relief items from China during the Covid-19 crisis.

Keon said the rice aid will be given to selected recipients such as the health front-liners at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac City and some local jeepney and tricycle drivers in Laoag City.

Keon said the China aid is a great help for the recovery of public transport drivers whose source of income was greatly affected by the more than two-month lockdown. (PNA)

Families of 26 fallen healthcare workers get P1-M aid

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:33:34 GMT

File photo

MANILA – Families of 26 healthcare workers who have died of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have received PHP1 million worth of compensation each from the government, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Citing recent data from the Department of Health (DOH), Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said families of 26 out of the 30 healthcare workers who died of Covid-19 have already received their compensation.

He said families of four healthcare workers need to submit special power of attorney (SPA) to receive the compensation.

There are two healthcare workers delisted from the list because they are not eligible for the compensation while another two reside abroad, he added.

As for healthcare workers who fell severely ill due to Covid-19, Roque said 17 out of 18 checks worth PHP100,000 each have been delivered while one is ready for pickup.

Roque expressed confidence that all healthcare workers who contracted coronavirus disease (Covid-19) will receive their compensation on its scheduled deadline on Tuesday.

“The President issued a deadline and so far wala namang departamento na hindi po nagagawa yung dapat gawin (there is no department that was unable to fulfill what they needed to do) within the deadline,” he said in a virtual presser.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte gave the DOH until June 9 to finish distributing benefits to sick and fallen healthcare workers as mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Republic Act (RA) 11469.

Duterte also ordered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to form a new team to oversee the distribution of benefits to healthcare workers.

“Babantayin pa rin natin ito (We will continue to monitor this). The President gave them until today (Tuesday) to completely deliver the benefits accorded to our front-liners,” he said.

Earlier, Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH tapped the PHP100-million Medical Assistance Fund as a source of the healthcare workers’ compensation.

As of June 1, there have been 2,669 healthcare workers infected with Covid-19, while 32 have died.

Last April, the World Health Organization (WHO) described the high number of healthcare workers in the Philippines infected with Covid-19 as "worrisome."

The WHO emphasized the importance of providing enough personal protective gear (PPE) for healthcare workers. (PNA)

Authorities kill one, arrest five in multiple Bicol drug busts

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 09:16:55 GMT

Credit: Google Map

Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives killed a former drug suspect in a shootout in Guinobatan, Albay on Monday.

The suspect, Manuel Marasigan had been arrested by police on drug-related charges in November 2016.

The shootout happened as PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives were conducting a drug bust at Barangay Inascan in Guinobatan.

Marasigan's unidentified male companion was also wounded by the PNP but was able to elude arrest.

Authorities confiscated a plastic sachet containing substance believed to be shabu worth P12,000.

Meanwhile, PNP, PDEA and Philippine Army operatives arrested five suspects in three other drug operations in Camarines Sur on the same day.

Authorities arrested a certain Victor Marasigan in Barangay Colacling, Lupi in the afternoon and found one sachet of suspected shabu in his possession.

An evening drug buy bust led to the arrest of three suspects in Barangay Mabolo, Naga City. They were identified as Jovelyn Rivera, Loreto Morano and Joel Salazar, all residents of Naga City. Authorities confiscated a plastic sachet of suspected shabu with a possible value of P56,000.

In another evening raid, joint PDEA and PNP forces arrested Alan Adan of Barangay Triangulo, Naga City. Authorities found 15 grams of suspected shabu worth P102,000.

Adan is under the custody of PDEA while the other suspects are under the PNP.

PNP: Find alternative ways to protest amid pandemic

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:44:52 GMT

Photo Credit: PNP Chief Archie Gamboa Facebook Page

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has asked the public to find other ways to protest the policies of the government without violating quarantine protocols while the country continues to struggle with COVID-19.

“We are tolerant before the pandemic kahit wala silang permit and they do not hold it sa mga freedom parks, but ngayon kasi we are in a situation na may pandemic (We were tolerant before the pandemic even if they have no permit and they do not hold it at freedom parks, but now we are in a situation of pandemic). And we have added demand from the public to do less mass gatherings and observe social distancing,” PNP Chief Archie Gamboa said.

“Kaya openly nga sinasabi ko na as much as possible, the right to express opinion can be done in some other ways. Huwag naman mass gatherings kasi mayroon tayong kinakaharap na problema, which is the [COVID-19] pandemic,” he added.

(That’s why we say that as much as possible, the right to express opinion can be exercised in other ways. Not in mass gatherings because we are facing a problem, which is the COVID-19 pandemic)

Gamboa issued the statement following the holding of protest actions at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City and in Cebu.

The PNP chief reiterated that they will strictly implement the quarantine protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), particularly on mass gatherings and social distancing measures.

He emphasized that the COVID-19 threat remains even if the IATF has already eased up quarantine measures nationwide.

Gamboa also said that the public need not worry about the anti-terror law since it contains safeguards for the public’s protection.

QC Police seize P6.8M worth of shabu

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:19:32 GMT

Photo Credit: QCPD

The Quezon City Police District seized P6.8 million worth of shabu and arrested four suspects in a buy-bust operation yesterday.

Police identified the suspects as Aiden Gray Ombar, 19 years old and Alinor Logum, 22 years old, both from Caloocan City; Jabber Pangandamun, 32 years old, from Novaliches, and Jalalodin Jamal, 21 years old, from Agham Road.

QCPD Director BGen. Ronnie Montejo said the District Intelligence Division of Police Station 4 and Police Station 5 personnel conducted the operation based on gathered intelligence.

A police operative posed as a buyer and bought P300,000 worth of shabu from the suspects around 5 p.m. at Quirino Highway, Brgy. Pasong Putik.

The police also seized from the suspects two cellular phones and a red Honda Civic with plate number UPJ 978.

The suspects will be charged for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).

Sotto: Anti-terror bill transmitted to Malacañang

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:16:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Senate of the Philippines Facebook Page

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that the anti-terror bill has been sent to Malacanang to be signed by President Duterte.

"Alan (House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano) signed last night. Sending it to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte this morning," a message from Sotto read.

He added that he could not give in to the request of some congressmen to defer the transmittal of the bill to the Palace.

"A bill passed by both Houses of Congress (is) already enrolled and yet some congressmen would like to hold it? It has never been done. They would not want me to do that to any of their bills, do they?" Sotto said.

Sotto considered the bill "as good as passed" following Duterte’s certification as an urgent measure last week.

The Lower House adopted the Senate's version of the measure and approved the same on third and final reading on June 3.

Various groups however are opposing the measure, saying that it could be used as a tool to silence political dissent and activism in the country.

Those against the bill include Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and some human rights groups.

Among the provisions protested was the extension of the detention period for suspects arrested without warrant from the current 36 hours to 14 days, with the option of 10 more days extension.

Meanwhile, bill author Senator Panfilo Lacson said the Department of Justice may influence its passage.

“The DOJ can interfere by advising the President to veto the bill altogether because, remember, this is not a revenue measure nor it is a budget measure, so there is no line item veto here… it's either the President vetoes the bill in whole, not in part, or he approves it," Lacson said.

Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio meanwhile said the Anti-Terrorism Act may immediately be challenged before the Supreme Court once it is passed into law.

ABS-CBN Reporters Continue to Tell Stories Amid Franchise Woes

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:14:26 GMT

WATCH: ABS-CBN reporters Jeff Canoy and Atty. Mike Navallo share how they manage to continue delivering the news and tell more stories despite the uncertainty over the network’s franchise.

Crime syndicate member killed, cop wounded in Albay shootout

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:38:52 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – A member of a notorious crime syndicate in Albay was killed while a policeman was hurt during a shootout on Monday morning in a remote village in Libon town in Albay province, a police report said.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5), said a group of police and military personnel were about to serve a warrant of arrest to six members of the Concepcion crime syndicate in Barangay Molosbolos when they were attacked by said group at around 3:00 a.m.

The attack prompted members of the police and military team to retaliate and engage the crime group led by Gilbert Concepcion to a firefight that resulted in the death of one alias "Dodoy".

A member of the police Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) team was also wounded in the encounter.

Recovered from the fight scene were a .40-caliber pistol, an M16 assault rifle, and assorted magazines and ammunition.

The report said listed in the arrest warrant were Gilbert Concepcion, Ramson Concepcion, Wilfredo Sasota, Cesar Amarillo, and a John and Jane Doe, all residents of Barangay Molosbolos.

The police said the Concepcion gang is engaged in gun-for-hire, robbery, and other criminal activities. (PNA)

3 face charges for wildlife poaching

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:37:46 GMT

RELEASE OF WILD ANIMALS. Personnel of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Bacolod City and Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Community Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro)-Bago City prepare to release the recovered wildlife species back to their natural habit in a portion of the Northern Negros Forest Park on Saturday (June 6, 2020). The wild animals were seized from three suspects during an entrapment operation in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-Bacolod City Field Unit)

BACOLOD CITY – Three residents of Negros Occidental are facing charges after they were found possessing more than 300 wild animals during an entrapment operation in this city.

Chief Master Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod, said on Monday they are collating more documents from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) for the filing of charges against the suspects.

“We will file it this week once the supporting documents are completed,” Gocotano told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a telephone interview.

The suspects identified as Ramil Cabale, 45; Dexter Belleza, 36; and Ruzzel Taghoy, 36, all residents of Barangay Minoyan in Murcia town, will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

Over the weekend, the three were released from detention after the 12-hour reglementary period lapse, following their arrest in Barangay Alijis here on Friday afternoon.

According to the CIDG-Bacolod report, the suspects failed to show pertinent documents authorizing them to possess or sell the seized wildlife species.

They were arrested after receiving PHP150,000 in “boodle money” from the supposed buyer. The amount was the dealers’ “asking price” for all the wild animals.

A separate report of the DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro)-Bago City on Saturday stated that the Murcia residents were caught possessing more than 300 wild animals believed to have been taken from Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Among those found in the suspects’ possession were Philippine orange tarantula, juvenile Philippine sailfin lizards, Negros Forest dragon lizard, North Philippine temple pit vipers, assorted centipedes and millipedes.

Some of the animals were already dead when these were retrieved, including an Asian palm civet, a sailfin lizard, and three Negros Forest dragons. The carcasses were buried on the grounds of the Cenro office in Bago City.

On Saturday morning, CIDG and DENR personnel released the remaining wildlife species back to their natural habitat in a portion of the Northern Negros Forest Park. (PNA)

Kidnap group leader dies in Zambo Sibugay firefight

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:36:20 GMT

NEUTRALIZED GANG MEMBER. Alleged kidnap-for-ransom-group leader, Mamay Aburi, who had ties with the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group, is killed in a firefight Monday (June 8, 2020) in Barangay Poblacion Muslim, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. The firefight broke out when Aburi allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers who were serving a warrant of arrest on him. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-Zamboanga Sibugay)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - An alleged leader of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) with ties to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a firefight with government troops in the province of Zamboanga del Sibugay, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Cyrus Belarmino, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Zamboanga Sibugay, said the firefight broke out around 7:35 a.m. Monday in Barangay Poblacion Muslim in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Belarmino said the firefight ensued along the highway of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay after the slain KFRG leader, Mamay Aburi, engaged in a firefight when the troops launched a law enforcement operation against the kidnap head.

He said Aburi fled as the exchange of gunfire continued and was cornered and killed in Barangay Poblacion Muslim. The suspect yielded a .45-caliber pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

Aburi has standing warrants of arrest for violation of Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by Republic Act 8294, and for the crime of robbery issued by the courts in the towns of Ipil and Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, respectively.

Belarmino said Aburi, who allegedly belonged to the Abral Abdusalam crime group operating in Zamboanga Sibugay, had ties with the Sulu-based ASG.

He said the law enforcement operation was launched by a joint team of policemen, soldiers, and intelligence operatives. (PNA)

71 NPA fighters, supporters yield in S. Kudarat

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:34:15 GMT

REBELS NO MORE. Members of 'Yunit Militia' of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) West Daguma Front Regional torch the NPA flag as they renounce allegiance to the terror group in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Sunday (June 7, 2020). The group vowed to never again join the NPA movement as they pledge their commitment to the government (inset) to become peaceful and productive citizens. (Photo courtesy of 6IB)

COTABATO CITY – A total of 71 New People’s Army (NPA) members, militiamen, and mass base supporters withdrew their support to the communist terrorist group on Sunday and took their oath of allegiance to the government during ceremonies in Barangay Salansang, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Out of the total number, three were regular NPA members, eight members of the “Yunit Militia”, and 60 mass base supporters.

Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion, said all were affiliated with the NPA West Daguma Front that is undermining the peace and order situation in Sultan Kudarat.

The majority of them are indigenous peoples (IPs) who were duped to join the NPA rebels with a promise of a better life and land ownership.

Pinpin said they were recruited by Leon Tacduro alias "Paeng", who was the head of Regional Peasant Bureau of the NPA Far South Mindanao Region and education head of the Sub-Regional Command (SRC)-Daguma.

Tacduro was previously arrested by the combined government forces of 6IB and Lebak municipal police last March 16, 2020, at Sitio Kipopo of Barangay Keytodac, also in Lebak.

“The IPs were unaware of Tacduro’s true nature when they were blindly recruited to be part of the politico-military-structure of NPA in Lebak until they were alarmed after his arrest,” Pinpin said in a statement.

“This is the very reason for their voluntary withdrawal of support from the group and sworn their allegiance to the government for them to live normally and peacefully,” he added.

The apprehension of Tacduro greatly affected the operations of the SRC-Daguma as their mass supporters were redirected and their plans on establishing mass bases were revealed and hampered.

The surrender activity was witnessed by Lebak Mayor Frederick Celestial, Sultan Kudarat Peace and Order Council Vice-Chairman Booy Bevelyn Zapanta, Sultan Kudarat Board Member Joseph Ortiz, National Commission on Indigenous People Provincial Officer Timuey Macapanto Manamba, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Florencio Apang.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of Army’s 6th Infantry Division, lauded the 6IB for facilitating the surrender of 71 individuals.

Carreon, who is also head of the Joint Task Force Central, has appealed to other members to also come down and surrender as the government is open to those who seek peace.

The local government of Lebak provided the surrenderers with initial assistance courtesy of the Department of Social Work and Development including farm equipment to start anew in their communities.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (With a report from Noel Punzalan/PNA)

Lagman: Dual citizenship does not affect Lopez’ stake in ABS-CBN

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 14:12:12 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook Page

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman argued at the latest House hearing on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN that having dual citizenship does not prohibit chairman emeritus Eugenio ‘Gabby’ Lopez III from owning the broadcasting company.

Lagman said the 1987 Philippine Constitution does not distinguish between a Filipino of single citizenship and a Filipino of dual citizenship on the matter of business ownership.

“When the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions were drafted and ratified, the concept and fact of some Filipinos having dual citizenships were already in existence and known, particularly joint Filipino and American citizenships due to the concurrence of the doctrines of jus sanguines and jus soli,” said the lawmaker.

Lagman also said the possession of a foreign passport does not equate to a renunciation of Philippine citizenship.

He added that the recognition of Lopez’ Philippine citizenship in 2002 was not a naturalization, but a confirmation of his being a Filipino citizen by blood.

“What is proscribed or prohibited is ‘dual allegiance’ which is deemed inimical to national interest according to the Constitution. It is not ‘dual citizenship’ which is legitimate and legally recognized,” Lagman said.

Lopez has both American and Filipino citizenship by virtue of having been born to two Filipino parents who were in the United States at the time. He admitted to having voted in the 2016 US elections, although he has also been voting in Philippine elections since 1986. He also maintains that his allegiance is with the Philippines.

Congressmen who opposed ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal argued that Lopez is a dual citizen and his stake in ABS-CBN ownership violated the Philippine Constitution’s provision requiring local media companies to be 100% Filipino-owned.

Zubiri lauds Senate for high productivity

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:10:41 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Migz Zubiri Facebook Page

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has lauded the Senate for high productivity during the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress despite difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate went on sine die adjournment last Thursday having passed eight laws and two bills.

One bill enacted into law is Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act, which gives President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to deal with the national COVID-19 emergency.

Other notable bills enacted into law are Republic Act 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, which modifies the salary schedule of civilian government personnel, and Republic Act 11467 or the reformed Sin Tax Law, which raises alcohol and tobacco taxes.

The Senate approved another 31 bills on third and final reading and eight on second reading, while another 27 bills are pending approval on second reading.

One of the measures approved on second reading is the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan II, which extends the validity of the first Bayanihan Act and grants the executive branch necessary powers to manage a possible second wave of widespread COVID-19 infections.

The Second Bayanihan Act will also provide economic stimulus packages for sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.

Bills that have been approved on third reading include Senate Bill 1318, which amends the Organic Agriculture Act, and Senate Bill 1541, which allows for the President to set the school opening beyond August 31 in times of national emergency.

It also adopted a total of 59 resolutions, five of those concurrent with the House of Representatives and two concurring in the ratification of international treaties.

The Senate carried out plenary sessions with some senators participating through video conferencing so they may continue working while following quarantine guidelines.

"COVID has really changed the way that we work, but I think we've managed it well," Zubiri, himself a COVID-19 survivor, said.

He however admitted to some difficulties under the new arrangement.

"It's not been without problems. Sometimes connection can get bad and disrupt the flow of the session. And we've had to figure out and get used to entirely new ways to hold caucuses, to file bills, to arrange committee hearings. But on the whole, I'd like to point to our performance reports as proof that the Senate's shift to a new normal has been pretty successful," he said.

Solon urges Duterte to approve P1,000 pension hike

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:48:18 GMT

Photo Credit: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook Page

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Rodrigo Duterte to approve the release of additional funds for the Social Security System (SSS) to enable a P1,000 increase in the monthly pension of retired members.

The solon recalled that then-SSS chairman Amado Valdez released the first half of the additional benefits in January 2017 and promised to pay the other half in 2022.

“But if we are able to get favorable (financial) results…maybe by 2019, we can already comply with the next P1,000,” Rodriguez said.

“The additional P1,000 will be a big help to our pensioners, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. Pensioners are appealing for its release, saying they would use it to buy medicines,” Rodriguez added.

He also said many senior members of the SSS and Government Service Insurance System were unable to avail of the government’s P200-billion social amelioration program as they were already receiving pension.

“They have to be helped, especially SSS pensioners, many of whom get less than P5,000 a month... they need the P1,000 increase,” said Rodriguez

The lawmaker earlier endorsed to Duterte a letter from senior citizens from his home province of Cagayan de Oro. The letter reminded President Duterte that the P1,000 pension raise was promised in 2019, but was deferred as the SSS was still raising funds.

Albay youth groups protest Anti-Terrorism Bill

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:08:53 GMT

Members of several progressive Albay-based youth groups staged a protest rally against the anti-terrorism bill at Peñaranda park in Legazpi City early Monday.

The protesters decried the Anti-Terrorism Bill as just one of the present administration’s many tactics to silence critics.

They also expressed anger over the birthday party of NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) Chief General Debold Sinas, who is under investigation for violating health protocols during the said event.

Anti-riot police and a Bureau of Fire Protection fire truck were on standby to disperse or arrest the protesters should they violate health protocols or force their way to the Albay Capitol.

The protest ended peacefully with the participants singing the Philippine national anthem while on their knees.

Fighting between MILF leaders displaces 2K families

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:58:21 GMT

Google map of Pikit, North Cotabato.

COTABATO CITY – Skirmishes involving factions belonging to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) displaced 2,611 families in several remote villages in Pikit, North Cotabato, on Sunday.

Displaced villagers, consisting of 10,829 individuals, fled to safer grounds after armed clashes between MILF commander Ricky Hussein and ex-commander Butch Sanday, who allegedly leads a band of armed men, the Pikit social welfare office reported on Monday.

Colonel Henry Villar, North Cotabato police director, said government efforts are underway to put an end to the hostilities between the two factions, which are locked in a land dispute in Barangay Talitay, Pikit town.

Sanday, a former MILF brigade commander, was kicked out from his position in April for attacking communities in nearby Pagalungan, Maguindanao, where Hussein was based.

He formed his own band of armed followers and continued harassing the group of Hussein.

“They have been trading bullets since last week,” Villar said in a radio interview Monday.

Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan said the warring groups were earlier pacified by local elders but fighting sparked anew on Sunday. He said MILF emissaries are on their way to talk to the quarreling sides.

The Pikit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said that the displaced families, mostly women, and children, are now housed in various evacuation centers in the town proper.

The “rido” (family feud) involving Commander Sandy and Commander Hussein dates back to 10 years ago when both leaders and their families started claiming ownership of parcels of lands in Barangay Talitay, bordering the towns of Pikit and Pagalungan in Maguindanao.

While the parties squabble over the lands, both could not produce documents to indicate legal ownership over the disputed properties.

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has vowed to settle the warring families so the internally displaced persons (IDPs) could return home as soon as possible.

Most of the affected families came from the villages that are now under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Twenty-three villages from Pikit have opted to join the BARMM in a plebiscite in February last year.

On the same day the fighting broke out, the BARMM Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) said it delivered 133 sacks of rice to 52 families staying at an evacuation center in Barangay Batulawan, and 81 home-based IDPs in Barangay Balabak, both in Pikit.

The Pikit DSWD also reported that an undetermined number of families from nearby Pagalungan town have also been displaced by the skirmishes.

At least 135 small houses in Barangays Nunguan (40 houses), Balungis (4 houses), and Balatukan (91 houses) have also been torched by the warring families. In a statement, the MSSD said it will continue to provide social protection to the evacuees.

The MSSD said the IDPs, especially those living in cramped evacuation centers, often have limited access to food and water. They also have difficulty accessing livelihood opportunities, health facilities, and education services.

MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie was quoted as saying that the MSSD shall provide special attention to the more vulnerable segments of the IDP population.

“Women, the elderly, infants and young children, and differently-abled persons face multiple health and safety risks, and are more vulnerable to diseases like the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19),” the MSSD said in a report.

The MSSD has called for an end to armed conflict that forces people to flee, saying that persistent violence is an additional burden to communities plagued by uncertainty and economic hardship due to the Covid-19 crisis. (PNA)

Caloocan court grants bail to 'GCQ violators'

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:57:12 GMT

MANILA – The Caloocan City Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) on Monday granted bail to the six men, who were arrested last week for staging a protest against the continued ban on jeepneys during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In an order, MeTC Branch 52 Acting Executive Judge Dorothy Grace Dacuna-Inciong allowed the six drivers, namely Severino Ramos, Wilson Ramilla, Ramon Paloma, Ruben Baylon, Elmer Cordero, and Arsenio Ymas Jr., to post bail of PHP3,000 each as recommended by the city prosecutor.

All are residents of Caloocan City and Malabon and were represented by counsel Vicente Jaime Topacio.

The six were arrested last week and charged with simple resistance and disobedience to persons in authority after they held a protest amid the general community quarantine (GCQ). demanding to be allowed to ply their routes as public utility jeepney drivers.

However, reports said only four of the six men were freed after Ramilla was found to have a previous carnapping case that has not been dismissed while Cordero has a namesake with a criminal record.

Public transport, which includes bus augmentation services, point-to-point buses, train systems, taxis, transport vehicle network services, operate at a limited capacity under the GCQ in Metro Manila. (PNA)

Misinformation maligning anti-terror bill: Lorenzana

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:54:59 GMT

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

MANILA – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is far from the critics' grim picture of a "Martial Law" scenario as there are sufficient safeguards to protect the rights of citizens.

In a media interview, he dismissed these allegations as mere "misinformation", pointing out that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect civil liberties and human rights.

"Napakaraming lumalabas na misinformation about the Anti-Terrorism Bill na parang Martial Law, hindi Martial Law 'yung Anti-Terrorism Bill, ang sabi ko nga noon pa ay there is enough safeguards, there are so many safeguards for, to safeguard the civil liberties and human rights ng mga tao kasi hindi naman basta-basta dadamputin ng law enforcement agent 'yung tao (A lot of misinformation is being spread about the Anti-Terrorism Bill likening it to Martial Law. The Anti-Terrorism Bill cannot be equated with Martial Law as there are enough safeguards to ensure civil liberties and human rights. Law enforcement agents cannot just pick-up or arrest anybody)," Lorenzana said.

He added that activism and those expressing dissent to the government and conducting peaceful demonstrations do not fall under the auspices of the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Lorenzana said that terrorism is a unique crime as it takes a lot of planning, organization, before committing their acts of terror.

On questions why warrantless arrests are within the power of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), Lorenzana said this is because the body is involved in the daily monitoring of terrorism.

"Remember that what we are talking about here is the crime of terrorism only. The ATC is deeply involved in the daily monitoring of terrorism and it would know if an application is warranted or not. Whilst the courts, who do not monitor terrorism on a day-to-day basis, may not be able to determine if a warrantless arrest is warranted or not. Speed is needed to prevent terrorism that’s why the ATC was created," he added. (PNA)

PNP, DOH probe police doctor’s alleged toxic inhalation death

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:53:27 GMT

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to conduct an investigation into the death of a police doctor who reportedly died after inhaling some decontamination chemicals.

Capt. Casey Gutierrez died on May 31 not from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) but from the inhalation of a disinfectant inside a quarantine facility in Pasig City.

“Nakatanggap na tayo ng initial na ulat na merong tayong police doctor na binawian ng buhay, aksidenteng nakalanghap ng chemical sa ating quarantine facility at sa ngayon ay inaalam na ito ng health service upang matukoy at hindi na maulit ang pangyayari at tayo ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng nasabing police doctor (We received a report about the death of a police doctor after he accidentally inhaled a chemical at the quarantine facility. The health service is now looking into it to prevent the same from happening again. We are sending our conveying our sincerest condolences to his family),” PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac on Sunday said in a radio interview.

Banac said the PNP has sought the assistance of the Department of Health for an independent investigation into an incident of accidental exposure to hazardous chemicals of a team of police medical and healthcare personnel at the PNP-managed Covid-19 quarantine facility.

PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration and head of Administrative Support to Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF) to make representations with the Office of Secretary Francisco Duque III seeking DOH assistance in the ongoing probe into the May 24 incident at the Philippine Sports Arena-Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (PSA-TTMF).

“The PNP mourns the death of Dr. Casey Gutierrez and I have ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. All efforts must be exerted to ensure that no similar incident happens in the future,” Gamboa said in a statement.

He emphasized that the welfare and safety of police personnel performing front line duties is a priority in all PNP operations in this time of health crisis.

“It is our duty to keep our police front-liners safe,” he said.

Gutierrez died at the Lung Center of the Philippines due to inhalation injuries while S/Sgt. Steve Rae Salamanca and Cpl. Runie Toledo, both members of the PNP Medical Reserve Force, also experienced similar conditions due to chemical inhalation and were treated at the PNP General Hospital.

Gutierrez, Salamanca and Toledo were detailed at the PSA-TTMF in Pasig City. While performing routine decontamination procedure in the evening of May 24, the team accidentally sprayed concentrated decontamination solution (sodium hypochlorite) that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing.

Other PNP personnel rushed to administer first aid to the victims.

According to Cascolan, the independent investigation will be participated in by other concerned agencies involved in the administration of the PSA-TTMF.

At the same time, Cascolan reminded police healthcare personnel and frontline medical units to always be mindful of safety procedures in the workplace by raising awareness to biosafety and chemical hazards.

The ASCOTF earlier noted that the chemical disinfectant used in in another PNP-managed quarantine facility at the PICC is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, and that the PSA-TTMF and PICC have different service providers.

ASCOTF is implementing reentry protocols in all PNP camps and installations as the PNP resumes regular operations under the new normal.

These protocols include disinfection of offices, reconfiguration and observance of minimum health standards in the workplace.

According to Gutierrez’s wife, Shella Distor, also a medical doctor, her husband died of a toxic inhalation injury which he obtained while undergoing disinfection after getting swab samples of coronavirus patients at Ultra (PhilSports) in Pasig City.

She said Gutierrez complained of difficulty in breathing and was initially brought to the PNPGH in Camp Crame but was transferred to the Lung Center the next day and died five days after the incident.

“He died out of negligence and incompetence,” Distor said in a Facebook post.

Two more police doctors have reportedly experienced incidents similar to Gutierrez’s.

Gutierrez has three children, one is five, the other is four and the youngest is five months old.

“Paano ko 'to tatanggapin? (How can I accept this?) How can i move on? Papaano na kami? Saan ako hihingi ng tulong (What will happen to us? Where I can ask help) to seek justice for you? Di ko matanggap (I can' accept) how we ended up,” said Distor in another Facebook post. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (June 8)

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:49:55 GMT

The Department of Health records 579 new cases on Monday.

Of this number, 331 are fresh cases while 248 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 22,474.

Gatchalian: Families need seamless power supply for distance learning

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:35:28 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Official Facebook Page

Senate Energy Committee chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply as some students turn to alternative learning modalities under the so-called new normal.

"Many underprivileged students living in remote areas have no electricity and they will be left behind in their studies by more socially-advantaged students as well as those from private schools. The DOE should make true on its commitment of 100% electrification within the year," Gatchalian said.

The senator said the DOE should expedite the provision of reliable electricity service to unserved and underserved areas. He added that the use of microgrid technology can help achieve full electrification.

"Pagkatapos ng aming hearing ukol sa total electrification, ang DOE ay nag-isyu ng isang circular para sa paggamit ng microgrids upang tugunan ang kawalan ng kuryente sa remote areas. Kailangan talaga nating gumamit ng makabagong teknolohiya upang maabot natin ang lahat ng estudyante at households na nasa bundok at mga isla," Gatchalian said.

(After our hearing on total electrification, the DOE issued a circular on the use of microgrids to address the lack of electricity in remote areas. We need new technology in order to reach students and households in the mountains and islands)

The DOE earlier vowed 100% electrification of the country by 2020. It also allocated Php 500 million from its 2020 budget of P2.3 billion to its Total Electrification Program (TEP).

DOE data in 2019 said that 1,885,507 households or 7.71% of total households in the country have yet to be connected to the power grid. 1,187,769 of these households are in Mindanao, while Luzon has 364,409 and Visayas 333,329.

Solon seeks to penalize pranks, unreasonable cancellations on delivery services

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:31:32 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. has filed a proposal to protect delivery drivers against pranks and unreasonable order cancellations.

House Bill No. 6958 punishes unreasonable cancellations of delivery orders with six to 12 years imprisonment and a P100,000 fine.

“The violator shall likewise reimburse the food and delivery service providers for the value of the food and grocery items advanced by the delivery rider and be made to pay said food and grocery delivery service provider an amount of money double the fee pertinent to the cancelled transactions,” read the bill.

The bill also prohibits the cancellation of confirmed orders when the customer had already paid for the items or when the delivery rider is already on the way with the ordered items.

Exemptions from prohibited cancellation include: when the customer uses a credit card and the payment will still be credited to the service provider despite the cancellation; the customer remits to the service provider any payment as a pre-condition for the cancellation of order; and the delivery of the items will be or was delayed for at least an hour from the expected time of arrival and such delay is not the delivery driver's fault.

The bill also seeks to punish customers who shame and humiliate delivery drivers.

The measure also requires service providers to validate customers signing up for food delivery service by asking for a valid proof of identity, residential address or proof of billing. A P1 million fine will be imposed on service providers who fail to do so.

UP Cebu demands release of students, alumni

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:28:01 GMT

Photo Credit: UP Office of the Student Regent Facebook Page

The University of the Philippines Cebu administration called for the release of its students and alumni who were arrested by local police during a protest against the Anti-Terrorism Bill last June 5.

The protesters arrested last Friday were Jaime Paglinawan of BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan) Central Visayas, Bern Cañedo of UP Cebu University Student Council, Nar Athena Mae Porlas of Anakbayan UP Cebu, Dyan Paula Gumanao of Kabataan Partylist Cebu, Janry Ubal of Food Not Bombs Cebu, UP alumni Al Ingking, and Joahanna Veloso of National Union of Students of the Philippines.

“(UP Cebu chancellor Liza Corro) with the rest of the UP Cebu administration, demands for the immediate release of our students and alumni who were unduly arrested and detained, along with four others, for exercising their right to peaceful assembly in our campus that day,” read the statement of UP Cebu posted Sunday night on Facebook.

“After having reviewed video footages of the incident and documented accounts of witnesses of the protest against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act last Friday, we strongly condemn the violent dispersal of the protest done by police forces, with many of their members in civilian clothing. Our students are not criminals and they were despicably manhandled by police force who were in full battle gear and heavy firearms during the arrest. This is totally unacceptable,” it further read.

The UP administration also accused the PNP of violating the 1989 UP-DND Peace Accord since police chased protestors into the campus grounds.

“We have not sanctioned the entry of the police in our campus and we denounce their forceful trespassing on our premises,” UP Cebu said.

The UP administration also added that protesters still have the right to peaceful assembly even under the current national emergency.

“The constitutional right of individuals to express their views publicly and to hold protests peacefully and safely is not proscribed under any law – not the Bayanihan Law, nor even under RA11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act,” UP Cebu’s statement further reads.

The school administration also called on the Cebu City government and the chief of the Cebu City Police Office to investigate the incident.

BI shuts down office after employee tested positive for COVID-19

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:12:40 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Immigration Facebook Page

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has temporarily closed its main office in Intramuros, Manila after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have decided to temporarily close our main office to protect not only our employees, but that of the transacting public as well against this deadly virus,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.

BI acting spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said the employee underwent rapid testing at the agency last Saturday.

He added that other employees who had close contact with the COVID-positive employee will be prioritized for further testing.

Morente meanwhile said clients who secured online appointments at the main office will be given new schedules.

He assured that BI satellite and extension offices in Metro Manila will remain open for business.

He also urged the public to keep checking the official BI website for important announcements.

Basilica Minore in Cebu remains closed as priests, church employees are suspected of Covid-19 infection

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:05:06 GMT

Photo Credit: Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu Official Website

With at least seven priests and nine of its employees suspected of being infected with Covid-19, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu remains closed to the public.

The Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) friars, which manages Cebu’s oldest church, admitted last week that one of their employees was infected with the virus. The said employee has since been confined in a hospital in Cebu City. The other basilica personnel and priests have been isolated inside the convent. All were swabbed by a medical team from the Cebu City Health Department.

“We put our trust in the Risen Lord and ask our beloved Señor Santo Niño de Cebu to strengthen us in the fight against the COVID-19,” Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA, the prior provincial of the OSA Province of Santo Niño De Cebu said in a statement.

The basilica, which houses the oldest Santo Niño image in the country, will remain closed until further notice.

DOJ eyes cybercrime raps vs. 'dummy accounts' perpetrators

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:58:22 GMT

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said persons behind the so-called "ghost accounts" of many Facebook users may be prosecuted for identity theft.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete, in a briefing with newsmen via Whatsapp, said criminal liability for computer-related identity theft defined and punished under Sec. 4 (b)(3) of RA No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 "is among the possible violations being looked into" by investigators.

Perete said as of Sunday night, the DOJ Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) has received 112 reports from users with duplicate/dummy accounts.

"The preservation of these data, as well as the determination of the subscriber information of those responsible, is essential for us to determine why these so-called ghost accounts exist in the first place. Suffice it to state that at this point, all possible angles and leads will be pursued," Perete said when asked following public speculation on the matter.

He added that an initial batch of accounts has been brought to the attention of Facebook to be taken down, with a concomitant request for their preservation.

"Our law enforcement agencies are doing the probe. We are coordinating with them to the extent that their participation is necessary," Perete said, adding that the social media company's representatives are assisting in the preservation of data an obtaining a deeper understanding of Facebook's processes and protocols.

Villar: Food Self-Sufficiency Is Key Goal In New Normal

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:46:11 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia Villar Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chair Senator Cynthia Villar said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations in the country’s food supply and highlighted the need for food security and self-sufficiency programs for Filipinos.

“Covid-19 is an eye-opener for many people, not only in relation to our health, but the sufficiency and source of the food we eat, too. It made us realize how dependent and vulnerable we are when it comes to food. So much so that being food self-sufficient has become an important part of our life goals in the new normal,” the senator said.

Villar noted that, under community quarantine, many Filipinos found themselves out of food already in just a week or so.

“The lack of food was of course due to many factors—no money due to loss of income, no access to food due to closures of nearby stores or food outlets and, movement of food supply was hampered,” she said.

The senator also noted that many turned to home farming as a solution.

“We have seen a renewed interest and enthusiasm in urban farming and backyard gardening. That’s a good indication and we should keep the momentum going… (but) it should not stop there, it should be supported by practical and sustainable programs and policies,” she said.

Villar echoed the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) warning that the ongoing pandemic will further disrupt food supply chains and adversely affect everyone including farmers, consumers and food sellers. She also backed the UN-FAO’s call for governments to ensure continuous food supply by fixing flaws in supply chains and making them resilient against interruptions.

“We can empower people to grow or produce their own food as much as we can, but agriculture officials and policymakers should put in place a sustainable program to ensure that the people will not run out of food, with or without a crisis,” the senator said.

Duque's 'Pa-Wardi-Wardi' Expression sacrificed underlings to save himself

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:08:37 GMT

Beleaguered Health Secretary Francisco Duque III found himself in the limelight again last week in the wake of remarks made before President Duterte and which was broadcast by many television, radio and online outfits.

In those same remarks, Duque introduced today’s millennial generation to an expression which may have been last used publicly in the 1970s.

That same expression appears to have revealed an aspect of Duque’s character which many have long suspected about.

Following the use of that expression, we can finally say, now we really know Duque.

The unfortunate statement came after President Duterte called the attention of the Health Department regarding apparent delays in the distribution of the P1 million-assistance to the families of health workers who died while serving at the frontlines during as the Nation faces the COVID 19 challenge.

In more ways than one, Duque’s response to the President’s concern was classic.

Here was how media reported Duque’s now-classic remark:

“Yung ayuda nila na P1 million based on your directive, dapat yun i-release. Ilagay na … tseke … padala … dalhin po sa mga pamilya.

Kasi, nakakahiya talaga, Sir, e.

Namatayan na nga po tapos pa-wardi-wardi yung mga tao ko na parang walang sense of urgency, Sir.

‘Yun ang talagang ang sama-sama po ng loob ko, Mr. President.”

Here’s the gist of what Duque told the President as reported by media:

“The P1 million assistance should have been released per your instruction. I am so embarrassed to say, Mr. President, that my people had no sense of urgency and they attended to their tasks in a ‘pa-wardi-wardi’ manner. This has really hurt my feelings, Mr. President.”

The classic expression used here was “pa-wardi-wardi.” That was a phrase used in the 1970s or earlier. It was used to describe a person or a behavior.

It connoted a lack of a sense of urgency as Duque had correctly explained.

It may also mean nonchalant, wanting in concern, or incompetent as shown by a lack of order or discipline.

The term “Pa-wardi-wardi” must have come from the English word “wayward."

“Wayward” means having no clear direction. It has a more negative meaning: difficult to control because of an unusual or perverse behavior.

In complaining to the President that his health department staff are attending to their urgent tasks in a “pa-wardi-wardi” manner, Duque showed us very interesting aspects of his person.

First, that he is funny.

Second, that he is old and his language, ancient!

Was Duque simply trying to elicit a laugh from the President in using that ancient expression?

That’s possible. After all, that a Secretary would complain to the President – in public – regarding the failure and attitude of his staff is unheard of.

It would be ridiculous in this country to hear the head of a vital line agency making “sumbong” to the top official of the land.

We are sure that the remarks had elicited some guffaw on the part of those present.

There was one more thing the funny remarks using ancient language revealed about Duque.

It may have shown us that Duque could be the kind of official who would be more than willing to sacrifice his underlings in order to save his own skin.

It may have shown us that Duque would not stand up for his people. He must be thinking that everyone else in his department is dispensable, except himself.

Filipinos have a term for this syndrome: “laglag”.

To drop something or someone like a hot potato.

This is ironic.

After all, Duque has experienced the loyalty of his boss, the President. President Duterte had stood by and stood behind Duque many times – even during those occasions when the Chief Executive had been embarrassed by Duque himself.

President Duterte shielded him from public bashing and went out of his way to take responsibility for the questionable purchase of allegedly overpriced protective equipment.

Duque is lucky his President does not make “laglag."

No. Even if Duque may have apparently become too hot to handle like a potato that was just taken off a flaming grill.

Having been described before the President of the Republic as a bunch of “pa-wardi-wardi” beings, Duque’s staff must have lost face before their peers and their families.

Our sources say there is demoralization in the ranks of civil servants in the health department.

Some of them are more than demoralized – they are angry.

Observers noted that in the televised virtual presser after that unfortunate “pa-wardi-wardi” incident, the hardworking Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire actually read the entire remarks made by Duque.

In answering a query texted by a media practitioner, Vergeire noticeably went out of her way to repeat the entire “pa-wardi-wardi” remarks.

She assured the texter that the department had already sent the financial assistance to the families of health workers who died performing frontline duties during the pandemic.

Observers noted that Vergeire did little to hide her resentment over the remarks of Duque which she had just read.

Duque, however, may not have totally gotten himself off the hook with that publicly aired complaint about his own staff.

In describing his co-workers using a term that connoted contempt and disdain, Duque may have unwittingly hinted that he no longer is in total command of his department.

Is it possible that his staff are no longer willing to give their all under a Duque leadership?

Is the “pa-wardi-wardi” mood at the health department a sign of a massive demoralization?

Our view is that the lackadaisical mood is more the result of fatigue.

Contrary to the picture created by Duque regarding the health department staff, we believe that the latter have given their all and had already exhausted all their energies.

The men and women of the health department are tired. They have been in the frontlines, saving lives.

These spent and tired public servants must be lauded, hailed and saluted.

They do not deserve the cruel description given them by their head before the President of this country.

-o0o-

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with some 30 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist and broadcast journalist who has served in different media outfits.

Kuwento ng Pag-Asa sa Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:35:15 GMT

PANOORIN: Ang kuwento ng pag-asa ay ang kwento ng Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation. Ito ang aming mini documentary tungkol sa organisasyon na kumakalinga sa mga homeless. Hindi magiging posible ang lahat ng ito kung wala si Father Flavie Villanueva.

Ang Advocates of Media Information ay sumusuporta sa misyon ng AJ Kalinga Foundation.

San Juan mayor says sorry over breach of Baguio protocols

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:00:06 GMT

San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Sunday said San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora has apologized to him for breaching protocols when they entered the city on Friday.

"To his credit, Mayor Zamora took the effort to inform me about this incident and apologized for the serious lapse on the part of his police escort," Magalong said in a statement.

"He profusely expressed deep regrets that while asleep in his car at the time, the PNP escort leading his convoy mindlessly took it on his own to ignore what has long been a standard border protection measure prescribed not only in his but our own city," Magalong added.

Magalong said Zamora arrived at the Kennon Road quarantine checkpoint at around 2:30 p.m. of June 5 onboard a convoy of six vehicles with uniformed personnel inside.

"When his group was flagged down for inspection, the driver of the lead vehicle just slowed down a bit and merely told the checkpoint personnel that he was part of a convoy, pointing out the vehicles tailing his police car, then forthwith sped off with the mayor’s entourage in tow," Magalong said.

Magalong said checkpoint personnel radioed the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) traffic operations center about the incident and followed Zamora’s convoy en route to the Baguio Country Club.

Upon arrival, the group was asked for the required medical health clearance, but since none was presented, they were told to undergo triage examination.

"Considering that they were already at their destination, medical personnel from the City Health Service Office were dispatched to the Baguio Country Club to set up the triage facility, purposely to ensure that containment and isolation, if needed, were done, " Magalong said.

The triage was immediately set up to ensure that the procedure will be conducted and to minimize the movement of said persons before they were properly checked.

Magalong said it is clear that "the San Juan City-based police officer who served as lead escort of his mayor’s convoy has committed a serious breach of standing quarantine protocols."

Magalong said there is an utmost need to reassert the policy position of Baguio, that no one, regardless of rank and position, is exempted from the established and long-held health and safety protocols when entering the city.

"I reiterate this as an uncompromising measure for everyone, whether public or private status, to comply with the city’s border control checkpoints upon entry in Baguio boundaries, to ensure that no one is put to undue health risk while in the city," he said.

Magalong said according to Zamora, he was asleep when they entered the boundary thus was unaware that they breached the safety protocols.

Magalong said complaints have also been lodged with the PNP deputy chief for operations on the incident that placed Baguio at serious health risk by the simple act of ignoring health and safety protocols.

"I am confident that appropriate steps are forthcoming for this breach of health quarantine protocols, even more so in ensuring that absolutely no one, with our rank, be allowed to transgress safety measures put in place to keep everyone out of harm," Magalong said.

On Sunday morning, BCPO city director, Col. Allen Rae Co issued a statement citing residents in Baguio have been following the safety guidelines set by the city government which must also be done by anybody, even a VIP entering its boundaries. (PNA)

QC Rep: Allow Angkas and other motorcycle apps to operate

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 11:32:36 GMT

Photo Credit: Alfred Vargas Facebook Page

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas has asked the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow the operation of motorcycle services such as Angkas, JoyRide and MoveIt.

“I am aware of the reservations in allowing our people to backride on motorcycles because of the risks of COVID infection. But we are now in the mode of restarting the economy and easing quarantine rules,” said Vargas.

He added that motorcycle drivers can wear Department of Health-approved personal protective equipment to belay health concerns.

The solon also urged the government to help provide other modes of public transport for workers struggling to get back to work.

“We have to provide acceptable mobility arrangements for them rather than just open the floodgates for people to go back to the streets and fighting for the non-existent public transport. People waiting in the street for hours to get a ride and then spend hours in a bus are more prone to get infected than riding a motorcycle with masks, goggles and PPEs,” he added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the unemployment rate surged to 17.7 percent last April. This is equivalent to 7.3 million Filipinos who lost their jobs, majority of whom are in NCR.

The figure surpasses the highest unemployment rate the country ever had, which is 14.1% during the second quarter of 1991.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 7)

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 10:40:44 GMT

The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the Philippines surpasses 1,000, with the Department of Health reporting nine new deaths on Sunday.

The DOH also reports 555 new cases and 89 new recoveries.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 21,895.

MMDA: number coding scheme still suspended

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 10:19:28 GMT

Photo Credit: General Danny Lim Facebook Account

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) says the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction or number coding scheme remains suspended until further notice.

“Marami pa ding tayong kababayan na nahihirapang sumakay ngayong GCQ, kaya po kami sa MMDA, ayaw po muna naming bigyan ng dagdag-isipin ang mga motorista (A lot of our countrymen are still having difficulties in commuting during the GCQ and that is why we don’t want to burden motorists any further)” MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

The number coding scheme was suspended when enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in Luzon in March.

The MMDA instead imposed a modified scheme this month requiring vehicles on major roads to have at least two occupants. However, exemptions will be given to solo drivers who are frontliners or if they have special permission.

Catriona Gray speaks up regarding #JunkTerrorBill on social media

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:49:27 GMT

Photo Credit: Catriona Gray Instagram Account

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray won’t be silenced as she pleads to the government to reconsider the Anti-Terror Bill Law that was just recently approved by Congress.

For her, there will always be a better solution that can protect the country and civilian rights.

Gray voiced her take on the issue starting June 3 on her Instagram account, pointing out that there is so much happening in the world and in our country that’s causing everyone to feel overwhelmed: “But please, don’t allow that to be the reason we revert into silence and turn a blind eye. We need to stay engaged because this is where our voices count.”

As it stands, unrevised, the tough anti-terrorism legislation has been criticized by opposition and human rights groups, celebrities, and numerous sectors of Philippine society.

Catriona encouraged everyone to do research and digest relevant information to understand what’s going on, and see what might be done to rectify the law.

For instance, the draft law contains a provision on the new Anti-Terrorism Council, which would permit authorities to arrest people that they consider as ‘terrorists” without a judicial warrant of arrest.

“The anti-terrorism bill is essential to protect the country and it’s people, but we cannot pass a bill that is susceptible to potential abuse of power and human rights violations,” she posted on Twitter.

On June 6, 2020, also from her Twitter account, Catriona declared: “Holding the stance of #JunkTerrorBill DOES NOT EQUATE to being pro-terrorism. Making the stand of #JunkTerrorBill does NOT equate to supporting violence or terrorists. Nor does it imply that we ignore or condone the damage, hurt and conflict that exists.”

Party-list Rep to IATF: Issue special passes for back-riding

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:22:20 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives

Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong has called on the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to issue special identification cards or passes exempting couples and family members from the ban on motorcycle back-riding during the general community quarantine (GCQ) period.

“It doesn't make sense that people who are living, eating and sleeping together in the same house should be apprehended for being in the same vehicle or for riding together on a motorcycle for supposed violation of the rules on physical distancing set by the IATF,” Ong pointed out.

The lawmaker questioned the reasoning behind the ban on back-riding - - that it can lead to further transmission of the virus. He said anyone can spread the virus whatever transport mode they use.

Ong also pointed out that contact tracing would even become more difficult if the infected individual used public transport instead of a vehicle driven by a family member.

The lawmaker added that motorcycles and bicycles are the easiest means of mobility for many workers now that public transportation is limited.

“Sana naman maintindihan ng Task Force na hindi lahat ng mga kababayan natin ay may sariling kotse o may kakayahan na magbayad ng taxi o kaya ng ating mga TNVS (transportation network vehicle service). Kailangan nating mabigyan ng ligtas na alternatibong transportasyon ang mga kababayan natin. Sobrang bugbog na po ang karamihan sa atin dahil sa Covid pandemic. Bigyan naman natin sila ng kaunting konsiderasyon,” Ong appealed.

(I hope the Task Force understands that not all our countrymen have their own cars or the means to pay for a taxi or TNVS. We need to provide a safe alternative transportation mode for them. Many are worn out because of the Covid pandemic. Let’s give them some consideration)

Ong said the IATF-EID can also ask the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) to help create electronic passes which can be read through QR reading apps.

“These are very simple solutions to a very simple problem. Let’s not make this issue very complicated,” Ong concluded.

Dolphin calf rescued in Sorsogon

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:22:39 GMT

Photo Credit: Manny Duran, Tourism operations officer I - Sorsogon Provincial tourism.

Bantay Dagat personnel have taken custody of a Risso’s dolphin calf that was discovered by fishermen in waters near Barangay Calintaan, Matnog, Sorsogon early Saturday afternoon. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials said the dolphin calf must have been separated from its mother and pod.

BFAR officials added that they can only release the calf when they find its mother. Members of the provincial fisheries office and provincial veterinary services have volunteered to help in the search. They however admit that since dolphins are open sea creatures, the chances of locating its mother and pod are slim.

They added that the calf’s survival is also slim since it is still very young and in poor health. It could not even swim properly when it was discovered. BFAR said the dolphin calf may have to be euthanized if it is not reunited with its pod and mother.

Cebu City mayor suspends bike registration

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:03:59 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook Page

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella suspended on Saturday afternoon all bike registrations an hour after Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) spokesperson Ronnie Nadera told cyclists to register their bikes for safety purposes.

“Taking into consideration the welfare of the Cebuanos, the requirement on mandatory registration of bicycles and prohibition of their use in Cebu City streets is suspended indefinitely, effective today,” said Labella on his official Facebook page.

The mayor at the same time suspended the Driver’s ID requirement for drivers of public utility vehicles.

He also directed the CCTO to immediately facilitate the unimpeded operation of all types of public transport as long as they have special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Cebu City allowed businesses to reopen under general community quarantine (GCQ) last June 1. Limitations however were imposed on the number of public transport vehicles and the number of passengers per vehicle.

Motorcycle backriding remains prohibited, causing some motorcycle users to resort to using bicycles for commuting to work.

Some netizens also called for adding bike lanes before the bike registration was announced.

The CCTO meanwhile defended the arrest of violators of the no backriding policy of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“Kame usa lang sa gitahasan sa pag-implementar sa balaod mao ayaw mo og kasuko namo...kung magsakit mo kay gidakop mo, sabta me kay kung gidakop ka meaning naay kay violation. ayaw pag luom og kasuko sa CCTO kay imu man ng sala nganong nadakpan ka,” read the CCTO post. (We are just implementers of the law. We ask that you don’t hate us for what we do. If you are mad because we arrested you, know that you would not be apprehended without just reason. Don’t hate us for what you did wrong.)

DOH welcomes Vega’s appointment as Undersecretary

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 10:49:28 GMT

Photo Credit: PhilHealth Official Website

The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed the appointment of Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega as their newest undersecretary.

“Hindi pa na pag-uusapan para malinaw kung saan ma-assign si Dr. Vega. But it’s a welcome development kasi matagal na rin nagsilbi and he’s an expert in hospital operations,” DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

(It’s not been discussed yet where Dr. Vega would be assigned. But it’s a welcome development because he’s served for a long time and he’s an expert in hospital operations)

Vega’s replacement at the SPMC has not yet been named.

Vergeire meanwhile confirmed that DOH Secretary Francisco Duque has already given financial assistance to the relatives of 29 medical frontliners who lost their lives to COVID-19.

She added that they hope to provide financial assistance to the relatives of three other frontliners within the day. She also said 79 health workers who suffered severe coronavirus symptoms will receive P100,000 each in the coming days.

The DOH official called on the public to remain vigilant and stay safe as the risk of COVID-19 remains even if quarantine protocols have eased up nationwide.

DTI cracks down online sellers on “PM sent” marketing ploy

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 10:31:40 GMT

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started cracking down on online sellers who fail to disclose the prices of their products amid complaints against bogus online businesses.

“Hindi lang DTI ang hahabol sa kanila kasi kasama na natin ngayon ang PNP (Philippine National Police ) at NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) sa pag trace sa kanila. Pwede silang mahabol if hindi sila sumunod sa ating batas. Sana seryusohin nila dahil talagang pwede silang mahabla at mamultahan,” Lopez said.

(DTI is not the only one tracing them, but also the PNP and NBI. We can chase after them if they don’t follow our law. We hope they take it seriously since they can be sued and fined)

Lopez also said businessmen must refrain from doing the “PM sent” practice since Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act requires sellers to disclose the prices of their products.

He added that disclosing prices would help consumers when choosing products based on price and quality.

He added that businessmen should stop selling their products online if they cannot follow the law. The DTI official urged consumers to report erring online sellers through their hotline number 1384.

Online selling has become more common following the implementation of the nationwide community quarantine.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 6)

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 09:38:44 GMT

The Department of Health records 714 new cases on Saturday.

Of this number, 350 are fresh cases while 364 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 21,340.

Who does the Lower House Represent?

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 08:21:58 GMT

IN THE recent hearings on the ABS-CBN franchise renewal at the House of Representatives (HOR), the chairman of the Committee on Good Government and Accountability – Rep. Jose Antonio R. Alvarado-Sy (1st District, Bulacan) – made it a point to repeatedly call the legislative chamber the “House of the People” in his opening statements.

The hearings, jointly held with the Committee on Franchises, is cast publicly over social media and ABS-CBN’s remaining narrowcast effort via cable, digital transmission channels and the internet. Alvarado-Sy’s statement plays up to the general public that the HOR’s actions are part of the process and practice of the representative democracy for which the legislative body exists.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the existence of a legislative department in its Article IV, basically tasked with the creation and revision of laws of the land, so long as these are in specific implementation of and consistent to the fundamental law.

It goes on that this legislature is Congress, which is made up of the Senate and the HOR, with the former having 24 members elected nationally and the latter with about 250 members from city districts each with 250,000 voters and one per province, plus 20% of the total number from parties of marginalized and underrepresented sectors or partylists.

Those HOR membership numbers, of course, were determined in 1987 and through the years since then more districts were created from larger populations and geographic political divisions, plus more districts represented means more members thus a larger 20% of the total meaning more partylist representatives. Thus today, in the 18th Congress since 1987, there are 304 HOR seats.

While the Constitution defines who these HOR members represent, it does not define how they are represented, except that they are popularly chosen during election time.

There are HOR members who believe that their acts, decisions and statements are being done so with full authority of their constituents granted upon their election. They believe they have carte blanche from their constituents.

On the other hand, some members of the HOR view their duties as representing their constituents with constant consultation, keeping their ear on the ground and sensitive to the voice and views of their districts or parties.

There is a big difference between these points of view because they will determine the conduct of their voting on key issues set forth before them and how these issues will affect their constituents ultimately.

Take for example the ABS-CBN franchise renewal. In the end the fate the company, its 11,000 of the station’s employees, and the 70 million viewers of its TV broadcasts will be affected by a closure. The impact of the current closure of its TV and radio stations all over the country was instantaneous, especially with citizens in the far regions greatly affected by the lack of information when a strong typhoon hit.

The members of the HOR currently act as prosecutor, defender, judge and jury all rolled into one body, and politicians will vote on whether or not to grant the ABS-CBN franchise in a totally political process. Whether or not judicially accepted evidence will matter is not on the table. The franchise is, after all, a created law.

The question is: will these HOR members vote because of their political whim or agenda, since they see their constituents gave them the full authority to do what they want by voting for them? Or will they vote because they’ve heard the voice of their constituents telling them to vote for or against the station’s franchise renewal? Surely many of these negatively affected viewers or employees are constituents of these Representatives.

The political process of our representative democracy is indeed a tricky one. History has shown that more often than not HOR members have chosen a path created solely for a political agenda. Just take the recent passing of a Bill to increase election spending limits by candidates.

Much earlier too, in fact since the 1987 constitution was created, Congress has not acted upon a fundamental mandate that “Within three years following the return of every census, the Congress shall make a reapportionment of legislative districts based on the standards provided in this section.” There has been multiple census taken since 1987, yet Congress has not acted upon a national reapportionment as mandated by the constitution and mere piecemeal reapportionments when politically viable.

In the US there is a saying that, when you want something done, “write your congressman.” Perhaps it’s about time we let our representatives directly know how we feel about what they’re doing in our name.

4 killed, 17 wounded in Sulu clash

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 08:05:00 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu are tracking down the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan as fresh clash broke out in the province of Sulu, an official disclosed Saturday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said four soldiers were killed while 17 others wounded in the firefight that broke out around 8:25 a.m. Friday in Sitio Lagaron, Barangay Kan-Ague, Patikul, Sulu.

Encinas said the firefight ensued when the troops encountered around 40 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits led by Sawadjaan while in combat operation in the area.

He said two of the ASG bandits were killed based on the report the troops received from the villagers.

He said the firefight lasted for about 40 minutes after which the ASG bandits fled toward the southeast direction.

Encinas did not release the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers except to say they belong to the Army’s 6th Special Forces Battalion.

Military operations continue in the province of Sulu to rescue the remaining hostages in the hands of the ASG bandits.

The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding captives five Indonesian fishermen they seized off the waters of Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia on January 17. (PNA)

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 01:10:53 GMT

I am often averse to books with title covers filled with texts in varying sizes, recommendation stamps and call-to-action what-not's. This book? It has all of those. This pandemic can really force you to prefer things beyond the usual "you".

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is a self-help financial book written by T. Harv Eker, a businessman and motivational speaker known for his theories on wealth and motivation. Tthus, the book. I honestly didn't think I would enjoy reading it because, again, the title cover plus my innate thinking that books such as this and myself don't go well together.

Thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions, actions lead to results. I often catch myself murmuring these phrases, which I got from Eker. It's what he calls the Process of Manifestation. Whether it's money, relationships, career or anything else, in order to attain your desired results, you need to backtrack and condition your actions, feelings then thoughts. I am, in fact, impressed at how simple that is, I just need to practice it more so it becomes a habit.

Another entertaining part of this book is the Wealth Files. It is 17 ways rich people think and act differently from poor and middle-class people. This portion gave me a lot of "ah's" and "oh's", which I find educational because at the end of each one, Eker lists down Millionaire Mind Actions you can do if you want to correct that mindset of yours. The most inspiring for me was Wealth File No. 9: Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems. This part encourages readers to think that the secret to success is not to try to avoid, or get rid of, or shrink from, problems; the secret is to grow yourself so that you are bigger than any problem.

It was a fun read. Some marketing snippets about Eker's programs are a bit off, though. But it still brought me good inspiration.

Reorienting Education in the Time of Covid 19

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 01:09:22 GMT

Way back in 1987, a history professor titillated my imagination and challenged my previous knowledge on Philippine history by posing this observation: “Why do your teachers in elementary and high school keep asking quiz questions like: ‘Who is the Joan of Arc of the Visayas?’ or ‘Who is the Joan of Arc of the Philippines?’ Why? Do the French ask their students, who is the Teresa Magbanua or Gabriela Silang of France?”

To bring home the point at the end of one of his lectures, that same professor of mine had argued: “Why do some of us Filipinos say, ‘Ang sarap ng turon, parang apple pie?’ when they should be saying ‘Ang sarap ng apple pie, parang turon?’

[At bakit nga ba ako nagsusulat sa Inggles? But that’s another story, for another article]. Yes, there you have the so-called colonial mentality of some of our people and, tragically, it is a perspective that continues to be reproduced in our schools.

Basic education, in particular, is supposedly designed to be relevant to the needs of students in their respective communities. Determining the historical extent of such relevance poses an interesting line of research especially since standards in the country’s school system evolved through more than 150 years of centralized policy making. From the Spanish colonial era to the American occupation, down to the brief Japanese invasion, and through at least six decades of self-rule, policies of the Department of Education were all formulated in Manila (or other urban centers) in the interest of an elite that looks out to other countries and nations for templates, models and ideals to copy.

The country’s first public schools are said to have offered basic education that were, as far as practicable, adaptable at the community level. Children from agricultural and fisheries communities were given instruction relevant to common forms of livelihood such as horticulture and aquaculture in their respective towns or villages. Eventually, high schools in industrialized towns or cities offered curricula that enabled students to be employable in factories through more instruction on vocational subjects referred to as “practical arts.” Much of these were standardized at the school district level. This practice was in effect up to the mid-1990s when arts and vocational training and instruction were still within the jurisdiction of the Department of Education. The net effect of al these historical developments has aligned the country to be a cog in a global economic machine.

Today, before this ongoing pandemic slowed down the operation of this global machine, one could very well say that the country has been mass producing mainly low-cost but very reliable workers for the global capitalist order — teachers and nurses for the US, maids and caregivers for Europe, domestic helpers and mechanics for the Middle East, dancers and singers for Hongkong, seafarers and merchant mariners for the oceans of the world, and much more.

Consider this single fact alone: a graduate of perhaps the most coveted science high school in the Philippines produced the head chef for the White House. From high-quality science education to serving the gastronomic pleasure of the most powerful leader in the capitalist world—if that is not about producing workers for the world, I do not know what is.

Reforming Education through the Years. The comprehensive Education Commission Report of 1991 (EDCOM Report or the Congressional Commission Report on Education of 1991) eventually led to organizational changes to attempt reforms in the national curricular design.

In August 2001, Republic Act 9155 or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 was supposed to decentralize the development and implementation of the curricula for elementary and high schools. Ideally, it should have meant that power and jurisdiction were accorded to the field, that is, to regional offices, division offices, district offices, and ultimately individual schools. Moreover, the functions of educating the youth on culture and sports and other concerns were detached from what is now simply clled the “Department of Education” or DEPED. What in the past was a single big bureaucracy that handled all areas and levels of education including culture, as well as sports, is now supposedly leaner and focused on just basic education.

The creation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 1994 through Republic Act 7722 detached the DEPED from the tertiary level education bureaucracy. In 1995, when the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA was established through Republic Act 7796, all non-degree technical-vocational skills programs were removed from the Department of Education’s area of responsibility as well.

By 1999, when a significant area of physical education development was assigned to the Philippine Sports Commission, the Department of Education central office was left with even less concerns so it can focus on just basic education.

As expected, decentralizing what used to be for decades a centralized large formal bureaucracy would take time to fine tune. And with the continuing voluminous increase in the school-going population, the challenge has been overwhelming.

Today, under a so-called “trifocalization” approach, the Department of Education (DEPED), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) comprise the government’s education bureaucracy. DEPED and CHED are particularly responsible for at least 47,000 basic education schools, over 2,300 higher education institutions, over a million teachers and workers, 31.3 million students (2017), and a budget of over P553 billion for 2018.

In under a decade, this massive education sector has undergone a series of relatively rapid changes. First, there was the implementation of Universal Kindergarten a law signed in 20 January 2012. This required children five years old and above to undergo and pass kindergarten before moving on to Grade 1.

Furthermore, there is now this supposedly “enhanced curriculum” for Grade 1 to Grade 7 (or what used to be 1st year high school) rolled out in 2012. DepEd also added two additional years of high school with the signing of the Enhanced Basic Education Act in May 15, 2013. Grade 11 was introduced in 2016 and Grade 12 in 2017. The ﬁrst full batch of high school students to go through K-to-12 education just graduated in March 2018.

Education Reforms for Whom? Scholars in the theory of education have argued that In countries like the Philippines where the introduction of the formal education system as well as of a new written language and the knowledge encoded in them were part of the process of colonization, there is a general predisposition towards undue abstraction of knowledge that is created through the formal system. This leads to the fundamental problem of the irrelevance of the formal system of education to the lives and aspirations of the common people. In other words, there is discontinuity in what the formal curricula prescribes and what the community requires.

It is further posited that his fundamentally problematic situation has led to—as the late Dr. Ma. Luisa Doronilla of the University of the Philippines has so eloquently put it—the creation of students who are not only under-performing at their expected level, but also: (1) Have a Western consciousness or are biased in favor of foreigners and imported materials and ideas; (2) Tend to favor authoritarianism as a political system or are not pro-people; (3) Lack critical thinking skills; (4) Are sexist or homophobic in attitude; and, (5) Do not value the health of the physical environment.

What is most clear in all these recent reforms is that we have created a more effective mass production system that feeds workers into the global production system. The lengthening of the number of years for school-going in the K-to-12 system and related shift in school calendar, for instance, is in the main a response to the work and education requirements of other countries which have longer school-going years. They are not really a response to our actual and immediate needs—unless one considers massive migration a basic need.

In short, we continue to produce cheap labor for the rest of the world. However, this pandemic has led to the repatriation of over half a million migrant Filipino workers from all over the world. We have to re-orient our efforts to continue to reform education curricula and improve the overall education quality in the country. The global situation created by Covid 19 has forced the issue that these efforts must truly root themselves in a broader historical analysis of the social functions of education. Only then can we meaningfully debate on what education this country needs.

Drilon to PhilHealth: Suspend paying hospitals until new COVID-19 test guidelines are implemented

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:23:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Franklin Drilon Official Facebook Page

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has asked the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to stop payments to hospitals and testing centers related to COVID-19 testing until the guidelines for the new test package are implemented.

Drilon also asked PhilHealth to submit a report to the Senate on the status of the payments. The report is to include how much has been paid to hospitals and testing centers and how many claims are being processed using the old rates.

"We do not want a single peso lost to sticky fingers who always want to dip their fingers into public funds. We must prevent public funds from going to the private pockets of these enterprising and heartless individuals who want to take advantage of the pandemic," he said.

PhilHealth assured that it would release its guidelines once the new testing package is in effect.

Drilon meanwhile commended the health insurance agency for lowering the price of the testing package from P8,150 to P3,409.

"I am glad that we are able to help in averting a possible loss of P9.48 billion in public funds to the sticky fingers in PhilHealth and their cohorts," he said.

Drilon also wanted the new package to be implemented immediately.

PhilHealth paid P30 billion last March to its accredited hospitals, which is equivalent to three months' worth of claims based on historical data for COVID-related treatments.

DOJ orders NBI to probe ambush of Sangki

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:19:54 GMT

Photo Credit: DOJ Official Website

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the ambush of Maguindanao massacre state witness Mohammad Sangki.

“The NBI, through Officer-in-Charge Eric B. Distor, is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the ambush of Mohammad Sangki,” Guevarra said in a June 4 order.

He also ordered Distor to file appropriate charges against the persons responsible for ambushing Sangki and to submit progress reports on the investigation.

Sangki is also under the DOJ’s witness protection program.

Sangki was travelling with his driver and security officer Richard Escobilla along Tantangan, South Cotabato on their way to the airport from Tacurong City when still unidentified gunmen ambushed them.

Sangki sustained injuries after his car crashed into some cottages during the ambush.

He survived an earlier ambush attempt last March in Sharif Agouk, Maguindanao

Highlights - President Duterte’s June 5, 2020 Address

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 11:35:40 GMT

WATCH: President Rodrigo Duterte wants to expedite the release of compensation meant for health workers who got infected and those who died of COVID-19.

The President also directed the Cabinet to prioritize the repatriation of OFWs.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 5)

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 11:31:26 GMT

The Department of Health records 244 new cases on Friday.

Of this number, 168 are fresh cases while 76 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 20,626.

House adopts Senate version of Anti-Terror bill

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 10:39:16 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines Live Video

The House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the Anti-Terror Bill or Senate Bill No. 1083 on Friday.

This means no bicameral conference committee meeting will be needed anymore and the bill will now be sent to Malacañang for the President’s signature.

The House of Representatives approved the Anti-Terror Bill on third and final reading last Wednesday with 173 voting in favor, 31 against and 29 abstentions.

Under the proposed measure, law enforcers can detain a suspected terrorist for 14 days without any charges. This detention can be extended by ten days if deemed necessary.

The proposal seeks to penalize with a 12 year prison term anyone who will propose, incite, conspire and participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act. The same penalty applies to those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit members for a terrorist organization.

People proven guilty of engaging in a conspiracy to commit terrorism will be sentenced to life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

Some lawmakers meanwhile expressed concern that the measure will lead to abuse of police power in the country.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged critics to read the bill before criticizing it.

Salceda pushes CREATE Act to provide economic stimulus

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:55:39 GMT

Photo Credit: Joey Salceda Facebook Profile

House Committee on Ways and Means chairman and Albay Representative Joey Salceda warned of “potentially deep troubles ahead” if the government will fail to pass the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

The CREATE Act will cut the country’s corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30 percent to 25 percent. Salceda also said the measure will create 1.1 million jobs over the next 5 years.

He said the measure can help over 5 million workers in the services sector who became unemployed because of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in March.

He added that an increase in the number of unemployed can be expected in the coming months.

The lawmaker also said the House is willing to adopt the Senate version of the CREATE Act as long as it is fiscally sound.

Salceda further added that some 400,000 unemployed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can benefit from the govenment's Build, Build, Build program.

“Many of them can easily be hired as skilled workers in the construction sector, so an enhanced Build, Build, Build (program) will really be crucial to giving them employment. But you also need to create strong aggregate demand in general, as most of these workers will opt to be small entrepreneurs in the meantime,” Salceda said.

UP Cebu students, demonstrators arrested during Anti-Terrorism Bill protest

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:48:15 GMT

Photo Credit: Tug-ani Facebook Page

Police arrested at least seven University of the Philippines Cebu students and members of cause-oriented groups on Friday afternoon for alleged violation of the quarantine law.

Police took custody of UP Cebu University Student Council Vice Chairperson Bernie Cañedo Jr, Jaime Paglinawan of Bayan Central Visayas, Joahanna Veloso of the National Union of Students of the Philippines , UP Alumnus Al Ingking, Former UP University Student Council Chairperson, Kabataan Partylist Coordinator Dyan Gumanao, Nar Porlas of Anakbayan UP Cebu, and Janry Ubal of Food Not Bombs-Cebu.

A video posted by UP Cebu Tug-ani on its Twitter account (@upcebutugani) showed police in full riot gear dispersing a group protesting the Anti-Terrorism Bill inside the UP Cebu compound.

The UP Cebu University Student Council condemned the arrest.

“They (students and protestors) were peacefully protesting when the AFP-PNP along with our own UP Cebu Security Guards dispersed the peaceful protest. State forces came inside the campus to disperse and arrest the protesters in violation of the Sotto-Enrile Accord. Some arresting officers are dressed in civilian clothes,” it said.

The student council said the protesters are detained at Camp Sotero Cabahug without charges.

“Their arrests are manifestations of the effects of the Anti-Terror Bill. Activism is now seen as a crime and an act of terrorism. Once this bill is made into Law, anyone can be wrongfully accused of being a terrorist. The very freedom of the people to express, organize, mobilize and critique the government will be long gone,” the council further said.

The student council accused state forces of red-tagging UP personnel and students for actively participating in political movements.

Duterte to corrupt gov’t execs: 'Don't expect help from me'

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:31:03 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential Photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said erring public officials who are proven to be involved in illicit activities would not get any help from him.

Duterte made the remarks in a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 on Friday morning as he reiterated his zero tolerance for corruption.

In his speech, Duterte said government officials should appropriately spend the funds earmarked for the implementation of programs aimed at arresting the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Wala kayong maasahang tulong sa akin for after all, did I not warn you earlier na huwag itong pera na itong in-appropriate ng Congress binigay para i-implement natin (You will not get any help from me for after all, did I not warn you earlier not to pocket the money appropriated by Congress for us to implement [Covid-19 programs],” he said.

Duterte issued the statement as he asked Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año for an update on the distribution of cash assistance to poor families affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Año told Duterte that the Department of the Interior and Local Government has already filed cases against erring local public officials who are pocketing the financial aid under the social amelioration program (SAP) that should have been received by the intended beneficiaries.

He added that many local government officials are also expected to face charges due to their supposed involvement in the unlawful release of SAP aid.

“Mga 155 barangay captain official ang aming iniimibestigahan. At ang 30 ay nai–refer na namin sa Ombudsman (We are investigating around 155 village captain officials and have referred 30 of these to the Ombudsman),” Año said. “So lahat pong ito ay kakasuhan namin sapagkat labag sa batas yung kanilang ginawa (We will file cases against them because they violate the law).”

Duterte warned that once public officials steal the money for “public purpose,” that can already be considered as malversation.

He said he would make sure that corrupt officials would go to jail.

“Once you accept the money and you misspend it or misappropriate it, it is malversation,” Duterte said.

Around PHP200 billion have been disbursed for the implementation of SAP, which grants emergency subsidies worth between PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to low-income households amid the health crisis.

Around 18 million poor families are expected to receive the first tranche of the cash aid.

For the implementation of the second phase of SAP, some 12 million of the 18 million existing beneficiaries, along with the five million new recipients, will get the emergency subsidies.

Año said the distribution of the first wave of payouts is “almost 99 percent complete.”

“Nakahanda na rin naman po yung second tranche (The second tranche [of emergency subsidies] is also being readied),” he said. “At ang gagamitin naman dito ay ang ATM payment scheme kaya baka mas madali ang pagpapatupad ng second tranche (We will employ the ATM payment scheme for the faster distribution of the second tranche).” (PNA)

Duterte warns public vs. online scammers selling face masks

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:21:14 GMT

MANILA – Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte dissuaded the public from resorting to the online purchase of medical equipment, such as face masks.

In a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 on Friday morning, Duterte cautioned the public against falling prey to online sellers who are behind face mask scams.

He advised them not to buy face masks online, especially if the sellers are from the provinces, mentioning Pampanga and Abra.

“I’d like to address this to everybody. Mga kababayan (To my fellow countrymen), do not fall for that sa online-online (online purchase). It has never been perfected. And all the scams that man could think of, that they can perpetrate on the innocent public, pinag-aaralan nila iyan (they study that),” Duterte said.

He said it would be better to purchase face masks in Metro Manila.

“Saan sila mag-kuha ng masks doon? Nandito ang Maynila. Dito kayo sa Maynila (Where will those online sellers get the face masks? Here in Manila. So buy the face masks in Manila),” Duterte said.

The President also told the public to inspect the item first before giving the payment.

He gave the advice, noting that scammers “take advantage of the misery of the people” amid the Covid-19 crisis.

“Be careful, lokohan ‘to ngayon (It’s really a scam now). The best is (tell them), ‘Give me the goods, I pay you. Or better still, ‘Give me the goods, I will examine it if it is really the one that (I) ordered, then I will pay you,” Duterte said.

Authorities have been arresting people engaged in the hoarding and selling of overpriced surgical face masks.

Under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, individuals involved in hoarding, profiteering, or manipulation of prices amid the health crisis could face a two-month imprisonment or a fine ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP1 million, or both. (PNA)

6 bandits killed, 14 yield after clash with troops in S. Kudarat

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:06:48 GMT

NEUTRALIZED. Several members of a lawless group surrender following a clash with the military in the interiors of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday (June 4, 2020). Sixteen firearms (inset) were also recovered by the military after the clash. (Photo by 6ID)

COTABATO CITY – Six members of an armed lawless group were killed in a clash with government soldiers in the interiors of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, the Army here said.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said 14 other members of the lawless group surrendered, including its leader, identified as Tugali Guiamal Galmak, alias Commander Tugali.

Five of the surrenderers were wounded, Carreon said.

Troops under the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) launched a law enforcement operation targeting Tugali’s group in Purok Galmak, Barangay Baumol, Lambayong after receiving information about their presence in the area from local residents.

“Tugali is a former member of the Pentagon kidnap-for-ransom group operating in Central Mindanao,” Carreon said.

He said when 40IB troopers reached the nearby village of Langgapanan, they were met by some 20 fully-armed men of the Tugali group.

"A running gun battle ensued, leading to Barangay Baumol, which resulted in the death of six bandits based on body count,” Carreon said.

The military also seized 16 assorted firearms following the encounter. (PNA)

Kim Chiu, walang nilabag na batas trapiko ayon sa MMDA

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:54:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Star Magic Instagram Account

MANILA – Walang nilabag na batas trapiko ang aktres na si Kim Chiu, matapos mag-viral ang video ng kanyang pagsasayaw ng “Bawal Lumabas” sa labas ng kanyang sasakyan.

Kumalat ang isyung pagsayaw ni Kim sa gitna diumano ng trapik sa EDSA.

Iginiit ni Kim na “fake news” ang isyu dahil sa isang parking lot ng isang kainan kinunan ang video.

Sa pahayag naman na nilabas ng Star Magic nitong Huwebes, sinabi nitong nagkausap na si Kim at Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia gamit ang Zoom tungkol sa nasabing insidente.

Anila, naipaliwanag ni Kim kay Garcia kung saan nakunan ang video at sinabing walang aksiyon na gagawin ang MMDA laban kay Kim dahil sa wala naman itong nalabag na alituntunin.

Narito ang naging pahayag ng Star Magic: “This morning, Kim Chiu had a brief online meeting with MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia following her viral 'dance video.' Kim initiated the meeting where she explained that the controversial video was not taken along EDSA but in a parking lot adjacent to a road. Kim also clarified that the car is not moving when the 5-seconder video was taken. MMDA accepted Kim’s explanation and although SHE DID NOT COMMIT ANY TRAFFIC VIOLATION with her act, GM Garcia still reminded her to always adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.”

Sa kanya namang Instagram post, nagpasalamat si Kim sa pangasiwaan ng MMDA dahil sa naliwanagan na ang isyu.

Nakiusap din muli si Kim na itigil na ang pagpapakalat ng maling balita o fake news.

“Thank you to GM Jojo Garcie for giving me a few minutes of your time early this morning. My team and I initiated the quick interview just to clear both sides to that ��  that is going around social media. It is clearly stated that ��  was done. To people, please stop spreading fake news. This is a hard time for all of us. Ang daming pinoproblema ng MMDA ngayon. GCQ na. There are people who need proper information and not fake news. Mas maraming balita po ang mas kailangan pag-tuunan ng pansin rather than spread false stories and call the attention of the MMDA. Wag ganun classmates. Marami silang problema ngayon. Let’s focus on ourselves, to stay healthy, strong and never lose hope and faith. �� #bawallumabas #NOtoFAKENEWS,” ani Kim.

Matatandaang ang “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song) ay nabuo matapos na humarap sa pambabatikos si Kim dahil sa emosyonal at nakakalito niyang pahayag sa isang online protest nang ipasara ng National Telecommunications Commission ang ABS-CBN noong Mayo 5.

House approves six bills that address COVID-19 impact

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:28:24 GMT

Photo Credit: Martin Romualdez Facebook Page

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading six measures intended to help the government contain the spread of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and mitigate its economic impact.

“As promised, we worked round the clock to ensure the approval of major anti-COVID measures that were filed in the House of Representatives. I thank my fellow House Members for rising to the challenge of the times, working until 12 midnight and attending sessions that lasted until Thursday and Friday," said House Majority Leader and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.

The House approved the P1.3 trillion Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy of the Philippines (House Bill 6815), which will help protect jobs and bail out job-creating businesses.

The bill is expected to help some 10 million workers that the Department of Labor and Employment said could lose their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We acted with dispatch in approving the ARISE Philippines Act to save our people from joblessness and their families from starvation. With this measure, we hope to protect the jobs of 62 percent of our country's workforce who are employed in MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises),” added Romualdez.

The House also approved the Crushing COVID-19 Act (HB 6865) which requires Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 testing for vulnerable members of society including those who do not show outward symptoms.

Also approved on third reading was the proposed COVID-19-Related Anti-Discrimination Act (HB 6817) which seeks to protect persons who are confirmed, suspected or probable COVID-19 cases.

The Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act (HB 6816) which seeks to help financial institutions resolve their debts and manage their non-performing assets (NPAs) during and after the pandemic was also approved.

Fifth to be approved was the proposed amendment to House Bill 6895 which empowers the President to reschedule the start of the school year during a state of emergency or state of calamity.

The last of the six approved measures is the COVID-19 Unemployment Reduction Economic Stimulus (CURES) Act of 2020 (HB 6920). The measure will empower the government to tap the P1.5-trillion CURES Fund within a period of three years to fund construction projects in health, education, agriculture, local roads, and livelihood.

The House meanwhile approved on second reading the proposed Better Normal for the Workplace, Communities and Public Spaces Act of 2020 (HB 6864) that will require social or physical distancing and safety measures in government and private offices, schools, commercial establishments and other public spaces.

DILG: Tricycles still prohibited on national highways

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:22:00 GMT

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya has reiterated that tricycles are still banned from national highways for safety reasons.

Malaya said tricycles are prone to crashes based on records of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Napagkasunduan namin na bawal pa rin talaga ang tricycles and pedicabs sa pangunahing highways for safety reasons. “Huhulihin ang mga tricycles sa national highways,” Malaya said during Thursday’s Laging Handa press conference.

(We have agreed that tricycles and pedicabs are banned from national highways for safety reasons. We will apprehend tricycles on national highways)

He clarified that tricycles are only allowed to operate within barangay roads or inner roads.

He added that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) still bans motorcycle backriding in Metro Manila even under general community quarantine (GCQ).

DILG warns LGUs, barangay officials on cockfighting

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:07:59 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Official Website

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya reminded local government units (LGUs) that cockfighting remains banned even in areas with eased up community quarantine protocols.

“Nakarating sa DILG ang ilang reports sa regions na mayroong mga LGUs na hinayaan ang pagbukas ng mga sabong. Liwanagin lang ng DILG na bawal ang sabong hanggang ngayon at wala pa sa IATF resolution upang i-allow ang operasyon ng mga sabong sa buong bansa,” he said.

(Reports reached the DILG that some LGUs in certain regions allowed cockfighting to resume. Let me clear up that DILG still prohibits cockfighting today and there is no IATF resolution allowing operations in the whole country)

Malaya reminded LGUs to wait for the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) before they allow the resumption of cockpit operations nationwide.

He added that the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to monitor LGUs nationwide for illegal cockfighting.

Malaya meanwhile said barangay officials are now allowed to implement localized lockdowns if they deem it necessary to impose stricter quarantine measures for critical zones.

He also said LGUs should organize quick response teams for contact tracing and enforcement of peace and order in the community. LGUs are also expected to provide for the essential needs of residents in areas placed under localized lockdown.

ABS-CBN's top-rating Kapamilya shows are back, on cable and satellite tv channels

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 06:20:02 GMT

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Online Poster

Iconic ABSCBN primetime shows like “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, “Love Thy Woman”, “A Soldier’s Heart” plus all the shows that we’re used to watching everyday, like “Magandang Buhay” and “It’s Showtime” will be back on TV screens starting June 13 via Kapamilya Channel.

Kapamilya Channel will be available on SKY, Cable link, G Sat, and member-cable operators of the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) nationwide.

ABS-CBN is still looking for more ways to reach more Filipinos – to bring entertainment, news, public service, and information to Kapamilyas all over the world.

Kapamilya Channel will incrementally bring back the network’s glory, giving all for the Kapamilyas nationwide.

Favorite momshies Jolina Magdangal, Melai Cantiveros and Karla Estrada bring back the Kapamilya morning staple talk-show “Magandang Buhay”, while the audience can enjoy watching the fresh singing talents in “The Voice Teens” mentored by The Voice coaches Apl.De.Ap, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo.

Aside from airing digitally, “TV Patrol” will continue to serve Kapamilyas nationwide with its relevant news and public service, while other well-loved shows will be shown for a wider range of entertainment and inspiration.

Aside from the Kapamilya faves, more surprises in store in the channel, in terms of new shows.

More public service programs will be introduced, hosted by well-loved Kapamilya talents like Judy-Ann Santos, who will do an inspirational show called “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan” every Saturday. Our modern-day superwoman Angel Locsin will be hosting “Iba Yan”, which will air every Sunday. Both shows aim to inspire and share real-life experiences to the viewers.

The highest-rating Koreanovela in the live-streaming app Viu, “The World Of Married Couple” finally debuts on National TV via The Kapamilya Channel, as well.

Pinoys abroad won’t be left out, as the channel will be broadcasting in The Filipino Channel (TFC) too.

Thus, ABS-CBN continues to be “In The Service Of The Filipino”, creating more platforms to serve it’s audiences even if the network stopped airing on free TV since May 5 due to National Telecommunications Commission’s cease-and-desist order and while the network’s franchise renewal is still in limbo. Everyone is keeping fingers crossed, hoping that this situation will end soon and the network can get back to regular programming.

Villar highlights protection of wildlife habitats on World Environment Day

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:52:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia Villar Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources chair Senator Cynthia Villar marked World Environment Day by highlighting the protection of wildlife habitats and biodiversity as a way to prevent further disease spread.

“We designate some areas in our country as protected areas because it is important for these places to remain untouched and unexploited. There’s already a wealth of studies out there asserting that infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, swine fever and avian flu originated from animals,” she said.

Villar cited a Wildlife Conservation Society study that says animals bring infectious diseases with them as they move to human-populated areas after destruction of their natural habitats.

Last month, Villar called for stricter implementation of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 and Expanded NIPAS Act of 2017, which designate natural areas in the Philippines to be protected from human encroachment.

"The more natural habitats we protect, the lesser the loss in biodiversity and the better it is for wildlife. In turn, there are less chances or risks from zoonotic diseases (those that originate from animals and passed on to humans). Wildlife protection can stop another virus outbreak or even a pandemic. That is more than enough encouragement or incentive for us to do our part," said Villar.

The senator also highlighted a provision in Senate Bill 1564 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act mandating the implementation of proper management and segregation of hazardous waste materials coming from health facilities, communities and households in order to contain the COVID-19 virus and other diseases.

World Environment Day is celebrated in over 100 countries every June 5. The first one was in 1974. This year’s theme is Biodiversity, which the United Nations marked as urgent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events such as bushfires and locust infestations.

Oas kagawad arrested in drug buy bust operation

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 03:52:30 GMT

Photo Credit: Albay PPO

Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives arrested an incumbent barangay councilor in a drug buy bust in Oas town, Albay, Thursday afternoon.

The PNP said 54-year-old Nolan Rellores was on their drug watchlist and had been under monitoring for the past few days.

Operatives confiscated six plastic sachets of suspected shabu.

Illegal drug charges are being readied against the suspect.

North Cotabato’s top female drug suspect nabbed

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:29:52 GMT

CAUGHT. Anti-narcotics agents account for the suspected shabu drugs seized from North Cotabato’s top female drug suspect Joellyn Tan Monleon (in handcuffs) following the conduct of a drug buy-bust operation in Makilala town of the province on Wednesday (June 3, 2020). Recovered from her possession are several sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated worth of PHP10,000. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)

COTABATO CITY – Authorities arrested a top female drug personality in North Cotabato province during a buy-bust operation in Makilala town on Wednesday, a police official said.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office-12, identified the arrested suspect as Joellyn Tan Monleon, 25, of Barangay Poblacion, Makilala, who was arrested by the local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a drug sting inside her house at the poblacion area.

“As soon as the exchange between Monleon and the poseur-buyer transpired, the arresting team pounced on the suspect,” Capellan said.

Seized from the suspect were the PHP1,000 marked money and five sachets of small and mid-sized sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated total street value of PHP10,000.

Capellan said the police and PDEA have long been monitoring the activities of Monleon before the entrapment operation.

“Monleon topped the police and PDEA’s inter-agency drug information database list in North Cotabato,” he added. She has bee charged with violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Army captures NPA lair in Surigao Norte

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:28:24 GMT

NPA HIDEOUT. A rebel lair is overrun by government troops following a 45-minute clash with the communist New People’s Army Wednesday (June 3) in the hinterlands of Sitio Campo Langit, Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. Government troops seized high-power firearms, ammunition, subversive documents, and other pieces of evidence from the area, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A 45-minute gun battle between government troops and communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels resulted in the capture of the rebels’ lair in the hinterlands of Surigao del Norte Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion said the rebels' hideout in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria town, yielded high-power firearms, ammunition, communications equipment, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and other pieces of evidence.

“This is the second time the 30th IB troopers engaged the CTGs (Communist Terrorist Groups) this month. The first encounter took place last June 1 in Barangay Biyadid, Sison, Surigao del Norte where one APM was recovered,” the statement said.

The military operation came after the military received complaints of NPA extortion activities the village, 30IB said, adding the rebels belong to Guerilla Front 16 of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

No one was hurt on the government side, the Army said, adding bloodstains were found in the abandoned lair of the NPA and on their escape route.

In the same statement, the Army quoted Alegria Mayor Rene Esma as saying: “The dedication of our soldiers on the face of this coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is commendable. It clearly attests to the seriousness of our government forces in ending local communist armed conflict.”

Esma also condemned the continued extortion activities of the NPA by taking advantage of the Covid-19 crisis and for "sowing fear and disorder" in the communities.

Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, thanked the communities for their continuing support to the Army and the government.

“The overwhelming support of the populace who are already fed up with the rebels’ assaults and atrocities provided our security forces timely information leading to a successful operation that brings us one step closer to peace and prosperity,” Callanta said.

He said the 30IB personnel are still conducting pursuit operations in the area. (PNA)

Couple nabbed, P136-K shabu seized in Cotabato drug sting

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:26:56 GMT

SEIZED. The suspected packets of shabu worth PHP136,000 recovered by anti-narcotics agents from a couple during a drug sting operation in Barangay Poblacion 2, Cotabato City on Wednesday night (June 3, 2020). The couple is now detained at the headquarters of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents arrested a couple here and seized some PHP136,000 worth of suspected shabu on Wednesday night.

Juvenal Azurin, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao, identified the arrested couple as Patrick Saavedra and his wife, Monambai, both residents of this city.

"The couple was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion 2,” Azurin said.

Seized from the couple were some 20 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP136,000, mobile phones, and the counterfeit bundles of money with two original PHP1,000 bills on top as bait.

The couple is now detained at the PDEA-BARMM headquarters here while charges for violation of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against them.

Meanwhile, police in Lanao del Sur also arrested on the same day two big-time drug peddlers in Barangay Pindulunan of Tugaya town.

Colonel Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur police director, said the two suspects, identified as Ibra Gulam and Abubacar Dilabayan, were caught in the act by the police raiding team repacking some PHP14,000 worth of suspected shabu. (PNA)

'Pushers’ tap food delivery service to sell drugs in Iloilo

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:21:39 GMT

SEIZED. Illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHP2 million were confiscated in a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the policemen at Deca Homes Subdivision, Balabag village, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on Wednesday (June 3, 2020). Four of the suspects from Capiz province were allegedly using food delivery service in their drug operations, the PRO-6 said. (Photo courtesy of PRO-6)

ILOILO CITY – Four illegal drug peddlers nabbed with PHP2-million worth of drugs on Wednesday were allegedly using food delivery services in their operations, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) said.

Arrested were Jan Herbert Roxas, 43; Hersky Cabarlo, 43; Rudini Arabacan, 36; and Roseler Villalba, 39. The suspects were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the operatives of Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 6 and Regional Intelligence Division 6 at Deca Homes Subdivision, Balabag village, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Lt. Col. Gilbert Gorero, concurrent spokesperson of PRO-6, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday that the four sourced their contraband from Capiz.

“They deliver the supply to support the needs of those who use illegal drugs like in the city of Iloilo and Iloilo province. The four are all residents of Capiz. Sometimes, they are using Food Panda to deliver. That is according to the information we gathered,” he said. However, the police did not confirm whether the suspects are working as delivery riders.

Gorero, likewise, cannot confirm whether the mode of operation has emerged only during the community quarantine period.

The suspects fell after they conspired and helped each other in selling a piece of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu for PHP2,000.

Also recovered from their possession were a piece of transparent round plastic container with suspected shabu and 17 pieces of big heat-sealed plastic sachet also containing suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP2 million, and PHP2,000 buy-bust money, the police said.

Gorero said they might be connected to drug operators in Capiz but deliver the contraband to Iloilo because of the demand and also to avoid detection from Capiz authorities.

“They grabbed the opportunity that the selling of drugs might have slowed down but we see, our recent drug arrests were made in Roxas City or Capiz. They might have detected the police operations in Capiz that is why they went to Iloilo,” he said.

Gorero said cases have already been filed against the suspects for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

They will also face charges of resisting arrest, he said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, PRO 6 regional director, lauded the successful operation conducted by the drug operatives despite the pandemic.

“We will continue our relentless operation against illegal drugs amidst pandemic until we have arrested and jailed the last illegal drug dealer or pusher here in Western Visayas," Pamuspusan said. (PNA)

NBI files raps vs. cop over killing of ex-soldier in QC

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:00:20 GMT

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed murder charges before the Quezon City prosecutor's office against the police officer who shot and killed a former Philippine Army (PA) soldier near a quarantine checkpoint.

Speaking to newsmen Thursday, NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin confirmed that the charges were filed against Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo over the death of 34-year-old Winston Ragos.

Florendo, who is assigned at the Fairview Police Station, also faces administrative investigation. He voluntarily surrendered and turned over his service firearm used in the shooting.

Florendo and four police trainees from the PNP Highway Patrol Group were manning a quarantine control point on Maligaya Drive, Barangay Pasong Putik on April 21 when Ragos approached and shouted at the police trainees.

He was asked by the police to go home and stay inside as he was violating the enhanced community quarantine but he ignored the authorities and identified himself as a former soldier.

Upon learning that Ragos was carrying a .38 caliber revolver loaded with ammunition inside his sling bag, Florendo drew his firearm and cautiously approached him.

The police officers ordered Ragos to yield peacefully but he allegedly attempted to pull out his handgun, prompting Florendo to shoot Ragos.

Ragos was rushed to Commonwealth Hospital but was declared dead at 5:57 p.m. of the same day.

Investigators recovered the sling bag and .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live ammunition without a serial number. (PNA)

Magnitude 6.6 Quake Jolts Davao Oriental

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 10:14:21 GMT

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits the waters off Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental late Thursday afternoon, PHIVOLCS reported.

PHIVOLCS says no damage was reported but aftershocks are expected.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 4)

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 10:10:32 GMT

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country hits past 20,000 on Thursday as the Department of Health records 634 new cases.

Of this number, 313 are fresh cases while 321 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases is now at 20,382.

P5.9-M smuggled cigarettes from Vietnam seized in GenSan

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:45:44 GMT

INTERCEPTED. A Bureau of Customs employee inspects on Wednesday afternoon (June 3, 2020) one of the boxes containing smuggled cigarettes from Vietnam worth PHP5.9 million seized at the Makar port in General Santos City. The contraband declared as paper board based on shipping documents was intercepted in coordination with the Interpol in Manila. (PNA photo by Richelyn Gubalani)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Bureau of Customs (BOC) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents seized some PHP5.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes that were shipped from Vietnam.

Elenita Abaño, the BOC port collector, said the contraband was found inside a container van unloaded by cargo vessel M/V Barry Trad, which arrived around 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Makar port here.

Abaño said the shipment contained around 1,325 cases or boxes of cigarettes marked with the “President” brand.

“This is the first for us to intercept this kind of brand,” Abaño said in an interview with reporters late Wednesday afternoon.

The official said they received prior information about the incoming shipment, which was loaded in a 40-footer container van marked with CMU-5502140, through the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol in Manila.

She said their personnel, along with agents from NBI-Sarangani District Office, subjected the container van to X-ray upon unloading and confirmed that it contained cigarettes.

Based on shipping documents obtained by BOC and NBI, the cargo supposedly contained paper boards based on its declaration. It was consigned to Bengur Trading, with the address only listed as this city.

Based on the initial inventory conducted by the BOC, every box has 25 reams of cigarettes, with each containing 20 packs.

It was reportedly sold in the city and the neighboring areas at PHP30 per pack.

Abaño said the investigation is ongoing as to the real identity of the owners of the smuggled cigarettes.

She said the owner will face charges for misdeclaration and related violations as provided for in Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC has recommended the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention for the recovered items. (PNA)

Cop nabbed for using motorcycle seized from Pasig drug bust

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:44:10 GMT

ARRESTED. Police personnel arrest Cpl. Esteven Mark Pandi in an operation in Pasig City on Wednesday (June 3, 2020). Pandi was arrested for using a motorcycle that was seized from an anti-drug operation in the city last year. (Photo courtesy of IMEG)

MANILA – A Pasig City policeman was arrested using a motorcycle that was seized October last year from an anti-drug operation.

In a press statement on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, chief of the Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (IMEG), identified the suspect as Cpl. Esteven Mark Pandi, currently assigned at the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Pasig City Police Station.

Pandi was caught using the motorcycle without a plate number and was arrested in a police operation along Evangelista St. in Barangay Santolan on Wednesday afternoon.

Lee said the motorcycle, a blue Yamaha NMAX, was confiscated from a drug personality during a buy-bust operation in the city on Oct. 4, 2019 — as clearly shown in the inventory of confiscated pieces of evidence.

Recovered from the suspect are one Colt .45-caliber pistol with one magazine and six live ammunitions with no pertinent documents, and one Beretta 9mm with two magazines and 20 live ammunitions.

The suspect is now under the custody of the PNP-IMEG for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

Under the Philippine National Police's Standard Operating Procedure No. 7 or the Revised Procedure in the Reporting and Disposition of Stolen and Recovered/Impounded Motor Vehicles released on April 12, 2011, no PNP personnel shall use a recovered-stolen or impounded motor vehicle or cause the use thereof by any person prior to the lifting of the "alarm" issued thereon and the subsequent release of the said motor vehicle to its lawful owner.

Lee called on the public to report any PNP personnel (uniformed and non-uniformed) involved in any irregularities to the PNP-IMEG hotlines: SMART -- 0998-970-2286 or GLOBE -- 0995-795-2569. Information may also be forwarded to Facebook Page: Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group.

“There will be no respite in the crackdown against scalawags amid the enhanced community quarantine against Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). We’re intensifying our monitoring of policemen involved in all forms of illegal activities and assure the public we will apprehend them as soon as we have enough evidence against them," Lee said. (PNA)

3 nabbed in drug sting ops in CamSur, Sorsogon

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:42:09 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – Anti-narcotics operatives on Wednesday arrested three alleged illegal drug pushers in separate sting operations in Naga City in Camarines Sur province and Donsol town in Sorsogon province.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol), said the drug operations yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of nearly PHP75,000.

In Naga City, Roberto Decano, alias "Teting", 46, and Rico Relato, 40, both of Barangay San Felipe, were caught selling suspected shabu in an entrapment operation at about 11:35 p.m.

Seized from them were 10 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP68,000.

Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Rowell Eduarte said in Donsol, Sorsogon, a security guard of a government hospital was arrested while selling suspected shabu in a buy-bust.

Leo Castillo, 44, of Sorsogon City, a government employee assigned as a security guard at the Donsol District Hospital, was caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover agent along Tres Marias Drive in Barangay Poso at about 3 p.m.

Seized from Castillo, who is considered as the No. 5 provincial high-value target, were four sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6,800.

The suspects were in detention, facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Over 9K DAR-assisted farmers in Eastern Visayas get aid

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:40:38 GMT

AID FOR FARMERS. Agrarian reform farmer-beneficiaries in Leyte receive relief goods from the Department of Agrarian Reform on May 28. The agency on Wednesday (June 3, 2020) said a total of 9,532 farmers in Eastern Visayas have received food supply and hygiene kit as assistance amid the health crisis. (Photo courtesy of DAR)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 9,532 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) in Eastern Visayas have received food packs and hygiene kits from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) amid the health crisis.

In a statement on Wednesday, DAR Eastern Visayas officer-in-charge Ismael Aya-ay said the project dubbed “The PaSSOver: ARBold Move to Heal as One Deliverance of our ARBs from the Covid-19 Pandemic” is in response to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One-Act.

“The relief assistance will help ease their burden brought by the current situation,” he added.

During the distribution from May 21 to 29, each recipient got a relief pack containing four kilograms of rice, canned goods, noodles, vitamins, bath soap, and face masks.

The project also intends to provide supplemental food for the sustenance of poor ARBs, especially those who were not served by the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and to supply ARBs with hygiene products for their protection.

Meanwhile, DAR assured that health protocols were strictly observed during distribution through their provincial and local counterparts.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, a total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Eastern Visayas, including 25 recoveries and zero death.

Of the total cases, 32 are from Samar, 11 from Leyte, one from Northern Samar, and one from Biliran province. (PNA)

NHA defends government’s Balik Probinsya program

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:38:27 GMT

Photo Credit: National Housing Authority Facebook Page

The National Housing Authority (NHA) has defended the Balik Probinsya program against claims that it may have caused the spread of COVID-19 to areas that were coronavirus-free.

Local officials in Leyte criticized the program for what they claim as failure to coordinate with local government units. They added that, of the 112 people who recently returned to the province, two tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived last week.

NHA executive director Marcelino Escalada Jr. clarified that those two COVID-positive individuals were not part of the Balik Probinsya program, but of the Hatid Probinsya program that offered transportation for stranded tourists in Metro Manila.

Balik Probinsya founder Senator Bong Go also said the two COVID-positives were cleared by health authorities in Metro Manila, and that the disease might have developed in them on the way home.

Escalada meanwhile said the government cannot stop people from returning to their home provinces.

“The pandemic virus is everywhere. Instead of complaining, why not start to prepare. We cannot hold them in Metro Manila. There’s no stable sense of human dignity already,” Escalada said.

Escalada said the Balik Probinsya program will resume the transport of people on June 11. He added that 79,000 applicants have already signed up for the program.

Gatchalian seeks 20 more years extension of subsidies to low-income electricity users

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:29:47 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Official Facebook Page

Senate Committee on Energy chairman Sherwin Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill No. 1583 which aims to extend subsidies for households who consume 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less electricity per month for 20 years more.

"The spirit of this measure is to really cushion the blow of power-rate increases to marginalized households who cannot afford to pay the full cost of their electricity bill. We already made strides in breaking that barrier to access electricity through the lifeline-rate subsidies and there's no turning back now," he said.

SB 1583 will further amend Section 73 of Republic Act 9136, or the Electricity Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA). Sec. 73 provides a ten-year subsidy to low income captive market end-users who cannot afford to pay at full cost.

Republic Act 10150, passed in 2011, was a previous amendment to EPIRA that extended lifeline subsidies up to 2021.

Currently, customers with an average monthly consumption of 21 to 50 kWh are entitled to a 50-percent discount, while those consuming an average of 51-70 kWh will get a 35-percent discount.

Those with 71 to 100 kWh monthly consumption are entitled to a 20-percent discount.

Gatchalian noted that 2,410,974 households under Meralco (the Manila Electric Company) availed of the lifeline rate in 2019, saving them P3.8 billion. This means each household saved P1,576 annually.

With the lifeline-rate subsidy set to expire next year, Gatchalian sees the urgency to further extend the subsidies until 2041.

"Sa pagsulong ng batas na ito, hangad natin ang maliwanag at magandang bukas sa bawat isang Pilipino. Kaya bago pa man mapasa ang lifeline-rate subsidy sa susunod na taon ay minabuti na nating isulong agad ang panukalang ito ngayon para masigurung tuluy-tuloy ang sapat na kuryente sa abot-kayang halaga," he said.

(With this law, we aim for a bright and beautiful future for each Filipino. So even before the lifeline-rate subsidy passes next year, it is better to work on the next step to ensure sufficient electricity supply at an affordable level)

Cebu province to allow motorcycle backriding

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:24:52 GMT

Photo Credit: Governor Gwen Garcia Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia signed on Thursday night Executive Order 19, which will allow backriding on motorcycles in the province provided that no fees will be collected and the riders are related.

Garcia however said the Provincial Board must adopt her EO to make it effective.

“Kinahanglan pa ni ang EO i-adopt sa Provincial Board by way of a Provincial Ordinance. The moment aprubahan i-print, pirmahan nako nga effective na na ang maong ordinansa. Maong paghuwat mo kay naa pa ta’y sundon nga mga procedure,” Garcia said.

(This EO will have to be adopted by the Provincial Board by way of a Provincial Ordinance. Once approved, it will have to be printed and signed to become effective. You must wait because we need to follow the proper procedure)

Garia highlighted the plight of Cebuanos who are stuck every day in the streets waiting for public transportation. Only a limited number of PUVs were allowed to operate after the province shifted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in May.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) banned motorcycle backriding all over the country in March to enforce social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Garcia's order also highlighted certain protocols for protection both against injury and COVID-19 such as the wearing of helmets.

MMDA to implement “modified” number coding scheme on Monday

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:21:32 GMT

Photo Taken: February 19, 2020 (FILE PHOTO)

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to implement a “modified” number coding scheme in Metro Manila that exempts some vehicles on Monday.

Under the new scheme, all private vehicles with two or more people will be exempted from apprehension, provided that the occupants follow physical distancing and are wearing facemasks.

“Owner-driven or self-driven private motor vehicles of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel (are also exempted),” the MMDA said.

The MMDA added that holders of the authorized persons outside residence (APOR) pass, as specified in the latest guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and operators of transport network vehicles (TNVs) are also exempted. TNVs are required to put signs on their vehicles for easy identification.

The agency said Metro Manila mayors unanimously approved the MMDA’s regulation during its virtual meeting on May 26.

Charo Santos-Concio, proud sa pagiging Pilipino ni Gabby Lopez III

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:32:29 GMT

Photo Credit: Charo Santos Instagram Account

MAYNILA – “Proud of you.” Ito ang mensahe ni Charo Santos-Concio kay ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III.

Si Santos-Concio ang kasalukuyang chief content officer ng ABS-CBN.

Sa kanyang Instagram, ipinakita ni Santos-Concio ang suporta kay Lopez, na humarap sa pagdinig ng Kamara nitong Mierkoles, ika-3 ng Hunyo, tungkol sa renewal ng prangkisa ng Kapamilya Network, na ipinasara ng National Telecommunications Commission noong Mayo 5.

Giit ni Santos-Concio, isang tunay na Pilipino si Lopez, na matagal na niyang kilala: “I’ve known this man for a long time... Dugo, Isip at Puso ay Pilipino. Proud of you, Gabby.”

Sa pagdinig sa Kamara, pinagtibay ni Lopez ang kanyang pagka-Pilipino.

Sinalamin ni Santos-Concio ang pahayag ni Lopez gamit ang mga hashtag na #KapamilyaForever, #IbalikAngABSCBN at #GabbyLopez: “I know in my heart I am a Filipino... I live and I will die as a Filipino.”

Maliban sa kanyang nasyonalidad, diniin ni Lopez ang pagiging tapat niya sa bansa at bilang Pilipino: “I stand by my record over the last 35 years. I have been committed to the people of this country. It’s a trust that has been passed on to me by my father and by his father before him…

“It’s a trust that has been given to me and, in fact, I always tell our employees, dito sa ABS-CBN po, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling. So please, if you’re going to look beyond the technicality and talk about my allegiance, please look at my record over the last 35 years po,” ani Lopez sa pagdinig sa Kamara.

DOT: Travel for leisure still banned in NCR

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:13:27 GMT

Photo Credit: Laging Handa PH Facebook Live

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterates that travelling for leisure is still prohibited in the National Capital Region (NCR) even after the shift to general community quarantine (GCQ).

“We can’t travel muna. Tourism is all about experience and travelling is part of it. But hintay-hintay lang (just wait), we will soon open hopefully in NCR,” DOT-NCR Director Woodrow Maquiling said during Thursday’s Laging Handa virtual press conference.

Maquiling however said that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has already allowed tourist attractions in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas to operate at 50 percent capacity.

He added that local government officials should give the go signal in their respective areas for the reopening of tourist attractions.

The DOT temporarily suspended tourism-related businesses in the Philippines as part of community quarantine measures.

The DOT acknowledges that tourism is one of the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. It however added that some businesses are already starting to recuperate after they were allowed to reopen.

P68k worth of shabu seized in Naga Buy bust

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:35:05 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives confiscated 10 grams of shabu worth P68,000 in a drug bust in Zone 6 San Felipe, Naga City.

Arrested in the June 3 bust were Roberto Decano, 46 years old, and Rico Relato, 40 years old, both residents of the area.

The suspects and confiscated evidence are now in the custody of the Naga City Police office. A complaint for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is being prepared against the suspects.

Lanao Sur mayor's wife killed in CDO gun attack

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:34:51 GMT

WAYLAID. Police officers conduct a forensic examination at the crime scene where the vehicle of Somerado Guro, municipal mayor of Lumbaca-Unayan in Lanao del Sur, is waylaid in Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro Wednesday morning (June 3, 2020). Police say the town executive has no known enemies. (PNA photo by Jigger J. Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Pursuit operations have been launched against the gunmen behind the broad daylight attack that killed the wife of a Lanao del Sur town mayor Wednesday morning in Brgy. Iponan here.

Maj. Aldrin Baculio, Police Station 7 police chief, said the attack involving two motorcycle-riding men wounded Lumbaca-Unayan Mayor Somerado Guro and killed his wife Rohaifa.

Baculio said couple's driver, Ibrahim Gani, 58, and another staff, 19-year-old Abdul Rafi Guro, sustained gunshot wounds but were already in stable conditions.

"She (Rohaifa) died at the hospital around 12:40 p.m. and her relatives were immediately there to retrieve her body (so she can be buried) in Lanao del Sur," he said, indicating that the victim will be buried under Islamic rites.

“Mayor Guro is okay. He can talk. He is in the emergency room,” the police official added.

Lt. Wilfredo Uba Jr., deputy station commander of the Bulua police station, said Guro’s driver managed to drive the vehicle all to the way to a nearby private hospital.

Uba said the police recovered 10 used shells fired from a .45-caliber handgun.

Citing a witness account, Uba said the attackers followed the mayor’s vehicle and pumped bullets into its side while on approach.

Guro has a house in Bloomingdale, one of the housing subdivisions in Barangay Iponan here.

Baculio said Guro's relatives told investigators the local chief executive has no known case of "rido" or clan feud in Lanao del Sur. (PNA)

NPA using landmines to sow terror in Surigao Norte: Army

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:23:05 GMT

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Army blasted anew the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for "terrorizing" the farming communities in Surigao del Norte by planting anti-personnel mines (APMs) in trails usually used even by civilians going to their farms.

1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, the civil-military operations officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, said the government troops recovered an APM in a skirmish with NPA rebels Monday (June 1) in the hinterland of Barangay Biyadid in Sison, Surigao del Norte.

“Our troopers received an information from a concerned citizen in the area about the presence of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs),” Quilang told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday (June 3).

He said the NPA rebels were threatening the farmers while extorting money and food.

Quilang said the NPA rebels were "sowing terror" among the farmers in Biyadi and the neighboring villages, telling residents that landmines planted in their area and will be detonated once they refuse to give in to their demands.

Acting on the information fed by the civilians, Quilang said 30IB personnel conducted a combat patrol Monday in the area that resulted in a 30-minute clash.

“As the CNTs scampered away, government troops recovered one APM that was already laid along a trail frequently used by the local residents in the area,” Quilang said.

No one was hurt on the side of the government forces after the armed encounter, he added.

In a statement Wednesday, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta, 30th commander, condemned the continued use of APMs by the NPA.

“APMs endanger the lives of civilians and create an atmosphere of fear in their villages that disrupt their daily activities, especially in going to their farmlands for living,” Callanta said.

He pointed out that the use of APM is a violation of the Republic Act 9851 or “An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and for Related Purposes.”

Callanta also cited the support of the villagers that led to the recovery of the APM.

“This shows that our campaign against terrorism is significantly gaining headways and every effective,” Callanta said.

He also assured the people of Surigao del Norte that the Army will continue to secure and protect the peace-loving people of the province.

During the April 19 encounter, 30IB troopers also recovered two APMs laid by the NPA rebels in civilian trails after an encounter in Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. (PNA)

DOJ driver slain, 2 others unhurt in SoCot gun attack

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:17:19 GMT

CRIME SCENE. A police scene-of-the crime operative inspects the bullet-riddled Toyota Innova service vehicle of the Department of Justice in Region 12 following a gun attack Wednesday morning (June 3, 2020) along the national highway in Purok Maligaya, Barangay Bukay Pait in Tantangan town, South Cotabato. A DOJ driver was killed in the attack while two others, one of them a prosecution witness in the Ampatuan massacre, were unhurt. (Screengrab of the onsite live stream of Bombo Radyo-Koronadal City)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - A driver of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) was killed while two others were unhurt in a gun attack in Tantangan town, South Cotabato, Wednesday morning.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said the victim and his two companions--one of whom said to be a vital prosecution witness in the Ampatuan massacre--were inside a vehicle traversing a portion of the national highway Barangay Bukay Pait when they were waylaid by unidentified gunmen at around 10 a.m.

Siason said the suspects who were on board another vehicle reportedly maneuvered to the left side of the DOJ’s silver-gray Toyota Innova and opened fire.

Siason said the group was on official travel and was heading to the airport here, adding that based on witness accounts, two vehicles and a motorcycle tailed the victims prior to the attack.

The DOJ vehicle lost control after the shooting, hitting a nearby furniture shop and house about 60 meters away from the highway.

Siason said the driver, identified as Richard Escobilla, was declared dead upon arrival by attending doctors at the Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center in Koronadal City.

He said the two other unhurt passengers are currently under the protective custody of joint police units.

The police official said one of them, whose identity was withheld, was a security escort of the DOJ under the Witness Protection Program and managed to return fire during the shooting.

The other passenger was Ampatuan massacre witness Mohamad Sangki, as later affirmed by prosecution counsel Nena Santos.

“The investigation is still ongoing and we’re considering a number of angles,” Siason told reporters, adding pursuit operations were ongoing against the suspects.

Witnesses said one of the vehicles and a motorcycle were last seen heading towards Koronadal City and the other towards the direction of Tacurong City.

In an interview over Bombo Radyo in Koronadal City, Santos said the DOJ personnel were escorting Sangki who was on his way back to Manila.

She said Sangki, whom she described as a “vital” prosecution witness in the Ampatuan massacre case, just came from Tacurong City.

Santos, a counsel of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangungudadatu, said the incident clearly targeted the witness and was meant to silence him.

Last March, Sangki also survived an ambush in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao.

“Our authorities, especially the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the police should get into the bottom of this and immediately identify the perpetrators and the masterminds,” she said. (PNA)

2 notorious drug dealers killed, 21 others nabbed in Bulacan

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:15:29 GMT

GETAWAY VEHICLE. The white Honda CRV used as getaway vehicle of the live-in partners who were neutralized in a buy-bust operation Barangay Lumbac, Pulilan, Bulacan on Tuesday (June 2, 20200. Twenty-one other drug suspects were also arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in the province. (Photo by Pulilan PNP)

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Two notorious drug dealers were neutralized while 21 others were arrested in this province on Tuesday as a result of the police's aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, Bulacan police director, said on Wednesday that live-in partners Froilan Orillosa and Leah Lucas were killed during the joint drug operations of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and Pulilan police in Barangay Lumbac, Pulilan town.

Cajipe said the two were responsible for the proliferation of illegal drugs in this province and adjacent provinces and were both included in the Philippine National Police-Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PNP-PDEA) unified watch list.

He said based on the report after the consummated drug deal, Orillosa attempted to flee on board his white Honda CRV with Plate No. XMT-642, together with Lucas, after sensing they were about to be arrested by the operatives.

"A firefight ensued during the hot pursuit operation. The suspects stopped in front of a 'pasalubong' center in Barangay Paltao, Pulilan. Orillosa ran in a nearby alley and engaged in an armed encounter with the pursuing operatives that resulted to his death while his live-in partner was inside the vehicle and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead,” Cajipe said.

Recovered in the operation were nine small and six medium-sized heat-sealed sachets of shabu; one 9-mm caliber pistol, the white Honda CRV, assorted identification cards; buy-bust money, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, Cajipe said the 21 other drug suspects were nabbed in separate anti-illegal drug operations in the cities of Malolos, San Jose Del Monte and Meycauayan and in the towns of Sta. Maria, Plaridel, Norzagaray, Baliwag and San Ildefonso.

He identified them as Maria Christina Laconsay, Zenaida Lansangan, Conrado Mojica, Ferdie Sabado, Ramil Palaruan, Ricardo Balite, Arvin Mabait, Mary Grace Cruz, Jomari Espenilla, Arvin Jazver David, Sherwin Bernabe, Rhia Galvez, Jecielito Carpio, Renor Roque, Jimie Bocton, Ronaldo Vidal, Crisalyn Abraham, Marvin Lebario, Dominic Uy, Joey Quitua, and Arnold Quijano.

Seized from the suspects were 52 heat-sealed sachets of shabu, two medium-sized sachets of dried marijuana leaves, two cut-opened sachets of shabu, one black Suzuki Raider motorcycle with plate number NC64904, buy-bust money, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspects were brought to the police station in their respective areas while the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Crime Laboratory for examination. The suspects will be facing appropriate charges in court. (PNA)

ASPAP denies allegations of Illegal testing of POGO workers

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:30:08 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – The Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) denied allegations that POGO service providers are running underground hospitals exclusively for foreign workers infected with coronavirus.

ASPAP Spokesperson Atty. Margarita Gutierrez said on Wednesday that company clinics within their members’ establishments are legitimate.

“These clinics are well aware and equipped with the necessary safeguards and health protocols to battle against COVID-19,” she said.

Guttierez also reiterated that the government pays nothing for the cost of the COVID-19 tests of POGO workers.

“In fact, ASPAP and other service providers are the ones providing free testing for Filipino workers and even for their families,” she added.

She added that POGO workers who will test positive for COVID-19 will be referred to the Department of Health (DOH) or nearby hospitals in accordance with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

She clarified that POGO workers are not all from China, but also from Europe, Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan.

Guttierez also expressed her support for the government’s shutdown of non-accredited offshore gaming operations (NOGO). She said NOGOs are a threat to legitimate POGOs and their contribution of billions to the government via taxes, which can fund efforts to fight COVID-19.

Atticus King clarifies Victoria Court closure

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:06:16 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – Victoria Court owner Atticus King has clarified that some branches of the motel chain will remain operational.

Atticus said, while he and sister Angelina Mead King share the Victoria Court brand, they each have completely different management groups.

“Our solutions to the ongoing situations are completely different and unrelated,” he said.

He added that his group decided to retrench some employees and continue the operation of the branches he owns with a minimal number of workers.

The branches under Atticus King are currently housing medical frontliners, overseas filipino workers (OFWs) who are under 14-day mandatory quarantine, and employees of some private companies.

“That’s our market now and it’s not ideal, we are not optimized for it, and we are looking forward to things reverting back to normal,” he added.

Angelina Mead King announced yesterday the closure of her motel branches as well as the retrenchment of her employees.

“Over the next few weeks, I don’t think the hotel and motel operations will be able to produce the same results as how it used to. It's time that we face the facts and be honest,” she said.

She added that she will be preparing the retirement and retrenchment packages of her employees to support them during the crisis.

“For now, I have to advise you to please look for another job to support yourself and your family during these tough times,” she added.

The Cuneta, Gil Puyat, and Malate branches that Angelina Mead King owns will be closed while the Balintawak, Hillcrest, Panorama, Las Piñas, Malabon, North Edsa, and San Fernando branches under Atticus King will remain operational.

Israel donates medical supplies to the Philippines

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:02:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Embassy of the State of Israel

MANILA, Philippines – The Israeli government has donated medical supplies to help the Philippine government fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation was received by first responders of the Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday at Villamor Airbase.

Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz turned over 60,000 surgical masks, 6,000 N95 filtered face masks, 9,000 gowns, 3,000 face shields, 100,000 gloves, and 100 non-contact thermometers to Defense Secretary Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana.

“This donation signifies Israel-PH strong and friendly relations,” Harpaz said.

At the turnover ceremony, the Israeli ambassador acknowledged the Philippines' support for Israel. He noted how President Manuel Quezon provided refuge to the Jews who were fleeing the Nazis in the late 1930s. He added that the Philippines also stood as one of 33 nations that recognized the State of Israel at the United Nations General Assembly on November 29, 1947.

House approves anti-terror bill on 3rd reading

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:16:41 GMT

MANILA – A bill providing more teeth to the law against terrorism and effectively repealing the Human Security Act of 2007 is a step closer into becoming a law, after the House of Representatives approved it on third and final reading on Wednesday.

With 173 affirmative votes, 31 negative votes, and 29 abstentions, the lower chamber passed House Bill 6875, or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which seeks to prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism.

The bill's third reading approval came a day after it was approved on second reading. Congress dispenses with the three-day rule for measures certified by President Rodrigo Duterte as urgent.

Duterte called for the immediate passage of the bill “to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.”

The House bill is similar to the Senate version that was approved in February to fast-track its approval and avoid convening a bicameral conference.

The bill introduced provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; possess objects connected with the preparation for the commission of terrorism; or collect or make documents connected with the preparation of terrorism.

Under the bill, any person who shall threaten to commit terrorism shall suffer the penalty of 12 years. The same jail term will be meted against those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism.

Any person who shall voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization, shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Meanwhile, those who shall recruit another to join, commit, or support any terrorist organization shall be punished with a penalty of life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

The measure not only establishes Philippine jurisdiction over Filipinos who may join and fight with terrorist organizations outside the Philippines but also ensures that foreign terrorists do not use the country as a transit point, a safe haven to plan and train new recruits for terrorist attacks in other countries.

Under the bill, the number of days a suspected person can be detained without a warrant of arrest is 14 calendar days, extendible by 10 days.

A new provision, designating certain Regional Trial Courts as Anti-Terror Courts, was also introduced to ensure the speedy disposition of cases.

The use of videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses to remotely appear and testify will also be allowed under the measure.

The amendments also provide for the police or the military to conduct 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists, which may be lengthened to another non-extendable period of 30 days, provided that they secure a judicial authorization from the Court of Appeals.

To allay concerns of possible excesses by the authorities, the Commission on Human Rights shall be notified in case of detention of a suspected terrorist. (PNA)

ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez III is a Filipino - DOJ

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:11:53 GMT

WATCH: ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III is a Filipino citizen since birth, Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar said during the House hearing on the network’s franchise on Wednesday.

The Legal Merits of Ronnel Mas’ Arrest

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:01:57 GMT

In the first Advocates TV vlog, we talk to Atty. Paul Castillo of the Dumlao & Castillo Law offices about the legal merits of the arrest of Ronnel Mas over a tweet threatening President Rodrigo Duterte.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 3)

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:45:05 GMT

The Department of Health records 751 new cases on Wednesday.

Of this number, 221 are fresh cases while 530 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 19,748.

Poe: Return compliant jeepneys to service

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:30:13 GMT

Photo Taken: February 19, 2020

Senator Grace Poe wants jeepneys operating again to augment the fleet of public utility vehicles (PUVs) serving commuters in Metro Manila and other areas under general community quarantine (GCQ). She, however, emphasized that jeepneys be made compliant with social distancing rules and other standards.

She noted that since the start of GCQ, only 90 buses have been allowed to ply EDSA compared to 3,500 buses before quarantine. With only 25 passengers allowed per trip and per bus, only about 20,000 passengers can be accommodated instead of the 250,000 before the lockdown.

"Malinaw na walang masakyan ang maraming pasaherong bukod sa nagtitiis sa kakahintay sa mahabang pila ay hindi rin siguradong makakarating sa kanilang pupuntahan," she said.

(It is clear that many passengers have nothing to ride and are enduring long waits even though it is uncertain if they will even be able to reach their destinations)

During the Senate deliberations on the Bayanihan To Recover As One bill, Poe suggested that an amount be set aside for additional shuttles.

Poe suggested that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) create a masterlist of transport service workers who qualify for wage subsidies and the cash-for-work program. She also asked for speedy distribution of the first and second rounds of subsidy under the Bayanihan bill, as well as additional subsidies for PUV drivers and operators.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier said that some 435,619 PUV drivers in Luzon will get financial assistance amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 each from the government. Poe said many of them have yet to receive it.

Poe also proposed that PUV modernization be put on hold to prevent mass displacement.

Senators dismayed over failure to compensate health workers who died fighting COVID-19

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 10:26:25 GMT

Photo Credit: Senate of the Philippines Facebook Page

Senators slammed the Department of Health (DoH) for failing to compensate health workers who died or got sick in the line of duty during this COVID-19 pandemic.

DOH officials revealed during plenary debates on Senate Bill 1564 or the proposed Bayanihan To Recover as One Act that no claims for compensation were made because the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 11469 have not been set.

Section 4(f) of RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act awards P1 million each to public and private health workers who died while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and P100,000 to health workers who contracted severe COVID-19 while in the line of duty.

Senate Finance Committee chair Senator Sonny Angara described as criminal the failure to compensate health workers. He stressed that neglect was apparent on the part of the agency.

"I'm very disappointed to hear the response from the DOH. The Senate labored, burned the midnight oil to pass Bayanihan One. It's quite upsetting to find out that so many months have gone without the DOH crafting the IRR here. So many health workers have suffered, whether they have died or have been severely afflicted with the COVID virus. Again, it's very upsetting," he said.

Angara said he will do what he can to nudge the DOH in the right direction.

He also suggested that all senators sign a letter to the DOH that underscores the urgency of the matter.

Senator Richard Gordon raised the issue earlier in the session when he said 32 health workers died and two became severely ill while treating COVID-19 patients.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the absence of an IRR "should not be an excuse not to comply with the law."

Senator Francis Pangilinan said this development is "truly disappointing and indicative of the lack of compassion of whoever the DOH is supposed to address this with the IRR."

Cebu City records 1,176 recoveries: to lift lockdown in some areas

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 10:12:22 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook Page

Cebu City spokesperson Rey Gealon said 16 new recoveries from COVID-19 were recorded on Wednesday, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,176.

He added that the city is down to 1,246 active cases, though 42 new COVID-19 cases and one death from Barangay Carreta were also recorded.

“Kita nagsubay sa DOH memorandum, pag-leveling sa mga pasyente gikan sa BIC sa positive nga asymptomatic, quarantine facility sa level 2, ug sa level 3 sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center,” he said.

(We follow the DOH memorandum in leveling the patients starting with the BIC (barangay isolation centers) for the positive yet asymptomatic, to the quarantine facility for the level 2 patients and the level 3 ones to the VSMMC.)

Gealon also denied reports that city hospitals are swelling with coronavirus patients, saying the total admission of Covid-19 patients is not even half the hospital’s capacity.

“Wa pa gani kaabot og 50% admission sa Covid patients ang kinatibuk-an nga sitwasyon dinhi sa syudad labot sa atong pag-manage sa atong Covid patients. Kana pagsukwahi, pagklaro nga dili tinuod ang gikatumbok nga napuno atong balay tambalann diri sa syudad,” he explained.

(We haven’t even reached the 50-percent admission of Covid patients in all of our hospitals in the city. That is to negate claims that our hospitals are swarming with coronavirus patients.)

Gealon said 90 percent of the recoveries were from the isolation centers. He added that patients there received adequate care in terms of food, water, medicine and vitamin-C needs. He also emphasized that medical personnel at the hospitals and isolation centers deserve some thanks for the recoveries.

“Atong gikalipay nga daghan ang naka-recover aning sakit,” he said.

(We are happy that there are many who have recovered from this sickness.)

Gealon meanwhile assured that the lockdowns in Sitio Callejon in Barangay Labangon, Barangay Tejero and Barangay Bacayan will soon be lifted.

“In the next few days, because of these developments, because of the decreasing positive and increasing recoveries, there is a need to lift the lockdown status in these areas,” he said.

He asked residents in locked down areas to be patient while the city looks for ways to bring normalcy back to their areas.

DOST starts VCO clinical trials for COVID-19

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 10:03:23 GMT

Photo Credit: Santa Rosa Community Hospital Facebook Page

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has started clinical trials on virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a possible treatment for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines.

DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital in Laguna started trials on COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms about a month ago.

He added that they are still looking for two other hospitals or COVID-19 facilities in Sta. Rosa in order to meet the recommended number of patients for clinical trials.

“While it (Sta. Rosa hospital) already started a month ago, the arrival of patients is relatively slow. And so we cannot meet the 90 recommended number of patients to be enrolled,” Dela Peña explained.

He also said they are still waiting for the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila ethics board to give the go signal for VCO clinical trials in Metro Manila.

Dela Peña mentioned that the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) will conduct a 14-day clinical trial on VCO.

“They are planning 100 patients for the clinical trial. Half of them will be on VCO and others will not be given VCO for comparison purposes,” he said.

Dela Peña clarified that VCO may only help speed up the recovery of COVID-19 patients.

He added that they are also looking into ‘tawa-tawa’ and ‘lagundi’ plants that have been used to treat other viral diseases.

He further said the Philippines is working on vaccine trials with two institutions each from China and Taiwan.

32 NPA rebels yield in SoCot

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:51:04 GMT

RETURNEES. Some of the 32 New People’s Army (NPA) combatants formally surrender to authorities and local officials in Tantangan town, South Cotabato on Tuesday (June 2, 2020). The former rebels, who were previously under the Guerilla Front 73 (Musa) of the NPA - Far South Mindanao Region, voluntarily yielded 20 firearms, explosives, and subversive materials. (Photo courtesy of the provincial government of South Cotabato)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A total of 32 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the hinterlands of South Cotabato province formally surrendered to government authorities and local officials on Tuesday.

The rebels formally laid down their firearms and renewed allegiance to the government in a ceremony spearheaded by the joint provincial and municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-Elcac) in Tantangan town, South Cotabato.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said the returnees were formerly under the Guerilla Front 73 (Musa) of the NPA - Far South Mindanao Region, which operates in parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.

Siason said they were led by a vice platoon commander and finance officer of a unit based in the quad-boundaries of Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tantangan, Banga, and Norala in South Cotabato.

The returnees were listed as residents of Sitio Matapol, Barangay Simsiman in Norala and Purok 9, Sitio El Nap, Barangay Dumadalig and Sitio Mayada, Barangay Libas in Tantangan, South Cotabato.

He said the surrender was a joint effort of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12’s (Soccsksargen) intelligence unit, and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

These were supported by the local governments of South Cotabato and Tantangan and other members of TF-Elcac, Siason said.

He cited their engagements with concerned stakeholders, especially community and barangay officials, as well as other rebel returnees.

“This is a continuing process and we’re expecting more rebels to surrender in the coming days,” Siason said in a press conference.

Seven of the surrenderers initially signified to yield last May 26 while 13 others followed on May 29. Their number increased to 32 on Tuesday.

The group voluntarily yielded 20 high- and low-powered firearms, explosives, and subversive documents and materials.

Since May 15, a total of 89 NPA combatants from Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73 have surrendered in parts of South Cotabato.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., who personally welcomed the returnees, assured the provincial government’s full support for their reintegration into their communities, especially in terms of livelihood.

Tamayo said they would evaluate and process their enrollment into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), which would provide them with various assistance packages from government agencies.

He said the provincial government would provide them with initial financial assistance of PHP20,000 each.

This was on top of the assistance that they will get under the E-Clip and the firearms remuneration program, Tamayo said.

“Rest assured that we’re always ready to welcome and help you become part again of our communities,” he said.

The municipal government of Tantangan, through Mayor Benjamin Figueroa Jr., released an initial cash assistance of PHP5,000 each to the surrenderers.

Figueroa said they would assess other means to help the returnees, especially in terms of sustainable livelihood.

The ceremony was joined by PRO-12 Chief Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Army 601st Brigade deputy commander Col. Joel Mamon, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 12 Director Eduardo Marquez. (PNA)

Ex-rebel in Negros says NPA commander molested her

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:49:35 GMT

EX-REBEL. “Ka Rachelle” (left) holds a Communist Party of the Philippines flag with a comrade when she was still a New People’s Army combatant. In a video released by the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday (June 2, 2020), she admitted that she was sexually abused by an NPA commander. (Screenshot from 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army video)

BACOLOD CITY – A former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Negros Island has confirmed the sexual abuses suffered by female combatants like her in the hands of their comrades.

“Ka Rachelle”, now 20, surrendered to the government in 2018 after being part of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon - Negros (KR-N) since she was 17.

In a video released by the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) on Tuesday night, she admitted being a victim of sexual abuse.

“Ako ang buhi nga ehemplo nga gi-molestyahan sang akon nga mga kaupod. Ang akon nga commander gin-molestyahan nya ako sadtong panahon nga nag-TO (tactical operations) kami (I am a living example of someone who has been molested by my comrades. I was molested by my commander during the time we were conducting [tactical operations]),” she said.

“Ka Rachelle”, who was also a member of the Kabataang Makabayan, said the NPA cadre failed to act on the sexual abuses and they could not also report what they went through because they feared for their lives.

“May kaupod man ko nga gin-molestyahan man sang kaupdanan namon. Indi kami puede kapanugid kay nakulbaan kami kay patyon kami nila (I also had a comrade who was abused. We could not tell anyone because they might kill us),” she added.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IBde, condemned the rampant sexual abuses committed by communist-terrorist commanders on their female combatants.

“It is a sham when their commanders trumpet that they respect the dignity of women. The testimony of ‘Ka Rachelle’ clearly speaks of the existing sexual abuses within their ranks. This evil act must be stopped,” Pasaporte said.

He noted that the birth control pills recovered by troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion after a clash with NPA rebels in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City on May 22 can be linked to the ongoing abuses on female NPA members.

“Once again, I encourage all female NPA combatants to abandon their group and return to their respective families. We will facilitate your return to living a normal life where the dignity of women is upheld,” Pasaporte said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Landbank lending program helps schools with "study now, pay later" schemes

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 08:57:14 GMT

Photo Credit: Landbank of the Philippines Facebook Page

The Landbank of the Philippines has launched a lending program to help educational institutions implement “study now, pay later” programs while the country still faces the COVID-19 pandemic.

Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia Borromeo said the Landbank ACADEME (ACcess to Academic Development to Empower the Masses towards Endless Opportunities) program can also help educational institutions recover from their losses during the pandemic.

Borromeo said the bank allotted P3 billion for the program. The loan can be repaid up to three years with a fixed annual interest rate of 3%.

“Ang mga magulang ay maaaring mang hiram sa schools na ‘to para ang mga schools naman ang pupunta sa Landbank with the rediscount promissory note ng mga mag-aaral (Parents can borrow from schools while the schools can go to Landbank with the rediscount promissory note of the students),” Borromeo said.

She said Landbank can lend schools up to 70% of the sub-promissory notes of their students on a per semester basis. This is also further subject to a maximum amount based on the school’s net borrowing capacity.

The schools will implement zero percent interest on loans to parents, depending on the tenure of their students.

Borromeo said the bank has already approved a P250 million loan to a big school in Metro Manila.

PNP Bicol helps commuters with Libreng Sakay

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 03:31:49 GMT

The Philippine National Police in Bicol is providing free transportation for commuters under Oplan Libreng Sakay. The free rides cover the areas of Legazpi City and the Municipality of Daraga where most business establishments are already open. Priority is given to workers.

PNP spokesperson Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib said this is only one of many ways PNP Bicol lends a hand to fellow Bicolanos and helps ease the strain many people feel over the COVID-19 pandemic.

PNP Libreng Sakay is scheduled at 7 to 9 a.m.for the morning shift and 4 to 6 p.m. for the afternoon.

Health protocols such as wearing of facemasks and social distancing are strictly imposed.

Calubaquib said two trucks are available for now and that they will add another to accommodate more commuters.

Flexible Learning

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 02:31:59 GMT

Flexible learning was a theme that Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III underscored in his online talk in the morning of June 2. Organized by CHED Region 1 Office in light of CHED’s 26th founding anniversary, the talk was entitled “Reshaping Philippine Higher Education” and was apparently meant to help clarify matters on how higher education should be approached under the reality of a pandemic here in our country.

Advising educational leaders to keep their ears close to the ground, as it were, one key message by the CHED Chair was that the country shall continue operating our educational institutions but face-to-face or classroom-based activities shall be kept to a minimum and, if at all, be done under very strict health protocols. HEI’s are now being told to engage in what is known as “flexible learning.”

What pedagogical creature Is this approach called “flexible learning”? First of all, it was clarified in the talk that it is NOT e-learning. It is a broader set of philosophies and bag of tricks that may include gadgets and IT tools to engage learners but it does not necessarily have to employ advanced technologies or electric and electronic devices. To clarify further, it may subsume old distance education approaches like correspondence education, where teachers and students send documents to one-another via postal services.

The point of flexible learning is to create and continuously develop pedagogical means that would engage learners in more effective ways based on their actual life situation for learner-centered education. The broad driver for the development of flexible learning is the need to enable learners more choice in their learning. Today, the Covid 19 threat has magnified this concern for employing flexible designs for education work.

For a Gen-Exer educator like me who had some glimpse of the fading world of the so-called Boomers and now is at the heart of the young world of Millenials and Gen-Zeers, I can very well appreciate this need for more engaged and outcomes-based education. This reminds me of the first time I had the responsibility of truly handling a child’s learning experience way back in the early 1990s.

The learner was a student in a private elementary school in Manila. I was his private tutor. He was initially very disinterested in further studying after school. In our first few meetings, it was a challenge to get his attention and to guide him to do his homework. One day, however, he began warming up to me. How? While explaining one of his science--lessons to him—he just suddenly asked me about a topic totally unrelated to our lesson and rather advanced.

He raised the notion of time travel.

Instead of just dismissing his query and forcing the day’s lesson on him, I stood up to get some materials to begin illustrating to him the possibility of time travel and what he had been hearing from one of his favorite TV shows (Shaider) as a “time-space warp”.

From that day on, I had an easier time with that child—who is now a licensed Architect and a social media contact of mine. I even had the privilege of teaching him how to play the turumpo. This, was part of my means to keep him engaged as I taught him science topics.

That experience, to me, smacks of flexible learning—the need to personalize our approach to the education experience.

Of course, managing the learning experience of a class of over forty teens or twenty-somethings is different from handling a single child. However, the description I just shared here of my experience with that then young learner should somehow help our appreciation of what being “flexible” would mean in designing and doing education work.

To my mind, and based on my over two-decade experience in teaching, to be flexible works. At the very least, it helps to better engage and sustain the learning interest of students.

In education work in general, one must consider these basic and broad-stroked questions in managing pedagogy—who needs to be taught what and why? Who should teach and how (this include the “when” or for “how long”)? With or for what outcomes and impact? And necessarily, the question of who decides about all of these concerns? The point now is how do we answer these questions considering flexibility to engage our learners based on their actual and varying situations in life.

Flowing from these questions and based on his talk, I realize that one thing I fully agree with the CHED Chair is this—that we need to train our teachers and prepare them for the challenges of engaging in flexible learning.

Flexible learning is not the big problem, methinks, especially since I reckon it is in fact the default state of things if one thinks about it. The big issue we face is the flexibility of our teachers who have been trained rigid in certain approaches and who may have developed a one-size-fits-all approach to education.

However, I am optimistic and hopeful. Our teachers and professors, in general, given their passion for pedagogy, can manage. CHED has only to truly relax its policies and allow teachers and educational managers and administrators to fully explore what they can do to best protect our learners while continuing to educate them.

The words of the CHED Chief himself suggest that we cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach to managing formal education work today to advance the agenda of flexible learning and not merely e-learning. #

3 nabbed, P362-K shabu seized in Zambo City drug stings

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 01:49:02 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The police anti-drug units have arrested three persons, including a high-value individual (HVI), and seized some PHP361,800 worth of illegal drugs and a firearm in separate buy-bust operations in this city, an official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspects as Benjimar Misuari, 24, an HVI; Adzmer Gustaham, 37; and Benhar Sali, 31.

Quidilla said Misuari was arrested by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9) in a buy-bust operation at the vicinity of a university around 5:40 p.m. Monday along La Purisima Street, Barangay Zone II here.

Police said Misuari yielded some PHP346,800 worth of suspected shabu and PHP2,000 marked money.

Gustaham, meanwhile, was caught in possession of some PHP15,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust operation around 9:20 p.m. Monday in Love Drive, Barangay Campo Islam here, police said.

Sali, on the other hand, yielded a .45-caliber pistol with seven live ammunition and five heat-sealed plastic sachets of shabu in another buy-bust in Barangay Arena Blanco here, police said.

Quidilla said formal charges are set to be filed against the three suspects who up to now all remained in detention. (PNA)

P680-K shabu seized in Camarines Sur

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 01:48:12 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – An alleged notorious illegal drug pusher yielded some PHP680,000 worth of suspected shabu when arrested by anti-drug operatives on Tuesday in a drug sting in Magarao town, Camarines Sur province, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) report said.

PDEA agent Samuel Detera, in an interview, said Alvin Nosil, 43, single of Calabangga town, was caught selling shabu to an undercover agent along a road in Barangay San Isidro around 3:30 p.m.

“Seized from the suspect considered as high value target (HVT) was a plastic bag containing shabu weighing 100 grams,” he said.

The suspect was detained at the PDEA detention facility in the province while waiting for the filing of appropriate charges for selling and possession of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, in Baao town, police operatives, armed with a search warrant, rounded up Eduardo Bigay, 53, owner of St. Vincent Farm in Barangay San Vicente around 12:33 p.m.

The raiding team recovered from the suspect's residence at least seven sachets of shabu with undetermined weight and value, including drug paraphernalia. (PNA)

Chinese behind illegal health facilities face deportation

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 01:47:15 GMT

VIOLATORS TO FACE DEPORTATION. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III attends a virtual presser in Malacañang on Tuesday (June 2, 2020). Bello said Chinese nationals operating illegal health facilities in the country could face deportation. (Screenshot)

MANILA – Chinese nationals operating illegal health facilities in the country could face deportation, two Cabinet officials said on Tuesday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this comment following reports of Chinese-run illegal hospitals and pharmacies which were recently raided by law enforcement authorities.

“When you are caught violating the laws of the country, ang (the) immediate action diyan is deportation. Now, when it comes to deportation, only the Department of Justice (DOJ) can answer that,” he said in a virtual presser in Malacañang.

Roque echoed Bello’s statement, saying foreigners could be sent back to their countries should they meet the grounds for deportation.

“Kung ikaw ay isang dayuhan at nahuli na may ginagawang krimen, isang option po is immediate deportation (If you are a foreigner and you were caught committing a crime, one of the options is immediate deportation),” Roque said in the same virtual press conference.

He said deportation will have to follow processes under the Bureau of Immigration (BI), an attached agency of the DOJ.

“Meron pong proseso na dapat sundin bago sila finally ma-deport. Yung declaration of being undesirable alien kung sila ay may papel o di naman kaya kung talagang illegal deportation for lacking papers to remain in the country (There is a process we have to follow before they are deported. The declaration of being an undesirable alien or deportation for lacking papers to remain in the country),” he said.

Last May 21, Roque assured the public that the Chinese nationals illegally operating a makeshift medical facility in Clark, Pampanga will face charges.

He said they could face charges for violation of the Medical Act also known as Republic Act 2382 and the Food and Drug Administration Act (Republic Act No. 9711).

Less than two weeks after an underground hospital was raided, a similar facility also being operated by Chinese nationals was discovered in Pampanga. (PNA)

PH suspends termination of VFA with U.S.

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:51:08 GMT

The Philippines suspends the termination of its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States for at least six months, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in a tweet Tuesday night.

Locsin said the revocation of the VFA has been halted upon the President’s instruction.

SC junks Gadon's petition against provisional license to ABS-CBN

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:56:01 GMT

Photo Credit: Supreme Court of the Philippines Official Website

The Supreme Court (SC) has voted unanimously to dismiss the petition of lawyer Larry Gadon against the possible issuance of a provisional franchise to ABS-CBN.

Gadon petitioned the court for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and others in granting media giant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate.

SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka said Gadon’s petition was junked for failure to comply with the requisites for judicial review. The court also noted that Gadon had no legal standing on the matter as he was suffering no legal injury from the case involving ABS-CBN.

“Having no legal standing, the court does not deem it efficient to proceed to deliberate on the other issues he (Gadon) raises. The procedural and substantial issues hinted in the petition will better be adjudicated with the real parties in interest,” the SC decision said.

"Filing cases in the Supreme Court is a serious affair. It should never be considered except when all the requisites of judicial review are present. Certainly, it should never be contemplated by one who admits not suffering any legal injury,”

The court ruled on Gadon's petition even though the lawyer withdrew his motion last May 21.

Gadon said Cayetano’s withdrawal of his promise to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority and the NTC’s cease and desist order against the network made his motion irrelevant.

Religious gatherings now allowed in Metro Manila

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:47:50 GMT

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has already approved the holding of religious gatherings in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) such as the National Capital Region (NCR).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the IATF and religious groups met on Monday and decided to keep the present guidelines on mass gatherings including religious worship.

Guevarra, however, said public masses in the NCR where cases of COVID-19 are high will be limited only to 10 attendees per mass to ensure social distancing.

“However, the Department of Health (DOH) will submit new data analytics on June 10, which will be the basis for possible reclassification of community quarantine regimes by June 15,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra added that the IATF may allow more people to attend public masses if there will be a significant reduction of COVID-19 cases by June 15.

He also said that, since June 1, more people are already being allowed to attend religious gatherings in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). This as long as the number of people is limited to 50 percent of the venue's capacity.

Despite the go signal given by the IATF, some Catholic Churches in Metro Manila opted not to start its public masses with limited number of attendees.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the Archdiocese of Manila will continue to ask the IATF to consider religious activities as an essential service to the faithful.

Pabillo said the IATF may have not considered the different sizes and capacities of church buildings when it came out with the decision to limit the number of attendees.

The Archdiocese of Manila has yet to open its doors for public masses.

Dela Rosa seeks to lower height requirement for uniformed personnel

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:44:46 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Official Facebook Page

Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chairman Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa pushed for the passage of his proposed measure, which seeks to lower the minimum height requirement for Filipinos who want to join the country's police, fire and penal agencies.

Senate Bill No. 1563 lowers the height requirements for the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Dela Rosa said the new minimum heights for the said services would be 5 feet and 2 inches for male applicants and 5 feet for female applicants.

“Hindi po natin binababa ang standard na kailangan para makapagsilbi bilang pulis, firefighter, jail at correction officers. Ninanais lamang po nating mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagsilbi ang mga hindi nabiyayaan ng katangkaran (We are not lowering the standard of service for police, firefighters, jail officers and correction officers. We only want to give a chance to people who are not blessed with height),” he said in his sponsorship speech.

Under the proposed measure, the practice of using a waiver of height requirement for applicants belonging to indigenous groups will be retained.

Dela Rosa, a former police general and chief of the Philippine National Police, said sacrifice, dedication, and service to the country cannot be measured by height or any other physical characteristic.

Cebu City mayor appeals for lifting of ban on motorcycle backriders

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:39:44 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Edgar Labella Facebook Page

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has renewed his request for the lifting of the "no back-rider policy" saying passengers feel safer on motorcycles than public transport.

“For many households, motorcycles are their only means of transportation to and from home and work as well as in securing their basic necessities. Many of our constituents feel they are safer on their own motorcycles rather than having to take public transport services, which are currently operating at reduced capacities during the GCQ,” said Labella in his June 1 letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) banned back-riding as part of the social distancing policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año expressed his reservations on allowing back-riders and suggested instead that owners attach a sidecar to their motorbikes.

Cebu City transitioned to GCQ last June 1, but a limited number of buses were allowed to ply the city streets. Clamor from motorcycle owners pushed local chief executives in Cebu to request the IATF to review its policy.

Labella said he asked Tugade to relax the no backrider policy last March. His request was denied.

“Now, I am writing the DOTr once again since our public transport services are still limited. I am hoping we will have a positive response this time,” he said.

Hontiveros hints at looming transport crisis: proposes public transport service contracting

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:01:25 GMT

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday suggested that the government adopt a service contracting program with the transportation sector to prevent a looming commuter crisis.

She said service contracting as proposed by the #MoveAsOne coalition and other advocacy groups will ensure that enough buses, jeeps, and other types of public transport vehicles are available in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Under such contracts, operators and drivers will be paid by the government a per kilometer fee to ply their routes.

“The fixed fees for drivers and operators will also remove the hazards attached to the current boundary system,” she added.

She also said the scheme will allow the government to better enforce social distancing and other health guidelines in the operation of public transportation vehicles.

The legislator made the suggestion after the first day of general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila last Monday saw a large number of commuters stranded and unable to travel due to limited public transportation.

Hontiveros said the shortage has forced commuters to line up in long, crowded lines and ignore social distancing and other health protocols just to find ways to get moving.

"Hindi dapat maging 'new normal' ang mahirap, matagal at delikadong commute para sa ating mga mananakay (A slow and difficult commute should not be a ‘new normal’ for our commuters). The government should immediately tap the private transportation sector and adopt a service contracting scheme, so that more public transport becomes available for Filipinos going back to their jobs and businesses," she said.

Since the government may not have the funds to enter into service contracts with all transport providers simultaneously, Hontiveros cited the proposal of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) that such service arrangements be made on a rotational basis.

"Subok na ang service contracting dahil ginawa na ito ng mga local government units (LGUs) para ibyahe ang kanilang mga frontliner sa gitna ng enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) (Service contracting is proven and has been used by LGUs to transport frontliners under ECQ). If expanded on a national scale, it will be a great way to immediately increase the passenger capacity of our transport systems in Metro Manila and elsewhere," Hontiveros said.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 2)

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 10:18:01 GMT

The Department of Health records 359 new cases on Tuesday.

Of this number, 176 are fresh cases while 183 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 18,997.

Airline companies remind passengers of longer check-in, boarding process

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 10:11:13 GMT

Photo Credit: Cielo Villaluna Facebook Account

Airline companies Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific are reminding passengers to arrive at airports a few hours before their scheduled international and domestic flights to avoid any inconvenience.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said passengers should arrive at least three hours before the scheduled domestic flights and four hours before any international flight.

“May konting kahabaan ang process kasi ang mindset dapat ng mga passengers ay may pila sa entrada kasi may temperature reading, sa check-in counter may space sa pagitan ng bawat pasahero and yung boarding process is by batches (The process is a bit long, so the passengers’ mindset should be that there is a queue at the entrance because of temperature reading, the check-in counter requires space between passengers and the boarding process is done by batches),” Villaluna said.

She said PAL resumed operations on June 1 for selected international flights. PAL's domestic flights will resume on June 3 with routes to Cebu, Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro.

Cebu Pacific spokesperson Charo Logarta-Lagamon said their check-in and boarding process will also take longer because of the implementation of health protocols and social distancing measures.

Lagamon however said they have yet to resume their flights as they are still waiting for the go signal from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Lagamon added that food and other refreshments will no longer be served on Cebu Pacific flights except for bottled water. This is in line with the advice to keep face masks on as much as possible.

“Kumain po muna kayo dahil wala tayong snacks and refreshments or drinks para hindi tanggalin ang facemasks. So dapat kumain muna tayo bago mag board sa flights. (Eat before boarding the plane since we have no in-flight snacks or other refreshments so you won’t remove facemasks),” Lagamon said.

Lagamon added that passengers whose flights were cancelled have the option to rebook their flights, request for a full refund, or have their payment converted to a travel fund.

Both PAL and Cebu Pacific officials said their aircraft crews will follow the health guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the safety of their passengers.

Bicol DOH records 75 new cases of COVID-19

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 10:00:19 GMT

The Department of Health has recorded 75 new cases of COVID-19 in the Bicol region as of 6 p.m. of June 1. Sixty patients have recovered, while six are still admitted in the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital. Five have died from the disease.

A 23-year-old male health worker from Tigaon, Camarines Sur was the latest individual and the 25th health worker to test positive for COVID-19 in the region.

In Legazpi City, one locally stranded individual with a history of travel to Laguna and Cavite tested positive for COVID-19 last May 29.

Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal said the patient in question did not follow city protocols requiring locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) to proceed directly to the Legazpi City community home quarantine facility. Rosal added that the patient went straight home and had a drinking spree with friends before going to the quarantine facility.

He is now at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital while nine others who had close contact with him underwent swab testing.

Rosal asked the Punong Barangay to explain how the said patient was able to meet his friends without being monitored by the barangay.

The city government had directed all Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT) to regularly monitor the health status of all locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) in their respective areas.

Gatchalian: School opening should be risk-based

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:56:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Official Facebook Page

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the government to ensure that the opening of classes will be guided by a risk-based approach to guarantee the safety of students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools and communities.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture said measures such as the ban on mass gatherings should still be implemented even in areas that have no cases of COVID-19.

"What we want is for the government to innovate. Kailangang alalahanin natin na layon ng pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon ay ang pag-angat natin sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan lalo na para sa mga nangangailangang mag-aaral (We must remember that the goal of continuing education is to uplift the future of the children.)," he said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that learners will not necessarily attend physical or face-to-face classes when school year 2020-2021 starts.

DepEd's Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) has identified alternative modalities for learning delivery including online learning, television and radio-based instruction and printed packets.

Gatchalian said ensuring the safety of learners need not sacrifice their continued learning and development, warning that prolonged school closures would have long-term adverse consequences.

He cited a World Bank Report titled "The COVID-19 Pandemic: Shocks to Education and Policy Responses," which showed that vulnerable and struggling learners are more prone to losing interest in school and dropping out. The same report said learners who drop out will face lower lifetime productivity and earnings.

The report cited the situation in Venezuela where an economic crisis led to an increase in the number of out-of-school youth by 56 percent between 2015 and 2017.

In the United States, the real annual earnings and employment rates of less-educated workers fall more during recessions compared to their more educated counterparts.

Gatchalian also warned that when learners in public schools especially the disadvantaged ones are left with nothing to do they will lag behind their more socially advantaged peers and learners from private schools.

John Prats, Isabel Oli to welcome another baby girl

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:50:17 GMT

Photo Credit: John Prats Instagram Account

MANILA – Actress Isabel Oli and her husband, actor-director John Prats, are expecting another baby girl.

The couple finally revealed the gender of their third child in their newest vlog uploaded over the weekend, May 30, where the couple shared the gender reveal party for their third child.

“Actually sinabi ko kina Mommy at Daddy na okay na ako sa dalawang anak, pero kung bibigyan pa kami mas okay. Hanggang sa dumating ang isa pang pagkakataon. Biniyayaan kami ng isa pang bata. Ito si Baby No. 3. … Ladies and gentlemen, ito na po ang aming Baby No. 3 … it’s a baby girl,” Prats proudly shared.

Oli and Prats got married in 2015. In April 2016 they welcomed their first daughter, Lily Feather.

In November 2018, the couple introduced their baby boy, Freedom.

Gatchalian to law enforcers: Hunt down online scammers

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:39:16 GMT

Senator Win Gatchalian has called on all law enforcement units in the country to step up efforts against online scammers especially those who operated even during the lockdown.

“Authorities should beef up their online presence to safeguard Filipinos against online scams and other related cybercrimes,” Gatchalian said.

“As more Filipinos spend most of their time online during this time of the pandemic, cyber criminals take advantage of preying on vulnerable people as they seek out information and data on the internet to maximize revenue,” he further noted.

Gatchalian as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs called for stricter online monitoring by authorities as well as rigorous information dissemination on the latest online scams to ensure that potential victims will not fall prey to those who exploit the prevailing health crisis.

American consumer credit reporting agency TransUnion reported last May 13 that suspected fraudulent digital transactions worldwide have increased from March to April this year.

Out of the 9,215 adults surveyed in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, India, South Africa, and the U.K. 29% said they were targeted by digital fraud related to COVID-19. TransUnion also noted that millennials have been the most targeted by fraudsters using COVID-19 scams.

The legislator also called on the public to be extra vigilant in giving out their personal data online.

"Sa panahon ng pandemya na ang lahat ng Pilipino ay nakatutok sa internet dahil sa umiiral na community quarantine at social distancing, maraming sindikato ang nagsasamantala upang makapanloko para sa sarili nilang kapakanan. Kaya dapat paigtingin pa ng ating mga awtoridad ang pagbabantay sa iba't ibang bagong scams na magsusulputan sa panahon ng pandemya upang maprotektahan natin ang ating mga kababayan (During this pandemic, Filipinos are on the Internet because of community quarantine and social distancing. Many crime syndicates are out to deceive people for their own gain. Thus, authorities must intensify their efforts against new scams coming out during the pandemic)," Gatchalian said.

He advised everyone to observe necessary precautionary measures such as looking closely at email sender addresses, being cautious in opening attachments especially coming from unknown sources, and being suspicious of those who call to verify any pertinent information. He also told the public to secure their browsers and back-up important files.

“It is also important for the public to immediately report such crimes to the PNP and NBI for proper action and documentation,” Gatchalian said.

2 NPA rebels arrested in Zamboanga del Norte

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:09:56 GMT

ARRESTED. Two suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were arrested in a law enforcement operation Saturday (May 30, 2020) in Barangay Delucot, Godod municipality, Zamboanga del Norte. The two allegedly belong to the NPA's Front Committee Feliciano A. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Authorities arrested two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in an intelligence-driven law enforcement operation in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested NPA rebels as Jovi Sangcom, 24, and Joel Sandao, 38.

Quidilla said the two NPA rebels were arrested through a search warrant around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Delucot, Godod town, Zamboanga del Norte.

Sangcom and Sandao belong to the NPA’s Front Committee Feliciano "A" and involved in gun-running and extortion activities in the municipalities that fall under the third congressional district of Zamboanga del Norte, he said.

The two rebels yielded a magnum .22-caliber and .38-caliber revolvers with ammunition.

Quidilla said the suspects were turned over to the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for documentation and proper disposition. (PNA)

13 more NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:08:04 GMT

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12. (File photo courtesy of PRO-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Thirteen more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered along with several high-powered firearms over the weekend to authorities in South Cotabato province, a police official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said the rebels decided to yield on Saturday in Tantangan town, South Cotabato, and take part in the government’s reintegration program.

Capellan said the returnees initially signified their intention to surrender during an outreach activity last Friday conducted by the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) in Sitio El Naf, Barangay Dumadalig, Tantangan town.

Before the activity ended, he said a man approached one of the facilitators and introduced himself as alias “Ka Jimbo,” who claimed to be a member of an NPA unit in the area.

“He and his comrades reportedly wanted to voluntarily surrender due to the hardships that they were experiencing in the mountainous,” Capellan said in a statement.

The police officials said the group was part of an NPA unit under the Guerilla Front 73 that operates in the boundaries of Koronadal City and the municipalities of Banga, Norala, and Tantangan.

Capellan said the rebels' movements have reportedly become limited in the past months due to the internal security operations conducted by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) in the area, he said.

Capellan said the group was aware of the TF-ELCAC’s activities and wanted to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

They surrendered two firearms with magazines, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with one magazine, a .357 magnum handgun, a homemade single-shot 12-gauge pistol, a homemade long barrel M16 rifle with a long magazine, a hand grenade, and several subversive documents.

He said the former rebels were brought to the Tantangan municipal police station to undergo debriefing and documentation, and will eventually be enrolled into the ECLIP for them to avail of financial and livelihood assistance.

The outreach activity in Tantangan, which was dubbed “Adopt a Poor Family,” was spearheaded by various units under the PRO-12 and SCPPO.

It was supported by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Region 12.

During the activity, at least 150 families received food packs and participated in awareness activities on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, gender issues, disaster response and safety, anti-illegal drugs, anti-illegal gambling, environmental protection, and cybercrime concerns. (PNA)

6 nabbed, P800-K shabu netted in Bacolod drug busts

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:06:41 GMT

DRUGS, GUN SEIZED. The firearm and 15 grams of suspected shabu seized by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit and Police Station 2 of Bacolod City Police Office from drug suspects on Sunday night (May 31, 2020). The operatives also recovered an improvised tooter and a .38-caliber pistol with two live ammunition. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)

BACOLOD CITY – Six suspected drug personalities, including two high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested in various operations conducted by personnel of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) over the weekend.

The operations, carried out by personnel of City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) and Police Station 2, yielded about PHP816,000 worth of suspected shabu.

At around 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, two suspects were apprehended in Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2, identified as Elmann Mundo, 39, an HVI, and April Lloyd Lobaton, 43, both residents of Barangay Estefania.

Operatives seized from Mundo and Lobaton six big and one elongated sachets of shabu along with a medium sachet containing the same prohibited substance they sold to an undercover policeman.

The recovered shabu weighed about 31 grams with a street value of PHP434,000.

Also found in the possession of the suspects were a digital weighing scale, an improvised tooter, boodle money comprised of 30 pieces of PHP100 bills, PHP1,000 cash, and a white Toyota Innova vehicle.

At about the same time, two other suspects identified as Antonio Enrique Locsin IV, 22, and Paolo Togle, 40, were arrested in front of a shopping mall on Araneta Street.

Lt. Paul Vincent Pendon, head of CDEU, said the two, who are considered as newly-identified drug personalities, yielded five sachets of suspected shabu weighing 15 grams and valued at PHP212,000.

Operatives also recovered from the suspects an improvised tooter as well as a .38-caliber pistol with two live ammunition.

On Saturday afternoon, two other suspects were also arrested by operatives of CDEU in Purok Langis, Barangay Banago.

They were identified as Eugene Sotto, an HVI, and Reynaldo Ponteras Jr., who yielded PHP170,000 worth of shabu.

The street value of shabu went up here during the community quarantine.

Maj. Sherlock Gabana, chief of Police Station 2, earlier said that before the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, the street value of shabu in the city was pegged at only PHP8,500 to PHP9,000 per gram. (PNA)

Ex-actress, mom face raps for illegal sale of Covid-19 test kits

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:05:20 GMT

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal charges against a former actress-model and her mother for illegal sale of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) rapid test kits.

In a statement on Monday, NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor said the suspects Avi Siwa alias Abegail Siwa and her mother, Glorina Julian Carandang, were charged with "violation of Republic Act 9711 otherwise known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009" and estafa in violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code at the Manila Prosecutors' Office.

The suspects were arrested by the agents from the bureau's International Operations Division (IOD) in an entrapment operation in Intramuros, Manila on May 29.

Distor said the case against Siwa stemmed from a complaint filed on May 12.

Siwa allegedly asked the complainant for a down payment of PHP4.6 million for 10,000 sacks of rice amounting to PHP16.6 million in Cebu City on May 4. Siwa allegedly failed to deliver the goods after receiving the payment.

Cooperating with the NBI and using the name Jane Suarez, the complainant sent a message to Siwa through Facebook on May 17, upon seeing the latter’s post about the arrival of 10,000 Covid-19 rapid test kits.

On May 27, Siwa responded to the complainant and offered to her various merchandise such as Covid-19 rapid test kits, face masks, sanitation sprays, face shields, gloves, personal protective equipment, and rice.

Siwa met with the complainant to talk about the sale of 120 pieces of rapid test kits at PHP650 per piece for a total of PHP78,000, and 6,000 sacks of Sider Denorado Rice and 3,000 sacks of Sifer Golden Rice, amounting to a total of PHP12,195,000.

The suspects were arrested upon receipt of the payment for the rapid test kits. (PNA)

Villar’s Organic Agriculture Bill Passes in Senate

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:58:13 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia Villar Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Senate Bill No. 1318 has passed on third and final reading at the Senate. The measure by Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar amends Republic Act No. 10068 or The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

It aims to give farmers access to a more affordable and accessible system of certifying organic products called the Participatory Guarantee System or PGS.

“We have huge potential in organic agriculture but our local organic farmers are disadvantaged because they cannot have their produce or products labelled as organic due to the prohibitive cost of certification. PGS is the solution to that, it will make them more competitive,” said Villar.

The senator said third-party certification is very expensive, ranging from PhP42,000 to PhP150,000 per crop. With PGS, certification will only cost between PhP600 to PhP2,000.

PGS is also widely adhered to and accepted by international organic movements such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM). It is also recognized by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as a pro-farmer alternative to third party certification.

The new organic law is expected to benefit at least 165,958 organic farmers.

The law also increases private sector and indigenous people’s participation in the National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB).

Villar hopes the new law will help organic agriculture become more popular in the Philippines. She noted that organic farming is more environment-friendly as it uses organic fertilizers and pesticides that do not damage crops like industrial products do.

“Organic farming is good in keeping the soil healthy. We must remember that 95 percent of our food comes from the soil. And soil degradation in the country has reached an alarming 38 percent already. The simplest way of reversing that is to put the nutrients back to the soil through composting and the use of organic fertilizer,” added the senator.

UPLB Math Prof: Cases may still spike in coming days

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:41:49 GMT

University of the Philippines Los Baños mathematics professor Dr. Virgilio P. Sison says the average number of daily cases may increase in the coming days.

Sison's graphs using the latest Department of Health (DOH) statistics show a distinctly sharp uptrend in the past week. “The previously declared wave peak of 538 on March 31 has been dwarfed by the spikes during this period,” he explained.

Sison warns that community transmission is still happening in Metro Manila and other critical areas.

“Clearly, we do not see a completely flattened curve as the country still needs to push the curve down further, that is, to bring the daily cases down to zero, but expectedly, this will take a longer period of time,” he added

The professor noted that current DOH data may not accurately reflect the actual extent of infection in the country for two reasons. First is the delay in reporting of cases.

“As of May 30, a total of 23,843 unique individuals have in fact been tested positive for Covid-19, but only 17,224 of them have been validated, which gives a backlog of 6,619 unvalidated cases,” said Sison.

The second reason is limited testing.

“The total number of individuals who were tested is 318,356, which is only 0.29% of the national population. However, the report of the DOH shows there are 841,752 available tests remaining which indicates that when the process is enhanced and accelerated the health system, through the various accredited testing facilities, can test up to 1,160,108 individuals or close to 1.1% of the national population,” Sison added.

His graphs as of May 31 show only the number of confirmed and validated Covid-19 cases as reported by the Department of Health (DOH). The first graph shows the daily new cases. The second and third graphs give the logarithmic trendlines based on averages.

DTI OKs “reasonable” price hike on bikes and gadgets for online classes

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:28:53 GMT

Photo Credit: DTI Philippines Facebook Page

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo has asked businesses to keep price increases on bicycles and gadgets for online classes reasonable while the country is facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pakiusap po natin sana sa business na nagbebenta nitong produkto na, kung magtataas ng presyo ang negosyo para sa bike and laptops, kung pwede po yung reasonable increase lang na hindi po masyadong malaki na masyadong masakit for the consumers (We request businesses selling bikes and laptops, if you are going to raise prices of those, to keep them reasonable and not painful to consumers),” Castelo said.

Castelo said the DTI understands that businesses also need to regain their losses for the past two and a half months.

Castelo however said the DTI will monitor the movement of prices on bicycles and gadgets to ensure that sellers will not also take advantage of consumers.

Complaints may be forwarded through the DTI’s consumer hotline number 1384.

“On the consumers’ side, kung mayroong bahagyang increase na gagawin yung mga nagbebenta, report po nila sa atin and we will see if naging unreasonable po ang increase nila (if they notice suspicious price increases, they should report it to us and we will check if their increase is unreasonable), and we will take action on it,” she said.

Castelo also reminded online businessmen to comply with the suggested retail prices for basic and prime commodities. She said more than 2,000 DTI employees are on the lookout for online sellers who are taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis.

Castelo meanwhile called on landlords to observe the 30-day grace period before collecting residential or commercial rental fees especially in Metro Manila where economic activity has just been restarted.

She said tenants who have already resumed work can pay their landlords under a six-month installment scheme so that it would be easier for them to pay their rents. Tenants are required to execute a promissory note for this.

NEDA recommends E-Commerce to sustain PH economy

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:25:17 GMT

Photo Credit: National Economic and Development Authority Official Website

MANILA, Philippines – National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Acting Secretary Karl Chua said e-commerce can help sustain the country's economic growth during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chua said online shopping and marketing platforms will play a big role in the new normal with more businesses and consumers using electronic transactions such as cashless payments.

One of the solutions NEDA suggested in its We Recover as One Report is to make the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 more comprehensive. Suggested changes include detailing transactions covered by law, specifying rights of consumers, and strengthening penalties imposed on service providers.

“Businesses need to make online shopping easy, affordable, and secure for consumers so that they need not go out to buy what they need and want,” Secretary Chua said.

He emphasized that to meet the surge of online transactions and ensure reliable digital connectivity, investments need to be allocated to boosting ICT infrastructures. Financial institutions should also implement better cybersecurity measures for sellers and consumers.

“The passage of the Financial Consumer Protection Bill will provide the regulatory framework to protect the interest of financial consumers and reinforce confidence in financial markets,” he added.

Meanwhile, a consumer survey conducted by the NEDA-led Inter-Agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF-TWG for AFP) said more than 50 percent of the private sector experienced a decline in income mainly because of the loss of their source of livelihood.

The survey also said businesses had trouble accessing goods because of measures implemented during community quarantine, such as the closure of business establishments, implementation of curfew, and limitations to public transportation.

Metro Manila Enters GCQ

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:09:05 GMT

WATCH: Scenes from various parts of Metro Manila on the first day of general community quarantine (GCQ).

ABS-CBN maintains it violated no law at House Hearing

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:49:21 GMT

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News Facebook Page

ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak maintained before the House of Representatives that the broadcasting network violated no law and has remained compliant with the constitution of the Philippines.

Katigbak addressed charges enumerated by House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta several days ago.

On the citizenship of former Chairman and President Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, Katigbak maintained that Lopez is a natural born Filipino citizen since he was born to Filipino parents. He emphasized that this is supported by the 1935 constitution.

Katigbak also argued that Philippine Depository Receipts issued by ABS-CBN Holdings Inc. were cleared and upheld as legal by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 1999. He added that ABS-CBN Holdings Inc. is a totally different entity from ABS-CBN Broadcasting Inc., and only the latter should be covered by congressional franchise requirements on broadcast frequencies.

The ABS-CBN president also argued that companies are not limited to only 50 years. He cited other companies such as GMA7 and Meralco that are holding franchises for more than 50 years.

Katigbak also refuted the story that ABS-CBN was not seized but was sold to the Marcos government. He said Marcos crony Roberto Benedicto used the station’s facilities for his KBS/ RPN and BBC companies as did the government’s PTV-4 later on. President Cory Aquino's administration returned ABS-CBN’s properties in 1986 with the Supreme Court’s blessing.

Several lawmakers who filed bills to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise supported the company’s position.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of House Bills 5705 and 6694 supported the company’s position on Lopez’ citizenship and the issue of PDRs. “PDRs... do not give holders ownership of share. The SEC has issued permit. Therefore there is no truth in the allegations,” he said

“Millions of Filipinos do not have access to news and entertainment television amid the ABS-CBN shutdown,” said Rep. Micaela Violago.

“I support the franchise for the sake of Filipinos who depend on ABS-CBN for information and entertainment. ABSCBN has taught me the value of hard work,” said Rep Joy Myra Tambunting, author of House Bill 3713.

“ABS-CBN went above and beyond the obligations of a broadcast network by helping those in need, no matter how far they may be,” said Rep. Sol Aragones, who filed HB 3947.

“With the present situation of ABS-CBN, I am sad that 11,000 employees may be displaced. As a part of the entertainment industry, I share the sentiments of the talents of ABS-CBN,” said Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto.

Drilon: DOH may have been underreporting Ph COVID-19 cases

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:15:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Franklin Drilon Official Facebook Page

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday said the Department of Health (DOH) may have been underreporting the country’s COVID-19 cases all along.

Drilon expressed his fear as he questioned the DOH for disaggregating cases in its reporting.

"What is the basis for disaggregating cases and how does that affect our interpretation of flattening of the curve? Has the inter-agency task force (IATF) considered these figures in its decision to shift to general community quarantine GCQ (General Community Quarantine)?" Drilon asked.

Drilon said there are complaints not only from the public but also from laboratories regarding the new classification of cases as either "fresh" or "late."

“Magpakatotoo tayo rito," he told DOH.

Drilon also said it is becoming a habit of the DOH to use hospitals and laboratories as scapegoats whenever it is criticized for its shortcomings.

"They are being thrown under the bus. The DOH claims that the laboratories report to them late, but I have received reports that their turnaround time is actually good," he said.

"Where is the bottleneck in the reporting of cases that results in 'late' cases? Is it really the laboratories reporting late or DOH unable to validate the cases in a timely manner?”

Drilon pointed out that the experience of other countries show that transparency spells a huge difference in winning the battle against this pandemic.

"South Korea has shown transparency since day one. They did not hide the real data from their people. They dealt with the pandemic with complete transparency and because of this, coupled with the government's decisiveness, they are able to contain the virus," Drilon said.

COVID-19 in numbers (June 1)

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:29:28 GMT

The Department of Health records 552 new cases on Monday.

Of this number, 119 are fresh cases while 433 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 18,638.

Ramon Revilla Sr., isinugod sa ospital

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:27:25 GMT

Photo Credit: Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. Instagram Account

MAYNILA – Masusing inoobserbahan ngayon ang kalagayan ng batikang aktor at dating senador na si Ramon Revilla Sr. matapos itong maisugod sa pagamutan nitong Linggo, Mayo 31.

Sa naunang pahayag na inilabas ng anak nitong si Senador Bong Revilla Jr. sa Facebook, sinasabing hirap sa paghinga ang dahilan kung bakit nila dinala sa ospital si Ramon.

Nagsilbi bilang senador si Ramon mula noong 1992 hanggang 2004.

Bilang aktor, kilala si Ramon sa kanyang mga pelikulang pantasya at aksiyon tulad ng “Pepeng Agimat” at “Nardong Putik.”

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga nagdasal at nagpaabot ng kanilang pag-aalala at panalangin para sa aking ama, dating Senador Ramon Revilla, Sr. At around 6 PM tonight (31 May 2020), I rushed my father to the hospital. He was hard of breathing and was somewhat unresponsive. From St. Dominic Medical Center where he was given First Aid and Emergency Medical Services, he was transferred to St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City where he is now undergoing treatment. Kasalukuyan po siyang nakakabit sa ventilator, but thank God, he is now conscious and responsive. Patuloy po kaming humihiling ng inyong panalangin para muli niyang malampasan itong kanyang karamdaman,” ani Bong.

Samantala, sa pinakahuling post ni Bong nitong Lunes ng umaga, Hunyo 1, inamin niyang nasa kritikal na kondisyon ang kalagayan ng ama. Hiling din niya ang patuloy na panalangin para sa kanyang ikagagaling.

“Thank you for your continuous prayers. Daddy is still in critical condition and will be under strict observation for the next 48 hours. Hiling po namin ang inyong patuloy na panalangin para kay Daddy at sa aming pamilya ��,” ani Bong.

Cebu City’s first day of GCQ records 18 new recoveries

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:23:56 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook Live

Cebu City spokesperson Rey Gealon said the city recorded 18 recoveries from Covid-19 on its first day under general community quarantine (GCQ).

This brings the total recovered patients in Cebu City to 995.

“So far atong recoveries daghan-daghan. Atong mayor nanghinaut nga motuman ta sa stay at home, kung wa lang paliton nga essential goods, puyo lang sa balay. (We have increasing recovery rates. Our mayor is hoping that we follow the Stay-At-Home policy. If we don’t need to buy essential goods, we stay at home),” said Gealon.

The spokesperson said 1,297 positive cases in the city remain active as of Monday.

Gealon reminded city residents especially seniors and minors to stay home while under GCQ if they have no jobs and no valid reason to go out. He also said Cebu Executive Order 69, which limits all movements of persons, remains in effect.

He added that the number coding system for vehicles remains in effect and everyone going out must bring their quarantine passes.

Gealon said outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, running, golf, swimming and other no-contact sports are allowed. Contact sports such as basketball and boxing remain prohibited.

Gealon also said buses will ply 17 routes in the city since jeepneys are still not allowed. More routes will be opened later on to serve workers and residents. Strict border controls will also remain.

CHED temporarily bans internship programs this 2020

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:22:17 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

Erratum: This was posted earlier today with incorrect figures for the year. We corrected the details and we apologize for the mistake

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has temporarily prohibited student internship or on-the-job training programs as the country continues to grapple with COVID-19.

“Bawal muna ang internship at OJT hanggang quarantine kasama dito ang mga sports activities na malakihan. Hindi magagawa ‘yan hanggang 2020 dahil sa prohibition sa mass gathering (Internships and OJTs along with large sports activities are banned under quarantine. These are banned because of the prohibition on mass gathering),” CHED chairperson Prospero De Vera said.

He also said the absence of sports activities, internships and OJT programs might help reduce tuition fees both in private and public tertiary schools for this school year nationwide.

De Vera added that some universities applied for tuition fee hikes that were to take effect this month, but he decided to review their applications in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said some schools have already adjusted their tuition fees beforehand, but others opted to keep their fees unchanged.

“Noong tumama ang COVID sinabihan ang lahat na nag apply, we asked them if sila ba ay tutuloy sa kanilang applications, but some big universities hindi na nag apply at sinauli na ang kanilang application (When COVID hit, we asked all schools if they will continue with their tuition hike applications, but some big universities withdrew their applications),” he said.

Some parents asked if they can file complaints against private schools taking advantage of the COVID crisis, De Vera told them to discuss the issue first with the management of the concerned schools before raising a complaint to CHED.

He said CHED will only intervene if the issue cannot be resolved between the school and the parents.

Bus augmentation service to support train service during GCQ

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:15:04 GMT

MANILA, Philippines – The government has set up a bus augmentation service to supplement railway services during the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) Task Force Commander Col. Manuel Bonnevie says 90 buses from different cooperating bus operators will join the bus augmentation service.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III said the bus augmentation service will transport passengers who will not be accommodated by the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2.

Delgra also said the number of taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) allowed to operate in Metro Manila was increased from 5,000 to over 25,000.

Both agencies expected at least 100,000 passengers to travel around Metro Manila on the first day of GCQ.

Meanwhile, MMDA Spokesperson Asec. Celine Pialago also said there will be slight adjustments regarding the operation of buses on EDSA.

“(Southbound) Buses on the right lane must stay there until Quezon Avenue to load and unload passengers. After Quezon Avenue, it should go to the inner lanes of EDSA beside the MRT and keep going since there is no terminal for passengers in the middle. Bus stops under the MRT are still being set up. Upon arriving at Ayala Avenue, it should go to the right lane and keep going until Taft Avenue to load and unload passengers,” said Asec. Pialago.

She reminded passengers that they may wait only at the original loading and unloading areas in four stations.

Pialago also said subsequent adjustments will be made for areas that have more commuters as the GCQ progresses.

The bus augmentation service will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. near designated railway stations. Fare is set at P25 per person.

MRT-3 operates nineteen trains for commuters on GCQ

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:46:01 GMT

Photo Taken: February 19, 2020

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 3 administration deployed nineteen trains to accommodate commuters on the first day of the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan said the MRT-3 added four new trains to the fifteen trains that were operating before the coronavirus outbreak began. This will make up for the reduced capacity per train resulting from the implementation of health and safety measures.

Train speed was also increased from 30 km/h (kilometers per hour) to 40km/h.

“Hindi lang tayo nagdagdag ng tren, nagpadagdag din tayo ng speed kasi nga natapos natin yung ilan nating mga rail replacement (We didn’t just add trains, we added speed as well because some of our rail replacements have been finished),” said Undersecretary Batan.

He also said the government’s bus augmentation service is helping them accommodate more passengers.

“Kaya nga kung makikita natin, halos wala tayong makitang pila sa kahit anong istasyon ng MRT-3 ngayong araw na ito (As we can see, there are almost no visible lines in any of the stations of MRT-3 today),” Batan added.

The MRT-3 has a strict ‘no facemask, no entry’ policy.

ABS-CBN Responds to Allegations Against the Network

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:43:43 GMT

WATCH: ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak responds to allegations against the network during the House hearing on its franchise.

LTO suspends 'doble-plaka' law

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:12:27 GMT

Photo Credit: LTO - Land Transportation Office Facebook Page

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the provision of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law that requires motorcycles to have decal number plates.

“Yung IRR (implementing rules and regulations) for motorcycles inilabas na effective June 6, pero hindi pa magpapatupad dahil wala pa ang plaka (The IRR for motorcycles was released on June 6, but will not be implemented when plates are unavailable),” said Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes, officer-in-charge of the operations division of the LTO.

Leynes said the LTO’s supplier will start delivering license plates next month and the LTO will release plates by September.

The LTO released the revised IRR for Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law last week more than a year after a temporary suspension.

The law requires motorists to use decal number plates measuring 135 mm (millimeters) by 85 mm at the front of motorcycles and 235 mm by 135 mm at the rear.

Leynes clarified that other provisions of RA 11235 will be implemented such as requiring registration of the vehicle within five days of its acquisition.

Naga City's Market on Wheels program to continue under MGCQ

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:24:48 GMT

Photo Credit: Naga City Market Enterprise and Promotions Office

The Market on Wheels program of Naga City, Camarines Sur will continue even under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

Naga City Market Enterprise and Promotions Office Head Ramon Florendo said the Market on Wheels will open only on Fridays and Saturdays. Finalized venues and daily schedules in each barangay will be announced by Punong Barangays.

Florendo said they continued the program for several weeks during the Enhanced Community Quarantine because of the demand by residents especially in the far-flung areas of Naga.

The program started last March 28 with the aim of bringing food markets closer to Barangays and to reduce the number of people going to Naga City Public Market during the ECQ and General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

The Market on Wheels sells fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, dried fish, eggs, and many other products at the same prices as those in the public market.

MMDA allows motorists to use EDSA’s yellow lane to avoid traffic

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:09:12 GMT

Photo Caption: Interview with MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago during the GCQ implementation in Metro Manila

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has allowed private motorists to use the yellow lane on EDSA in a bid to decongest vehicles plying the major thoroughfare.

MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago said the yellow lane, which was originally designated for buses, can now be used temporarily by private motorists while Metro Manila is under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Pialago said they noticed heavy traffic along EDSA. They determined that it was because of private vehicles avoiding the yellow lanes in compliance with the rules.

“Yung dating yellow lane is for buses noon, pero pwede na gamitin ngayon ng private vehicles. Tumukod ang traffic dahil ayaw gamitin ito ng mga motorista (The yellow lane was for buses before, but private vehicles can use it now. Traffic congestion rose because motorists did not want to use it),” Pialago said.

Under existing traffic rules, private motorists using the yellow lane can be apprehended through the MMDA’s no-contact apprehension method.

Pialago said commuters encountered no problems with public transportation on EDSA after the government allowed the operation of point-to-point buses, shuttle services and some public buses for augmentation.

Metro Manila transitioned to GCQ from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on June 1 on the order of President Rodrigo Duterte. The ECQ and MECQ statuses limited the movement of vehicles and motorists.

LOOK: Metro Manila enters GCQ

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 06:49:06 GMT

LOOK: More people return to work as more businesses and public transport resume operations in Metro Manila on Monday, June 1, the first day of general community quarantine (GCQ).

COVID-19 in numbers (May 31)

Sun, 31 May 2020 14:09:50 GMT

The Department of Health records 862 new cases on Sunday.

Of this number, 16 are fresh cases while 846 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 18,086.

Pope: Coronavirus pandemic should awaken 'the desire to serve'

Sun, 31 May 2020 11:57:15 GMT

Photo Credit: Pope Francis Official Twitter Page

Rome -Pope Francis has called on Catholics to allow the coronavirus pandemic to "awaken in us the desire to serve, to do good." "In this time of pandemic, how wrong narcissism is: the tendency to think only of our own needs, to be indifferent to those of others, and not to admit our own frailties and mistakes," the pontiff said on Sunday during the Pentecost Mass in St Peter's Basilica. Francis asked God to "free us from the paralysis of selfishness and awaken in us the desire to serve, to do good. Even worse than this crisis is the tragedy of squandering it by closing in on ourselves." Throughout the crisis, which has hit Italy particularly hard, the pope has repeatedly called on worshippers to follow rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus when taking part in religious services.

More parishioners allowed to hear mass in Albay by June

Sun, 31 May 2020 11:18:58 GMT

More Catholics will be allowed to attend holy mass in the Diocese of Legazpi starting tomorrow, June 1, when Albay province switches to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed 50 percent of a venue’s capacity to be used under MGCQ.

In his Pentecost Celebration mass this Sunday, Bishop Joel Baylon said parishioners who are under 21 years old and above 60 years old may already attend mass.

He stressed though that health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and the use of alcohol and sanitizers will still be implemented.

Baylon added that he will meet with other clergy to discuss additional guidelines that they will set under MGCQ. Another agenda item they will tackle is the resumptions of Sunday mass in Daraga municipality.

Be careful of UV sterilizers

Sun, 31 May 2020 10:55:17 GMT

With the shift to GCQ starting tomorrow, a lot of people will likely start loading up again on sanitizing and cleaning products and implements.

A lot of these items are readily available online including masks and face shields, alcohol and all-around cleansers sold in bulk, and even less common items like UV sterilizers.

Precautions should be taken especially when ordering chemicals and UV implements online. Make sure you’re buying from a legitimate, trusted source. You may get fake items or worse, badly mixed chemicals that can harm you.

For UV sterilizers, the bulbs you get might not be UV at all, but just regular fluorescent lights, which won’t work against the bugs. You’ll know it’s really UV if the room smells burnt after using it. UV radiation comes in three wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. We are exposed to UVA and UVB from the sun while UVC, the most dangerous of the three, is present in welding torches, mercury lamps and, you guessed it, UV sterilizing bulbs.

UVC radiation can cause skin and eye problems. Even short term exposure can cause redness, burns and even ulceration of the skin. The effect on the eyes can be worse. Unprotected, UV light can cause “sun burn” on the outermost layer of the eye’s cornea— the sloughed off layer exposes the corneal nerves causing severe eye pain, foreign body sensation and intolerance to light (photophobia). If this occurs, contact your eye doctor immediately.

What should we do to prevent this? As with all electronics, we should read all instructions before operating. According to the Philippine Cornea Society, make sure to stay out of the room when the light is switched on. If you can’t help being in the room, avoid exposing your eyes and skin. Some UV products are remote controlled, minimizing the risk of exposure further.

If you are exposed and begin experiencing any symptoms, stay calm. For skin irritation or minor burns, you can apply cold compress and antibiotic ointment. For the eye, do not rub, scratch or manipulate it. Close your eyes but don’t squeeze. If the pain is severe, you may take an oral pain reliever. Again, make sure to call your ophthalmologist.

If you have more eye questions, consult your friendly ophthalmologist online today. You can do a quick search on Facebook for Dr Jocelyn Therese Remo, Dr Catherine Valconcha and Dr Margarita Bondoc-Hermosa.

Margarita Bondoc-Hermosa is an ophthalmologist practising in Metro Manila and the Visayas. She can be reached on facebook.com/docmaui.eyeMD

A Magnanimous President

Sun, 31 May 2020 09:45:51 GMT

Crises show us the sterling character of people we may not have seen in ordinary times.

In the case of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the current situation has served as a showcase of his magnanimity.

“Magnanimity” is a big word. It means the combination of humility, compassion and being forgiving.

The biggest recipient of the President’s magnanimity is Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the man previously hailed for his “political durability”.

The crisis showed that in the President’s well-knit team of doers helping him manage the situation, Duque has been the proverbial odd man out.

His pronouncements have been out of sync with the rest of the President’s team. He has courted unnecessary controversies and has contradicted in public the President himself.

Despite all these, President Duterte has never publicly humiliated Duque. The Chief Executive has graciously warded off accusations against Duque in connection with the purchase of alleged overpriced protective equipment.

Despite the President’s gesture, Duque surprisingly went out of his way to publicly imply that the President has been outright wrong in the Chief Executive’s pronouncement that classes should not open in August due to the sustained level of COVID 19 infection.

In total contradiction of what the President had already told the entire nation, Duque told the public that classes can go ahead and open in August.

We can only commiserate with the President and his team.

We can only wonder why Duque apparently continues to diminish the goodwill gains that the Administration has marked in the handling of this crisis.

Various quarters can only speculate.

There is a view that Duque may actually be sending signals that he represents certain powerful interests who are determined to keep him in his post. Could this be why he openly contradicts the President’s pronouncements?

Could he be telling us that he remains a force to be reckoned with in this administration? Is he hinting that he is “indispensable” and “irreplaceable”?

We hope this view would not hold water.

Otherwise, the situation would be grossly unfair to the Chief Executive.

The unwritten rule is that the President is supposed to be covered by his team and his official family.

It is not the other way around. The President is not supposed to clean up the mess of the people who report to him.

This is why the ratings of past Presidents would usually go up when a sitting Chief Executive does a cabinet revamp, accepts the resignation of a cabinet member or fires one.

We recall that former President Fidel Ramos fired his health secretary after the latter allegedly failed to pass the Caesar’s Wife test.

Former President Arroyo let go of key cabinet officials and heads of vital agencies when they could no longer sync with the Chief Executive’s agenda, even if they are people of sterling reputation and integrity.

President Duterte himself had allowed his chief economic adviser to go when the latter admitted that he could no longer work with the rest of the President’s team.

There are three possible reasons why the President may not have let Duque go.

The first is that he probably believes that he must keep his administration intact as his ship traverses stormy waters. This is a key leadership principle.

He wants to sustain a sense of stability. The President may have refused to fuel speculation further that there is division in the ranks of his official family.

This is laudable. This is a display of exemplary crisis leadership.

The second is that his sense of magnanimity compels him to help Duque “save face." In other words, he is not about to let a person who has served the public exit in disgrace.

This is the President’s legendary kindness in full display. This is good old-fashioned statesmanship that politicians of the younger generation have yet to learn.

The third is that he is just waiting for Duque himself to make the move to exit.

It appears that the President would not want to fire a first-liner in his cabinet. He may just be waiting for Duque to “fire himself”.

At this point, no one can say which reason is closest to reality. We can only speculate.

One thing is clear: by remaining glued to the chair of the health secretary, Duque may be missing out on an opportunity to take a graceful exit.

The association of hospitals has already given him a hint on how to do that: tell the President that he is “exhausted”.

“Exhaustion” presumes that he has actually done real work during this crisis. It gives him the benefit of the doubt that he may actually have done work that helped the President.

By asking the President to let him go due to “exhaustion”, Duque may yet get some applause from his colleagues in the Department of Health.

There are past cabinet-statesmen who had taken the exit route to protect their President.

Maybe, not Duque. At least, not yet – not while he lets the President cover for him while he publicly contradicts the pronouncement and position of the very Chief Executive who has magnanimously made sure he kept his dignity.

Perhaps, that is how the Duque Saga will be remembered by the public.

This is not the story of a Health Secretary who has become ineffective and has refused to vacate his post.

This is the story of a President who is magnanimous to a fault and who chose to ensure that Duque would keep his dignity intact.

-o0o-

Samsam to follow IATF decision placing entire Cebu under GCQ

Sun, 31 May 2020 08:51:51 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Samsam Gullas Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Talisay City mayor Samsam Gullas said he will abide by the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to place all of Cebu province under general community quarantine (GCQ).

“As I said in my video a couple of days ago, we have to move on. Even with Covid around us, people want even just a little sense of normalcy back,” said Gullas in his Facebook post on Sunday.

Cebu province, except for Talisay and Mandaue, has been under GCQ since May 20. Gullas had earlier appealed for and was granted permission to keep his city under modified ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) following the rise of Covid-19 cases. Mandaue also remained under extended ECQ for a similar reason.

Gullas said though the coronavirus lingers, the economy must be revived after two months of lockdown.

“I believe the national government was already concerned about our economy and they decided on a direction to revive it. I believe this is why the national government and the IATF is preparing us for a new normal,” he said.

Gullas said health protocols will still be observed under GCQ. High-risk areas or those with cases of covid will be tagged as red zones and localized ECQ will be in place. Gullas said this will allow the rest of the city to go about their normal lives while those with infection will be allowed to heal.

As of May 30, the city has 48 cases, which the mayor believes will increase in the coming days as swab test results have yet to be released.

Gullas asked the public to continue wearing their masks and observe social distancing.

All border restrictions in the province will be lifted on June 3 to allow stranded residents to go home.

Bayanihan Musikahan online concert series raises P122 million for the poor

Sun, 31 May 2020 00:25:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Bayanihan Musikahan Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – The Bayanihan Musikahan project of Ryan Cayabyab concluded on May 30 with a final concert celebrating the people and organizations that helped the fundraising project.

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab together with his friends initiated the project in March to help address hunger during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The concert series was conducted online via livestream on weeknights in the last two-and-a-half months. More than 150 musical artists performed from their homes in the Philippines and overseas to help support the movement.

Top Filipino performers such as Gary Valenciano, Ebe Dancel, Martin Nievera, and Lea Salonga lent their talents to the project. One of the three livestream sessions that featured Broadway star Lea Salonga raised P1.5 million in an hour.

Bayanihan Musikahan raised more than P122 million as of Saturday. Cash donations have exceeded P90 million.

The project started delivering hot food three times a day to more than 400 homeless individuals under temporary shelter at the College of St. Benilde, De La Salle University and 6 other Manila schools and parishes. The sheltered guests showed their appreciation by organizing themselves into repacking units.

Bayanihan Musikahan partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) to give food to 70,000 urban poor.

The project distributed 103,154 food packs, which included fresh vegetables and produce in the National Capital Region (NCR) and seven other provinces.

The project also provided cash aid to the Artists Welfare Project, Inc., which makes facemasks, and to super-carinderia enterprises for the urban poor in Quezon City and Manila. They also sent relief goods to indigenous communities in distress in Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Polillo Island, and Agusan.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 30)

Sat, 30 May 2020 13:56:07 GMT

The Department of Health records 590 new cases on Saturday.

Of this number, 252 are fresh cases while 338 are late cases.

Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 17,224.

ASPAP clarifies fake news in POGO coronavirus testing

Sat, 30 May 2020 12:37:42 GMT

Photo Credit: ASPAP Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines – The Accredited Service Providers of PAGCOR (ASPAP) branded as fake news social media posts saying the local government was behind the COVID-19 tests of POGO staff in an exclusive subdivision in Parañaque City.

ASPAP belied the claims and said funds for the testing of POGO workers came from their service providers.

“In compliance with the protocols for the limited resumption of POGO operations laid down by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), our members are conducting COVID-19 tests on POGO workers at zero cost to the government,” said ASPAP spokesperson Atty. Margarita Gutierrez.

The local government of Parañaque City confirmed this, saying they will not spend any amount of money for the purpose of mass testing POGO workers.

“The public can rest easy knowing that mass testing of POGO employees is a purely private undertaking conducted at the expense of the respective employers,” Gutierrez added.

Spreading false information regarding the COVID-19 crisis in social media or on other platforms is a violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA 11469). Violators can be imprisoned for up to two months and can be fined up to P1 million.

NBI: Cybercrime attack doubled during community quarantine period

Sat, 30 May 2020 10:53:00 GMT

(FILE PHOTO)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has reported a doubling in the number of cybercrime cases after the country was placed under community quarantine.

NBI Cybercrime Division Executive Officer Attorney Michelle Valdez said they received several complaints about phishing attacks that misled victims into giving out their bank and personal details.

She added that they also received complaints regarding online shopping scams.

“People have become vulnerable to cybercrimes because we are not allowed to go outside our homes because of the community quarantine, and we’ve ended up getting stuck on the internet, doing online transactions,” Valdez said in Filipino.

Aside from online scams, she said sexual exploitation of children has become rampant as well.

Valdez said the NBI has already teamed up with the anti-human trafficking division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to uncover the culprits.

They have also coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other remittance and financial institutions to protect the public against online scams.

Valdez urged the public to be vigilant against online transactions and take extra precautions before dealing with anybody on social media especially when it comes to banking transactions.

She said the public can report any illegal or suspicious online transaction to the NBI through its hotline.

Malacañang: 22,426 out of 24,000 OFWs sent to their home provinces

Sat, 30 May 2020 10:00:52 GMT

(FILE PHOTO)

Malacañang says 22,426 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who had stayed in quarantine facilities for around two months are on their way back to their home provinces as of Saturday.

“Of 24,000 OFWs, 22,426 are on their way home via plane, bus and ship, and all of them were paid for by the government through the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA),” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in Tagalog.

Roque said the OWWA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Health (DOH) have only until Sunday, May 31, to send the remaining 1,574 OFWs to their home provinces.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the OWWA, DOLE and the DOH to speed up the release of OFWs who had been stranded in Metro Manila for more than two months despite getting negative results in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19.

Migrante International meanwhile criticized the government over what it called garbage-like treatment of OFWs.

Roque fired back at Migrante, saying the OFWs were treated well as they were given free accommodation and food.

He added that the OFWs spent nothing when they were sent to their home provinces.

Marcos calls for monitoring of prices of digital devices

Sat, 30 May 2020 09:57:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Imee Marcos Official Facebook Page

Senator Imee Marcos called on the government to monitor prices of digital devices needed for online learning and prevent unnecessary and unreasonable price surges when classes resume in August.

"The government should closely monitor prices of mobile phones and other electronic devices and send profiteers to jail if found to have taken advantage of students," Marcos said.

She added that poorer students may end up lagging behind in their lessons or give up online learning altogether if budget constraints prevent them from buying the equipment they need. Such equipment include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and pocket wireless fidelity (Wifi) units.

"If gadgets for online learning are too pricey, how will parents be able to afford them? We need to help students continue their education by reducing the prices of such gadgets," Marcos explained.

She further noted that dealers should offer student discounts or longer installment plans for gadgets instead of raising prices when the demand becomes higher.

Recto proposes free and safe parking for bikes

Sat, 30 May 2020 09:55:01 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Ralph Recto Official Facebook Page

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto has encouraged mall owners to provide free and safe parking slots for bicycles.

"It is not enough that we set aside passage ways for bicycles. We should also see to it that we have spots in public places where the public on bicycles can leave their bikes safely. Maraming bikers ngayon na hindi gaanong nababahala habang pumapadyak sa kalsada, pero takot na manakaw ang bisikleta nila habang ito'y nakaparada (Many bikers are not afraid while riding on roads, but are more afraid of their bikes getting stolen while parked)," he said.

Recto further noted that malls should dedicate and expand secure and free parking areas for bicycles.

"Malaking kaswapangan na kung pati bisikleta sisingilin mo pa. Napakaliit na espasyo lang mao-okupa (It is greedy to charge for bicycle parking. Bikes take up little space). Besides, cars can cross-subsidize the expenses in maintaining mall parking lots," he said.

Recto also said the government should lead the example by putting up bike racks in its offices and in public schools, colleges, hospitals and markets.

He further said bicycle parking spaces and lanes do not require detailed engineering studies, are easy to build, and cost little.

"If we are willing to borrow P11.5 billion for every kilometer of subway, then this is something we can afford," he said.

Recto, citing studies, said a parking space for one sedan can accommodate 10 parked bicycles.

"A bike is a social distancing-compliant ride. It will help fill the void in mass transportation that suffers from a shrunk capacity. In LRT 1, instead of 347 passengers per train car it will be 52; in the MRT, from 394 per car down to 51; jeep capacity is halved," he further said.

LIST: Areas under GCQ starting June 1

Sat, 30 May 2020 07:31:11 GMT

Here is an updated list of areas to be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1, Presidential Spokesperson announced in a briefing on Saturday.

The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Dela Rosa pushes for Incentives and benefits for private sector health workers

Sat, 30 May 2020 07:14:53 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Official Facebook Page

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is pushing for benefits for health workers in the private sector with Senate Bill No. 1534, which he filed on May 18.

Dela Rosa said private sector health workers are modern day heroes along with public health workers.

“In a line of work which is service oriented, there should be no distinction as to whether a health worker is public and private. Health care transcends all social statuses,” he said.

The senator pointed out that, while private sector health workers are fewer than public sector health workers, they deserve ample benefits and incentives considering the same sacrifice they made to ensure the best of health for all Filipinos.

Dela Rosa’s bill cited Department of Health (DOH) data from 2019 that showed health workers making up 35% or 66,433 out of 189,294 total health care workers in the country.

“While public health workers are protected by Republic Act 7305 or the ‘Magna Carta for Public Health Workers’, those who work for private health institutions seem to have nowhere and no one to turn to except their employers,” he said.

The senator also said health care workers topped the list of people whose jobs are considered essential especially at this time.

“Health workers and their well-being are essential factors in protecting the people’s right to health. Laws protecting the welfare of health workers must be afforded to all health workers regardless as to whether they are publicly or privately employed,” he said.

Dela Rosa’s bill proposes the following incentives and benefits for private health workers:

1. Health Workers Allowance of up to P5,000.00 per month

2. Special Risk Allowance equivalent to a maximum of 25% of monthly basic salary for those who have great exposure to occupational risks;

3. Subsistence Cash Allowance of not less than P75.00 per meal when they rendered actual work;

4. Living Quarters’ Allowance which may be in cash or in kind, for those who are required to stay in or near hospital premises;

5. Cash benefit of P100,000.00 for health workers who may be injured or may contract any disease while in the performance of their duties; and cash benefit of P1,000,000.00 for health workers who may die while performing their duty.

Sen. Tolentino pushes for use of existing infrastructure as bike lanes

Sat, 30 May 2020 04:53:57 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Francis Tolentino Official Facebook Page

Senator Francis Tolentino urged government agencies to identify and develop practicable lanes to be used by cyclists in Metro Manila while general community quarantine remains in effect.

Through Senate Resolution No. 411, Tolentino asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on this.

At a hearing of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking, Tolentino said the government could use existing public utility vehicle (PUV) lanes that are presently idle and convert them into bicycle lanes.

Tolentino, who previously served as chairman of the MMDA, has been consistently pushing for the use of bicycles as a means of transportation. He cited the MMDA's previous efforts to promote its use.

"Hindi na po magiging mahirap para sa inyo na ayusin po ang bicycle lanes natin, dahil may mga existing ordinance na rin po ang ilang siyudad tulad ng marikina, quezon city tungkol dito, kailangan nyo lang po i-revisit (It’s not hard to reuse the bike lanes. We have existing ordinances in cities such as Marikina and Quezon City on bike lanes. We just need to revisit them)," he added.

Tolentino said the use of bicycles is not new to Filipinos. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that 24 percent of the Philippine population own bicycles while only six percent own cars.

"Encouraging Filipinos to ride their bicycles to work would greatly help address the impending transportation woes once the MECQ in Metro Manila is lifted," he added.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFB) said over two million commuters are expected to avail of limited public transportation in Metro Manila as it transitions to GCQ in the coming days. Most public transportation, including jeepneys, have remained suspended since quarantine was declared in March this year.

IATF okays opening of barbershops, salons under GCQ

Sat, 30 May 2020 04:48:17 GMT

BACK IN BUSINESS. Barbershops and salons may resume their operations in areas under general community quarantine starting June 7, 2020. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, however, said their operations would be limited to 30 percent in areas under GCQ and 50 percent in areas under modified GCQ. (Photo courtesy of the National Task Force Against Covid-19)

MANILA – Barbershops and salons may resume their operations in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 7, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Saturday.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the opening of barbershops and salons in an earlier phase considering their preparations to put in place minimum health protocols and bring back more jobs, Lopez said.

“Earlier opening was reconsidered in recognition of the very strict health protocol that was developed and to be adopted before they can be allowed to operate to prevent any risk of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) transmission, as well as the need to start bringing back the jobs of the estimated 400,000 workers in the industry working in over 35,000 shops,” he said in a Viber message.

However, the IATF only allowed the opening of barbershop and salon operations up to 30 percent in areas under GCQ and 50 percent in areas under modified GCQ.

“Only one of three seats will be allowed first,” Lopez said, describing the set-up in a 30-percent operation of barbershops and salons.

He said there would be no need for accreditation to remove any bureaucracy “but operations audit will be done, and non-compliant shops will be closed down until they correct the deficiencies.” (PNA)

PISTON: DOTr using Covid19 pandemic to push for jeepney modernization.

Sat, 30 May 2020 04:29:30 GMT

Photo Credit: Legazpi Public Safety Office

Transport group PISTON has announced a protest to be staged on Monday, June 1, against the COVID-19 lockdown and what they see as moves towards jeepney modernization.

PISTON president George San Mateo called on member drivers and operators to join the "Bumusina para sa balik pasada" protest and blow their horns at 10 a.m. to call on the government to allow all Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) to operate again, especially in places under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

San Mateo said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is using the COVID-19 pandemic to push for jeepney modernization and phase out traditional jeepneys.

He also said more than 500,000 jeepney drivers and operators' livelihoods were affected by the two-month lockdown. He added that other small businesses such as vulcanising shops and small eateries were also affected.

San Mateo also questioned Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) public transportation guidelines for GCQ that allow only new PUJs to operate and prohibit old jeepneys because of questionable road worthiness.

He insisted that all PUJs are roadworthy because they have a legal franchise and passed LTO inspection and emission testing.

Trump cuts ties with WHO mid-pandemic, as Europe speeds reopening

Fri, 29 May 2020 23:27:19 GMT

A photo taken in the late hours of May 29, 2020 shows a sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) at their headquarters in Geneva amid the COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the novel coronavirus. President Donald Trump said May 29, 2020, he was breaking off US ties with the World Health Organization, which he says failed to do enough to combat the initial spread of the novel coronavirus.

Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was severing ties with the World Health Organization, signaling the end of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to the UN agency as the deadly coronavirus pandemic rages on.

As Europe speeded along the path to reopening after months of crippling lockdowns, Trump's move is likely to spark dismay, especially in other parts of the world where the outbreak has yet to reach its peak.

Russia recorded a record number of deaths on Friday and several nations in Latin America are bracing for difficult weeks ahead, especially Brazil, where the toll has soared.

Last month, Trump suspended funding to the WHO, accusing it of not doing enough to curb the initial spread of the novel coronavirus and being too lenient with China, where the global outbreak began last year.

On Friday, he made that decision permanent -- a dire one for the UN agency's finances as the United States is by far its biggest contributor, having given $400 million last year.

"Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization," Trump told reporters.

The Republican leader said the US would be redirecting funds previously allocated to the WHO "to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs."

"The world needs answers from China on the virus. We must have transparency," Trump said.

Beijing has furiously denied the US allegations that it played down the threat when the virus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and insisted it has been forthcoming.

So far, the pandemic has claimed more than 362,000 lives and hammered the global economy.

Populations are learning to adjust to life with the long-term threat of infection as the virus continues its march around the globe -- with more than 5.8 million cases -- and a vaccine remains elusive.

- Record new deaths in Russia -

Russia reported a record increase of 232 coronavirus deaths on Friday, just four days before the capital Moscow is due to ease its lockdown.

With 387,623 cases, it now has the third-highest number of infections in the world after the United States and Brazil.

Moscow's lockdown is to be eased from Monday, with some non-food retail shops to reopen and outdoor exercise permitted.

- 'Dark and meaningless' -

Moscow will thus be following the lead of many other European and North American cities that are slowly emerging from strict stay-at-home orders as the summer holiday season approaches.

Tourism-dependent Greece said it will reopen two main airports to arrivals from 29 countries from June 15. However hard-hit countries such as France, Spain, Britain and Italy -- were not on the list.

In Austria, hotels were allowed to reopen for tourists on Friday under special guidelines, including the obligatory wearing of masks in key areas.

"It's of course a lot more effort now. But the most important thing is that guests return," Gilbert Kratschmann, marketing manager at the Das Triest boutique hotel in Vienna, told AFP.

In Italy, gondola makers in Venice are looking forward to June 3 when tourists will be allowed to return, albeit with mandatory face masks.

"Venice without gondolas is dark and meaningless," said Roberto Dei Rossi, one of the few remaining traditional carpenters who build the long black boats.

Turkey too moved ahead with easing restrictions as mosques opened for the first time in months, drawing hundreds of worshippers in protective masks for mass prayers in Istanbul.

In the United States, outdoor dining resumed Friday in the US capital Washington -- with proper social distancing.

And New York, once the epicenter of the US outbreak, is "on track" to begin reopening the week of June 8, state Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

The sporting world is also trying to get back on the ball.

England's FA Cup final is set to take place on August 1, football authorities announced Friday, and competition in Spain's La Liga will resume on June 11.

- 'Everything has changed' -

While Europe reopens, the urgency of tackling the disease elsewhere in the world was underlined by ballooning death tolls in South America -- most alarmingly in Brazil where more than 26,000 have died.

Chile posted another record number of deaths in a 24-hour period. The overall total neared 1,000. More than 80 percent of the country's known cases are in the capital Santiago.

Iran meanwhile announced its highest number of new coronavirus infections in nearly two months.

The economic carnage also continued unabated, with India's economy growing at its slowest pace in two decades in the first quarter, and Canada and Brazil also saying their GDP figures had shrunk.

Canada extended its ban on cruise ship travel in its territorial waters through the end of October -- a blow for companies offering autumn foliage viewing trips that included Canadian stops.

And the toll on workers around the world was illustrated by the news that French car giant Renault plans to cut 15,000 jobs as part of a two-billion-euro ($2.2 billion) cost-cutting drive.

burs-sst/ec

COVID-19 in numbers (May 29)

Fri, 29 May 2020 15:25:17 GMT

The Department of Health records 1,046 cases on Friday following its new format of reporting COVID-19 cases.

DOH says only 46 cases are “fresh” which means test results are released within the last three days while 1,000 are “late” cases.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 16,634.

BI: International flights remain suspended on June 1

Fri, 29 May 2020 11:01:40 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Immigration Official Website

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that outbound international flights will remain suspended even after Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ) on June 1.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said restrictions under all levels of community quarantine will remain in effect unless the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) eases or lifts the policy.

“Nonetheless, we assure the public that we are always ready to resume full, normal operations in our international airports once the government decides to ease or lift these travel restrictions,” he added.

The IATF temporarily suspended international flights since March this year to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

The IATF however said that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino citizens and their spouses and dependents, permanent residents and foreign diplomats are allowed to enter the Philippines.

Foreigners stranded in the Philippines, OFWs, permanent residents of other countries and holders of student visas for other countries are allowed to leave.

Cebu City mayor appeals for GCQ status

Fri, 29 May 2020 10:52:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Edgar Labella Facebook Page

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 to place his city under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) instead of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from June 1 to June 15.

“Our strategic community testing has already been completed and we are confident that the City of Cebu is ready to transition into General Community Quarantine,” said Labella in his letter addressed to DILG 7 regional director Leocadio T. Trovela, who also chairs the Regional branch of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Labella reasoned that even with the 2,013 Covid-19 cases in the city as of May 27, they only had 25 deaths or 1.2% fatality rate. He added that their recoveries have also reached 393 or 19.6% percent as of May 27.

“Our medical experts in the city have pegged the critical utilization rate at 40%, the doubling time in the city is more than seven days and there is significant indication that there is a continuous reduction of additional cases in the city,” he further said in his letter.

Labella argued that these reasons justify a transition into GCQ by June 1. “But with the corollary discretion to place critical areas under segmental and sequential lockdown,” he added.

The IATF on the national level recommended MECQ status for Cebu city on June 1 following the increase of its positive cases. The city had 89 new cases on May 29 while it also reported 321 new recoveries.

“Our recoveries have reached a total of 792 or 36.9%,” said Labella in his Facebook post Friday.

The city has been under ECQ since March 28 while the rest of Cebu province transitioned to GCQ on May 20.

Lapid asks telcos to give free internet access to students, teachers

Fri, 29 May 2020 10:49:10 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Lito Lapid Facebook Page

Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid called for an inquiry in aid of legislation to determine if telecommunications companies (telcos) can provide free internet access to students and teachers during the ongoing quarantine period.

He noted that many schools from primary to tertiary levels have already resorted to online or virtual classes in order to deliver lessons to students, conduct tests, and provide other educational requirements.

"In this time of calamity and emergency under a pandemic, students and teachers need fast and reliable Internet service. This is the only way we can ensure continuous learning. We know it will take some time before we return to face-to-face or physical classes, so students have to depend on online classes," Lapid said in Tagalog.

Through Senate Resolution 416, Lapid encouraged the use of government-telco partnerships in giving free Internet access for students and teachers. He noted that the Department of Education (DepEd) was able to partner with certain telcos to give teachers and learners free internet access to its DepEd Commons online platform.

He added that free internet will also be necessary for access to online libraries, educational websites and similar digital platforms, especially at a time when physical visits to places such as libraries is not possible.

The DepEd moved the resumption of classes for school year 2020-2021 to August 24. The department said schools may implement online classes and other alternative learning methods instead of a traditional face-to-face classroom set-up.

Universities and colleges that are able to conduct full online classes can proceed with their program any time while institutions that adopt flexible learning systems can open by August.

"In the next months while COVID-19 is still around, it’s clear that the system of teaching will depend on online classes, online activities, projects and assignments. It means students need fast and strong Internet to keep up with changes in their studies. But how can poor students keep up without free Internet? Even teachers will find difficulty using digital platforms if they have to pay for their Internet access," Lapid added.

Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva passes away

Fri, 29 May 2020 10:21:18 GMT

Bocaue Mayor Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna passed away, her brother Sen. Joel Villanueva confirmed on Friday morning.

She died at 5:08pm Thursday due to “sepsis secondary to bacterial pneumonia.”

The late mayor is the daughter of Jesus is Lord founder and congressman Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and the wife of former congressman Sherwin Tugna.

108 NPA rebels yield in SoCot, Sarangani in 2 weeks

Fri, 29 May 2020 09:42:46 GMT

SURRENDER. The flags of the New People’s Army (NPA), doctrinal documents, and weapons surrendered by some 44 combatants from parts of Sarangani in a ceremony on Thursday, May 28, in Kiamba town. A total of 108 NPA rebels under Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73 have surrendered in the last two weeks to police and Army personnel in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces. (Photo courtesy of the Police Regional Office-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A total of 108 more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces surrendered to government authorities in the last two weeks, the most number for the area in recent years.

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 director, said Friday the rebels yielded voluntarily to police and Army personnel starting May 15 following a series of negotiations.

Dubria said the series of surrenders were done in coordination with concerned local government leaders, through the Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

Some 21 NPA rebels under Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73 surrendered last May 15 in Tupi and Banga towns, 36 on May 22 in Lake Sebu and seven on May 26 in Tantangan town, all in South Cotabato province.

On Thursday, 44 more rebels from parts of Sarangani formally yielded in Kiamba town.

Dubria said the series of surrenders show that the government’s efforts to win back the trust and confidence of people who had lost their faith in the system have been gaining ground.

“It also manifests that more and more CTG (communist terrorist group) members now gradually realize the bitter reality of being captives of the wrong cause,” he said in a report.

Dubria, who joined the presentation of the surrenderers in Sarangani on Thursday, said NPA units in the area were “continuously weakening as some of (their) leaders are returning to the folds of the law.”

The 44 returnees in Sarangani, who were led by a certain “Tiger,” surrendered over a dozen high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, explosives, NPA emblems, and subversive documents.

During the ceremony facilitated by the joint Provincial and Municipal TF-ELCAC, the surrenderers burned an NPA flag and other rebel documents.

“Tiger”, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, said they decided to surrender after realizing the “senselessness of their armed struggle,” especially amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He apologized to the government for the offenses and unlawful activities they made in the past and vowed to start a “brand new and peaceful life.”

The provincial government of Sarangani said it has released initial financial assistance to the returnees. The mayors of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim also said they will include the former rebels in the housing programs of the National Housing Authority.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, PRO-12 spokesperson, said in an interview the returnees will be enlisted into the flagship Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Under the program, qualified former rebels will receive financial and livelihood assistance and other support packages from various government agencies. (PNA)

Laborer yields P16-K shabu in Digos City

Fri, 29 May 2020 09:41:16 GMT

BUSTED. Law enforcers in Davao del Sur arrest Arnel Talaboc Yap (extreme left), a resident of Chapter 6, San Juan, Barangay Aplaya in Digos City during a buy-bust operation Thursday evening (May 28, 2020). Lt. Colonel Vici Anthony Tababa, Digos City police chief, warned illegal drug personalities they have not lowered their guard against all forms of criminality. (Photo from Digos City Police Office)

DIGOS CITY – A laborer is now languishing in jail after being caught selling prohibited drugs to an undercover agent during a buy-bust operation Thursday evening, police said.

Lt. Colonel Vici Anthony Tababa, Digos City police chief, said authorities launched the sting operation against Arnel Talaboc Yap, a resident of Barangay Aplaya here.

A team composed of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit –11, Digos City drug enforcement unit, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and agents of Davao del Sur Provincial Office seized at least PHP16,000 worth of suspected shabu from Yap during the buy-bust operation.

Police said the law enforcers also confiscated five sachets of suspected shabu from Yap.

One of the five sachets was sold by the suspect to the poseur-buyer in exchange for the PHP500 bill used by the police as marked money. The remaining four sachets were recovered from Yap’s possession during the body search after he was placed under arrest, police said.

Tababa said Yap was brought to the office of the Davao del Sur Provincial Crime Laboratory (DS-PCLO) for a drug test and then to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital for medical examination before he was detained.

Yap will be charged for violating the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Anti-Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for selling and possession of prohibited drugs.

Tababa cautioned those who are still into the illegal drug trade to refrain from illicit activities "or face the full force of the law".

“I would like to emphasize that the personnel of Digos City police will continue to run after criminal elements within our area of responsibility, even if we are also providing assistance to the authorities in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tababa said. (PNA)

MSU GenSan faculty urges ‘impartial’ probe on colleague’s murder

Fri, 29 May 2020 09:39:08 GMT

The main gate of the Mindanao State University-General Santos City campus. (Photo grab from the university’s Facebook Page)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Faculty members of the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus here have called for “immediate, thorough, and impartial” investigation into Tuesday's killing of their colleague.

Officers and members of the MSU General Santos Faculty Union issued the call as they strongly condemned the “barbaric act” and urged immediate justice for the slay of peace advocate and Islamic Studies professor Mohammad Taha Abdulgapor.

Prof. Mario Aguja, Faculty Union president, called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a deeper investigation into the murder of Abdulgapor, who was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men past 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Abdugapor, 52, and his wife Salimah were on their way home aboard their vehicle when waylaid by two unidentified gunmen at a portion of the national highway in Barangay Apopong here.

The professor, who hails from Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, died while undergoing treatment in a private hospital here. His wife sustained a gunshot wound in the arm.

Police earlier said they were investigating a number of angles into the killing, among them a standing land dispute in one of the villages here.

Aguja, a former representative of the Akbayan party-list group, urged city officials to look into the spate of killings in the city and immediately develop programs to ensure the safety and security of residents.

“This gruesome crime involving Prof. (Abdulgapor) should not be made to pass into another unsolved killing in the city,” he was quoted in a statement issued by the union Thursday afternoon.

He claimed that Taha was the 208th victim of riding-in-tandem criminals in the city since Jan. 1, 2017, the 14th this year.

Aguja also asked the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the murder of Abdulgapor and other killings in the city.

Abdulgapor, who was an Ustadz or Islamic scholar, was a faculty member of the Islamic Studies department of MSU General Santos and part of a pool of university professors who teach the fundamentals of peace education. He was a member of the Local Monitoring Team of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and served as a board member of the Bangsamoro Development Authority.

Aguja said the death of Abdulgapor was a huge loss to the university as he had “dedicated almost all his productive life in the task of molding our successor-generations.”

“He (was) recognized for spreading the culture of peace among the peoples, not only in the Soccsksargen but also in other parts of Mindanao,” he added. (PNA)

Army condemns abduction of 3 Samar peacebuilders

Fri, 29 May 2020 09:34:22 GMT

ABDUCTION. The map of Motiong town in Samar province. The Philippine Army on Friday (May 29, 2020) condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) over the abduction of three former rebels turned “peacebuilders” in the town's upland community early Wednesday. (Google map)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) over the abduction of three former rebels turned “peacebuilders” in an upland community in Motiong, Samar early Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr., commander of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion said the abduction of a father and his two sons is a heinous crime and against the International Humanitarian Law.

"We vehemently condemn this barbaric act of the NPA terrorists. They have victimized non-combatants. They abducted people who are working for peace in the locality," said Balido in a statement issued on Friday.

The communist terrorists abducted Cosme Cabangunay and his sons Jevie and Jason around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday in Canvais village in Motiong, Samar.

The trio are members of Motiong Peacebuilders, an organization of former rebels who joined the peace and development efforts of the government.

Citing accounts of village officials, the Philippine Army reported that about five bonnet-clad men armed with long firearms barged inside the victims’ house and forcibly took them.

Col. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade demanded the unconditional and safe release of the victims.

"It is with deep regret that the NPA terrorists have once again showed their evil ways by oppressing the ordinary people who want to live in peace. We assure the relatives that our soldiers will do everything necessary to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Ligayo said in a statement.

Ligayo challenged left-leaning organizations that claimed to be human rights advocates such as Karapatan and Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas to condemn the incident.

The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Pacquiao seeks one-year freeze on PhilHealth premium rate hike for health workers

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:55:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Manny Pacquiao Facebook Page

Senator Manny Pacquiao has filed a resolution proposing a one-year suspension on increases in PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) premium contributions for healthcare professionals and other health care workers for the year 2020.

He said Senate Resolution No. 429 is intended as a token of gratitude to health workers and professionals for unselfishly putting their lives on the line in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“The first year of the implementation of the increase rate of premium contributions coincided with the advent and continuation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. This has constrained most, if not all, health care professionals and other health care workers in the country sacrificing and risking their well-being and even their lives, to help cure the afflicted and stem the surge of transmission of the disease caused by the COVID-19 virus,” Pacquiao said in his resolution.

The senator supported the position of the Philippine Medical Association, which made an earlier push to suspend rate hikes on premium payments of health workers.

Pacquiao filed the resolution as PhilHealth is poised to implement an increase in the premium payment from 2.75 percent to 3 percent of the monthly salary of its members.

The increase is provided for under Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care law, which automatically enrols all Filipino citizens in the government’s National health Insurance Program. There will be annual increases until the premium rate reaches 5 percent by 2024.

Vulnerable gov’t employees prohibited from resuming physical work on Monday

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:24:45 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency Official Website

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said government employees who are vulnerable to COVID-19 will be prohibited from resuming their physical work on Monday.

CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada said pregnant women, elderly and other government employees with health conditions will be required to work from home on Monday to decrease their risk of contracting COVID-19.

She said employees with flu-like symptoms are also not allowed to return to their offices.

Work in the public and private sectors is set to resume on June 1 after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the shift from modified enhanced community (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.

Lizada said all government department heads will implement alternative work arrangements. This would limit the number of reporting employees so social distancing measures and other health protocols can be observed.

Department heads are reminded to strictly comply with occupational standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Residents in GCQ areas urged to embrace new normal amid COVID-19

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:19:03 GMT

Photo Credit: DOH Official Website

The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to embrace the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic as Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.

DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it remains unsafe to go outside as the risk of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection remains high.

“Let's embrace the new normal. Pinapaalala po natin na hindi pa po tapos ang laban sa COVID-19 kahit GCQ na tayo, nandiyan pa rin po ang banta at kailangang maging vigilant at maingat pa rin po tayo (Let us remind you that the fight against COVID-19 is not over. Even under GCQ, the threat is there, so we must remain vigilant and careful),” Vergeire said.

She also said the government will return to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status if the number of COVID-19 cases in the metropolis continues to increase.

Vergeire said although the government has yet to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections there is already a good indication that the government’s response is working.

The DOH has recorded 15,588 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 539 new cases – the highest single-day increase – as of Thursday afternoon.

Vergeire said the spike in new confirmed cases was due to the aggressive validation process of cases by the DOH.

PNP: Curfew hours, checkpoints remain in effect on June 1

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:12:03 GMT

Photo Credit: General Eleazar Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Joint Task Force coronavirus disease (JTF COVID) Shield Commander Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said police checkpoints and curfew hours will remain in effect in Metro Manila after the shift to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Monday.

“Patuloy pa rin po ang pagsasagawa ng mga checkpoints natin, lamang yun ay modified na. And of course, itong curfew natin, na mandated naman sa lahat ng level ng community quarantine ay patuloy na nandiyan,” Eleazar told “Laging Handa (we will continue manning checkpoints, though they will be modified. Of course, the curfew continues as it is mandated in quarantine),” he said in a press briefing earlier today.

Eleazar said police officers will no longer check motorists individually to avoid causing inconvenience to them.

He however said officers will still ensure that only authorized persons are allowed outside. He also said the police will add checkpoints in some areas and will adjust their mobile checkpoints.

Eleazar also emphasized that non-authorized persons will still be prohibited from crossing borders.

Employees working for business establishments that resumed operations on June 1 however are allowed. The JTF COVID chief said employees will no longer be required to present any travel order when crossing borders.

He however said back-riding on motorcycles is still prohibited under the new guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

He also called on the public to stay at home and avoid going outside for non-essential trips.

“Hindi ibig sabihing allowed na ang paglabas ay pwede nang gumala. Kung wala gagawin ay sa bahay na lang muna. If lalabas kayo, pwede kayong makahawa or mahawa. Sayang yung 76 days na efforts natin (Being allowed doesn’t mean you can go out for leisure. If you have nothing to do, stay at home. If you go out, you may infect others. 76 days of effort would be wasted),” Eleazar said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has greenlighted the shift from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning June 1 in Metro Manila.

Highlights - President Duterte’s May 28 Address

Fri, 29 May 2020 04:16:08 GMT

WATCH: President Duterte places NCR and Davao City under general community quarantine starting June 1 in a televised address Thursday night.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson

Fri, 29 May 2020 03:20:31 GMT

This one's popular. A very easy read. It felt like a Saturday night house party when it's just Manson (the author) and I were the only ones left having drunken existential conversations because the rest are passed out and/or vomiting.

Doesn't mean it's not worth the read, though. It will hung you over. Probably similar to the effect of the mixed drinks you feel you will have with Manson.

By just going through its table of contents, it's apparent how counterintuitive this book is compared to other self-help books you will encounter. It will negate your thoughts, then will pull you right back in on why it makes sense. Brutally honest, if I may say. It will make you self-aware. Especially if you are a person brought up thinking you're special. Uhm, you are not. (See what I did there, I Manson-ed you!. Not totally, just read the book.)

The author loves to tell anecdotes, he also likes metaphors. What struck me the most is his story about Rock Star Problems, because I admit that I often evaluate my self-worth against others - instead of asking by what standard should I really measure myself first?

Going back to its very title, Manson basically preaches that in our lifetime, we only have limited amount of fucks to give, so we must choose our fucks wisely. It paves the way to a more grounded life. And advises us to acknowledge our limitations and accept them.

It felt nice to finish it. It makes you ponder on how easily you can hack your way to living a decent life.

DOJ lauds conviction of American pedophile for human trafficking

Fri, 29 May 2020 03:14:52 GMT

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said the conviction of American pedophile David Timothy Deakin proves that the country's justice system remains functional.

"This is proof that if law enforcement agencies, the prosecution service, and the judiciary put their heart and resources into it, modern technology could be harnessed to expedite our criminal proceedings," Guevarra said in a press statement.

Judge Irineo Pangilinan Jr. of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 58 sentenced Deakin to life imprisonment plus PHP2-million fine for three counts of "large-scale qualified trafficking in persons" on May 26.

He is the first person to be convicted of trafficking offenses through online proceedings in the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

On April 20, 2017, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) arrested Deakin in a rented house in Angeles City, Pampanga where he was found in possession of computer hard drives containing incriminating child exploitation materials, sex toys and drug paraphernalia following a tip from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Deakin had been recording the abuse and selling it to foreign customers online.

NBI-AHTRAD chief Janet Francisco said the development shows that they are "strongly pursuing those who abuse our children and exploit them through the internet". (PNA)

Soldier injured in Iligan City firefight

Fri, 29 May 2020 03:13:28 GMT

Google map of Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY - An Army personnel of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was wounded after a 30-minute firefight with suspected communist New People’s Army (NPA) fighters Wednesday noon in Sitio Pudog, Barangay Mainit here.

Lt Col. Domingo Dulay, 4MIB commander, said the troops responded to information provided by residents that suspected NPA fighters were extorting food and money from the villages.

“The wounded soldier is now in stable condition while other troops continue to search and conduct pursuit operation against the fleeing members of the rebel communist terrorist group. The troops are confident that some NPA members were also wounded in the clash based on the blood stains in the encounter site,” Dulay said.

Dulay, who was unable to disclose the identity of the wounded soldier as of this posting, said the rebels may have suffered from lack of food supplies that pushed them to extort from the residents who are also affected by the coronavirus disease quarantine.

“The government has repeatedly called on the members of the NPA to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in order for them to come back to the folds of the law and live peacefully,” Dulay said.

The Army official vowed the military will continue to work closely with the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) to ensure that services of the government reach the far-flung barangays such as Barangay Mainit.

In 2019, the barangay council of Mainit passed a resolution denouncing the presence of the NPA in the area and declaring the communist rebel movement persona non grata.

Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV, commander of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said the Armed FP will continue to go after "these communist terrorists wherever they are, and will execute the mandate to protect the people from all forms of threat."

“We call on all members of the NPA to surrender and join the mainstream society. You all have been deceived but the government is willing to help rebuild your lives together with your family,” Palafox said. (PNA)

2 Sierra Madre NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija

Fri, 29 May 2020 03:10:26 GMT

NO FUTURE. One of the two members of the New People's Army who surrendered to authorities in Barangay Malinao, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of the 91IB, said the two rebels voluntarily turned themselves in as they realized they could not have a good future with their families while in the underground movement. (Photo courtesy of Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities following a series of operations conducted by the 1st Provincial Mobile Group Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (PMFC-NEPPO) and the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of 91IB, on Thursday said the two rebels yielded voluntarily to the government troops in Barangay Malinao, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday.

He identified the surrenderers only as alias Jex/Lei/Mali/Carding/Supremo, a youth organizer of the militant group Anakbayan, and Jerome, a medic and assistant gunner of Platoon Dos under Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Sierra Madre, an armed NPA front that operates in the said mountain range.

Rubio said the rebels realized that there is no chance for them to have a good future with their families while in the underground movement.

“The two rebels said that they (are) just used by the communist terrorist groups to recruit, organize and mobilize the different sectors against the government,” he said.

Rubio lauded the efforts of the military and police personnel for their hard work that resulted in the surrender.

“We will continue to remain steadfast in accomplishing our mission in partnership with the Philippine National Police, local government units and national government agencies to dismantle the KLG Sierra Madre,” he said. (PNA)

Gov’t employee, 7 others nabbed in Zambo anti-drug ops

Fri, 29 May 2020 02:49:04 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The operations of anti-illegal drug units of the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) resulted in the arrest of a government employee and seven others and the seizure of PHP263,900 worth of prohibited drugs, a top official said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, PRO-9 director, identified the arrested government employee as Ronald Bonghanoy Biolango, 42, who was apprehended around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Solar, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Biolango, an employee of Olutanga municipal government, yielded five heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu, P500 marked money, and a motorcycle, police said.

Police identified the other suspects as Rene Matias Faustenorio Jr., 36; Hasim Murphy Silan, 31; Dave Erana Patalinghug, 29; Ricardo Ehan Dagodog, 40; Jocelyn Egoc Noblefranca, 44; Cesar Ramos Toribio, 40; and Winston Suson Morales, 22.

Faustenorio was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of search warrant around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday in Sitio Lubas, Barangay Turno, Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

Faustenorio yielded some PHP200,000 worth of suspected shabu, police said.

Silan, meanwhile, was arrested in possession of some PHP5,200 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust operation in Phase 1, Sitio Asinan, Barangay Kasanyangan here, police said.

Quidilla said the arresting team seized from Patalinghug some PHP2,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money in a buy-bust operation around 7 a.m. Wednesday in Purok Lajoma, Barangay San Jose, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur.

On the other hand, Dagodog was arrested around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay La Union, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. Seized from him were seven heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu, and PHP500 marked money, police said.

Recovered from Noblefranca were some PHP2,700 worth of shabu and PHP200 marked money when arrested in a drug buy-bust operation around 4:05 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Cawit here.

Moreover, police said Toribio was caught in possession of some PHP50,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money in a buy-bust operation in Park Natin, Barangay Good Year, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Morales, police said, was arrested by joint team of policemen and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay New Village, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.

Morales yielded some PHP4,000 worth of shabu and PHP1,000 marked money, police said.

Quidilla said the suspects were detained for the filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)

Church, houses razed by alleged NPA rebels in MisOr

Fri, 29 May 2020 02:39:34 GMT

BURNED DOWN. Residents check on to the debris of their houses in Zone 2, Barangay Limonda, Opol town, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, looking for materials to salvage. Ten armed men believed to be communist New People's Army combatants attacked the community in a predawn raid Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Opol Municipal Police Station)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Armed men believed to be communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants on Thursday burned down a Christian church and four houses in the Misamis Oriental town of Opol in a pre-dawn attack, police said.

Maj. Evary E. Bacunawa, chief of the Opol Municipal Police Station, said the incident happened at around 3:30 a.m. in Zone 2, Barangay Limonda, Opol.

Police said the houses were owned by Edward Villiarias, Ronny Tingkang, Edmar Burlat and Avelino Sambulay.

Citing witnesses' accounts, police said at least 10 armed men were involved in the attack.

Col. Roy V. Bahian, director of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office, said the attack was a handiwork of the NPA's Ace Company led by a certain Decoy.

"The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office strongly condemns the burning incident allegedly done by a group of NPA. The NPA’s nefarious activity is a clear manifestation of their motive to pursue their lawless acts and adds burden and suffering to the innocent civilians and the community as a whole amidst this Covid-19 pandemic. These atrocities are contrary to their claim of protecting the people," the Misamis Oriental PPO said in a statement Thursday.

Lt. Theofratus Pia, Misamis Oriental PPO information officer, said additional military and police reinforcement have been deployed in the village and nearby communities.

"They were already there around 4:30 a.m., including police personnel under the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, conducting hot pursuit operations," Pia said.

Pia said the provincial police is mulling criminal charges against the perpetrators.

“There were no civilian injuries. Aside from the church and houses, a motorcycle was also burned,” Pia said.

He said prior to the incident, the insurgents figured in an armed confrontation with the military in Mainit, a barangay in Iligan City not far from Limonda.

Pia said the rebels probably made their retreat to Limonda and burned the structures as a diversionary tactic.

“It’s probable that they staged the burning as a diversion so they won’t be followed by the pursuing government forces,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bahian assured the public that security measures are implemented to ensure the safety of NPA's potential targets in the province, including vital government installations, places of convergence, power lines, private companies and all police stations. (PNA)

Navy deploys another vessel to deliver PPE sets, med supplies

Fri, 29 May 2020 02:37:21 GMT

EN ROUTE TO VISAYAS. Navy personnel load boxes of medical supplies and personnel protective equipment (PPE) sets into the BRP Batak (LC-299) at the Sangley Point in Cavite on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). The ship was deployed to transport these equipment as well as military personnel to various provinces in the Visayas. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday deployed one of its heavy landing craft, BRP Batak (LC-299), to transport military personnel, personal protective equipment (PPE) sets, and assorted medical supplies to various provinces in the Visayas.

In a statement Thursday, Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the mission is part of the government's ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19 threat.

"LC-299 will conduct sealift of military personnel, assorted cargoes and deliver a thousand sets of PPE and assorted medical supplies from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Naval Task Force against Covid-19," she added.

Roxas said the BRP Batak will first embark on Catbalogan City, Samar, and will proceed to Ormoc City in Leyte and in the provinces of Cebu and Iloilo before returning to Cebu City.

The ship is among the logistic vessels of the Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) of the Philippine Fleet and under the operational control of Naval Task Force-50 of the Naval Forces Central based in Cebu.

Other SAF vessels that were deployed in this kind of mission include BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) among others, Roxas added. (PNA)

PH organizes humanitarian flight for Pinoys in Timor-Leste

Fri, 29 May 2020 02:35:48 GMT

HUMANITARIAN FLIGHT. The Philippine embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste organized a humanitarian flight to repatriate overseas Filipinos affected by economic impact of the coronavirus. The Philippine government-funded flight departed Dili on May 25, 2020. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste organized a humanitarian flight to repatriate overseas Filipinos in Timor-Leste to support those “without work and with economic difficulties on account of the Covid-19 pandemic posing threat to the health of humankind.”

The Philippine government-funded Pan Pacific Airlines Airbus A320 flight departed from Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili on May 25, 2020.

The humanitarian flight’s passengers included 35 overseas Filipinos, four Japanese, 10 South Koreans, and an American citizen.

Other Filipino recipients of this humanitarian repatriation were tourists affected by cancelled flights when the “state of emergency” was declared in Timor-Leste; overseas Filipino senior citizens with underlying health problems, some of the maintenance medicines of whom are not available locally; and workers displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and who later on became undocumented workers after their visas expired.

Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Abdulmaid K. Muin said travelers have to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Manila. Those who proceeded to other areas of the Philippines, they will have to complete another identical quarantine period.

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, led by Muin, together with the officers of the Association of Filipinos in East Timor (AFET), worked together to make this humanitarian flight possible, especially in the processing and facilitation of the necessary documentary requirements.

Muin also conveyed his appreciation to all concerned Timorese offices, particularly Timor-Leste Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MOFAC), Civil Aviation, Airport and Immigration Authorities. (PR)

PNP-PDEA nab 2 in buy bust in Camarines Sur

Thu, 28 May 2020 12:09:01 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives arrested two persons in an illegal drug buy bust operation at 3:15 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Puro Batia, Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The police and anti-drug agents arrested Lyndon Sias, a 51-year-old farmer from Barangay Poblacion, and Ernesto Rocha, a 54-year-old pedicab driver from Barangay Puro Batia.

Authorities confiscated a plastic bag containing suspected shabu weighing around 50 grams with an estimated value of P340,000.

The joint force brought the two suspects and the confiscated evidence to Libmanan Municipal Police Station. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against them.

Anakbayan preys on young minds to join NPA, Cabinet exec says

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:19:50 GMT

Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in the Davao region. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – The Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the Davao region has appealed to the public to condemn youth organization allegedly affiliated with the communist rebel movement, saying its sole aim is to prey on young minds and lure them into the communist terrorist group.

In a statement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado appealed to leftist youth group Anakbayan to return Relisa Lucena’s daughter, Alicia Jasper, or AJ, 17, who left home in July last year to join the militant organization.

Avisado said Anakbayan's sole aim is to "brainwash, disown, and leave their parents in order to join the Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF)."

The CPP and its armed wing, New People's Army (NPA), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“Return her daughter back to (the) love and comfort of her family and spare our youth from a lifetime of trauma by being victims of their deception. As parents ourselves, we commiserate with Mrs. Lucena, as we have also felt the agony of a mother who took care of her child from her womb, to the day her daughter learned to speak (a) few words and called her mama and took her little steps and eventually grow up to be (a) smart, loving, and caring daughter only to be taken away by these deceptive, exploitative people in the guise of 'fighting for the country' for their own criminal, political advantage,” he said.

AJ, then 16, was in Grade 11 and a consistent honor student at the Far Eastern University when she was recruited by Anakbayan in 2018.

Avisado said AJ's mother believed that her daughter is a victim of an "evil ideology" aimed at destroying "the very fabric of society by first destroying the relationship within families."

“She believes that her daughter had fallen prey to an illusory ideology thought by this terrorist group and is gripped by constant worry about her safety and health,” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the Lucena couple to save their daughter "from the deceitful hands of (the) two-faced organization called Anakbayan."

“Ms. Lucena and her husband, together with the members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, have fought the good fight amidst insurmountable odds, all with a purpose in mind of saving their children, and in effect, of our own, from the devil clutches of this godless communist terrorist,” he said.

Avisado said the couple, through their lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, filed before the Supreme Court a writ of habeas corpus and writ of Amparo against Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, whose cohorts have allegedly recruited, brainwashed, and spirited AJ away.

“We, as a people, should express our support to this family, whose only fervent hope is to reunite with their daughter. Let us condemn this CTG (communist terrorist group) that is led by the CPP and its armed criminal group, the New People’s Army,” he said. “Let us not wait that we ourselves or one of our kin become victims of their malicious deceptions."

Our children are the heirs of our future, let us take good care of them and if need be, fight against those whose goal is to destroy their innocence, he added. (PNA)

DOJ to crack down on illegal Covid-19 clinics

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:18:36 GMT

‘COVID-19 CLINIC’. Police officers inspect medical paraphernalia found in a raid at an illegal clinic operated by two Chinese nationals in Makati on Tuesday (May 26, 2020). The justice department has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration to help the police in locating illegal clinics allegedly treating patients afflicted with Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of the Southern Police District)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will crack down on illegal medical clinics operating in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, its chief said Thursday.

"It seems that clandestine medical clinics catering mostly to foreign nationals have sprouted and have been operating without proper authority. Considering that they are not being supervised by the government, it is possible that the health of people who seek treatment in these illegal facilities is being compromised," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Guevarra said he would ask the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to help find these facilities.

"I will, therefore, ask the NBI and BI to help the police in locating other similar underground clinics and the people running them, and if warranted, to file the appropriate charges against them," he said.

On Tuesday, authorities arrested two Chinese nationals suspected of illegally operating a medical facility for their compatriots with Covid-19 in Makati City.

The two, identified as David Lai and Liao Songhua, were arrested inside the Goldstar Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Corp. in Sampaloc St. in Barangay San Antonio after medical wastes were found leaking from the premises.

Seized from the facility were rapid test kits and other medical paraphernalia worth about PHP5 million.

The two who claimed to be medical doctors failed to show credentials.

Guevarra earlier said two foreign nationals arrested in an earlier raid in an underground hospital in Pampanga should have been brought to the inquest prosecutor instead of being released.

He has asked the NBI to step in and do its own investigation and the BI to look out for them.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspects as Hu Ling and Lee Seung Hyun, the supervisor and pharmacist of the facility, respectively.

They were both released on the same day of their arrest.

The “hospital” that was raided on May 19 exclusively treated Chinese workers afflicted with Covid-19.

The villa where the illegal facility was located is under the exclusive control of Shidaikeji Technology Corp. (STC), a “support service company to (a) POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator).”

Authorities found seven beds, several trash bins full of syringes, medicines, and medical supplies during the raid. (PNA)

Ex-whistleblower Ador Mawanay nabbed for estafa

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:17:25 GMT

Mugshot of Antonio Luis Marquez alias 'Ador Mawanay'. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)

MANILA – Police officers arrested on Wednesday former whistleblower Antonio Luis Marquez previously known as "Ador Mawanay" for charges of estafa in Pasig City.

Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, deputy director for administration of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Marquez, 47, was arrested at the Greenwoods Executive Village.

He is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Ma. Consejo Gengos-Ignalaga of the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court Branch 100.

Authorities presented Marquez before reporters at the CIDG headquarters on Thursday.

The operation stemmed from a complaint of a doctor who claimed he ordered PHP12 million worth of medical supplies from Marquez before the enhanced community quarantine.

Marquez allegedly failed to deliver the items, which include 200,000 face masks.

During investigation, the CIDG found that Marquez is selling medical supplies online with a promise of fast delivery.

However, once the payment has been made the suspect will block his customers and no deliveries will be made.

It was also found he has standing arrest warrants issued by the Quezon City, San Juan, and Antipolo City courts for estafa.

He will be temporarily detained at the CIDG pending his appearance to the court and the posting of bail.

Marquez made the headlines in 2001 after he exposed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. (PNA)

Albay to be placed under MGCQ by June

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:13:05 GMT

Albay spokesperson Danny Garcia says the province will be put under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and not GCQ from June 1 to June 15.

Resolution 40 of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) put Albay under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status, while the other provinces were to be put under MGCQ.

Garcia said Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III phoned Albay Governor Francis Bichara Thursday morning to clarify that Albay’s status should also be MGCQ.

The province will release a new set of guidelines to be followed during MGCQ before its implementation on June 1.

The DILG said more business establishments will be opened and more activities, such as sports, will be allowed under MGCQ .

The wearing of masks, social distancing and proper hygiene are still required under MGCQ.

Cebu City to transition to MECQ on June 1

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:08:29 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook Page

Cebu City authorities are set to place the city under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on June 1.

“Andam na ang dakbayan sa Sugbo ning transition. Gipagawas na ang guidelines sa mayor, sa kato pang pag-extend sa ECQ (Cebu City is ready for this transition. The guidelines for this were already released even before our ECQ was extended),” said Cebu City spokesman Atty. Rey Gealon on the city Public Information Office Facebook page.

The city was placed under ECQ on March 28. Rising numbers of Covid-19 cases spurred authorities to extend the ECQ until the end of May.

Gealon said most businesses on June 1 can resume operations with 50 percent manpower. The rest of the 50 percent should be allowed to work from home if possible. Category Four establishments, such as the massage and beauty parlors and others that involve physical contact, will remain closed.

He said Covid-19 testing for returning workers is not mandatory under MECQ, but is encouraged.

Gealon reiterated that social distancing, wearing of fask masks and other health protocols should be observed under MECQ.

He also said employers are required to submit the names, contact numbers and addresses of returning employees for monitoring.

“Put the address so we can check, so we can see if naay mopositive diha. Mag testing gihapon ang CCHD sa mga workers, para masigurado mo-comply (...if there are positive patients. There will still be testing by the City Health Department for workers, to make sure that they comply with the policy),” Gealon explained.

Gealon said authorities will inspect workplaces after one week to see if they complied with the standards mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Health. Other recommended health protocols in workplaces include arranging chairs and tables in distanced intervals and using plastic partitions.

Gealon said no public transport will operate during the MECQ. The Land Transportation and Regulatory Board however has promised to provide 200 buses to serve the public.

Liza Soberano to lawmakers: ‘Please renew ABS-CBN franchise’

Thu, 28 May 2020 09:57:38 GMT

Photo Credit: Liza Soberano Instagram Account

MANILA – Actress Liza Soberano has humbly issued a plea to lawmakers to give her mother network a chance to operate again by granting a franchise.

Last May 5, ABS-CBN was forced to stop its operations after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order.

Soberano made her appeal in a post shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, May 28.

“It is no secret that ABS-CBN has been facing many challenges these past few weeks. Marami na po ang nagbigay ng kanilang saloobin tungkol dito. May mga nagalit, nalungkot at nasaktan. Meron ding natuwa at nagsabing dapat lang,” Liza said.

“Hindi po ito ang tamang panahon para mag-away-away ang lahat. We all have different principles in our life and we all have the right to our own opinions. Pero kung mapapansin po ninyo, pride ang nananaig, and because of our pride and beliefs, we are forgetting what is truly important during these tough times, at yun ang maging mabuting tao sa lahat,” she added.

“The key is to be united. Not only the company and the government but the nation as a whole. Nobody is perfect and nobody ever will be, but if we choose to humble ourselves and focus on what really needs to be addressed, then maybe we can also help the world heal,” Soberano underscored.

“I believe that ABS-CBN, the Senate and the Congress are all doing their best para maayos ang lahat sa tamang paraan at tamang proseso. Naniniwala ako na kung may pagkakamali o pagkukulang man ang aming istasyon, sinisikap po ng aming leaders na maisaayos po ang lahat. The same as our government officials are doing their part,” Soberano added.

“I am one of the many actresses that has been given the chance [by ABS-CBN] to make something out of my life, at lahat ng yun nangyari dahil sa opportunity. Kaya kung mabibigyan ulit ang ABS-CBN ng opportunity to continue serving in the best way it can – by fully operating, I’m sure maraming empleyado, katulad ko, ang magiging masaya.

“Walang mawawalan ng trabaho, mas marami ang mabibigyan ng tulong, mas maraming marereach, hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo,” she said.

“If there’s one thing that ABS-CBN and the government have in common,” she stressed, “yun ang serbisyong makatulong sa bawat Pilipino. To our dear lawmakers, may I humbly ask, please renew the ABS-CBN franchise.”

COVID-19 in numbers (May 28)

Thu, 28 May 2020 09:57:22 GMT

The Philippines reports its highest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases with 539 new cases on Thursday, May 28, surpassing the 538 recorded cases on March 31.

The DOH also reports 92 new recoveries and 17 new deaths.

Chinese nationals in Fontana underground hospital barred from leaving Philippines

Thu, 28 May 2020 08:25:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Bureau of Immigration Twitter Account (FILE PHOTO)

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is on the lookout for two Chinese nationals who were recently caught operating an underground hospital for COVID-19 patients in Pampanga.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Chinese nationals Liu Wei and Hu Shiling are on their alert list. BI personnel at airports can stop them from leaving the country.

Liu and Hu were arrested when members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided their clinic at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Angeles City on May 19. No charges were filed against them and they were released on the same day.

Morente said criminal charges are unnecessary against the two. The BI can file deportation charges against Liu and Hu if it will be proven that they violated the conditions of their stay in the country.

Magnitude 5.2 Quake Jolts La Union

Thu, 28 May 2020 07:30:49 GMT

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits San Fernando, La Union on Thursday afternoon.

PHIVOLCS reported no damage but aftershocks are expected.

Senator Villar Refiles Coco Levy Bill

Thu, 28 May 2020 06:31:22 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia Villar Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Senator Cynthia Villar has filed a new version of the so-called Coco Levy bill on Thursday.

The new version aims to create a Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund to manage taxes collected from coconut farmers from 1971 to 1983. The amount collected, called the Coco Levy, is currently estimated to be P105 billion and should have benefited coconut farmers.

Upon passing, the bill will grant an immediate P5 billion to the Trust Fund and another P5 billion to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Villar’s bill also creates a Trust Fund Management Committee composed of representatives from the Department of Finance (DoF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure judicious use of the fund.

Villar in her sponsorship speech for the bill said the Coco Levy in the past was invested in businesses not directly benefiting coconut farmers.

“It has likewise considered a 2015 Supreme Court decision voiding certain provisions of two Executive Orders on the management of the funds and its reconveyance in order to help fast track the consolidation of the coco levy assets. These are EO 179 and EO 180,” she added.

EO 179 and EO 180 passed during President Benigno Aquino III’s administration allowed for the privatization of Coco Levy assets.

An earlier version of the bill was vetoed in February last year by President Rodrigo Duterte, who said it violates the constitution and lacks important safeguards that can prevent a repeat of earlier mistakes. Months after, in his State of the Nation address, Duterte called on lawmakers to make a new Coco Levy bill.

The overall aim of Villar’s bill is to rehabilitate the Philippine coconut industry within 99 years.

“It’s about time the monies of our coconut farmers, which they rightfully own, should be plowed back to the coconut industry for the ultimate benefit not only of the 3.5 M coconut farmers but of our entire coconut industry and the Philippine economy,” Villar ended.

Arraignment for arrested Zambales teacher deferred

Thu, 28 May 2020 06:28:03 GMT

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Judge Richard Paradeza of the Regional Trial Court branch 72 in Olongapo has deferred the arraignment of Zambales public school teacher Ronnel Mas.

Mas’s lawyer, Attorney Dino de Leon, filed a motion to quash, questioning the validity of information on three grounds.

“One is the validity of Mas’s arrest, acquisition of jurisdiction on the person of the accused. Second is we argued that the information does not constitute an offense, and third, the court was subsequently outside of jurisdiction,” Atty. de Leon said in an interview.

The arraignment was rescheduled for June 25, 2020.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Mas on May 11 after he posted on Twitter that he will give a P50 million reward to whoever kills President Rodrigo Duterte. He was accused of inciting others to sedition in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The court released Mas from detention on May 19 after his family posted P72,000 bail.

DepEd: Opening of classes in August sans vaccine for COVID-19

Thu, 28 May 2020 06:22:20 GMT

Photo Credit: Leonor Briones Official Facebook Page (FILE PHOTO)

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones has reiterated her call for the opening of classes on August 24.

Briones said during the Laging Handa briefing that the DepEd will not allow the students’ learning process to be interrupted while they wait for a vaccine for COVID-19. Vaccine development may take 10 months to one year.

“Sa buong mundo, opening na ng school, sa Europe, sa Asia at saka sa America. At hindi naman nakikiuso tayo, pero ayaw nating maantala o ma-interrupt ang learning process ng mga bata (In other parts of the world, Europe, Asia and America, schools are opening. We are not joining a fad, we just want to avoid interrupting the learning process of the children),” Briones said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he will not allow the opening of classes if a vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available.

Briones however emphasized that the DepEd is not contradicting Duterte since it also supports the idea of opening classes, albeit using different alternative learning systems such as online classes or blended and flexible learning systems.

She said DepEd agrees with Duterte on not allowing face-to-face or physical classes.

“Sinasabi namin na ang ating program is consistent with that of the president. Patuloy pa rin ang edukasyon sa ibang pamamaraan (Our program is consistent with the president’s. Education continues in other ways),” Briones said.

DepEd said the enrollment for public schools in the country will be from June 1 until June 30.

Two Balik Probinsya beneficiaries positive for COVID-19 in Leyte

Thu, 28 May 2020 06:12:48 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

Two beneficiaries of the government’s Balik Probinsya program in Baybay City and Tanauan in Leyte have tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari said the patient in his city had undergone the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

“We now have our first confirmed COVID case in the city. I am officially announcing this to avoid misinformation,” the mayor said on Facebook.

Cari said city health workers are conducting contact tracing to determine the persons who have had contact with the COVID patient, who is now under quarantine.

He assured Baybay residents that the city health department is prepared to handle COVID cases.

Cari also asked residents to stay calm and to continue observing health protocols against COVID-19.

The local government of Tanauan, Leyte also confirmed on Facebook that a 26-year-old male beneficiary of the Balik Probinsya program tested positive for COVID-19 based on his PCR test, which came out on May 25.

The Tanauan government said the asymptomatic COVID-19 patient is now under strict monitoring at the Municipal Quarantine Center (MQC).

Authorities say six other beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya program in Tanauan, Leyte have tested negative in the PCR test.

Balik Probinsya is a pet project of Senator Bong Go that aims to send some residents in Metro Manila back to their home provinces amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The province of Leyte is one of the pilot areas for the Balik Probinsya program, which started last week.

High-value target suspect nabbed, P81-K shabu seized in Dumaguete

Thu, 28 May 2020 02:49:39 GMT

DUMAGUETE CITY – Police arrested Wednesday morning an alleged high-value target "pusher" during an anti-illegal drug operation at the suspect’s residence in Upper Luke Wright, Barangay 2 here.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspect as Jay Martin Espiritu Barroca, 37, male, married, of Purok 3, Upper Luke Wright.

He was arrested following a search conducted at his residence by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio, Jr. of Regional Trial Court Branch 40.

The police report said elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit/Provincial Intelligence Unit/Special Operations Group of NOPPO, led by Police Maj. Danilo Santillan and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here, served the search warrant around 10 a.m.

Recovered during the search were two plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of PHP81,600, a digital weighing scale, and one improvised sealer.

Barroca is tagged by the police as a “high-value individual” in the database of suspected drug personalities.

The suspect is now detained as charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against him. (PNA)

Illegal cigarette factories uncovered in Pagadian

Thu, 28 May 2020 02:25:42 GMT

FAKE CIGARETTE FACTORY. Authorities led by the National Bureau Investigation, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue and policemen seize millions of pesos worth of counterfeit cigarettes in series of raids from May 22 to 23 in three areas in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The team also recover eight boxes of counterfeit documentary stamps worth PHP64 million. NBI Regional Director Moises Tamayo says Tuesday (May 26, 2020) that investigation is underway to determine the owners/operators of the illegal cigarette factories. (PNA photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Government authorities said they are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the owners of the illegal cigarette factories operating in three villages of this city.

The cigarette factories were uncovered in series of raids the authorities conducted from May 22 to 23 in Barangays Balintawak, Kawit and San Jose here, National Bureau of Investigation-Region 9 Director Moises Tamayo told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

No one was arrested in the series of raids jointly conducted by the NBI, Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and policemen.

“We are in the process of backtracking and documentary tracing to identify the owner or owners of the cigarette factories,” Tamayo said.

The raiding team seized piles of boxes of cigarettes — both smuggled and counterfeit — as well as eight boxes of counterfeit documentary stamps, which Tamayo said are worth PHP64 million.

“This is tantamount to economic sabotage,” Tamayo said, noting that each of the eight boxes contains PHP8 million worth of counterfeit documentary stamps.

Tamayo said the series of raids last week were connected to the confiscation of cigarette-making machines in factories of fake cigarettes they raided in March in the towns of Labangan and Dinas, this province.

BOC-Zamboanga District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr. said Wednesday that the government is losing a huge amount of revenues brought about by the smuggling and manufacturing of counterfeit cigarettes. (PNA)

Alleged NPA leader, 2 followers arrested in NoCot op

Thu, 28 May 2020 02:15:41 GMT

ARRESTED. The suspected communist New People’s Army rebels and the subversive documents, guns, and explosives recovered from them during law enforcement operations in Matalam, North Cotabato on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). The suspects are now detained at Matalam municipal police office awaiting the filing of formal charges against them. (Photo courtesy of 602IBde)

COTABATO CITY – A team of military and police personnel arrested a ranking officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and two of his followers in Matalam, North Cotabato Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, identified the arrested suspects as Cirilo Amit, the finance officer of NPA in North Cotabato province, and two companions, Alex Zurita and Roberto Aspura.

“They are now in the custody of the Matalam municipal police undergoing documentation and processing,” Capulong said.

Elements of the Matalam municipal police and the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion arrested the suspects in the village of Alemodian in Matalam around 5 a.m.

Capulong thanked the local officials and residents for providing vital and accurate information to security sectors that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Government forces recovered two handguns, improvised explosives devices, and subversive documents on top of the suspects’ personal belongings.

Military and police officials said they are validating information that Amit was allegedly a leader of a group of extortionists preying on businessmen in North Cotabato.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Albay sets up rapid test booth in Astrodome

Wed, 27 May 2020 12:18:13 GMT

The Albay Provincial Health Office has set up a Rapid Testing Booth at the Albay Astrodome that can accomodate up to 25 or more individuals per day.

Albay Provincial Health Officer Dr. Antonio Ludovice said the test is free of charge for individuals who are at a high risk of exposure to persons with COVID-19. These include healthcare workers or frontliners who have been exposed to PUI's (persons under interest) or probable patients.

Individuals referred by local government units (LGUs) for testing and people about to travel to places with no COVID19 positives may also be tested for free at the booth.

Test results can be released within 10 to 15 minutes. Positive results will be forwarded to the regional laboratory for further confirmatory testing.

Limitations in the supply of test kits make it impossible for the tests to be provided for free to everyone.

Ludovice explained that private institutions that want their employees tested must bring their own rapid test kits or pay for one at the booth. The money paid will be used to replenish the rapid test kits.

Albay has had no new Covid19 cases in the past ten days. As of May 27, Albay has 53 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 42 recoveries. Eight patients still have the disease and are confined at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital. Three have died.

NBI to sue Leo Marcos for identity concealment, passport breach

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:49:11 GMT

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it has completed collecting sufficient documentary evidence to charge businessman Leo Marcos for concealment of his true name and violations of the country's Passport Law.

Marcos, also known as Norman Mangusin, will also be charged for violation of Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, said NBI Cybercrime Division chief Vicente Lorenzo.

"We will charge him now with (violation of the) Passport Law and concealment of true name. We have completed collecting the documents. We will also charge him under the Bayanihan Act for the fake news (he made)," Lorenzo told newsmen.

Lorenzo specifically noted Mangusin's claim that nothing is being done especially by the wealthy to help alleviate the poor's plight during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The details in connection with Mangusin's two passports have been sent to the NBI by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Lorenzo said.

"We are also interested in what supporting documents he used in obtaining the passport under the name Francis Leo Marcos," the NBI said.

The self-styled philanthropist became an online sensation for supposedly making big donations to those affected by the health crisis.

Mangusin was arrested last week after a Baguio court issued a warrant of arrest against him for violation of Republic Act 8050 or the Optometry Law for unauthorized distribution of eyeglasses. (PNA)

2 Chinese nabbed for running 'Covid-19 clinic' in Makati

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:47:57 GMT

COVID-19 'CLINIC'. Makati police officers inspect Covid-19 rapid test kits and other medical paraphernalia seized from an illegal clinic operated by two Chinese doctors on Tuesday (May 26, 2020). The suspects, David Lai and Liao Songhua, are allegedly providing treatment to Chinese nationals who have been infected with Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Southern Police District)

MANILA – Authorities arrested two Chinese doctors for illegally operating a medical facility for their compatriots who are suspected of being infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Makati City.

In a report, Southern Police District (SPD) acting director, Col. Manuel Peralta, said suspects David Lai, 49, the head doctor; and Liao Songhua, 41, the assistant doctor of the clinic, were arrested at the Goldstar Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Corp. located at Unit 501-506 at New Lasema Spa Building along Sampaloc St. on Tuesday afternoon.

The suspects were arrested following an inspection conducted by the local police's Investigation and Detective Management Section and the City Health Department after confirming reports of a Chinese doctor allegedly providing treatment for suspected Covid-19 patients.

Authorities seized rapid test kits for Covid-19 and other medical paraphernalia such as swab sticks, vials, and syringes.

Also confiscated were multiple boxes of Chinese medicine that contain tablets and capsules with Chinese labels believed to be unregistered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The suspects will undergo inquest proceedings for criminal charges before the Makati City Prosecutor's Office. (PNA)

Drug den ‘maintainer,’ 4 others nabbed in Dagupan

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:46:39 GMT

BUSTED. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized some PHP85,000 worth of suspected shabu and arrested five individuals in an operation on Tuesday (May 26, 2020). The operation was held at a suspected drug den in Barangay Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City. (PNA photo by Ahikam Pasion)

DAGUPAN CITY – Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested five individuals and seized some PHP85,000 worth of suspected shabu in an operation on Tuesday here.

In an interview on Wednesday, PDEA Pangasinan team leader Retchie Camacho said suspects Brian Santiago, Maria Rowena Cariño, Jonathan Castro, Eduardo Dasig and Nestor Felizardo were arrested in a house that served as a drug den in Barangay Bonuan Gueset.

Camacho said Felizardo, the alleged maintainer, was the subject of the operation as his hut has reportedly been used as one-stop-shop for illegal drugs.

“Mid-last year pa natin ito tinatrabaho. Malaki ang network nito (We’ve been working on this operation since last year. He has a big network,” he said.

Camacho said operatives planned to entrap the suspect in a buy-bust operation but the other suspects were also in the drug den in the midst of their pot session.

Authorities seized one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP3,000, and then recovered three more sachets containing suspected shabu weighing about 12 grams worth around PHP81,600.

They also recovered assorted drug paraphernalia, buy-bust money, two cellphones and two motorcycles aside from cash found on top of a table in the drug den.

Camacho said Felizardo sourced his drugs from accomplices in Bulacan and sells these in Pangasinan.

The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violation of Sections 5, 11 and 12 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

DOH to continue using anti-malaria drug for COVID-19

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:43:31 GMT

File Photo

Department of Health Spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department will continue using a controversial anti-malaria drug in an ongoing clinical trial for COVID-19.

Vergeire said the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a temporary stop on the use of the drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients.

She added that the DOH already stopped giving new hydroxychloroquine prescriptions to COVID-19 patients in the country after the WHO removed it from its list of four drugs undergoing trials. It was removed because of safety concerns.

Vergeire however said those who have already started taking it will continue until a so-called adverse event happens to them.

“Itong adverse event na ito ay hindi naman sinasabi na maaring mangyari sa lahat ng tumatanggap nitong hydroxychloroquine. So tayo po ay magtutuloy nitong pagbibigay ng mga gamot na ito sa ating mga naitala nang pasyente dito sa ating bansa (This adverse event won’t happen to all taking hydroxychloroquine. So we will continue giving the drug to listed patients in our country),” she said.

Vergeire clarified that physicians will follow WHO recommendations and closely monitor COVID-19 patients taking hydroxychloroquine.

Other drugs being investigated as possible treatment for COVID-19 are Remdesivir, an anti-viral drug, Lopinavir with Ritonavir, the anti-retroviral drug used to treat HIV; and Lopinavir with Ritonavir plus Interferon beta-1.

Vergeire said there is still no locally made medicine available for COVID-19.

The DOH official also said they are now preparing charges against those behind the so-called Fabunan medicine, which is heavily promoted though it is yet to be proven and registered as a treatment for the coronavirus disease.

She urged the public to avoid taking the Fabunan drug as it is still considered unsafe.

Metro Mayors favor shift to GCQ with limited public transportation

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:39:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency Official Website

Metro Manila mayors unanimously agreed to proceed with the transition to general community quarantine (GCQ) in the metropolis beginning June 1.

The mayors met on Tuesday evening and discussed their recommendations with the IATF and the MMDA.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia said the mayors will ask the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow Metro Manila to shift from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to GCQ.

Garcia also said the mayors gave consideration to the economy's revival while keeping in mind the health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the mayors are also asking the IATF for authority to impose localized community quarantine, wherein they will lock down specific barangays or areas with high cases of COVID-19.

He also clarified that public utility buses and jeepneys will still not be allowed to operate under the GCQ in Metro Manila. The number coding scheme will also remain in effect.

“Huwag muna payagan yung mga buses and jeepneys kasi mahirap ma control and physical distancing diyan (Buses and jeepneys are not yet allowed because it’s hard to control them and do physical distancing in them) … we still need to minimize the movement of the people. We need to limit the movement of the possible carrier,” Garcia said.

Medical frontliners will be exempted from the number coding scheme provided that at least one passenger accompanies them in the vehicle.

Garcia said transport network vehicles (TNVs), taxis and point-to-point buses will be the only allowed public transportation in Metro Manila as authorities can easily monitor the number of passengers in these vehicles.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 27)

Wed, 27 May 2020 08:47:00 GMT

The Department of Health reports 380 new COVID-19 cases, 18 new deaths and 94 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 15,049.

Cebu City records near 400 recoveries

Wed, 27 May 2020 08:08:25 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu City Public Information Office Facebook Page

The Cebu City Public Information Office has declared on its Facebook page that it is winning the fight against COVID-19 after recording close to 400 recoveries as of May 27.

The Cebu City PIO report said 394 Covid-19 patients were already cleared by the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD). It also said they recorded the highest number of recoveries at 164 patients last May 27.

Of the cleared patients, 114 were from Barangay Suba, 33 from Barangay Bacayan, 15 from Barangay Mambaling and 2 from Barangay Sambag 2.

“Maobot sa 110 ka mga pasyente sa Barangay Suba nga kasamtangang anaa sa Barangay Isolation Center (BIC) sa San Nicolas Elementary School ang gikatakdang mogawas na sa pasilidad karong adlawa (There are over 110 patients of Barangay Suba, housed at the BIC in San Nicolas Elementary School, who are set to be released today),” the City PIO said.

The city meanwhile recorded 21 new COVID-19 cases today and still over 2,000 positive cases.

The City PIO said most of their positive patients are asymptomatic ones who were earlier brought to various Barangay Isolation Centers as ordered by Mayor Edgar Labella.

The CCHD continues to monitor the patients.

Ilo-Ilo City LGBTQ Affairs office leads project to help frontliners

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:57:16 GMT

ILO-ILO, Philippines – The Ilo-Ilo City LGBTQ Affairs Office continues to provide food packs to frontliners in the city through its Uswag Kitchen Patrol program.

Head of Ilo-Ilo City Pride Team Gabriel Umadhay said they serve an estimated 2,000 food packs every day.

“In this way, mapadama naman natin sa kanila (we can make the frontliners feel) that we are really giving them the best service that we can at the end of providing them the essential needs that they want,” Umadhay said in an interview with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

Umadhay said the project was initiated by Ilo-Ilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

“He tapped our office to facilitate this program and to the efforts of our team, my team members, we made sure na nadedeliver yung program niya sa (we made sure to deliver Mayor Treñas’ program to the) community,” Umadhay said.

The Ilo-Ilo Pride Team is also gathering donations from the private sector and giving it to barangays that are the most affected by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Uswag Kitchen Patrol program produced a total of 92,749 meals for frontliners from March 20 to May 15.

OWWA: 7,500 OFWs sent home as of Tuesday

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:48:07 GMT

Photo Credit: OWWA Official Facebook Page

The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) says around 7,500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been sent to their home provinces as of Tuesday morning.

OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said his agency expects to send home all 24,000 OFWs by Sunday in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other agencies that will help provide transport for the OFWs.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered OWWA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday to speed up the release of 24,000 OFWs who were stranded in quarantine facilities for more than two months even after testing negative for COVID-19.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya called on local government units (LGUs) to welcome the OFWs back to their home provinces.

Malaya said the LGUs should no longer require OFWs to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine since they were already given quarantine clearance by the DOH. The clearance indicates that they have undergone the comprehensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

Malaya however emphasized that LGUs may quarantine OFWs who failed to provide the necessary documents or papers to certify their COVID-19 status.

Cacdac said the number of repatriated OFWs will increase in the next three to seven days.

Marcoleta’s play vs ABS-CBN hidden deep within his shallow presentation

Wed, 27 May 2020 06:20:24 GMT

26 MAY 2020, in the time of Covid-19, ABS-CBN was finally given its time to present its case before the House of Representatives. In the joint hearing of the Franchise and Good Government Committees, ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak officially brought the rationale why it deserves to be given a franchise before the Lower House, reissuing what it has been saying all along: that the station has not broken any laws; paid its taxes dutifully; the closure of the station negatively affects 11,000 jobs; and deprives the public of its entertainment, news and community service.

On the opposing side was Rodante D. Marcoleta, Representative of the SAGIP Partylist and Deputy Speaker, who let out his own litany of ABS-CBN sins including alleged illegal tax avoidance; unfair labor practices; and violation of the Constitution such as issues with former ABS-CBN president and chairman Gabby Lopez’s citizenship, and that the grant of a franchise is limited to only 50 years which he alleges the station has already passed.

ABS-CBN is confident that it can hurdle these allegations, having done so last February 2020 at the Senate with documents, legal precedents, testimonies and other hard evidence needed to defend itself and counter any wild accusation.

Marcoleta, on the other hand will be hard pressed to prove his allegations because – by his own admission – many of his charges stem from what’s going around in the “usap-usapan” or loose talk in social media and the internet.

But what Marcoleta is banking on is not that the Congressional hearings is a judicial process with strict rules of evidence and objective judges to weigh evidence and make rulings from these. The Congressional hearings are a political process, with 300 plus politicians with their own agendas and interests sitting in judgment.

Deep within Marcoleta’s presentation was the message: that each member of the House must be wary that given back its power, ABS-CBN will rise up and get back at you. Marcoleta paints a picture of a child’s supermarket tantrum, so you buy him that chocolate bar to appease him only to find out later, after the bar is consumed, that he will once again have a tantrum, this time for a toy car on the shelf.

Marcoleta knows this is what’s in every politician’s mind. It isn’t to say that all politicians are corrupt, wanting to hide that kickback or latest junket paid for by lobbyists or taxpayers’ money. But even the straightest, most serious, and hard-working public servant sometimes finds himself on the wrong end of the media’s attention. More often than not – either from ineptitude, laziness, or even coaxing from a rival politician – these politicians find themselves front and center of a controversy when there was supposed to be none. And by the time the truth comes out, the damage has been done.

It’s a real fear. A fear that Marcoleta was playing on, up his sleeve as he made his counter presentation.

ABS-CBN’s Katigbak touched on this in his own presentation, as if to reassure the politicians that the station is amenable to correct its past errors, reform questionable practices. Theirs is not a perfect company, he declared, but granted the privilege to continue with business they vow to work with the government and these political leaders for the common good.

Katigbak stopped short of saying that he will give these politicians a free pass. He cannot and will not, for that would defeat the whole purpose of a true and independent news and public affairs operation which makes up a big portion of his station. Improve its internal processes to ensure fairness and accuracy in its reporting, yes. But never acceding to bowing before corrupt practices. And definitely not giving up the responsibility to speak truth to power.

So how the 300 plus member House of Representatives will conduct itself over the next month or so will depend on their individual consciences weighed against their self and political interests. Some are more transparent than others, their motives and directions more apparent. That should be an interesting show to watch, given that most will opt to be indoors anyway.

One thing’s for sure: Marcoleta will be the thorn on ABS-CBN’s side all throughout these hearings. And why not? He is a member of the powerful Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) whose basic requirement of unquestioned obedience to that church and, most importantly, the church’s leadership is paramount. His political career hinges on that too, as his partylist SAGIP and in his previous congressional terms ALAGAD are acknowledged INC front organizations.

But more importantly, it’s payback time for the INC, for in its 2015 controversy for its alleged expulsion and imprisonment of some of its top members which media extensively covered. ABS-CBN was one of those media organizations, but apparently came out as the strongest due to its reach and popularity.

The World as a Barangay 2020

Wed, 27 May 2020 05:15:04 GMT

Do you consider yourself part of the intellectual elite of this nation? A knowledgeable Filipino? Let us test that. What is the name of your barangay and what zone or political district is it officially a part of? Who is the head of your Barangay — your Barangay Chairperson? By law, how many annual assemblies should a barangay hold and have you attended at least one? By law, how much of your barangay’s funds should go to Gender and Development projects? How much is the regular compensation of the head of your Barangay and the other officials?

See, you may be formally educated or literate (in English, obviously) but you may not be any smarter than the your friendly istambay diyan sa kanto.

Barangay, what? The Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC) sets the barangay as the basic unit of the national polity, the primary planning and implementing agency of government, and as a forum where “the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.” It is thus three in one—a unit of government, an instrument of self-governance, and a community.

First established formally under the Marcos regime to replace the barrios and municipal councils of old, barangays were given more responsibilities and powers under the LGC. There are now 41,995 barangays around the country. Each barangay is headed by a chairperson—not a Kapitan or Tenyente del Baryo, Juan, we are not under a Spanish colonial military government anymore. With the Barangay Chairperson, seven Councilors and one Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) Chairperson comprise the Barangay Council. A Barangay secretary and a treasurer are appointed by the Council.

In the 1970’s, barangay officials used to be volunteers. Now they are “paid” personnel assigned to work on any of these legally set standing committees of the barangay government: Education, Peace and Order, Finance and Ways and Means, Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Infrastructure, Youth and Sports. According to a 2001 UNDP study, Barangays are documented to be concerned about a wide set of issues including, among many others, health care and well-being; food security and nutrition; water and environment protection; income and employment promotion; shelter and infrastructure; peace and public safety; education and literacy; and even representation in national governance units.

What needs to be done, what can we do? The same UNDP study also noted that by virtue of numerous laws and policies, a total of forty committees or organizational structures are to be created and coordinated at the level of and by the barangay. Truly bad sadly, our people have much in law what they lack in reality. What overwhelming responsibilities our barangay officials have by law! And what have we — the supposedly better educated, more literate — done in, for, and with our barangays?

I have been asked a number of times to talk to students and barangay officials on local governance. Let me mention here three key points which I often raise as “tips” in those talks. First, there is need to tap local “elites” or “influencers.” In fact, many of our people, not just the learned and the professionals, have skills and resources which are not being maximized in and for their own communities. Second, studies have shown that there is such willingness on the part of local chief executives to try new tools in governance. We can build on such an interest, enthusiasm, and openness for change.

Third, and very important, case studies show that communities must be made to decide on how resources are used and projects are really implemented. People at the barangay must be made to feel and taught how to “own” their activities to make these development interventions effective and sustainable. In other words, democracy must be planted in the actual practice of governing and managing our barangays.

How about the world? Now, if it is quite difficult to handle even one barangay, much more all forty-one thousand plus of them in our country, can we even start to imagine what it would take to deal with a world that is now seven billion people-strong?

One way to start thinking about the concerns of the whole world is suggested by the Miniature Earth Project (www.miniature-earth.com) . In May 29, 1990, a concise description of the “state of the village” was written by the late biophysicist and environmental scientist Donella Meadows. In this report, the village—or the barangay for us Filipinos—is really the whole world. This narrative was entitled "Who lives in the Global Village?" This description has led to the Miniature Earth Project (MEP).

The MEP reduces the world population—today at 7.5 billion—to a statistically representative 100 people. By doing so, the MEP is able to present the stark reality in which many people live today. It is an effective method to help people put certain issues into perspective and context. In other words, the MEP shows us more clearly the many problems of development in the world today.

The world as a barangay in 2020: a concern for development. The latest data on the state of the global barangay tells us that if we could turn the population of the earth into a small community of 100 people, keeping the same proportions we have today, it would be something like this: 60 Asians, 10 Europeans, 05 North Americans, 09 South America and the Caribbean, 16 Africans. 33 are Christian (Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Anglicans and other Christians), 21 are Muslims, 13 are Hindus, 06 are Buddhists, 1 Sikhs, 1 Jewish, 11 are non-religious, 11 practice other religions, 3 Atheists. We would find that only 6 people in the U.S. own 69% of the entire world’s income, 70 are hungry or malnourished, 21 live on $1.25 a day, 14 can't read, and that there are 75 adults aged 15 and above.

Notably, the village spends US$1.24 trillion on military expenditures but only US$ 100 billion on development aid or humanitarian assistance. Every year the village spends $12 trillion on non-essential stuff like jewelry, gambling and junk food, while the UN estimates it can end world hunger for only $30 billion a year.”

From this perspective, you might be surprised to realize that you are part of the world’s elite. For instance, the MEP perspective tells us that only 7 persons in the world as a “Barangay of 100” would be a college graduate. If that is not being elite, I don’t know what is. The MEP thus reminds us to appreciate what we have, and do our best for a better world.

You and your barangay: a lesson in democracy. Originating in the discipline of town planning, there is an adage that says that we should “Think Global, Act Local.” This phrase has been attributed to Scots town planner and social activist Patrick Geddes.

In our experiences as Filipinos, how do we Think Global, Act Local? To complicate this concern some more, how does one Think Global, Act Local, democratically?

After three decades of being in education and development work, allow me to share a most important lesson which I have come to learn with all humility: I say we start working in, more closely with, and for our barangays. Those of us in urban areas most especially, as I have observed, have to know better our own communities in order to help them.

And help them we can. By learning how to “bike.” As I tell my students — and this I have shared with over a thousand others who have come before them — democracy is much like biking. You can get hurt a lot in biking in the World as a Barangay. You even risk your life engaging in it. But that is really no reason to give up. There is no other choice but to dare to learn how to bike. And you will eventually learn! People will eventually learn the skills for and imbibe the virtues of democracy.

Just like biking, democracy is something you will never learn through lectures inside the classroom. You learn it by doing it—in our barangays, out there in a world that can be made better—under a pandemic or not.

Oh, by the way, doesn’t this global health issue magnify and underscore the point that the world is but one barangay writ large? It is time to more seriously consider this matter and its implications for building a post-pandemic global barangay.

Seized documents to unravel NPA financiers in Surigao Sur: Army

Wed, 27 May 2020 02:31:45 GMT

NPA MATERIALS. Government troops under the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion seize hundreds of materials and important documents in a hideout of the New People’s Army in Sitio Poog, Barangay Maitom, Tandag City on Monday (May 25, 2020). The recovered documents may lead authorities to identify persons or groups that provide financial aid to the communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Documents recently seized by the Philippine Army from communist guerillas in Surigao del Sur may lead authorities in identifying individuals or groups that continue to provide financial means of support to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

Hundreds of propaganda materials and documents that the military said contained high tactical value were seized in an area believed to be a hideout of the NPA in Sitio Poog, Barangay Maitom, Tandag City on Monday, May 25.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, said Tuesday that government troops also recovered personal belongings and war materials.

Romorosa said former rebels helped the government troopers discover the hideout.

In a statement Tuesday, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, said the seized documents may lead to the disclosure of NPA supporters and financiers who are aiding the communist rebellion.

Diagmel said the documents will be processed in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for proper filing of charges against any individuals or groups found to be supporting the NPA's armed rebellion.

“Those who support and give financial aid to the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) are criminally liable,” Diagmel pointed out, specifically cited the provisions of the Republic Act 10168, otherwise known as “The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012," as well as other applicated laws.

Diagmel lauded residents and former rebels for the information that led to the discovery of the hideout.

“This success is an indication that the CNTs are already losing their mass support. With the collaborative efforts of former CNT trusted supporters and former rebels will definitely end this long-decade armed struggle in the province,” Diagmel said.

Romorosa said the materials and personal belongings belong to the members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 1 (SYP 1) of the "weakened" Guerilla Front-30 of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

"The group is headed by a certain Joel Mahinay or alias “Nicko”, he added.

The seized materials include 52 NPA printed sweatshirts, two 50-meter improvised explosive device (IED) wires, four NPA flags, 17 printed tarpaulins of NPA front organizations, 41 NPA checkpoint signage, one base radio, a binocular, a PNP Pershing cap, a handcuff, live ammunition, laptop accessories, medical supplies, revolutionary documents and other vital documents with high intelligence value.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

P12.5-M shabu seized, 4 drug suspects nabbed in Olongapo City

Wed, 27 May 2020 02:26:44 GMT

HUGE HAUL. The confiscated pieces of evidence, including some P12.5-million worth of shabu, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City on Tuesday (May 26, 2020). Four drug suspects were arrested during the operation. (Contributed photo)

OLONGAPO CITY – Some PHP12.5 million worth of shabu was confiscated and four drug suspects were arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Balic-Balic Road, Barangay Sta. Rita, here on Tuesday.

Col. Benjamin Sembrano, director of the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), said a joint buy-bust operation conducted by the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit and City Intelligence Branch led to the arrest of suspects identified as Archie Boy Usenar, John Mark Serica, Jeff Dennon Rivera and Michael Salac, all residents of this city.

Sembrano said confiscated from them were 39 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an approximate weight of 1,250.65 grams and PHP12.5 million street value, and the buy bust money.

He said the arrested suspects and the seized pieces of evidence were brought to the Olongapo City Crime Laboratory Office for appropriate examination.

Sembrano said cases for violation of Section 5, 26B in relation to Section 5 and Section 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 were being prepared against the suspects at the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office.

He lauded the operating team for the confiscation of the biggest drug haul here this year amid the general community quarantine.

“The unwavering efforts of the OCPO to eradicate illegal drug activities will remain steadfast despite the general community quarantine,” he said in a statement. (PNA)

Soldiers locate third NPA lair in remote southern Negros village

Wed, 27 May 2020 02:23:42 GMT

HIDEOUT. Various items, including training materials, have been recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in a New People’s Army hideout in the remote village of Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. Located in Sitio Mabunga, it was the third rebel lair in the barangay to be found by the troops on Sunday (May 24, 2020) after a two-week combat clearing operation. (Photo courtesy of 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) have discovered another hideout of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the remote village of Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, commander of 94IB, said on Tuesday that his men found the lair in Sitio Mabunga, the third in the barangay, on Sunday after a two-week combat clearing operation.

Guzman said the area, which can accommodate about 100 persons, is possibly being used for training of recruits.

The hideout has three security outposts, makeshift classrooms, formation area, assigned battle positions, and other improvised training facilities, as well as a kitchen and barracks.

During the clearing, the soldiers also found a solar panel, training materials, and some documents.

On May 13, troops discovered an NPA hideout in Sitio Bunsad, where they seized an improvised explosive device and ammunition for AK-47 assault rifle.

The other lair was found in Sitio Lower Olitao on May 23, a day after the 94IB soldiers clashed with about 10 communist rebels also in the same village.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the communist-terrorists frequent Barangay Buenavista based on the presence of their hideouts in the village.

“(It) is detrimental to the progress of the barangay and of Himamaylan City as a whole,” Pasaporte added.

In August last year, a soldier was killed while two other officers were wounded in a clash with communist rebels also in Barangay Buenavista.

In the same village, six NPA members were arrested in joint police and military operations in June last year. (PNA)

LRT-2 not yet fully operational next month

Tue, 26 May 2020 12:47:03 GMT

Photo Credit: Light Rail Transit Official Website

The Light Rail Transit Administration (LRTA) said it cannot yet fully operate even if quarantine restrictions are lifted next month.

LRT-2 spokesman Hernan Cabrera said the bidding process for the procurement of the temporary power supply system was affected by the lockdown.

Cabrera added that they aim to restart the bidding process by next month so that they can resume full operations by September or before the end of the year.

“Hopefully by June ay maumpisahan na natin ang bidding hanggang September para masagawa na yung temporary power supply at para magamit na ang Santolan, Katipunan at Anonas stations (we can restart the bidding up to September so we could repair the temporary power supply and use the Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas stations),” Cabrera said.

The LRT-2 suspended operations of Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas stations after a fire damaged its power transformer in October last year.

Cabrera said the LRT-2 will continue with its operations from Recto to Cubao stations and back.

He said they will also observe health protocols against COVID-19, which include mandatory wearing of face masks, the implementation of social distancing measures and limiting the number of commuters in each train car.

Highlights: House Hearing on ABS-CBN Franchise - May 26, 2020

Tue, 26 May 2020 11:27:17 GMT

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises and Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability start hearing on Tuesday the bills granting ABS-CBN a new franchise.

DSWD confirms P94.04 Billion given to 17.52 Million beneficiaries of SAP

Tue, 26 May 2020 11:03:57 GMT

Photo Credit: DSWD Official Website

MANILA, Philippines – Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista on Tuesday said his department has given a total of P94.04 billion to 17.52 million beneficiaries of the social amelioration program (SAP).

Bautista said this constitutes 96.35 percent out of the targeted 18 million beneficiaries of the SAP program.

He also said 1,472 out of 1,634 local

government units (LGUs) have already completed their distributions under the program.

Bautista added that 659 LGUs have already submitted their liquidation reports and 280 LGUs are near completion.

“As a whole, ang makikita natin ngayon sa mga areas ay magwrawrap up na ng payout ang ating mga local na pamahalaan at sabay na rin dito yung pag-ayos nila ng mga liquidation reports (As a whole, we can see that our local government units are wrapping up their payouts and at the same time, they are also handling their liquidation reports),” he said in an interview with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.

Bautista said there will be an allocated budget for waitlisted persons and people who did not receive monetary assistance during the SAP distribution. It is uncertain though when it will be given.

The Social Amelioration Program is a cash emergency subsidy program for families greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ. It is mandated through the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 25, 2020.

No sexual abuse complaints vs. cops in Caraga amid quarantine

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:59:48 GMT

Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., Police Regional Office-13 director. (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) has not received any complaint on sexual harassment against police personnel serving as front-liners amid the community quarantine in the region, an official said Tuesday.

“Record from the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk (RWCPD) reveals that since the start of the quarantine period in Caraga on March 17, 2020, their office has not received any complaint against Caraga cops manning the control points for committing any form of sexual abuses,” said Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., PRO-13 director, amid claims of sexual harassment in other regions.

He said the Philippine National Police (PNP), as one of the members of Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, are tasked to man quarantine checkpoints together with personnel from the Department of Health (DOH), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Esquivel said aside from the support to quarantine checkpoints, police personnel are also involved in securing the distribution of food packs and financial aid to the affected residents.

“If you have any complaints against our policemen committing sexual abuses in quarantine control points in the region, you may immediately report to Women and Children Protection Desk at your local police station,” Esquivel said.

He assured any complaint will be given appropriate action and violators will be meted out the corresponding penalty.

Earlier, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa encouraged victims of alleged sexual abuses by police officers during the lockdowns to file complaints.

Gamboa said the PNP organization will not tolerate any form of physical or sexual abuse against women especially at the time that the country is facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. (PNA)

‘Pusher’ on PDEA watch list nabbed in Tabaco City

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:58:32 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – An alleged notorious drug pusher yielded PHP102,000 worth of suspected shabu when arrested in Tabaco City, Albay province on Monday.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Dennis Benitez said in an interview on Tuesday that the suspect, Ronald Bragais, alias Aldo, 43, of Barangay Tayhi, was caught selling shabu to an undercover PDEA agent in a drug operation at Zone 6, Gen. Luna Street around 5:20 p.m. Monday.

“Confiscated from the suspect were three sachets of shabu weighing 15 grams,” Benitez said.

The suspect whose name was on the PDEA watch list was detained at the agency's custodial facility here, facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Manila’s 3rd most wanted killed in Pangasinan

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:57:25 GMT

DAGUPAN CITY – The top three most wanted of Manila Police District (MPD) was killed after resisting arrest by authorities here early Tuesday.

The suspect was identified as Dante Alvear, 34, resident of Tondo, Manila. He was killed while authorities were about to serve him a warrant of arrest in a rented house in Longos, Barangay Bonuan Boquig here.

Based on the police’s initial investigation, Alvear sensed the arrival of the joint forces from Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Manila Police District and Dagupan City Police to serve the warrant.

He fired at the approaching lawmen prompting them to fire back. Alvear was hit in different parts of his body causing his death, the police said.

Authorities recovered a.45-caliber pistol, four sachets of dried marijuana leaves and one hand grenade.

Alvear is the leader of the Balong Drug Group, known to operate in Metro Manila.

The police said he has been laying low in Dagupan City for more than a year after killing two policemen and one barangay councilman in Manila.

He eventually fled from the city and rented a house here. Apparently, he only returned to Manila once in a while to manage his drug business.

Police are still investigating whether he has established drug links here. (PNA)

Fake cop nabbed in Cebu

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:55:31 GMT

(Photo courtesy of IMEG)

MANILA – The anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a man for posing as a police officer in Cebu.

In a press statement late Monday, Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (IMEG) chief, Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, identified the suspect as Ruel Abella, 33, who was arrested along with his 16-year-old neighbor during an operation around 11:50 pm on Sunday in Barangay Lutopan in Toledo City.

Abella was placed under investigation after officers from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Cebu Police Provincial Office reported that he introduced himself as a PNP-IMEG operative.

“We got a complaint that the suspect questioned the legality of the local police’s conduct of Oplan Katok and bravely introduced himself as an IMEG Visayas Field Unit member and even showed his identification card,” said Lee.

Upon confirming that the suspect is not a legitimate police officer, the Police Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) and the IMEG Visayas Field Unit conducted the operation which led to his arrest.

Abella yielded a .45-caliber pistol with serial no. 261758, a magazine with seven live ammunition, and a hand grenade. The suspect’s Honda Mio scooter was impounded by the Cebu police.

The teen acquaintance of the suspect was arrested when he tried to flee while Abella was being arrested. Recovered from him were two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu.

NBI to probe release of 2 suspects in Clark illegal hospital

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:53:57 GMT

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will probe the release of two foreigners who were arrested for operating an underground hospital in Clark, Pampanga, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Tuesday.

"These two foreign nationals should have been brought to the inquest prosecutor instead of being released. If this is true, I will ask the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to step in and do its own investigation, and instruct the BI (Bureau of Immigration) to look out for them," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a press statement.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) earlier identified the suspects as Hu Ling and Lee Seung Hyun, the supervisor and pharmacist of the facility, respectively. They were both released on the same day of their arrest.

Guevarra clarified that while a Supreme Court ruling has disallowed hold departure orders or watchlist orders previously being issued by the DOJ, it does not preclude the agency from issuing an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO), which he said "is a mere travel monitoring order".

"If the BI finds that the subject nationals have pending immigration or criminal cases, they may be stopped from leaving immediately," Guevarra said.

The hospital that was raided on May 19 exclusively treated Chinese workers afflicted with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The villa which operates the illegal facility is under the exclusive control of Shidaikeji Technology Corp. (STC), a “support service company to (a) POGO [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator],”

Authorities found seven beds, several trash bins full of syringes, medicines, and medical supplies during the raid. (PNA)

239 stranded Soccsksargen OFWs, dependents return home

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:52:27 GMT

SCREENING. Health workers prepare the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from parts of Region 12 (Soccksargen) for profiling and mandatory health screening upon arrival at the General Santos City airport late Monday afternoon (May 25, 2020). A total of 239 OFWs and dependents who were stranded in Metro Manila were flown home aboard two “sweeper” flights of Air Asia arranged by the national government. (Photo grab from the Facebook page of the Municipal Health Office of Alabel, Sarangani province)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Some 239 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and dependents from parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen who were stranded in Metro Manila due to the heightened community quarantine finally returned home on Monday through “sweeper” flights commissioned by the national government.

Edgardo Cueto, manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here, said Tuesday the returning residents separately arrived at the city international airport aboard two Air Asia aircraft.

He said the first flight landed around 5:45 p.m. with 100 adults and two infants on board while the second arrived past 10 p.m. with 136 adult passengers and an infant.

Cueto said the two “sweeper” flights were among the three originally scheduled to arrive on Monday as arranged by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Transportation.

He said the third flight via Philippine Airlines was canceled reportedly due to problems with some documentary requirements.

“All these (flights) were arranged for stranded OFWs from Region 12,” he told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

Upon arrival, Cueto said all passengers underwent profiling and health screening before they were turned over to representatives from their respective local government units (LGUs).

He said they were then directly transported to their localities through vehicles arranged by the LGUs based on the protocol.

The overseas workers failed to return home following the suspension of domestic flights in mid-March in the wake of the implementation of Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

They were included in the special flights after completing the mandatory quarantine, testing negative for Covid-19, and issued with a letter of acceptance by concerned local government units (LGUs).

Some LGUs subjected the returning overseas workers to rapid diagnostic tests for Covid-19 before they were brought to the designated isolation or quarantine facilities. In this city, the local government accommodated the OFWs in pension houses.

Limuel Portado, one of the OFWs from this city, said in a radio interview that he was stranded in Manila after arriving from Russia last March 26.

He was initially accommodated at an OWWA shelter and later transferred along with other stranded workers to a hotel.

“They provided us with food supplies and other necessary support during our quarantine,” he said.

But Portado said some of them turned depressed because of their two-month ordeal in Metro Manila.

He said they were later told that they can already go home after turning out negative for Covid-19 based on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test facilitated by the Philippine Red Cross and Philippine Coast Guard, he said.

“I’m very happy that our ordeal was over and we’re now home. I’m excited to see my family again after this quarantine,” he added. (PNA)

333 OFWs arrive in Mindanao via sweeper flights

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:51:06 GMT

RETURNING HOME. Wearing protective suits, government personnel assist the returning overseas Filipino workers upon arriving at the Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, before going to their respective hometowns in Mindanao on Monday (May 26, 2020). Two sweeper flights flew in the 333 OFWs who were stranded in Metro Manila to Mindanao after spending more than two months following the declaration of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. (PNA photo by Jigger J. Jerusalem)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three hundred thirty-three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded in Luzon following the coronavirus disease lockdown arrived through “sweeper flights” that landed at the Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, on Monday.

The OFWs arrived in two separate flights: the Air Asia Airbus A320 planes that brought 155 OFWs landed at the airport at 3:35 p.m., while the 10:15 p.m. flight ferried 178 workers, said Job de Jesus, manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in the region.

The passengers had their temperatures checked and went through sanitation before stepping into the airport terminal, he said. Nobody in the afternoon flight showed symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) such as fever, chills and cough, De Jesus added.

De Jesus said that the returning OFWs also underwent the same health protocols prior to their flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Petrona Bergado, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-10 (OWWA-10) regional director, said the returning OFWs come from Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regions.

Bergado said more than 500 OFWs from all over Mindanao, including Monday’s arrivals, passed through the region’s ports of entry at the Macabalan wharf and Laguindingan Airport since April.

Bergado assured the returning OFWs have gone through the required 14-day quarantine while staying in Manila and were already tested for coronavirus.

“They have with them their RT-PCR test results and they have already complied with the quarantine procedure,” she said, adding it is up to the local governments if they will still subject their returning residents to a quarantine once they get home.

The RT-PCR refers to the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, a method used by health specialists to detect the presence of coronavirus in a person’s body. Bergado said OWWA has paid for the plane tickets of the returning OFWs.

Martin Visabella Jr., 47, from Dipolog City, said he arrived in the Philippines on March 16 after being told to go home by his employer. He worked as a hotel crew of a cruise ship based in San Francisco, California, in the United States.

He said his annual leave was supposed to be on May 24 but he was ordered to return to the country before his scheduled vacation.

Visabella said he and other OFWs stayed at the New Clark City Athletes Village in Capas, Tarlac for two weeks, and was made to undergo another 14-day quarantine once they arrived in Metro Manila.

He said he had to grapple with boredom while on quarantine, adding: “It was very strict. We just stayed in our rooms, but we followed the rules.”

Bergado said many of the overseas workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic have also availed of the labor department’s financial aid.

In Northern Mindanao, at least PHP16 million was already given out to the OFWs who were displaced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bergado said that there are around 24,000 OFWs who are still in quarantine facilities all over the Philippines, as the government is awaiting the return of 40,000 more from other countries.

She also said OFWs are expected to arrive in the region’s ports before proceeding to their destinations in other parts of Mindanao from Monday until Wednesday (May 27).

She said 29 OFWs from the city and 35 from Misamis Oriental were turned over to their respective local government authorities, while those from other areas outside the region have to stay in Cagayan de Oro for the night while waiting for the transport vehicles to take them home. (PNA)

Talisay mayor: Covid-19 cases to increase

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:46:04 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Samsam Gullas Official Facebook Page

Talisay City mayor Samsam Gullas says he expects more patients to come out as COVID-19 positive in the coming days.

“I cannot say for the fact that there will be no more positive cases. Even if we are on GCQ (general community quarantine), MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), or we transition to the new normal,” said Gullas in a video on his official Facebook page.

The mayor says more cases are expected to be recorded since massive contact tracing activities are being conducted.

“As a matter of fact majority sa nag-positive (who turned positive) over the weekend kay nag-positive ang atong gi-swab sa contact tracing sa mga napositive sa una (were individuals we swabbed during contact tracing from the previous positive patients),” he explained.

Gullas says contact tracing revealed that Patient 8 infected 2 individuals and Patient 10 infected 6 others, including Patients 11 and 13, 14, and Patient 9.

All those who were swab-tested but are waiting for their results are under isolation.

Gullas says apart from contact tracing, local health personnel have also been checking on barangay residents for symptoms of Influenza-like illnesses (ILI), a category of diseases that COVID-19 is under. Two residents from Barangay Cansojong were earlier tagged as having ILI symptoms and later turned out positive for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Sitios Magay and Tugang in Barangay Tangke have already been locked down following the increase of covid cases in the areas. Tangke is one of the heavily populated sections of the city.

Gullas assures that after quarantine is lifted he will designate zones in every barangay and identify densely populated areas.

As of May 26, Talisay city has 26 positive cases. The number rose over the weekend. Eighteen cases have been reported since Friday.

Talisay’s first positive case was reported in late March and the second a month after. The city has since closed its borders from neighboring Cebu City, where over 2,000 cases have already been confirmed.

Talisay remains under MECQ while most of Cebu is under GCQ status. The mayor earlier opted to shift to MECQ instead of GCQ after the number of positive cases rose in his city.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 26)

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:32:03 GMT

The Department of Health reports 350 new COVID-19 cases, 13 new deaths and 89 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 14,669.

Mo Twister is now engaged to long-time girlfriend Angelicopter

Tue, 26 May 2020 08:54:28 GMT

Photo Credit: DJ Mo Twister Instagram Account

MANILA — Mohan “DJ Mo Twister” Gumatay and Angelika “Angelicopter” Schmeing are now engaged.

Their engagement happened on the Friday episode of their podcast “Good Times with Mo.”

For the surprise engagement, Mo’s accomplice, who is actually one of the producers of the podcast, pretended to be “Karla,” a caller from the Philippines, who spun a tale that rings similarly to the life of the couple.

Everything becomes clear when Karla said: "You know, I just want him to say one thing. I just wish he'd say this line: 'Angelika, would you take this ring and say yes to being Mohan's wife?'"

After the trick was finally revealed, Angelika turned emotional as she quipped: "Of course, Babe!"

Last Saturday, May 23, Mo posted a photo of his soon-to-be-wife wearing an engagement ring.

“She woke up like this. Early morning GTWM Podcast episode with the rock of our family, the prized jewel of my heart, the beauty with the diamond eyes…,” Twister shared in the caption of his Instagram post.

Now based in the United States, the long-time sweethearts have a beautiful daughter.

NBA officially plans to restart season in July

Tue, 26 May 2020 08:48:15 GMT

Photo Credit: NBA Official Facebook Page

ORLANDO, Florida – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced plans to restart the 2019-2020 regular season in Disney World Orlando in late June.

The NBA on Saturday, May 23 said it is in talks with the Walt Disney Company about the restart.

"The NBA, in conjunction with the National Basketball Players Association, is engaged in exploratory conversations with The Walt Disney Company about restarting the 2019-20 NBA season in late July at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida as a single site for an NBA campus for games, practices and housing," said NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass.

He added that the NBA prioritizes the health and safety of everyone involved and are in cooperation with public health experts and government officials in making a comprehensive set of guidelines for appropriate medical protocols and protections.

The NBA league will be using only one venue for the games for the safety of the teams. It chose the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Disney World Orlando, saying it is an ideal place to house all 30 teams given its size and infrastructure.

The NBA is still mired in debate on how to restart the season. The front offices of each team will make proposals about the matter and will be decided upon by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver with guidance from public health professionals.

The number of players, coaches, and staff that will be participating from each team is yet to be determined.

MRT-3 asks commuters to embrace new normal

Tue, 26 May 2020 06:29:38 GMT

Photo Taken: February 19, 2020 (File Photo)

The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) administration has called on commuters to embrace the new normal when it resumes operations by June 1.

Director for Operations of the MRT-3 Michael Capati said commuters will be required to wear face masks inside the trains and while queuing outside and inside the train stations.

Capati added that social distancing measures will be implemented. This may lead to long queues in every station and a limit in the number of passengers being allowed on the trains.

“Dapat may social distancing sa baba sa pila at sa platform at sa loob ng tren – ibig sabihin rin nito ay sa dating 1,200 na passenger capacity per train ay magiging 153 na lamang,” Capati said.

The MRT-3 will also deploy train marshalls, security guards and other employees to enforce social distancing measures and other health protocols inside the train stations.

Capati said the new normal in MRT-3 operations is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for mass transportation systems.

Capati emphasized that commuters can expect the trains to be faster since MRT-3 personnel conducted maintenance and rehabilitation on the train system during the two-month lockdown in Metro Manila.

Capati reiterated that the MRT-3 will prohibit passengers who are 21 years old and below, pregnant women and elderly from using the trains as stated under the IATF guidelines.

DILG tells LGUs to accept OFWs

Tue, 26 May 2020 06:26:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency Official Website

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año warned local government chief executives against refusing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that were sent home from Metro Manila.

“Huwag na huwag tatanggihan. Sa mga local government units na masyadong mahigpit at lumalabag na sa ating panuntunan, I am warning you na stop niyo ‘yan (Never refuse them. I am warning LGUs who are too strict and are violating guidelines, stop it) ,” Año said.

He added that LGUs should not use their zero COVID-19 case status as an excuse for refusing returning OFWs. He further said such an act violates the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the directives of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I myself make it sure na hahamunin ko kayo sapagkat hindi ‘yan in accordance sa Bayanihan Act at sa pinag-uutos ng ating mahal na pangulo. We will make sure na uuwi ‘yan sila (I myself will make sure that I will challenge you as refusal is not in accordance with the Bayanihan act and with the president’s orders),” he said.

Año assured LGUs that the OFWs allowed by the national government to go home have tested negative for COVID-19 and have secured quarantine clearances from the Department of Health (DOH).

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez made online noise on Monday as he criticized the national government over lack of coordination on the Balik Probinsya program.

Gomez said he was surprised by the number of arrivals under the program. He said his government has been strictly enforcing checkpoints to keep his city COVID-19 free.

Año said he has already talked with Gomez and claimed that the mayor received wrong information about the program. He however said the DILG’s mandate for LGUs on the Balik Probinsya program was already cleared with Gomez.

He said the case of Gomez is an isolated one.

Highlights: President Duterte’s May 25, 2020 Address

Tue, 26 May 2020 05:33:14 GMT

WATCH: President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he wants classes to remain suspended until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.

3 'drug dealers' nabbed, P320-K shabu seized in Zamboanga

Tue, 26 May 2020 02:26:35 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Law enforcement authorities have arrested three suspected drug dealers and seized PHP320,000 worth of illegal drugs in separate law enforcement operations in this city and Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Monday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Argen Quilap-Quilap, 29; Antonio Ignacio, 42; and, Jomas Casalta, 33.

Galvez said that Quilap-Quilap and Ignacio were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 8:20 p.m. Sunday in Unity Drive, Barangay Tetuan here.

Quilap-Quilap and Ignacio yielded some PHP120,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in 10 heat-sealed plastic sachets and PHP500 marked money consisting of five PHP100 bills, police said.

Galvez said Casalta was arrested by a joint team of police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives in a buy-bust operation around 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay East Poblacion, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte.

Police said Casalta yielded some PHP200,000 worth of suspected shabu, PHP500 marked money, PHP460 cash of different denominations, and illegal drug paraphernalia.

Galvez said the suspects were detained to face charges in violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

Duterte orders NBI to probe supplier of overpriced test kits

Tue, 26 May 2020 02:25:21 GMT

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate “very carefully” the overpricing of Covid-19 testing kits by a local supplier.

“NBI should study the matter very, very carefully kasi alam mo...itong mga p*t*ng*n*ng mga negosyanteng ‘to (because you know, these businessmen) whether it’s really an issue of humanity and their greed,” Duterte said in a meeting with top officials late Monday night.

He also warned businessmen against hoarding especially during the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"‘Yung hoarding na ‘yan no, you cannot, it’s part of the business practices which you may call not even obnoxious, it’s repulsive to the human mind when you start to think about it,” he said.

He said the national government would "act accordingly" and tackle the issue in a legal manner.

"But let's look at it on what it is legally, sans the maybe 'yung mga suspicion," Duterte said.

Earlier, former Health Secretary now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin called on Duterte to order an investigation of a ”very enterprising” couple for being linked to the overpricing of Covid-19 testing kits and machines.

Garin claimed that the couple has been operating to make it difficult for the private sector to access testing equipment and supplies unless they agree to purchase overpriced testing materials from them.

She added that the couple has been allegedly hoarding testing kits and had “exclusive distributorship” privilege.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, in the meeting with Duterte, said he did not personally know the couple amid allegations that he centralized all the purchases of test kits and machines through the Omnibus Corporation.

The couple was later identified as Van William and Emily Co.

Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Lao said the Cos owns Omnibus Corp., distributor of Sansure Biotech.

However, he said Omnibus Corp. did not win the bidding because they were selling equipment and supplies at a higher price.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said profiteering can be penalized under the Price Act and Bayanihan Law.

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Lacson said the Department of Health (DOH) procured 10 nucleic acid extractor machines at PHP4 million each which is more than half the price of the same machines bought by Project Ark, a private sector pushing rapid antibody testing kits, which were priced at PHP1.75 million.

He also pointed out that the DOH bought a swabbing system priced twice as their common price. (PNA)

DOLE-7, Cebu City gov’t to give livelihood kits to 400 vendors

Tue, 26 May 2020 02:20:23 GMT

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella. (File photo by Cebu City PIO)

CEBU CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas will distribute PHP20,000 worth of livelihood assistance kits to 400 vendors in this city who have been displaced due to the continuing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Mayor Edgardo Labella announced on Monday that the livelihood assistance kits will comprise starter implements for different projects like carpentry, dressmaking, and steel works, among others.

The distribution, he said, will be held from Tuesday until Thursday at the Plaza Independencia.

Labella said the city government asked for the help of Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) in seeking assistance from DOLE.

“Gipaningkamutan nato nga mahatag gyod ang ayuda sa mga vendors nga nawagtangan sa ilang panginabuhian labi na nga lakip sila sa mga labing nagkinahanglan (We exerted effort that such assistance can be given to the vendors who have lost their livelihood more so that they now badly need it),” Labella said.

He said the distribution will be headed by Raquel Arce, chief of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team of the Cebu City Hall.

In order to ensure safe physical distancing, Arce’s team will only cater to 100 vendor-beneficiaries per day during the three-day distribution of the livelihood kits.

The remaining 100 vendors, who are senior citizens, will get their livelihood kits on Friday. Arce’s team will deliver the kits to their respective houses.

Arce reminded the vendors to observe the strict protocols of the Department of Health and the city government in receiving their livelihood kits at the distribution center, now that Cebu City is still under the state of enhanced community quarantine.

The Cebu City public information office has released the names and schedule of distribution for the 400 city vendors. (PNA)

Villar to DSWD & NEDA: Identify All Beneficiaries of Government Cash Aid

Mon, 25 May 2020 11:48:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia A Villar Official Facebook Page

Senator Cynthia Villar has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to clearly identify all the beneficiaries of the government’s cash aid program.

She said confusion in the classification of income classes caused the discrepancy in the figures presented to the senators during the session of the Senate’s Committee of the Whole last May 19.

“Even if I have issued an apology about my remarks, I am still waiting for an explanation from the DSWD and NEDA about my inquiry to them to clearly identify the recipients or beneficiaries of the government’s cash aid. I found some inconsistencies and discrepancies in the figures they presented,” said Villar.

The senator earlier asked DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista to explain how the department came up with the 18 million beneficiaries it identified in its report, which supposedly represented 82 percent of the population.

Villar asked the DSWD and NEDA to explain in writing how beneficiaries are determined. She also wanted to clarify also if those earning above P19,000 a month were included among the beneficiaries.

“They have to disclose who the beneficiaries are. I have no problem if they included the middle income earners as long as they are qualified. The intended beneficiaries should be the ones to receive the cash aid and figures should add up,” said Villar.

Villar highlighted that the only basis for cash assistance is the list of people under the 4Ps or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the government. Around 4.5 million families are in the said list.

Secretary Bautista admitted his department allowed local government units (LGUs) to identify the other beneficiaries.

“There are so many people who have been complaining that they did not receive any cash aid. How did the local government and barangay officials identify the beneficiaries not determined by the DSWD? We want that disclosed so people will understand if they are among the intended beneficiaries or not,” the senator said.

Villar said senators have oversight functions and need to monitor disbursement of government funds. Regular briefings and meetings with the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) are part of this function. “There is the so-called check and balance between the executive and the legislative branches of the government. I would be remiss in my mandate as a senator if I will not inquire about or question some government actions or policies,” Villar cited.

She further noted that government resources are not infinite and will run out sooner or later. “The end of the pandemic is not yet in sight. Thus, the long-term sustainability of funds is important.”

COVID-19 in numbers (May 25)

Mon, 25 May 2020 10:34:31 GMT

The Department of Health reports 284 new COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths and 74 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 14,319.

Online child exploitation reports in PH surge amid Covid-19: DOJ

Mon, 25 May 2020 10:11:24 GMT

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said reports of online sexual exploitation of children increased by 264 percent as the country is battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement, the agency's Office of Cybercrime (OOC) said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recorded a total of 279,166 cases from its Cyberline Trip Report (CTR) hotline from March 1 to May 24, from 76,561 reports during the same period last year.

The NCMEC is a private and non-profit corporation in the United States whose mission is to reduce child exploitation and help find missing children.

It is authorized to receive reports from electronic service providers, such as Facebook, Gmail, and Yahoo!, and notifies the DOJ every time a report for online sexual exploitation of children where either the offended party or the offender is located in the Philippines is received.

Depending on the actual sexual acts and exploitation committed against a child, investigators and prosecutors use laws, such as Republic Act (RA) No. 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364, and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in indicting persons.

The DOJ said the "increase in NCMEC CTRs is attributable to the fact that during the ECQ, strict home quarantine is observed in all households, and internet usage surges as people stay home".

The number, however, includes multiple CTRs on the same content, misleading digital images such as nude photos of children generated by their parents and/or children in good faith or inaccurate reporting by electronic communication service providers.

Citing figures from the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC), the DOJ said that from March 15 to May 21, there have been 22 referrals from the CTRs resulting in the arrest of seven suspects and the rescue of 34 children in 10 operations.

These were filed in the Prosecution Offices of Caloocan City, Taguig City, Angeles City, Pampanga, and Butuan City, and on trial at Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.

Undersecretary Markk Perete, Undersecretary-in-charge of the DOJ-OOC, said there is a need for internet service providers (ISPs) to install available technology, program, or software to ensure that access to or transmittal of any form of child pornography will be blocked or filtered. (PNA)

Pampanga SK Councils provide venues for online classes

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:29:53 GMT

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils in Pampanga have set up venues with internet access for students taking online classes.

SK Federation President Gabriel Lacson said this project will provide assistance for students who are struggling with internet connection and accessibility.

“After the enhanced community quarantine was implemented, nagkaroon po tayo ng maraming problems (we had a lot of problems) especially among students with regards to their internet connection,” he said in an interview with Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday, May 25.

Lacson also said the internet access venues are being operated through the barangays.

“We are for continuous learning during the pandemic. However, we believe that the welfare of our students should be given importance,” he added.

Lacson said initial funding came from SK officials of Pampanga. As of today, May 25, organizations from the private sector have joined to help fund the project.

Malacañang: Duque still enjoys Duterte’s trust and confidence

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:16:17 GMT

File Photo

Malacañang has clarified that Health Secretary Francisco Duque continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president. Habang hindi pa natatanggal, mayroon pa pong trust and confidence (while they are still in office, they still enjoy his trust and confidence),” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said during the May 25 Laging Handa virtual press briefing.

Roque however emphasized that Duterte can easily remove erring cabinet members.

Rumors circulated that Duterte is looking for Duque’s replacement after senators and other sectors called for the health secretary's resignation.

Duque is being criticized for his allegedly poor handling of the COVID-19 response and reports of overpricing in the procurement of medical equipment.

President Duterte has ordered an investigation into the allegations.

Duterte appointed Duque as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in February 2017 and as DOH secretary on October 25, 2017.

PhilHealth: No loss of P8.5 billion to overpriced COVID test kits

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:12:26 GMT

Photo Credit: PhilHealth Official Website

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) denied that it is losing P8.5 billion to overpriced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test kits.

PhilHealth president Ricardo Morales said they have not yet paid any COVID-19 claims since the disease hit the country in March 2020.

“Wala pang binabayaran ang PhilHealth sa COVID-19 claims. So, hindi totoo yang may loss na P8.5 billion (Philhealth never paid any COVID-19 claims so it can’t be true that we lost P8.5 billion). How can we suffer a loss? We have not paid anything yet,” Morales said during the Laging Handa press briefing.

Morales blamed market forces for the alleged overpricing of test kits. Some hospitals procured test kits at P8,150 while others at P2,700 only.

Morales added that the overpricing of COVID-19 test kits will not happen under his watch. He emphasized that they hired a third party agency that constantly monitors the prices of the test kits in the market.

He said they expect test kits to be cheaper by July or October this year.

PhilHealth received criticism after some legislators claimed that the state-run corporation is paying for overpriced COVID-19 test kits and causing an unnecessary depletion of its resources.

Morales said the Philippines can still support the expenses of all who got infected with COVID-19 this year. He however adds resources may be depleted by next year.

“Kung kayo ay magkasakit ng COVID, sasagutin ng PhilHealth ang iyong paggamot. Kung kayo ay indigent, sasagutin lahat ng PhilHealth ngunit mag ingat na hindi mahawa upang hindi ma-drain ang pondo ng PhilHealth upang hindi rin mabigat sa ating health system (Philhealth will pay for your treatment if you are sick with COVID or indigent; but we need to be careful and avoid infection in order to avoid draining Philhealth’s funds and overwhelming our health system),” he said.

Morales added that PhilHealth records on the payment of COVID-19 test kits are open to anybody.

Coronavirus: Is it safe to swim in a pool, lake or the ocean?

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:07:27 GMT

Photo Credit: Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH

(tca/dpa) - Summer always means water, whether it's an ocean, lake, river, swimming pool or hot tub. But now that we're worrying more about germs, it's natural to wonder: Will this season's swimming, surfing, floating and soaking be as safe as it used to be?

Yes, many experts say.

"There is no data that somebody got infected this way (with coronavirus)," said professor Karin B. Michels, chair of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Epidemiology, in a recent interview.

"I can't say it's absolutely 100-per-cent zero risk, but I can tell you that it would never cross my mind to get Covid-19 from a swimming pool or the ocean," said Paula Cannon, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at USC's Keck School of Medicine. "It's just extraordinarily unlikely that this would happen."

On web pages giving pandemic advice, the federal Centers for Disease Control say, "There is no evidence that the virus that causes Covid-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas."

As both professors noted, the chlorine in most swimming pools is enough to inactivate the virus. The US Masters Swimming organization makes the same point in its coronavirus briefing for frequent pool swimmers.

As for rivers, lakes and the ocean, experts say there are no known cases of Covid-19 transmission through those bodies of water. Also, the outdoors is understood to pose less risk than indoors because of free air flow.

Surfrider Foundation staff scientist Katie Day has written, "Similar coronaviruses (to Covid-19) have been shown to remain viable and infectious, at least temporarily, in natural freshwater environments including lakes and streams." But researchers say they aren't sure if it's possible for humans to contract Covid-19 that way.

Even if it was theoretically possible, "I'm not concerned about the ocean and large lakes," Michels said. "The dilution effect is so humongous that I don't think there is a risk that anybody gets infected this way."

Said Cannon: "You'd have to probably drink the entire lake to get an infectious dose of the coronavirus."

Some viruses do make their home in faecal matter carried into the sea with other sewage; that's why Southern California beaches often are closed immediately after rains. But research so far shows that Covid-19's principal means of transmission is respiratory, not fecal-oral.

So far, scientists say, there is no data suggesting that the Covid-19 virus remains viable in saltwater. They're also not sure if the virus remains infectious once it has been through a human digestive system or a wastewater treatment plant.

"The virus really likes being 37 degrees Centigrade (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in human saliva. It likes to be warm and wet," said Cannon. "Obviously, it can survive outside the body, but the clock is ticking as soon as it leaves our body."

In an analysis of fecal matter from several Covid-19 cases in the journal Nature, no samples were found to be infectious.

As the Surfrider Foundation noted in a recent briefing for surfers, Kim Prather, Scripps Institution of Oceanography researcher, is working on a National Science Foundation project to look for the Covid-19 virus in sea-spray droplets in coastal waters that receive regular sewage flows.

"Clearly, more research is needed on this particular virus," Prather said in April, "to determine whether it loses infectiousness through sewage treatment and exposure to air, sunlight and water."

Rather than worry about coronavirus in water, UCLA's Michels and USC's Cannon said, swimmers should stay well separated and take care before and after entering the pool, lake, river or sea.

"I would be more concerned about touching the same lockers or surfaces in the changing room or on the benches outside the pool. Those are higher risk than the water itself," Michels said. "The other thing is you have to maintain distance. ... More distance is always better."

At least one other potential threat in the water whose prevalence is confirmed by data: drowning.

Long before the pandemic began, the CDC was estimating 10 unintentional drowning deaths per day in the United States. Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates 320,000 drowning deaths per year.

If you're on your own in a pool, lake or the sea, Cannon said, "You're way more likely to drown than get Covid."

Japan set to lift coronavirus emergency as cases slow

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:03:38 GMT

Motorists make their way through Ginza avenue in Tokyo on May 25, 2020. Japan's prime minister was expected later on May 25 to lift the state of emergency in the Tokyo region, after last week lifting it for the region around Osaka and Kyoto. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP

Tokyo, Japan - Japan was poised to lift its nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus on Monday, gradually reopening the world's third-biggest economy after new cases slowed to a crawl.

Compared with hard-hit areas in Europe, the United States, Russia and Brazil, Japan has been spared the worst of the pandemic, with 16,581 cases in total and 830 deaths.

Yet with infections threatening to run out of control, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared an initial state of emergency for Tokyo and six other regions on April 7 -- later expanding it to cover the entire country.

Businesses and schools were urged to shut and people were requested to remain home but Japan's "lockdown" was far softer than in other parts of the world and there was no punishment for anyone flouting the rules.

Citizens largely heeded the orders, with most of Tokyo's famously packed streets falling quiet, and the number of new infections has fallen from a peak of around 700 per day to just a few dozen nationally.

"It was acknowledged that the state of emergency measure was not necessary for all the prefectures and the declaration for lifting (the state of emergency) was approved," said Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of the virus response.

Abe was expected to confirm the decision formally at a news conference at 6 pm (0900 GMT).

There does not appear to be one single reason why the pandemic has hit Japan as hard as other comparable countries, and trying to pinpoint possible causes has become a favourite sport on social media.

High levels of hygiene and general health, removing shoes indoors, widespread masks, bowing as a greeting rather than shaking hands or kissing: all have been advanced as possible reasons but analysts agree there has been no silver bullet.

- Recession and deflation -

Japan has come under fire for a relatively low level of testing with around 270,000 carried out, the lowest per capita rate in the group of seven advanced economies, according to Worldometer.

But Japanese authorities insist that mass testing was never their strategy, as cases remained low enough to rely on aggressive contact tracing to contain clusters.

Nevertheless, testing has been ramped up in recent weeks as authorities warn of a possible next wave of the virus that could overwhelm their previous strategy.

Medical facilities are also being boosted after horror stories of coronavirus victims being unable to find a suitable hospital bed -- mainly for administrative reasons as only certain establishments are designated to deal with the virus.

Although the human toll has been less severe than in other parts of the world, the economy -- already struggling from the effects of natural disasters and a consumption tax hike -- has suffered.

The world's third-largest economy has plunged into its first recession since 2015, data published last week showed, shrinking by 0.9 percent in the first quarter.

With economic activity slowing to a crawl, the spectre of deflation is looming again, with consumer prices in March logging their first drop in more than three years.

In a bid to stem the damage, Abe has ordered a mass handout of 100,000 yen ($930) per person, part of a stimulus package worth around $1 trillion.

Coronavirus has also taken its toll politically, with polls showing support for Abe falling rapidly -- a recent survey for the Asahi Shimbun suggested backing had dropped to 29 percent, the lowest since he took office in 2012.

He performed a rare U-turn on the cash handouts -- initially announcing an entirely different policy -- and is seen to have bungled another signature move involving the distribution of two masks per household, which attracted widespread mockery.

ric/sah/qan

Army’s 6ID probes Maguindanao blast that killed 2 children

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:53:03 GMT

Google map of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – The military here launched an investigation following Sunday’s alleged mortar blast that killed two children and wounded over a dozen others in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., the spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the probe came about to clear issues implicating the 6ID to the incident.

“We have no troops operating in the area, specifically on the village where the incident happened,” Vilchez said over radio DXMY here Monday.

He added that the 6ID has not launched any offensive on any part of Maguindanao on Sunday, especially since the province and the rest of the Islam faithful in the country silently celebrated Eid’l Fitr — the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan amid the health crisis.

“An initial report we have received is that it was an improvised explosive device that exploded, but we are still looking into it,” Vilchez said.

On Sunday, two kids, aged 10 and seven, were killed while 14 others were injured as an alleged 81-mm mortar projectile hit several houses in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan around 4 p.m. Sunday.

The fatalities were identified as Aslamiya Tambak, 10, and her sister Asnaida, 7, both of Barangay Kitango and daughters of Sayid Tambak, an employee of the municipal government.

Town Administrator Musib Tan said the younger Asnaida died on the spot while Aslamiya died after a few hours at the hospital.

“The victims were watching television when the explosion occurred,” Tan said in a separate radio interview. He said the children’s mother, identified as Noraisa Tambak, 40, together with 13 others, including several children, were wounded in the blast.

“At least three houses were hit by the blast,” Tan said, quoting a report from the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office.

Vilchez identified their military unit in the area as that of the 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB) that has been battling the Daesh-inspired Karialan faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the interiors of the municipality.

“The 57IB has detachments in Barangays Ilian and Lower Salbu of the municipality but not in the village of Kitango,” Vilchez said. (PNA)

Cotabato City mayor’s secretary shot dead

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:51:21 GMT

CRIME SCENE. The eatery where Aniceto Rasalan was shot dead on Monday along Notre Dame Avenue. The city official was having breakfast when approached by the gunmen who shot him at close range. (Photo courtesy of Rasul Ismael)

COTABATO CITY – Unidentified gunmen shot dead the spokesperson of the Cotabato City government while taking his breakfast at a roadside eatery here Monday morning.

Rolen Balquin, chief of the Cotabato City Public Safety Office, said Aniceto Rasalan, 58, secretary of Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, was shot while taking his breakfast at the Se Hua Carinderia along Notre Dame Avenue, Cotabato City at past 7 a.m.

“Rasalan was alone when shot dead," Balquin said.

Balquin said Rasalan was shot in the head by two motorcycle-riding men. He was declared dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.

Rasalan, a former journalist, survived an attempt against his life in 2015. He was driving a van heading for work when two men onboard a motorbike came close to the driver’s side and shot him. He was hit in the face in the July 2015 shooting. (PNA)

2 men yield drugs, grenade at checkpoint in Sultan Kudarat

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:49:30 GMT

SEIZED EXPLOSIVE. The grenade found inside the vehicle of two drug suspects arrested at a checkpoint in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday (May 24, 2020). The two suspects, identified as Nhot Linandang Kasan and Ryan Yusup, also yielded two sachets of shabu upon inspection. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government forces arrested on Sunday two persons for possession of illegal drugs and a fragmentation grenade at a quarantine checkpoint in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said soldiers and police personnel manning a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Impao, Isulan, noticed two men acting restlessly when subjected to inspection.

Carreon, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central, said a team of personnel from 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion seized two sachets of shabu and a grenade from Nhot Linandang Kasan and Ryan Yusup.

The suspects, both residents of Barangay Impao, were onboard a white Nissan Navara pickup truck when accosted by law enforcers.

“Soldiers first found two sachets of shabu from the suspects. Upon searching the vehicle, a fragmentation grenade was found at the car’s compartment,” Carreon said.

The suspects were brought to Isulan municipal police for proper disposition and the filing of cases in violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), and Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosive Device). (PNA)

134 village execs face criminal raps for SAP anomalies

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:47:41 GMT

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)

MANILA – More people are coming forward to file complaints against their barangay officials on alleged anomalies in the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) payout as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday announced that 134 barangay officials are now facing criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año, in a news release, said this represents a 320-percent increase in the number of barangay officials that are now facing criminal charges for alleged offenses in the distribution of the first tranche of SAP cash aid in a matter of four days.

Last May 20, there were only 42 barangay officials who were charged by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Group (PNP-CIDG).

“Hindi ninyo matatakasan ang mga panlolokong ginawa ninyo sa pamimigay ng ayuda. Sinira ninyo ang tiwala ng gobyerno at ng inyong mga kabarangay kaya sa kalaunan, sa kulungan ang bagsak ninyo (You cannot escape your acts of fraud in distributing aid. You destroyed the trust of the government and your constituents so later on, you will land behind bars),” Año said.

He said that the PNP-CIDG will file nine more cases in the next few days, and is fast-tracking the case buildup on 86 other cases.

The DILG chief commended the PNP-CIDG for its expeditious handling of all complaints by the public on SAP anomalies.

“Good job to the PNP-CIDG! Mabuhay kayo!” he said.

He said a total of 318 complainants went to the PNP-CIDG and its regional field units to express their disgust and disappointment and to give statements over the wrongdoings of their barangay officials during the SAP distribution.

DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya thanked the DOJ and the Prosecutor General's Office for ordering all provincial and city prosecutors to prioritize the preliminary investigation of cases against barangay officials allegedly involved in SAP anomalies so that criminal information may be filed with the courts.

“We are grateful to the DOJ and the Prosecutor General for prioritizing these cases. We need to send a strong message to corrupt barangay officials that their criminal activities will not be tolerated,” he said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento recently instructed all prosecutors all over the country to set the preliminary investigations as soon as possible, to monitor progress of such cases which have taken on “a sinister and disgraceful character, considering that money intended for poor hungry people is unlawfully taken away from them.”

Various complaints

In Boac, Marinduque, a barangay chairman, two barangay kagawads (councilors) and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson have been charged because of their alleged illegal collection of PHP50 processing fee from each SAP beneficiary.

A similar incident was reported in Binmaley, Pangasinan where the barangay captain and his cohort reportedly collected PHP1,000 from a complainant after receiving his SAP assistance.

“Sa Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur naman, isinuplong ng mga residente ang isang punong barangay dahil sa pagkaltas ng tig-PHP2,000 mula sa 132 SAP recipients. Akala siguro nitong mga opisyal ng barangay na ito ay middleman sila at kailangang may komisyon sila mula sa (In Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, the residents complained against a barangay chairperson who collected PHP2,000 from each of the 132 SAP recipients. These barangay officials might be thinking that they are middlemen and they need to get commission from) SAP,” he said.

Malaya said politics was sometimes at play in the giving out of SAP in some barangays particularly in Eastern Samar where a barangay captain reported that the mayor of his town allegedly deprived all of the residents in his barangay of receiving SAP because he is not a political supporter of the mayor.

“Ilang beses na naming inuulit. Hindi criteria ang pagiging kamag-anak o kakampi sa politika sa pamimigay ng SAP. Para ito sa mga kapus-palad, anuman ang katayuan (We have been repeating a lot of times. Being a relative or political ally is not a criteria in distributing SAP. This is for the needy, regardless of status),” he said. (PR)

PTFoMS warns local execs not to hamper radioman’s slay probe

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:45:06 GMT

Presidential Task Force on Media Security Executive Director Joel Sy Egco (File photo)

MANILA – Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Joel Sy Egco warned local officials in Negros Oriental not to obstruct the investigation into the murder of radioman Rex Cornelio Pepino in Dumaguete City on May 5.

Egco issued the warning after probers identified that at least one vehicle registered to an office under the Negros Oriental provincial government was allegedly seen tailing Pepino’s motorcycle before he was killed.

“Do not obstruct probers on Pepino murder. We will follow where the evidence leads us. Charge those who will hamper your investigation,” Egco told the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents in a video conference on May 20.

During the meeting, PNP Dumaguete City chief, Lt. Col. Wilfredo Alarcon Jr. and NBI Agent-in-charge, lawyer Jose Ermie A. Monsato reported major breakthroughs in their investigation, including the identification of some persons of interest (POIs) and the alleged sedan used in tailing the victim.

During the meeting also attended by Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Markk Perete and PTFoMS Secretariat, investigators said they have very strong leads as to who could be behind the attack on Pepino, adding involvement of some local government officials and personnel is not far-fetched after the identification of the local government-registered vehicle.

"Do what you have to do. I know the intense pressure you are experiencing there. Do not be cowed by anyone,” Egco said. “Those who will come in the way and obstruct will be dealt with accordingly.”

He said “all these findings” will be reported to President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

Egco called the video conference after learning of the identification of the vehicles allegedly used in the killing and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of one of the POIs.

"It's theatrical. Just like in the movies where one of the suspects is killed to tie some loose ends. Hindi naman tayo pinanganak kahapon (we were not born yesterday)," he said.

Upon Perete’s recommendation, the Task Force will form “AO1 Task Force Pepino” to be led by a local National Prosecution Service official. The Department of Justice, under Guevarra, sits as chair of PTFoMS.

Perete gave instructions to secure the victim's wife, Coleen, and to place her under the Witness Protection Program.

For his part, Andanar, co-chair of PTFoMS, assured the Pepino family that “the government will not rest until the brains behind Cornelio’s murder has been identified and brought to justice.”

The special investigation task group (SITG) Pepino led by Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office director, Col. Julian Entoma has positively identified the car used as surveillance and getaway vehicle in the incident.

CCTV footages obtained by the task force showed that a gray Toyota Vios with conduction number 072806 was seen parked near the radio station of DYMD Energy FM in Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City on the night of the incident and was later seen tailing Pepino after he left the station with his wife on board a motorcycle.

The car’s registration was traced to the Provincial Assessor’s Office of Negros Oriental indicating possible involvement of local government officials.

Egco bewailed reports that some local officials are giving probers a hard time in accessing evidence.

Police investigators obtained a court-issued warrant to search the car and recovered crucial evidence from the vehicle, including latent fingerprints of its occupants around the time of the killing. The task force is also actively searching for an orange sedan that was allegedly used also by the suspects.

Investigators are likewise looking into the mysterious death of a POI that was linked to the murder. The POI was shot and killed by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen on May 12, 2020 just before policemen could serve a search warrant at his house.

Egco stressed that more breakthroughs in the case are forthcoming, including the naming of suspects and filing of murder charges against them as the task force winds up the investigation.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that the motive behind the killing of Rex Conelio Pepino was to silence him. We are on the verge of solving this case. PTFoMS will not leave any stone unturned until the perpetrators and the mastermind behind this gruesome act are put behind bars,” Egco said.

Pepino was a veteran commentator and a known critic of local politicians. He hosted “Pokpokin mo Baby” that aired over DYMD Energy FM 93.7. He was killed execution-style after being shot five times at point-blank range right in front of his wife.

The Task Force, as always, is on top of the situation. It is closely coordinating with local law enforcers and monitoring the continuing investigation. (PR)

AFP, Smart-PLDT deploy rolling store at Camp Aguinaldo

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:43:15 GMT

ROLLING STORE. AFP officials and PLDT president and CEO Manny Pangilinan (3rd from right) lead the opening of the Smart-PLDT rolling store in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Saturday (May 23, 2020). The meassure seeks to provide basic necessities for soldiers and their dependents assigned at the military facility. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with communications firm Smart-PLDT, on Saturday deployed a rolling store at its headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City as part of their efforts to provide the basic necessities of soldiers assigned at the military facility and their dependents.

Navy Captain Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs office chief, said the rolling store was set up near the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand and military personnel, their dependents, AFP civilian employees participated in the whole-day bazaar.

"The activity sought to lessen unnecessary travel by residents who intend to buy essential goods outside camp thus helping limit the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)," he said in a statement Sunday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PLDT president and chief executive Manny V. Pangilinan led the opening of the bazaar along with AFP deputy chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria and AFP GHQ and Headquarters Service commander Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Lavadia, Jr.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is grateful for the assistance of Smart-PLDT and other stakeholders to alleviate the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to our soldiers, dependents, and civilian workforce. This shall inspire our members to better perform their duties in winning over the deadly virus,” AFP chief-of-staff General Felimon Santos Jr. said.

Aside from telecommunications gadgets, the AFP invited business firms and other merchants that offer essential goods and services to participate in the event.

Also available were grocery items, vegetables, clothing, hygiene items, and personal protective equipment such as face masks. (PNA)

Duterte orders DOLE, DOH to expedite release of 25,000 OFWs

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:38:57 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Health (DOH) to speed up the release of about 25,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are still in quarantine facilities almost two months after they tested negative for COVID-19.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte gave the DOLE, DOH and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) one week to carry out the smooth release of the OFWs.

“Sinabi po ng ating Presidente ngayong umaga na pwede nilang gamitin ang lahat ng resources ng gobyerno at gamitin nila ang lahat ng pamamaraan ng transportasyon, mapa-bus, mapa-eroplano, mapa-barko, para makauwi na itong mga OFWs natin (The president said they can use all government resources and all transportation modes, whether bus, plane or ship, to bring our OFWs home),” Roque said.

Roque added that Duterte is unable to stomach what the OFWs are going through in the hands of the concerned government agencies.

“Sang-ayon ang Presidente na kinakailangang lahat ng ating mga manggagawa ay sumailalim sa COVID-19 tests, pero ang sabi niya, hindi katanggap-tanggap na napakatagal ng proseso bago sila makauwi (The president agrees that all workers should undergo COVID-19 tests, but cannot accept how slow the process is),” he said.

Around 7,000 Filipino crew members remain stranded in foreign cruise ships docked at the Manila Bay anchorage area. Another 17,000 OFWs are stuck at their quarantine facilities in Metro Manila.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which manages the quarantine facilities said it is having difficulties releasing the OFWs. It blamed the difficulties on the slow response of manpower agencies that are supposed to provide the OFWs’ transportation going home.

Holy mass resumes in Legazpi

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:30:17 GMT

Masses in the Diocese of Legazpi resumed today, May 25.

Parishioners had been unable to hear mass for two months because of the imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Saint Padre Pio Parish in Rawis, Legazpi City was among the churches that resumed the holding of mass while observing the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Father Bob Banares, Parish Priest, said in his homily that it was nice to see people going back to church, but was worried that people may flock to churches.

The parish also hopes that the IATF will approve their request to allow more than one third of the church capacity or 73 persons. They said social distancing can still be observed with the said number.

The IATF had earlier set some guidelines on mass attendance.

Mass attendees are only limited to ten.

Body temperature will be checked upon entry into the church.

Alcohol is also provided to sanitize the hands of parishioners.

Markings on the church pews and floor are visible to encourage social distancing.

Masses were also shortened to limit parishioners' exposure. Homilies were made short and no songs were sung.

The Diocese of Legazpi will still provide live streaming of daily masses for those not allowed to and are unable to attend.

Saturday anticipated and Sunday masses will not yet be allowed in most parishes of Legazpi, Albay and Daraga Area.

Time to let Secretary Duque Go

Mon, 25 May 2020 01:51:18 GMT

When Dr. Francisco Duque III was appointed Health Secretary under the Duterte Administration in 2017, observers were quick to hail his “political durability” and ability to reemerge into the public limelight amid changes in the national leadership.

Duque “survived” the administration of former President Noynoy Aquino after he was appointed chair of a constitutional body - the Civil Service Commission - by the outgoing Arroyo Administration just before its exit.

There were speculations that the country may have seen the last of the flamboyant health secretary when his term as CSC chair expired in 2015.

Such speculations were doused with cold water when he resurfaced in the Duterte Administration a year into the current President’s term.

Duque was named chair of the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS), a plum position that would have been given to someone in the President’s innermost circle.

When he returned to the Department of Health (DoH) in 2017, he became only the second health secretary to have done so.

The late revered Health Secretary Paulino Garcia achieved that singular feat when he was given the portfolio during the terms of Presidents Magsaysay and Marcos.

Yesterday, in our radio program, Executive Session, aired over radio station DZRH, my co-hosts DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin, Jr., Cavite Rep. Boying Remulla, former Senator JV Ejercito, former Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz, Undersecretary Dodo Dulay, Paolo Capino and I discussed the performance and future of Duque.

Is the looming obsolescence of the “durable” Duque evident? Is that political durability about to end?

According to our Palace sources, Duque is no longer as well entrenched in his domain as he was at the start of his second stint.

Our sources say his days may be numbered and that his controversial declaration that the country is already in the “second wave” of local transmission of the COVID 19 virus may have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

Recent developments tend to validate these information and that the once-durable Duque is clearly no longer in the good graces of Malacanang.

It will be recalled that Duque’s apparent unilateral and “unauthorized” declaration of the coming of the Second Wave was immediately thrashed by three officials working closely with the President at the Palace: Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, and Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. who heads the National Task Force on Covid 19.

The three apparently did not merely debunk Duque’s pronouncement – they “vehemently” denied that the country is already on the second wave of Covid 19 local transmission.

The implications of the Palace’s response to Duque’s assertion should alarm Duque’s faithful followers. Here are a few.

First, either Duque is a non-team player and wants to put on a solo show in his own grandstand or the President’s Anti-Covid 19 team does not see him as a vital component of the collaborative effort and may have excluded him from the more important discussions.

The latter may have been the reason why Duque had to announce the “second wave” in media without any prior greenlight from the President’s team or from the President himself.

Second, that Duque could be at the center of a conflict within the President’s anti-Covid 19 team. Is there a “battle” for the plum role of spokesperson for the government’s efforts to address the crisis?

Did Duque feel eased out of that role? Is there real animosity between him and the returning spokesperson Roque?

We noted that Duque has been taken out of that role even within his own department.

The public – particular social media habitués – have clamored for that role to be given permanently to two faces of the DoH: Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire and Special Assistant Dr. Beverly Ho.

Many lauded the sober style of reporting and handling questions by Doctors Vergeire and Ho.

In contrast, they have complained about the alleged hysterical and “political” style of Duque.

It appears the DoH has come to admit the weakness of the Duque style, and which is why the daily public briefing has been taken away from him and given to the two lady doctors.

We believe there will be no public howl if the President finally lets Duque go. Duque is no asset to the President and the current health secretary’s tendency to invite unnecessary controversy is counter-productive. He invites unwarranted public ire.

At this time, President Duterte needs all the help he can get from members of his team who can do two things well: provide relevant and timely information to the public and win public goodwill.

Sadly, the President's own Communications Office headed by Secretary Martin Andanar, miserably failed in these tasks.

Clearly, Andanar’s decades spent as a media practitioner have not given him the expected strategic thinking capabilities to help the President explain his plans, intentions and accomplishments to the public more effectively specially at this time of pandemic.

The millions spent by the DoH for so-called infomercials featuring the voice and face of Duque appear to have been inutile in the bid to make the current secretary a “darling” of the public.

Duque has to finally admit he is no Juan Flavier, another well admired former DOH secretary and will never be.

There is one more urgent reason to end the political durability of Duque. This has to do with the much-anticipated development of a vaccine against the deadly virus.

If recent news regarding the progress of this effort are to be believed, a vaccine -whether from China or one of the US or Europe-based pharmaceutical laboratories – may be available by January next year.

If that happens the government will prepare to make purchases of that vaccine. The appropriation for those purchases would be staggering.

The amount may yet be the biggest ever spent by any administration in the Philippines to buy a vaccine.

Unless the President creates a special body to handle that particular procurement, that money will fall into the hands of Duque’s department.

A solon has already earlier raised questions about Duque’s alleged conflict of interest in connection with the pharmaceutical business of a member or members of his family.

This may be raised again once taxpayers’ money is handed over the DoH to buy that vaccine.

It would be good for the President to have another official to handle that huge purchase. We cannot afford that purchase to be hounded by controversy.

We have had enough of Duque. He has proven his durability. It is time we have someone who has the public interest in mind.

Mga Kwento sa Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center

Sun, 24 May 2020 10:52:35 GMT

Ito ang kwento ng mga tao na nasa likod ng Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation.

Sila ang mga bumangon sa kanilang katayuan sa buhay para tumulong din sa kapwa kahit sa gitna ng pandemic tulad ng Covid-19.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 24)

Sun, 24 May 2020 10:08:59 GMT

The Department of Health reports 258 new COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths and 72 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 14,035.

Lockdown Eye Woes

Sun, 24 May 2020 10:02:19 GMT

We’ve been in lockdown for 70 days and everyone’s experiencing some form of cabin fever. We can’t wait to get out of our houses! There are seemingly endless things to do at home but also too much of home these days.

A lot of people finished Netflix, some kept glued to their phones waiting to pounce on new COVID stats, others tried their best to work from home (WFH) while juggling house work and home schooling their kids. In all cases, most people are on their screens almost 10hours a day and that’s a low estimate.

Have you noticed that not even 30 minutes into your Zoom meeting your eyes feel very dry and your vision becomes blurred. You start to panic, remembering what your mom used to tell you: looking at a screen for long periods will permanently damage your eyes!

Don’t fret. This isn’t true. What is, though, is you’ll get eye strain. The eyes blink normally at a rate of 15 times a minute— the eyelids help moisturize the eyes when we close them. When we’re focused on our phones/computers/gadgets, the blink rate goes down as low as five times a minute, drying and straining our eyes.

With the quarantine, it’s hard to avoid screen time, but here are tips to take care of our eyes:

When working on computers, sit an arm’s length away from the screen.
Many of us play games like Animal Crossing for hours on our phones. Take regular breaks and follow the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, focus your gaze on an object 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Increase the brightness and contrast of your screen to reduce the strain.
Improve the lighting in your work area/gaming room.
Use lubricant eye drops as needed for symptoms of dryness: stinging sensation (“hapdi”), tearing, blurring of vision.
For patients who wear contact lenses, consider putting on your eyeglasses instead— they’re stylish and give your eyes the break they need.

Our gadgets help us stay connected but let’s keep in mind to take breaks. Too much of anything can wear us out. Moderation is key.

If you have more eye questions, consult your friendly ophthalmologist online today. You can do a quick search on Facebook for Dr Nikki Angbuete, Dr Kristine Corpus-Velasquez and Dr Margarita Bondoc-Hermosa.

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Margarita Bondoc-Hermosa is an ophthalmologist practising in Metro Manila and the Visayas. She can be reached on facebook.com/margaritabondoc.eyemd

LIST: Non-Contact Sports allowed in MGCQ, GCQ areas

Sun, 24 May 2020 08:16:08 GMT

The IATF approves the following activities in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ):

Philippine Navy’s first missile-capable frigate arrives

Sun, 24 May 2020 06:15:19 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Navy

SUBIC, Philippines – The first missile-capable warship of the Philippine Navy arrived at Subic, Zambales from Ulsan, South Korea on the morning of May 22.

The frigate will be named BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) once it is commissioned into service.

Three patrol boats of Naval Forces Northern Luzon that were stationed at Bolinao, Pangasinan welcomed FF150 in a meeting procedure.

Also present at the meeting procedure along the vicinity of Sta. Cruz, Zambales were the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), an Augusta-Westland AW-109 helicopter, and a C-90 Fixed Wing Aircraft. Following the meeting procedure, the Bonifacio escorted the newly arrived frigate to its designated anchorage area.

Commander, Offshore Combat Force Commodore Karl Decapia presided over the arrival rites and traditional passing honors to frigate Jose Rizal with the participation of PS17 and three multi-purpose assault craft (MPACs) on Saturday.

"Our countrymen expect nothing less than the selfless and honorable service that we in the Fleet have sworn to uphold and protect. I enjoin everyone to sustain the momentum that you have gained and continue to aspire for competence and excellence," said Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe.

The ship’s crew will be quarantined for two weeks to comply with government health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The frigate will undergo technical inspection and acceptance procedures following quarantine.

Miss Universe Catriona Gray and actor Sam Milby are now in a romantic relationship

Sun, 24 May 2020 03:25:38 GMT

Photo Credit: Sam Milby Instagram Account

Sam Milby shared the real score between him and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in an Instagram post on Saturday, May 23, as he celebrated his birthday.

“Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet," Milby wrote as the caption of his sweet photo with Gray.

Last year, rumors of the beauty queen being romantically linked to Milby surfaced.

Early this year, Gray claimed that she and Milby, her fellow Cornerstone artist, were just good friends.

Prior to his revelation, Sam got a birthday greeting from Catriona during a Facebook livestream on Cornerstone to mark his birthday.

“Hey, Sam! Happy, happy birthday. I hope that you have an amazing year ahead. More birthdays, more happiness. You’re loved by so, so many,” Catriona shared.

Celebrating Eid-al Fitr During the Pandemic

Sun, 24 May 2020 02:36:14 GMT

WATCH: Eid-al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is usually celebrated with prayers and gatherings in open spaces.

But with quarantine restrictions still in place, Ustadh Ahmad Javier, imam of the Masjid Ibnu Abbas mosque in Caloocan City tells us that Eid celebrations this year may look a lot different.

Spokesperson Roque pays tribute to Marawi soldiers

Sat, 23 May 2020 12:39:55 GMT

File Photo

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque paid tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Marawi siege on Saturday, May 23.

“Today, as we remember Marawi, we pay tribute to the heroism of our fallen men in uniform during the siege of the Islamic City” Roque said.

He also said the government has made progress in the relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rebuilding Marawi’s key infrastructures.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) provided a total of 4,866 transitional shelters for IDPs. Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) said 2,911 of the said shelters were already occupied as of January 2020. More housing units are still under construction and are expected to be finished before the year ends.

The task force also said the government is aiming to complete 3,580 units of permanent shelters before the first quarter of 2021 ends.

Roque also said the Mapandi Bridge has already been reconstructed.

“We thank the people of Marawi for their patience and support for the government as we are also grateful for continuously working with the Administration to ensure Marawi’s successful rehabilitation” Roque ended.

The Marawi Siege, also called the Battle of Marawi, was a five-month-long armed conflict in Marawi between Philippine government forces and the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist militant groups. The militants associated themselves with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The siege lasted from May 23, 2017 to October 23, 2017.

DTI: Supply of facemasks, alcohol starts to normalize

Sat, 23 May 2020 12:36:56 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says the availability of medical supplies in Metro Manila has started to normalize after the metropolis was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Imbes na tig lilima ay sampu na ngayon ang allowed for facemasks kasi nakapakete na siya ngayon (Instead of five, ten facemasks are now allowed for purchase since they are in packs),” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview.

Lopez attributed the improvement in the supply of facemasks and alcohol to the move by some local manufacturers to switch to the production of these items.

The demand for facemasks and alcohol surged when COVID-19 started to hit the country in March this year.

Lopez meanwhile said they are now inspecting restaurants to see if they could protect their workers and customers and resume dine-in services in MECQ areas.

He added that they are also studying the implementation of standard health protocols for restaurants.

“Ang nakikita naming design dito ay magkakalayo ang upuan, may physical barriers na transparent para lang mag prevent ng transmission ng sakit – yun talaga ay sana ma-implement natin (The design we’re seeing is far apart chairs and transparent physical barriers to prevent disease transmission - we hope to implement that),” Lopez said.

He also said 70 percent of the DTI’s revenue collection comes from the food and beverage industry. Some restaurants are already allowed to operate, but are limited to delivery services.

42 barangay officials face criminal charges over SAP distribution anomalies

Sat, 23 May 2020 12:33:09 GMT

File Photo

At least 42 barangay officials nationwide are facing criminal charges for corrupt practices in the distribution of financial assistance to the poor under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has already filed the criminal cases against the 42 barangay officials.

Malaya also said the transfer of the cases from the DILG to the CIDG means they will no longer issue show cause orders against the barangay officials.

He added the CIDG is also preparing criminal charges against 15 other barangay officials while 93 are still under investigation.

Malaya added that the PNP has already received more than 400 complaints of corruption against barangay officials nationwide.

“Sa tingin namin, lolobo pa ang numero ng mga barangay officials na sasampahan ng kaso ng ating pamahalaan (We think the number of barangay officials to file cases against will still increase),” Malaya said.

Malaya urged the public to report erring barangay officials to their nearest police stations so that the appropriate charges will be filed against them.

NBA great and Georgetown coach Ewing hospitalized with COVID-19

Sat, 23 May 2020 12:24:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Patrick Ewing Twitter

Washington, United States - NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, now the head basketball coach at Georgetown University, is in hospital with COVID-19.

Ewing, 57, said on Twitter on Friday he had tested positive for the virus.

"This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly," the New York Knicks icon said in a statement. "I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

"Now more than ever, I want to thank healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I'll be fine and we will all get through this."

Georgetown's athletics department said in a statement that Ewing was "under care and isolated at a local hospital.

"He is the only member of the men's basketball program to have tested positive for the virus," the statement said.

Ewing, who was a member of the 1992 Olympic gold medal-winning "Dream Team," and also won Olympic gold in 1984, played 17 seasons in the NBA, mostly for the Knicks, earning 11 All-Star selections.

The Knicks sent Ewing good wishes via Twitter saying "Get well soon, Big Fella. Stay strong".

He was the first overall selection in the NBA draft after leading Georgetown to a national championship in 1985 and was Rookie of the Year in 1986.

After retiring from the NBA he turned to coaching and spent many seasons as an NBA assistant coach before taking over the head coaching job at his alma mater Georgetown.

bb/gph

DOLE: Employers cannot make employees pay for their COVID test

Sat, 23 May 2020 11:27:00 GMT

File Photo

Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello warned the private sector against requiring their employees to shoulder their COVID-19 tests before allowing them to report for work.

Bello however said they have yet to receive any report of employees being told to pay for their own tests.

Some business establishments resumed operations after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) lifted the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and shifted to modified ECQ on May 17.

Bello reminded business establishments to provide shuttle services for their employees as public transportation operations are not yet allowed under MECQ.

He also asked employers to ensure the safety of their employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic and observe health protocols.

Bello further reminded businesses to abide by holiday pay rules on Monday, the feast of Eid’l Fitr, but said that they can give the pay in installments while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.

NEDA launches ICT tools to address COVID-19 response disruptions

Sat, 23 May 2020 10:57:52 GMT

Photo Credit: National Economic and Development Authority Official Website

MANILA, Philippines – The National Economic and Development Authority's Regional Development Group (NEDA-RDG) has launched its Supply Chain Analytics (SCAn) Dashboard and SCAn Reporter tools.

These ICT tools were developed by NEDA to help address COVID-19 response disruptions. The system helps troubleshoot logistics-related problems and provides solutions and interventions that can be applied both during and after the pandemic.

The SCAn dashboard is the main system. It handles incident reports, trip videos for major selected routes, survey of supply chain issues coming from supply chain players, links to other government dashboards, and summary information on the domestic and Asia-Pacific supply chain environment. The system informs government agencies and industry associations of ground-level issues that they need to address.

The SCAn reporter is an application that can be downloaded to smartphones to help people report supply chain problems to the SCAn Dashboard.

"The initiative started as a mere thought experiment on my part but I would have to give credit to the technical team of the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND) for its excellent execution,” said Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro.

He also said the UPPAF-RESPOND is currently providing technical assistance to the NEDA-RDG for supply chain-related undertakings.

Development of the ICT tools was greenlighted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on April 15, 2020.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 23)

Sat, 23 May 2020 09:40:45 GMT

The Department of Health reports 180 new COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths and 85 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 13,777.

Phivolcs: Observe social distancing even during earthquakes

Sat, 23 May 2020 06:03:33 GMT

Photo Credit: DOST Official Website

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum advised the public to observe physical distancing even during earthquakes to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

“If may malakas ng magnitude ng natural hazards, isipin lagi natin ang physical distancing if mag-evacuate at pupunta sa mga evacuation area, panatilihin ang ganitong mga protocols kahit sa oras ng emergency or mabilisang pangyayari (During high magnitude natural hazards, maintain physical distancing when evacuating and keep observing protocols even during emergencies),” Solidum said.

He also reminded the public to keep safety in mind as the country continues to experience natural disasters such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solidum’s statement came a few hours after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolted San Luis, Aurora on Saturday morning.

Damage reports are still pending from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).

Solidum said intensity six was felt in Baler, Aurora; intensity five in San Luis, Dipaculao and Maria Aurora, Aurora; intensity four in Casiguran and Dingalan, Aurora, and in Gabaldon and Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Intensity three was felt in Obando, Bulacan; Villasis, Pangasinan; Parañaque City; and Antipolo, Rizal; intensity two in San Domingo, Nueva Ecija; Plaridel, Bulacan; and in the cities of Baguio, Malolos, Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Quezon City, and Valenzuela.

Intensity one was felt in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and Guinayangan, Quezon province.

Masses to resume in the Diocese of Legazpi

Sat, 23 May 2020 05:58:41 GMT

Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi says some Catholic faithful in the diocese can now attend Masses in churches starting Monday, May 25.

He however said no Sunday and Saturday anticipated Masses will be held yet in most parishes in the Legazpi, Albay and Daraga area because of the continued threat of COVID-19.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) set 10 persons as the maximum allowed attendance for religious activities. The diocese however is still waiting for the IATF to approve the proposal to allow at least one third of the church capacity.

The bishop meanwhile laid out the guidelines for masses in an undated circular.

Signs will be visible inside the church to encourage physical distancing.

Parishioners are required to wear face masks during the mass. The officiating priest has the option of going without his mask, but must wear it when carrying out communion.

Holy Communion is allowed but the host will be placed on the parishioner's hand. Markings will be placed on the floor to guide people as to where they should stand during communion.

Entrance and exit doors will be separate.

People under age 21 and above 60 years of age are still prohibited from going out and attending mass.

Live streaming and online masses using the parish social media channel will still be available.

The observance of physical distancing will lead to many parishioners not being able to attend. Parishes are encouraged to offer additional mass schedules to accommodate them.

Barangays with small chapels can celebrate mass in covered courts to maintain physical distancing.

Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Aurora

Sat, 23 May 2020 04:05:39 GMT

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolts Aurora on Saturday morning.

PHIVOLCS says the quake was felt in different parts of Luzon including several cities in Metro Manila.

PHIVOLCS adds damage and aftershocks are expected.

‘I give you my salute’ Duterte says in PMA and PNPA Commencement Exercises

Sat, 23 May 2020 02:03:51 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte led the virtual simultaneous commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) at the Malacañang Malago Clubhouse on Friday May 22.

“I give you my salute, ang gagaling ninyo (you are all outstanding)” said Duterte to the graduates of the PMA Masidlawin Class and the PNPA Mandayug Class, both of 2020.

He urged the graduating students In his keynote speech to adapt to change and remain faithful to their mandate.

“Graduates, the world is changing and we have to adapt to the changes, lest we lag behind. But like someone, I said, we can change in the changing world and yet cling to the unchanging values of life,” Duterte said.

He told the graduates to remain true to the 1987 Constitution and loyal to the Filipino flag.

He also expressed hope that the incoming military and police officers would inspire good values and adherence to the rule of law.

“These are values that make our society humane, and a nation progressive – a simple truth that is unassailable. I suppose that all of you are imbued with these values. After all, that is what your alma mater prepared you for,” he said.

He is also confident that the graduating class will grow to be fine soldiers and police officers.

“I am confident that I will have soldiers, the finest from our military school, and police graduates that you will be there to secure the Republic for all time,” Duterte said.

In honor of tradition observed by both academies, the President issued an order to pardon PMA and PNPA cadets who have outstanding punishments.

Pakistan plane crash kills all 107 on board

Fri, 22 May 2020 14:29:00 GMT

A passenger plane belonging to state-run Pakistan International Airlines crashed near the southern port city of Karachi on Friday, killing all 107 passengers and crew, the city's mayor said.

The aircraft crashed into a crowded neighborhood on the edge of the airport. Mayor Wasim Akhtar said at least five or six houses were destroyed in the crash. It wasn't immediately known how many casualties were from among the residential area.

Witnesses said the Airbus A320 appeared to attempt to land two or three times before crashing in a residential area near Jinnah International Airport. The residential area on the edge of the airport known as Model Colony is a poor area and heavily congested.

Eyewitness Tahir Hussain said the noise from the crash was "like an earthquake".

The aircraft arriving from the eastern city of Lahore was carrying 99 passengers and eight crew members, said a spokesman for the country's civil aviation authority.

The civil aviation authority said the pilot called in a mayday saying that he had lost an engine. He was attempting to land when the plane crashed.

Police and military cordoned off the area.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: “Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. . . Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased."

Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the crash. The flight typically takes an hour and a half from the northeastern city of Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, to Karachi.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Fri, 22 May 2020 13:27:21 GMT

I decided to go back to reading this year. Nothing related to the pandemic and its corresponding gift of “time.” I just felt like I should.

December of 2019 when my boyfriend got me this 2-inch thick classic of a book I wouldn’t pick up myself if I was the one buying. It was The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and it became my first read for 2020.

The novel revolves around Howard Roark, an architectural student drop-out who is way ahead of his time. The story is set in New York back in the 1920s with Roark designing modern structures in contrast to the massive columns, decorative moldings and heavily-arched structures that are the norm of the time. It’s basically a novel that tells the story of his individualistic ideology and his struggles with the “second-handers” who value conformity over independence and integrity.

The book is divided into five parts, giving its reader a closer look at the main characters which are Howard Roark – our protagonist; Peter Keating – introduced as Roark’s classmate in architecture, rose up in the industry as a well-celebrated architect, but eventually falls into his impending demise; Dominique Francon – daughter of one of New York’s best architects and is every main character’s muse; Ellsworth Toohey – an architectural critic and journalist who is also the proponent of New York’s most notorious community unions; and lastly Gail Wynand – a newspaper mogul who owns The New York Banner.

I am amused with the way individualism and creativity were portrayed in the novel. I felt like there is probably no person in the world who ever lived or lives or will live like Roark, a person who never compromises his ideals for the acceptance of the norm. Throughout the book, he only designs buildings that are “right” to their supposed existence with no unnecessaries. And all of his encounters are based around that fact. Imagine, in all aspects of Roark’s life as an architect, he is challenged by all these second-handers every step of the way in different purposes. He was even sued and tried a couple of times because of his conviction.

A lot of times the book kept me down. Made me question my own judgments regarding individualism being superior to collectivism. I was entertained but not fully influenced. I still believe that there can be no absolute thing in the world – all the more our philosophy.

BI files deportation charges against foreigner in Makati scuffle

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:43:46 GMT

Photo credit: Screenshot of the viral video posted on different online channels

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has filed deportation charges against Spanish citizen Javier Salvador Parra for violating the country’s enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) ordinances.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Parra is being charged for undesirability as well as overstaying after he failed to apply for an extension of his stay in the country.

Morente added that Parra was ordered to submit a counter-affidavit, but refused to receive the notice and disregarded the requirements. The deadline for this was May 21.

“Foreign nationals who are here in the country are expected to follow Philippine laws especially in these special times wherein public health and safety is at risk,” Morente said.

The commissioner emphasized that the BI deportation case against Parra is a separate action from the criminal cases filed against him by the Makati City police station.

Senior M/Sgt. Roland Madrona of the Makati City police charged Parra for direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority and unjust vexation as well as violating Republic Act 11332 for quarantine violations.

Parra was the subject of at least two viral videos taken inside Dasmarinas Village in Makati.

One video shows Parra being wrestled to the ground by Madrona.

Another video shows earlier scenes of the incident specifically that of Parra arguing with Madrona. He can be heard hurling insults at the police officer.

Madrona said he and a barangay watchman were only warning Parra’s housemaid, Cherlyn Escalate, against going outside their house without a face mask. He said Parra, who appeared to be drunk, then came out and began arguing with them.

500K OFWs expected to be displaced by COVID-19

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:39:51 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez said the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to displace 500,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this year.

The task force chief said 30,000 OFWs are expected to go home before the end of May and an additional 42,000 OFWs are expected next month.

“Malaking problema dahil we are estimating, ang pinakamababa ay 150,000 to 500,000 ang babalik ngayong taon (It’s a big problem, because we are estimating that the lowest number of returning OFWs this year could range from 150,000 to 500,000),” Galvez said during the Laging Handa virtual press conference on Friday.

He assured that the task force is working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units to address the situation.

The task force is also preparing a one-stop-shop scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals One and Two where OFWs can be tested upon arrival.

Galvez said Inbound international flights are still limited to give way to returning Filipinos.

DOH: COVID cases in the Philippines remains unchanged

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:33:03 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against being complacent while the Philippines continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the average number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths are the same as before.

“We are trying to look at our data after ma declared modified ECQ and GCQ, nag-aaverage pa rin tayo katulad ng dati. Walang spike ng cases or ‘di kaya ang pagkamatay ay tumaas (the averages remain the same as before; there are no spikes in cases or deaths),” Vergerie said during the Laging Handa virtual forum.

“Let’s not be complacent. May shift na MECQ or GCQ, pero hindi pa tapos ang laban sa COVID-19. Nandiyan pa rin ang virus, nandiyan pa rin ang banta ng kalusugan so yung responsibility ng bawat tao, bawat Filipino ay kailangan pong ibigay (Whether MECQ or GCQ, the fight against COVID-19 isn’t over. The virus is still there, the threat to our health is still there, so we ask each Filipino to act responsibly),” she added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed some areas under GCQ while Metro Manila and other regions shifted from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to MECQ, allowing operations of some business establishments.

Vergerie said the DOH does not require business establishments to conduct mass testing, but recommended the screening of employees manifesting symptoms during the time of screening and 14 days before the screening.

She also said the IATF is working double time to reach the 30,000 tests per day goal by the end of May.

She added that they are now expanding testing capacity and speeding up the licensing of 17 other laboratories at stages three and four of the accreditation process.

Outrage in Hong Kong as China pushes security law

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:02:05 GMT

Pro-democracy protesters hold black placards that translate as "National Security Law comes to Hong Kong, Hong Kong becomes Xinjiang, Stanley Prison becomes Qincheng Prison, Hong Kongers Revolt", as they march towards the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong on May 22, 2020. A proposal to enact new Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on May 22, state media said, a move expected to fan fresh protests in the semi-autonomous financial hub.

Anthony WALLACE / AFP

Hong Kong, China - Pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong vowed Friday to take to the streets in protest over what they said was China's fiercest assault on the city's treasured autonomy with its move to impose a security law.

The proposal for the legislation -- expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition -- was introduced into China's rubber-stamp parliament at the opening of its annual session on Friday morning.

It followed repeated warnings from China's communist leaders they would no longer tolerate dissent in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city that endured seven months of massive pro-democracy protests last year.

"This is the largest nuclear weapon the Chinese Communist Party has used in its mutual destruction of Hong Kong," Jimmy Sham, leader of the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised the million-person rally that kicked off last year's unrest.

Sham appealed for millions to again take to the streets, while other activists used internet threads and chat apps to call for protests on Sunday.

Prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong said China's message to protesters was clear.

"Beijing is attempting to silence Hongkongers' critical voices with force and fear," Wong said on Twitter, while also expressing defiance.

"HKers will not scare off in the face of wolf warrior policy."

Amnesty International warned the legislation posed "a quasi-existential threat to the rule of law in Hong Kong", and said it was "an ominous moment for human rights in the city".

While China put forward its proposal as vital to reinforcing stability in the global financial hub, Hong Kong's share market plunged on Friday with a drop of more than five percent in afternoon trade.

- Eroding freedoms -

Hong Kong has been allowed a limited form of autonomy since returning from British to Chinese rule in 1997, with those unique freedoms enshrined under a "One Country, Two Systems" handover agreement.

However, a huge pro-democracy movement has built in the face of fears China has been steadily eroding those freedoms.

The Communist Party made clear Friday the planned law was aimed at quashing the democracy movement.

"We must take powerful measures to lawfully prevent, stop and punish them," vice chairman of the National People's Congress's (NPC) Standing Committee Wang Chen said, referring to "anti-China" forces.

Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says the city must enact a law to prohibit "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government.

But the clause has never been implemented due to opposition from the Hong Kong people fearful it would destroy their cherished civil rights.

An attempt to have Article 23 pass through Hong Kong's legislature in 2003 was shelved after half a million people took to the streets in protest against it.

China's move would circumvent Hong Kong's legislature by having it imposed by the national parliament.

Wang said Hong Kong's delays in implementing the security law had forced the Chinese leadership to take action.

"More than 20 years after Hong Kong's return, however, relevant laws are yet to materialise due to the sabotage and obstruction by those trying to sow trouble in Hong Kong and China at large, as well as external hostile forces," Wang said.

Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam vowed Friday to "fully cooperate" with Beijing, saying the government would "complete the legislation as soon as possible".

- US warnings -

The United States reacted swiftly to China's announcement, with State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus warning that imposing such a law would be "highly destabilising, and would be met with strong condemnation from the United States and the international community".

President Donald Trump gave a vague initial response that nevertheless warned of a stronger reaction.

"I don't know what it is, because nobody knows yet. If it happens, we'll address that issue very strongly," Trump said.

The US Congress late last year angered China by passing a law that would strip Hong Kong's preferential trading status if it is no longer considered autonomous from the mainland.

The State Department warned China's actions could impact its decision on that status.

US senators on Thursday also introduced legislation to impose sanctions on any entity involved in curbing Hong Kong's autonomy.

That could include police cracking down on demonstrators and Chinese officials involved in Hong Kong policy -- as well as banks that conduct transactions with anyone involved in curbing the territory's freedoms.

bur-kma/aph/je

India: 6,000 new Covid-19 infections in biggest one-day jump

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:54:39 GMT

Photo Credit: India Government Official Website

New Delhi(dpa)–India on Friday reported a jump of more than 6,000 cases of the new coronavirus over the past 24 hours, its biggest one-day surge so far, as the nationwide lockdown keeps being relaxed and domestic flights prepare to resume.

The number of infections rose to 118,447, the Health Ministry said in its daily morning update. The disease claimed 148 lives in last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 3,583. The surge in cases – 6,088 on Thursday, 5,609 on Wednesday and 5,611 Tuesday - comes ahead of a gradual re-start of domestic flights beginning Monday.

India's nationwide lockdown, the world's largest, began on March 25. While the first two phases saw a complete ban on travel and economic activity, there has been a gradual easing since, with many restrictions lifted in the fourth phase that began on Monday and continues till May 31. These include inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses, as well as the opening of industries, businesses, shops and offices.

However, state governments have to decide on the extent of easing restrictions in their jurisdiction outside of containment zones. India’s worst-hit Maharashtra state said it has taken control of 80 per cent of beds in private hospitals as it grapples with increasing number of Covid-19 patients and complaints of exorbitant prices being charged, NDTV news channel reported.

Maharashtra, with over 40,000 Covid-19 infections, has turned out to be the epicentre of the pandemic in India. It has been registering at least 2,000 new coronavirus cases daily over the past three days with the bulk of them in financial capital Mumbai.

Ang kwento ni Roel at Niño sa AJ Kalinga Foundation

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:47:04 GMT

Nakilala namin si Roel at Niño sa pamamagitan ng Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation at ni Father Flaviano Villanueva, SVD. Ito ang kwento nila at kung paano nila inaahon ang kanilang mga sarili sa pagiging homeless.

Singapore's Covid-19 cases top 30,000 as more migrants infected

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:40:04 GMT

Photo Credit: Ministry of Health of Singapore Official Website

Kuala Lumpur(dpa)-Singapore's confirmed coronavirus cases reached 30,426 on Friday as the Ministry of Health announced 664 new infections.

The ministry said the "vast majority" of Friday's cases are foreign migrant workers living in dozens of crowded dormitories that emerged as hotbeds for transmission in late March A summary published by the ministry on Thursday shows a cumulative 27,541 cases in dormitories, where over 300,000 mostly young male immigrants from across Asia reside while working in sectors such as security and construction.

Despite Singapore's miniscule size - a population of around 5.8 million that includes 1.4 million foreigners and crammed onto 724 square kilometres - it has confirmed more cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, than any country in East Asia outside China.

The Health Ministry attributed Singapore's relatively heavy caseload to "extensive testing in these premises," referring to the dormitories. Only 13 of Thursday's 448 cases were designated as "community" - meaning among Singaporeans or others living outside the migrant worker dormitories.

Friday's preliminary data suggested only four new cases involving Singaporeans. With so-called community cases down to an average of 6.5 a day over the past two weeks, the government said on Tuesday that the lockdown it imposed on April 7 will be lifted in "a careful and calibrated manner" from June 1 as scheduled. Twenty-three people have died in the affluent city-state after contracting Covid-19.

Thailand to extend pandemic state of emergency until end of June

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:34:48 GMT

Photo Credit: Google Map

Bangkok(dpa)-Thailand will extend a state of emergency until the end of June in efforts to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, officials said.

Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the government's coronavirus task force, said on Friday the emergency decree was necessary to ensure that plans to further ease restrictions do not face problems.

The decree was enacted on March 26 and was to last until April 30, but it can legally be extended by up to three months. It was previously extended until May 31. It gives the prime minister sweeping powers to introduce and enforce regulations.

Since late March, the government had ordered most businesses where people meet closed, but then gradually reopened those businesses this month. Restaurants, markets and parks were allowed to reopen on May 3, while shopping malls and museums reopened last Sunday.

Taweesin said the government will allow more businesses to reopen by June 1, but added that it has not yet decided exactly which businesses. Somsak Rungsita, secretary-general of the National Security Council, said on Thursday that the emergency decree should be extended to ensure official proceedings are conducted quickly to deal with the virus which is still spreading in other countries.

Critics of the military-aligned government have questioned whether extending the emergency decree is politically motivated. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, a former opposition lawmaker, said on Friday that the government is acting in fear of seeing protests against the regime which had spread nationwide before the pandemic.

Cabinet ministers are expected to approve the extension on Tuesday.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 22)

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:27:20 GMT

The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the Philippines reaches 3,092 as the Department of Health reports 92 new recoveries Friday. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 13,597.

Cebu officials push for lifting of motorcycle backriding ban

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:18:33 GMT

Photo Credit: Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Facebook Page

Three Cebu leaders have called on the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to lift the ban on motorcycle backriding.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, Carcar City Vice Mayor Nicepuro Apura and Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado said motorcycles are the common mode of transport for locals especially those who live in the inner sections of the localities.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan had earlier written to the IATF with a similar request. Chan said motorcycles play a big role in transporting local employees to their respective workplaces. He assured the IATF that only family members would be allowed to backride.

“Ako lang unta nga mapadayon na nga pwede mag-angkas kay mao na ang main transportation sa city, (I would like to appeal for backriding on motorcycles because it is the main transportation in the city), especially for family members,” said Gullas said in an interview with Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) .

Gullas appealed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to look into the situation.

“Hopefully, they can reconsider their position regarding backriders for motorcycles,” he said.

Carcar and Consolacion are both under general community quarantine (GCQ), while Talisay is still on modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). All three have already reopened some businesses to normal operations since May 20 with only a limited number of buses allowed. For inner-city routes, free public transportation is still deployed.

Sec. Galvez confirms we are still under First Wave

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:18:10 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency Official Website

MANILA, Philippines – National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. says the Philippines is still experiencing the first wave of the coronavirus surge.

“Sa amin pong pagtingin, nasa first wave pa rin po tayo (based on our observations, we are still under the first wave)” Secretary Galvez said in a May 22 interview with Undersecretary Martin Andanar to address the ‘Second Wave’ confusion.

He added that key government officials have been discussing preparations for the second wave.

Galvez also said they are anticipating a spike in the number of cases in other areas of the country with the arrival of a large number of overseas filipino workers (OFWs).

“We are receiving more than 30,000, and they came from affected areas katulad ng U.S., Italy, Spain, and other parts of the Middle East” he said.

Galvez assured that a special task group is handling the repatriation and testing of these OFWs.

“Out of the 30,000 OFWs na natest natin, ay mayroon tayong nakuha na more or less 600 na positive, ” he added.

The second wave confusion started when Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced on Wednesday that the Philippines is already in the second wave of Covid-19. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque then clarified on Thursday that the country is still in the first wave.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Secretary Roque’s statement and apologized to the public about the confusion.

The Philippines has a total number of 13,434 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 3000 recoveries, and 846 deaths as of May 21, 2020.

Duterte accepts DICT Usec Rio’s resignation

Fri, 22 May 2020 05:19:54 GMT

Photo Credit: Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Official Website

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Eliseo Rio, Jr.

“The Palace thanks Usec. Rio for his invaluable services to the nation and we wish him well in all his future endeavours” Roque said in a statement.

Rio passed his resignation on January 31 questioning the use of P300 million by Secretary Gringo Honasan as cash advance for his confidential and intelligence funds. The fund was intended for improvements of the country’s cybersecurity arrangements.

Rio later retracted his allegation in a joint statement with Honasan, saying he resigned because of “personal reasons, and not due to any rift with the Secretary, nor to any anomaly in the Confidential Expense."

Rio is a licensed Electronics and Communication Engineer and was formerly a brigadier general in the Philippine Army. After he retired from military service, he was appointed to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in 2001 and was appointed as DICT undersecretary in 2016.

Female cadet from Isabela tops PMA Masidlawin Class of 2020

Fri, 22 May 2020 04:55:14 GMT

Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui from Echague, Isabela tops the Philippine Military Academy “Masidlawin” Class of 2020.

The PMA says parents will not be allowed to attend the graduation rites on Friday afternoon but the ceremony will be streamed live.

Palace relieves OCD Purisima over ‘loss of trust and confidence’

Fri, 22 May 2020 03:39:38 GMT

Photo Credit: PIA

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday said Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima has been relieved from his post.

"The Palace confirms that Office of the Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima has been relieved from his post effective immediately due to loss of trust and confidence," Roque said in a statement.

Secretary Roque gave no other details.

Roque also said the palace has yet to appoint Purisima's replacement. The OCD website however shows the position is now occupied by Assistant Secretary Casiano Monilla.

The OCD was recently tasked by the President to oversee the donations of medicines, medical supplies and equipment to the government and handle the contact tracing of individuals who might have been exposed to COVID-19.

NPA eyed in killing of ex-CAFGU in Guihulngan City

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:56:31 GMT

Negros Oriental provincial police director Col. Julian Entoma. (File photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A farmer and former member of the government’s paramilitary group was gunned down by suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday night.

Provincial police director, Col. Julian Entoma, in an interview Thursday afternoon, said the perpetrators in this latest shooting incident in Guihulngan are believed to be members of the same group operating in the northern Negros area and also responsible for previous shooting incidents in that city.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office identified the victim as Joseph Redocto Bitonga, 41, married, a resident of Sitio Budlasan, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan.

Bitonga, a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was shot while sitting outside his house in Sitio Budlasan by two unidentified male suspects.

He died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Entoma said the rebels operating in Guihulngan now appear to have split into smaller groups so that they would not be easily spotted by government troops as they are allegedly going around, asking for food from residents in the hinterland areas.

There seems to be a pattern that they are out to target civilians or former members of the AFP who they believe are feeding information to law enforcement authorities about the alleged NPA rebels' movements and presence in their communities, Entoma said.

Bitonga was said to have been among those targeted in Oplan Sauron, a massive police operation in late 2018 and early 2019 against illegal possession of firearms, he said.

One Oplan Sauron operation alone left at least 14 peasants and suspected NPA members dead, and several others arrested.

Based on police investigation, Bitonga was suspected to have been an “informant” of the military and barangay officials afterward which is eyed as the possible reason he was gunned down, Entoma said.

Just last week, Elpedio Julwar dela Cerna Mahinay, a village councilman of Sitio Maambog, Barangay Planas in Guihulngan was also killed allegedly by NPA rebels, he said.

The suspects were overheard as saying that Mahinay had allowed himself “to be used by the Army and the government”.

Entoma said he has advised those who believe they are targets of the NPA, especially the ones living in remote and hinterland villages, to transfer residence for now, preferably to areas where a military detachment is present. (PNA)

Rogue Iloilo cop caught for transporting liquor

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:55:17 GMT

CONTRABAND. Sixty boxes of liquor are confiscated by the Guimbal municipal police station at a quarantine control checkpoint in Nanga village in Guimbal, Iloilo on Wednesday (May 20, 2020). Staff Sgt. Jose Digcabo-on Jr. of Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) was allegedly involved in the transport of the contraband. (Photo courtesy of Guimbal MPS)

ILOILO CITY – Another erring personnel of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) was nabbed late Wednesday afternoon for sneaking 60 boxes of liquor through a checkpoint in Guimbal town.

Staff Sgt. Jose Digcabo-on Jr., assigned at PRO-6’s Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU), was allegedly involved in the transport of the contraband.

A police report showed that a shuttle van being operated by Leo Faldas of Molo District in this city was flagged down in a quarantine control checkpoint in Nanga village.

When asked to present documents, Faldas failed to show his travel pass and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) sticker.

Digcabo-on appeared from the vehicle and allegedly told one of the police officers at the checkpoint not to inspect the van.

“Do not open, sarge, because it is for the group,” Digcabo-on allegedly said in the vernacular.

The police officer at the checkpoint, however, proceeded with the inspection and found 60 boxes of Tanduay Rhum.

Digcabo-on and Faldas were brought to the Guimbal municipal police station and will face charges for violating the liquor ban as stated in Executive Order 080 signed by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

In an official statement, the PRO-6 condemned the act of Digcabo-on who disregarded the stern warning of PRO-6 Director, Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan.

Pamuspusan earlier warned police personnel against buying or selling liquor after three personnel were charged for violating the liquor ban, relieved from their present assignments, and reassigned to the RPHAU.

“The PNP stands firm in punishing police officers who continue to challenge its internal cleansing efforts by immediately filing appropriate criminal and administrative charges against offenders,” the statement said.

The PRO-6 has also recognized the courage and discipline of the personnel assigned at the Nanga checkpoint. (PNA)

‘NPA supply courier’ nabbed in Surigao Sur

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:54:00 GMT

NPA COURIER. Police and Army operatives arrest Eric G. Enriquez, allegedly a courier for the communist New People's Army, in a law enforcement operation in the vicinity of Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on May 19, 2020. Military and law enforcement officials said the area is a known enclave of the communist rebel group. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

BUTUAN CITY – Authorities arrested an alleged militiaman of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a law enforcement operation in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga.

Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) chief, said Thursday Eric G. Enriquez, 33, who also reportedly served as a supply courier, was arrested on Tuesday through a warrant of arrest issued by a regional court in Lianga for murder and attempted murder.

Enriquez is a member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), a trusted contact and supply courier of the Weakened Guerrilla Front 19 (WGF-19) of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC) of the NPA, Esquivel said.

He was arrested in Diatagon in Lianga by elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 13 (RMFB-13), Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Lianga municipal police station.

“Based on the intelligence report, Enriquez is also an active member of Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu), an alleged CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines) affected organization in Surigao del Sur,” Esquivel said.

NPA enclave

In a separate statement on Thursday, 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of 3SFBn, said the area where Enriquez was arrested is a known rebel enclave.

Punsalan was specifically referring to the boundary between Sitio Han-ayan (Km. 16) in Diatagon, Lianga and Sitio Kabulohan, Barangay Buhisan, San Agustin, where Enriquez was arrested.

“An Indigenous People (IP) witness, who requested anonymity, said that wanted and terrorist personalities – to include communist-linked and militant group Mapasu leaders with standing warrants of arrests – are allegedly seeking refuge in Sitio Han-Ayan (Km. 16) and Sitio Kabulohan and are using civilians as human shields to evade government forces through 'taktikang bakwit' (evacuation tactic),” Punsalan said.

He noted that last March 19, Mapasu leader Gloria Campos Tumalon, who has standing warrants of arrest for arson, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention, was also arrested in the same area by a team of Army and PNP personnel.

Punsalan said Tumalon is the sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos and Imelda Campos Belandres, the NPA leaders who were arrested by authorities in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur back in 2018.

Brig. Gen. Allan D. Hambala, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, said several NPA personalities linked to Mapasu have been arrested following tipoffs received from residents in the area.

Tribal leader Hawudon Jomar S. Bucales, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, also lauded the arrest of Enrique.

"We, in the IP tribal council fully support the government's operations against Communist NPA Terrorists and their front groups within our ancestral lands to stop their abuse, exploitation, and killings of innocent IPs who refuse to give in to their violent armed struggle and ideology," Bucales said.

Meanwhile, Punsalan said the military and other law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest of Enriquez and other NPA leaders in the area are expecting Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat and her leftist allies to appeal to various media platforms to gain public sympathy.

“Expect that they will come out and accuse government forces with lies, such as an attack on the IPs and their communities. This tactic is one of their old playbooks to cover up their members when in fact that the arrest was conducted based on a legal and constitutional basis,” he said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)

'Drug den' dismantled, 9 nabbed in Zamboanga anti-drug ops

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:52:35 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government operatives dismantled a drug den and arrested nine people as well as seized PHP205,700 worth of illegal drugs in separate operations in Zamboanga del Norte and in this city, an official said Thursday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, said five of the eight suspects were arrested in a drug den that was dismantled by a team of police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel around 1 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Galas, Dipolog City, in Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez identified the arrested individuals as Kimberly Sieres, 21; Shiene Almerol, 18; Honey Gin Ibao, 20; Kissie Ahos, 18; and Casey Aldueza, 20.

The suspects yielded some 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP150,000 and PHP1,000 marked money, police said.

Galvez identified the four other arrested suspects as Usman Barah, 32; Kemar Abubakar, 39; Franco Alcazar, 40; and Robinson Torrefranca Poras, 39.

Barah was arrested in possession of some PHP2,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust operation around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday in Sitio Mulumuluan, Barangay Mercedes here, police said.

Police said they recovered from Abubakar some PHP3,700 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money when arrested in a buy-bust operation around 9:50 p.m. Wednesday in Purok 6, Barangay Recodo here.

Alcazar and Poras, meanwhile, were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 9:20 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Dionisio Riconalla, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

Galvez said seized the from the possessions of the two suspects were some PHP50,000 worth of suspected shabu, PHP500 marked money, and illegal drug paraphernalia.

She said the suspects are now detained while illegal drug charges are set to be filed against them. (PNA)

Malacañang says cases filed against Sinas to proceed

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:51:06 GMT

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday said cases against National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas will proceed despite the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to keep him in his post.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that while Duterte has decided not to fire Sinas, it does not erase the fact that he is still facing criminal charges while an administrative case is also in the works.

”Ang sinabi ni Presidente ay malinaw: Sa ngayon po ay mananatili siya. Pero hindi po natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa susunod ng mga araw dahil patuloy po ang proseso (What the President said was clear: He will stay in his post. But we don’t know what will happen in the coming days because the process is ongoing),” he said in a virtual presser.

In a public address late Tuesday night, Duterte said he will not fire or transfer Sinas over his birthday celebration that violated quarantine protocols last May 8, saying he is needed in his post.

Duterte said he prevented Sinas from getting fired or transferred because he believed he is a “good and honest” officer.

“Ako 'yung ayaw na malipat siya (I was the one who didn’t want him transferred). He is a good officer, he’s an honest one and 'di niya kasalanan na may mangharana sa kanya sa birthday niya (it was not his fault he was serenaded on his birthday),” he said.

Duterte said he believed that Sinas would have not permitted the gathering if he knew beforehand about the “mañanita” or the traditional birthday welcome by his colleagues.

“I do not believe in just firing him because kinantahan siya ng happy birthday (they sang him a birthday song). I’m sure na kung alam ni Sinas ‘yan hindi siya pumayag (if he knew about it, he would have stopped it),” he said.

Sinas has apologized but insisted that there was “nothing wrong” with the celebration, claiming that photos during the party were "edited".

Sinas and 18 other police officers are facing a criminal complaint for alleged violation of City Ordinance 12, series of 2020, which imposes mandatory wearing of face masks and physical distancing, and Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

He was lambasted by netizens after photos of his birthday bash at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City went viral on social media last May 8.

In the photos released by the NCRPO public information office, which have now been deleted, it can be noticed that the police officials failed to observe safe physical distancing. (PNA)

NBI eyes more raps vs. bizman Leo Marcos

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:49:55 GMT

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday said it will file more charges against self-styled philanthropist Francis Leo Marcos.

"Dalawa po ang pangalan. Norman Mangusin tapos yung ginagamit niyang Francis Leo Marcos. Ano ang totoo? Di ba Norman Mangusin at the same time, yung sa Passport Law, kasi pag nag-falsify ka ng documents in procuring a passport under a different name, bawal yun (There are two names Norman Mangusin and the one he uses, Francis Leo Marcos. Which is real? At the same time, under the Passport Law, when you falsify a document in procuring a passport under a different name, that's illegal)," NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Victor Lorenzo told reporters.

He confirmed that Marcos, who was arrested on Tuesday, is still behind bars.

"He is still detained, but will post bail on the charges," Lorenzo said.

NBI agents arrested Marcos after a Baguio court issued an arrest warrant against him for violation of Republic Act 8050 or the Optometry Law over unauthorized distribution of eyeglasses.

Marcos became an online sensation for supposedly making big donations to those affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Aside from a separate charge for violence against women and children (VAWC) and an estafa complaint, the NBI is also verifying reports of other charges against Marcos. (PNA)

Parents of 2 Zamboangueñas proud of daughters' PNPA feat

Fri, 22 May 2020 02:34:14 GMT

WOMEN POWER. Two Zamboangueñas, Cadettees First Class Lei Anne Palermo and Zandra Tabar land on the Top 10 of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Mandayug Class of 2020. The graduation is set to be held Friday (May 22, 2020) at Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite. (Photo grab from PNPA file video)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The parents of the two Zamboangueña Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadets who will graduate on top of their class said they are proud of their daughters' achievements, although they cannot attend the graduation rites amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The graduation of the PNPA Mandayug Class of 2020 is set to be held Friday, at Camp Mariano Castañeda that houses the PNPA campus in Silang, Cavite.

The two Zamboangueñas who landed on top of the Mandayug Class of 2020 are Cadette First Class Lei Anne Palermo, who is top of her class, and Cadette First Class Zandra Tabar, who is the top 3.

Palermo, who belongs to the Hawk Company, is a resident of Barangay Calarian, while Tabar of the Charlie Company is from Barangay Curuan, both in this city.

Palermo is the youngest daughter of Army 2Lt. (ret.) Norberto Palermo, 64, and Lilia Palermo, a retired nurse of the Dr. Jose Maria Torres Memorial Foundation Hospital, Inc in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Noberto said he is proud and honored by his daughter's achievement and would have loved to attend the graduation ceremony if not for the prevailing health crisis.

“We are proud of you when you complete the course as number one. You made true of your promises to exert everything to reach the top,” Norberto said.

Tabar is the eldest daughter of Roselie and Alexander Tabar, who are into the transport business.

Roselie said they did not expect Zandra to be in the top 10 considering there are 227 cadets in the Mandayug Class of 2020. She said Zandra, who graduated as valedictorian both in elementary and secondary, has been wanting to become a soldier since she was little.

Zandra took and passed twice the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance examination but failed to qualify the quota limit.

“So she decided to take the PNPA entrance examination and passed, and the rest is history,” Roselie said.

She also expressed regret that they won't be able to attend the graduation rights because there are still no flights to Manila due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Anyway, the graduation will be live on the PNPA Facebook page and on PTV-4. Doon na lang kami maghintay,” Zandra’s mother said.

Aside from Palermo and Tabar, six other Zamboangueños will graduate tomorrow, Friday, from the PNPA.

They are Cadets First Class Al-Shadat Abdurajak and Joseph Bryan Alberto of Barangay Sangali; Cadette First Class Judilyn Bardago of Sta. Catalina; Cadette First Class Brain Hull Sakkam of Sinunuc; Cadette First Class Rain Simyunn of Pasonanca; and Cadette First Class Khomeni Sulaiman of Recodo.

The PNPA Mandayug Class of 2020 has 227 cadets coming from all over the country. They started training and schooling on May 1, 2016.

The PNPA management said 202 of the graduates will join the police service, 59 will join the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), and 16 will go to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). (PNA)

DA Confirms P700 Million for Farmers affected by Typhoon Ambo

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:53:06 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P700 million as a quick response fund for farmers affected by typhoon Ambo.

“Ongoing po yung validation, by next week po maglalabas na ang pera sabi ng operations group natin (The validation is already ongoing, by next week the money will be released according to our operations group)” DA Spokesperson Noel Reyes said in a live feed conducted by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

He explained that the fund will also cover requests for interventions and damages in areas most affected by the typhoon including Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Quezon and the Cordilleras.

He added that the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has started the process for the release of insurance proceeds.

“Sila [PCIC] naman ang nag-insure ng kani-kanilang mga crops or livestock worth 90.5 million ang indemnification fund (They insured their crops or livestock. The indemnification fund is at P90.5 million)” the DA Spokesperson added.

Mandaue records 66 new Covid-19 cases

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:26:22 GMT

Photo Credit: Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook Page

Mandaue City recorded 66 new cases of COVID-19 on May 20, all from the Mandaue City Jail, bringing the total recorded cases to date to 199.

Statistics posted by the Mandaue City Public Information Office (PIO) on Facebook showed that 189 of the 199 total recorded cases are active. 173 are city jail inmates, one is a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology worker also at the jail, and 15 others are in the Mandaue community. Of the ten other patients, seven have recovered and three died.

Meanwhile, city authorities have allowed some businesses to resume operations under the extended ECQ. Businesses however must apply for a special permit to operate. The permit is free of charge.

“All Businesses must apply for a Special Permit to Operate during the Community Quarantine. This may serve as additional proof for workers and vehicles to be allowed entry into the City,” read the notice posted on the PIO’s page.

The Mandaue PIO also reported that it exceeded its goal for target testing with a 109.97% turnout. The government originally targeted 11,632 testing samples, but 12,792 came for virus testing.

8 Leyte village officials charged over cash aid mess

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:10:56 GMT

SUBSIDY MESS. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) personnel question local officials involved in the alleged deduction of emergency cash subsidy in Jordan village Palompon, Leyte. The CIDG has filed this week graft charges against two village chiefs and six other officials in Southern Leyte and Leyte for alleged anomalies in the distribution of PHP5,000 cash aid under the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare of Development. (Photo courtesy of CIDG Tacloban)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed graft charges against two village chiefs and six other local officials in Eastern Visayas for alleged anomalies in the distribution of emergency cash subsidy.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act and RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act were filed against the chairman, four councilors, secretary and treasurer of Nati village in Maasin City, Southern Leyte on May 19, Col. Reynante Panay, CIDG Eastern Visayas director said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the police report, a complainant disclosed that the officials asked PHP1,500 donation from the beneficiaries of the PHP5,000 cash aid under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare of Development (DSWD).

The accumulated donations amounting to PHP56,000 were distributed to families who were not recipients of the cash assistance, while the village officials received PHP2,000 each from the remaining amount, it added.

On May 18, charges for violation of RA 3019 and RA 6713 or the Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees were also filed against the chairman of Jordan village in Palompon, Leyte for alleged deduction of PHP1,000 from the emergency cash subsidy, intended for those excluded as SAP beneficiary.

“The CIDG has been tapped to probe cases relating to the anomalous distribution of the cash assistance, so we encouraged everyone to report to our nearest field office any information regarding this or you can contact us through Cidg Taloban Facebook page or email us at cidgtacloban@gmail.com,” Panay said.

Meanwhile, the DSWD is now validating those who have received the SAP assistance, to confirm if local government units have complied and followed the guidelines in enlisting beneficiaries.

Based on DSWD report, some 546,769 families have already received cash assistance in the region. (PNA)

3 fall in Maguindanao drug buy-bust; P680-K shabu seized

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:08:49 GMT

NABBED. Three drug suspects (center in handcuffs) are arrested by a team of police and anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (May 20, 2020). Authorities said two huge sachets of suspected shabu with a street value of PHP680,000 have been seized from the suspects. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – A team of police and anti-narcotics operatives arrested three persons and recovered suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP680,000 in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday.

The buy-bust operation was conducted in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, situated some 500 meters away from Camp Siongco, headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, director of the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM), identified those arrested as Maimona Bagundang, 24, and her husband Sidik S. Bagundang, 24, both residents of Barangay Ganta, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao; and Mohalidin Pikit, 42, of Barangay Dadtumeg, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao.

Abu said operatives of the Datu Odin Sinsuat police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency –BARMM conducted the entrapment in Sitio Curbada, Barangay Awang at 2 p.m., which resulted in the confiscation of some 100 grams of shabu.

“This reflects the commitment of PRO-BARMM to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in our area of responsibility amid the continuing fight (against) the coronavirus disease 2019,” he said.

The three suspects are currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM custodial facility in this city. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 21)

Thu, 21 May 2020 09:59:00 GMT

The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the Philippines reaches 3,000 as the Department of Health reports 68 new recoveries Thursday. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 13,434.

NCCA appeals for help for cultural workers and artists who lost jobs to COVID-19

Thu, 21 May 2020 09:00:16 GMT

Photo Credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Official Website

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has appealed for help for cultural workers in the Philippines who were left jobless because of the community quarantine.

NCCA Executive Director Al Ryan Alejandre said around 400,000 freelance cultural workers and artists are unable to resume their work under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Malaki po ang epekto ng COVID-19 sa cultural workers and artists sa buong Pilipinas kasi po karamihan po sa kanila ay freelancers. Wala pong employer-employee relationship – sila po yung direktang tinatamaan nito (COVID-19 has a big impact on cultural workers and artists because most of them are freelancers. There is no employer-employee relationship),” the NCCA director said during a Laging Handa virtual briefer.

Alejandre said they have allotted a budget of P76.8 million for 14,500 freelance workers from 19 different sectors.

He added that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also provided P1.5 million, which is good for 400 people only.

Deputy Director Marichu Tellano said the NCCA is in the process of redesigning some activities so that they may be done online instead of live.

Davao del Norte aims to establish mobile testing facility by June or July

Thu, 21 May 2020 08:08:55 GMT

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Davao del Norte provincial government is partnering with various entities to establish a mobile testing facility for COVID-19 patients.

Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon said the project is supported by the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), Department of Health (DOH) Region XI, University of the Philippines Mindanao and an unnamed private sector entity.

“We shared our finances on this, hopefully by June or July matapos siya,” the Mayor said in an interview with Sec. Martin Andanar on Thursday, May 21.

He added that they are just waiting for DOH approval.

Rellon said Tagum City gave P4 million while the cities of Samal and Banabo City gave P3 million each to the project.

“We signed already a memorandum of agreement and ito po ang paghahanda natin kahit matagalan pa, we will be having (a mobile testing facility) dito na mismo sa lungsod that will cater not only to Tagum City but the rest of the LGUs in part of the region (We signed already a memorandum of agreement and this is what we are preparing for even if it will take time, we will be having [a mobile testing facility] in the city that will cater not only to Tagum City but the rest of the LGUs in part of the region).” the Mayor added.

Tagum City has 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1 death, and 9 recoveries as of May 21. The city transitioned from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) last May 16.

Meralco: No disconnection during quarantine

Thu, 21 May 2020 06:46:38 GMT

Photo Credit: Meralco Facebook Page

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has assured the public that it will put on hold its disconnection operations while the country continues to grapple with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said consumers can set aside the electric bills that they received earlier this month as it did not reflect their actual electric consumption from the previous months.

“Yung estimated billings pwedeng itabi muna ‘yan; ‘wag munang pagtuunan ng pansin dahil ang importante po ay makuha ng ating mga kababayan ang kanilang actual na konsumo at ‘yan naman ay paparating na (You can put aside the estimated billings for now; the important thing is that consumers should get the actual consumption readings and that is coming),” Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga asked the public to wait for further guidelines from Meralco on electric billing as they are set to discuss the matter with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

He said options on how consumers can pay their electric bills after the community quarantine will be discussed in that meeting.

Zaldarriaga also said they are now studying the installment process of payment for electric bills for the period of March and April when Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Consumers who have questions about their electric bills may reach Meralco through its hotline number and official social media accounts.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) placed Metro Manila under ECQ from March to April. This was shifted to modified ECQ (MECQ) this month.

Fontana locked down for illegal Covid-19 hospital ops

Thu, 21 May 2020 05:52:50 GMT

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) ordered on Wednesday the closure and full lockdown of the Fontana Resorts and Leisure Park here.

The closure order came after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 3, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the CDC conducted a joint operation Tuesday and raided a villa illegally operating as a makeshift medical facility for Chinese patients.

During the raid, a seven-bed underground coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hospital for Chinese nationals were discovered, including a patient inside villa 628 at Florida Street, Fontana Resorts and Leisure Park.

“This illegal activity not only violates the law but also poses danger to individuals who potentially need medical treatment for the deadly disease. CDC does not and will never tolerate this inside the Clark Freeport,” the CDC said in a statement.

Arrested during the raid were two Chinese nationals -- Ling Hu, 45, the alleged owner of the underground hospital; and Seung-Hyun Lee, 38, an alleged pharmacist.

The suspects are now detained at Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Covid-19 patient admitted inside the makeshift facility was transferred in a medical facility.

“Aside from the operators who are now facing criminal charges, the CDC will also hold into account the management of Fontana for allowing this to happen within their property. We assure Clark stakeholders, the locators, local communities and residents especially, that we will not stop until all those involved are prosecuted and punished,” the CDC said.

Police said the suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9711 or the "Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009", and Republic Act 2382 or the "Medical Act of 1958" for illegally operating without clearance and permit with the Department of Health (DOH) and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF EID).

The raiding team also discovered several medicines with Chinese labels and medical wastes inside the villa. (PNA)

Zambo cops nab security guard, 2 others in drug busts

Thu, 21 May 2020 03:09:38 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A security guard tagged as "high-value target" (HVT) and two other drug personalities were arrested in separate law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Cebu, an official said Wednesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the alleged HVT as Bocary Tan Macapato Jr., 23, listed by the police as "top 1 priority target" in the town of Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said Macapato was arrested by a team of policemen through a warrant of arrest around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Tower 1, Mactan Newtown, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

Galvez said Macapato has a standing warrant of arrest for four counts of transacting in illegal drugs with no recommended bail issued in February this year by a regional court in Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez identified the two other arrested suspects as Julius Galleposo, 18, and Diode Bachoco, 36, a construction worker.

Galleposo was arrested in possession of some PHP20,400 worth of suspected shabu packed in 11 heat-sealed plastic sachets and PHP200 marked money in a buy-bust operation around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Taki, Barangay Linabo, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

Bachoco, meanwhile, was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Top Mars Subdivision, Phase 4, Purok Orchids, Barangay Pangi, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Galvez said Bachoco yielded some PHP2,500 worth of suspected shabu packed in five heat-sealed plastic sachets and P500 marked money.

She said Macapato was transported to Dipolog City from Lapu-Lapu City while Galleposo and Bachoco were detained pending the filing of formal charges. (PNA)

1 killed, 1 hurt in suspected rebel attack in Masbate

Thu, 21 May 2020 03:07:51 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – A man was killed while another was wounded in a shooting incident perpetrated by three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Milagros town, Masbate province on Wednesday, a police report said.

One of the attackers was arrested by lawmen but the other two were able to escape, said Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol).

She said Romeo, 65, and Jossel, 35, both surnamed Fuentes, were having coffee outside their residence in Barangay Jamorawon at about 6 a.m. when they were attacked by the three alleged communist rebels.

The three fired at the victims using handguns, killing the younger Fuentes instantly. The other was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Calubaquib said police operatives who responded to the scene were tipped off by residents in the area on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects.

A pursuit operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of Marvin Peralta, 32, of Barangay San Antonio, Milagros, while a certain "Ka Banjo" and one "Ka Marvin" managed to escape. (PNA)

Fake Tinder profiles are trying to get your credit card details

Wed, 20 May 2020 12:33:30 GMT

Photo from DPA

(dpa) — Users of the Tinder dating app should be wary of a current scam that uses fake profiles to lure people into expensive subscriptions.

The victims, most of whom are male, are persuaded by a chatbot masquerading as the real person depicted in the dating profile to go to another site to verify their identity before the two people can meet.

The bot will typically explain to the victim that they had a bad experience with Tinder dates in the past and that they need this extra step for their security.

If the victims follow the link to the purported verification site, they are asked to enter a chat name, password, and email address. They are then asked to enter their credit card details, even though they're assured that membership is free.

In fact, they are unwittingly signing up for various subscription memberships which are extended automatically every month. The cost can be up to 50 dollars per month.

Tinder has its own system for verifying user profiles so you should be skeptical of any third party offers to do so. And of course you should be careful when entering credit card details on a website you don't know. A quick online search will often reveal if it's a legitimate site.

Japan's tourist numbers plunge 99.9 per cent in April during pandemic

Wed, 20 May 2020 11:34:02 GMT

File Photo

Tokyo(dpa)– Numbers of overseas visitors to Japan plunged by 99.9 per cent in April year-on-year due to a pandemic-induced travel ban, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said on Wednesday.

Just 2,900 people travelled to Japan in April, down from 2.9 million during the same month last year, the JNTO said. Japan has imposed an entry ban to visitors from 100 countries, including China, the United States and all of Europe, inflicting severe damage on the country's tourism industry.

Japan's economy, the world's third largest, has in recent years become increasingly reliant on overseas visitors, especially those from Asia. Before the pandemic, tourism had been enjoying healthy growth rates.

An estimated 31.8 million people visited Japan in 2019, up 2.2 per cent from the previous year, the JNTO said.

Japan had hoped to boost the number of overseas tourists to 40 million in 2020 with help of the now-postponed Tokyo Olympics. The Games will now take place in 2021.

Gov: Cebuanos can now go swimming

Wed, 20 May 2020 11:14:33 GMT

Photo Credit: Governor Gwen Garcia Official Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said Cebuanos may now swim in public waters, but only for health purposes and between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.

"Kung gusto mo maligo ug dagat, adto ra mo kaligo sa inyong kaugalingong dagat sa inyong lungsod. Dili nga mag-outing mo. Ayaw sa nang mga beach party (If you want to go swimming, go, but do it in your own beach. Do not go outside your area for an outing. No beach parties for the moment)," said Garcia on Sugbo News on Wednesday.

She added that strict protocols on social distancing and limitations on the number of people at the beaches will still be in place. These protocols will be implemented by local government units.

Garcia also encouraged the people to go to the beaches since she believes in the healing properties of salt water.

“Wala man ko mag-ingon nga dili ko motuo anang dagat nga makaayo. Ang atong gilikayan ana ang tapuk-tapok man or kung asa tong ang mga tawo magpunsisok (I did not say I never believed in the healing properties of the sea. We just wanted to prevent large crowds),” she said.

Garcia also suggested the use of “tuob” or vaporizing, an old Cebuano healing tradition for cough and colds that uses the vapor from hot water added with herbs or vapor rubs.

She encouraged the public to boost their immune system by doing physical exercise and taking probiotic drinks and vitamins.

The whole province except for the cities of Talisay and Mandaue has transitioned from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 20.

Talisay and Mandaue, which have rising cases of Covid-19, have remained under ECQ. Talisay, with 16 cases as of May 20, is under a modified ECQ (MECQ).

Cebu City has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Cebu province with close to 2,000 patients.

2 online scammers nabbed in Parañaque, Taguig

Wed, 20 May 2020 10:14:49 GMT

NABBED. Authorities arrest Malvin Kistiakowsky Tianchon for engaging in cryptocurrency trading scam in Parañaque City on Tuesday (May 19, 2020). Another suspect, Kli Ban Rapista Agarrado, was arrested in Taguig City for alleged credit card fraud. (Photo courtesy of NCRPO)

MANILA – Authorities arrested two persons involved in an online scam in separate operations in the cities of Parañaque and Taguig.

In a report submitted to Camp Crame Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, said Malvin Kistiakowsky Tianchon, 29, was arrested in Parañaque City on Tuesday afternoon.

Tianchon is reportedly engaged in cryptocurrency trading scam and is being sought by some complainants in the Philippines and Singapore.

He is facing charges of estafa in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“For the victims of Tianchon who have yet to file a case, please do so. With the help of the Anti-Cybercrime Group at Camp Crame, we will further investigate the bitcoin anomalies allegedly committed. Rest assured that NCRPO will remain consistent in apprehending criminals," Sinas said.

The suspect was brought to the Pasay City Police Station for documentation prior to the procedural return of the warrant of arrest to the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 117 where he is facing estafa charges in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Also on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested Kli Ban Rapista Agarrado alias Marco Castro Margarico, 22, an online seller, for alleged credit card fraud.

PNP-ACG director Brig. Gen. Dennis Agustin said Agarrado was arrested in an entrapment operation in his condominium unit in Taguig City.

Agarrado allegedly made online purchases using the credit card information of complainant Cheyenne Sibal Edlagan.

He obtained the victim's credit card information during a transaction to facilitate her payment of two Apple watches through a chat group where he is an administrator.

Using Edlagan's credit card information, the suspect allegedly made online purchases from an online retail shop. He was arrested as he received the items he purchased from a PNP-ACG agent who posed as a delivery courier.

Agustin said the suspect will be charged for violation of Section 9 of RA 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998) as amended by RA 11449, Article 172 (falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents), Article 178 (using fictitious name and concealing true name) and Article 315 (swindling/estafa) of RPC in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. (PNA)

'Drug den' dismantled, 6 nabbed in GenSan drug bust

Wed, 20 May 2020 10:13:45 GMT

DISMANTLED. Six suspected drug users and pushers are arrested by a team of operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 (Soccsksargen) and the General Santos City Police Office in a sting operation in Yu Village, Barangay Apopong on Tuesday afternoon (May 19, 2020). The operation resulted in the dismantling of an alleged drug den and the recovery of PHP102,000 worth of suspected shabu. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Authorities dismantled another drug den and arrested six alleged shabu pushers and users in an operation in a village here on Tuesday afternoon.

Naravy Duquiatan, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12 (Soccsksargen) director, said Wednesday the drug den was discovered during an entrapment in a rented house in Yu Village, Barangay Apopong at past 2 p.m.

Duquiatan said the buy-bust targeted suspected pusher Rey Ortiz alias “Mata”, 59, who was listed as a high-value target drug personality.

During the operation, she said elements of PDEA-12 and city police station 02 discovered that the suspect was using the rented house as a drug den.

“He was under close surveillance for several months and was eventually included in our target list due to the extent of his illegal activities,” Duquiatan said in a statement.

Also arrested at the scene were Michael Ritch Caballes, 28; Danilo Guinto, 55; Mariel Fernandez, 20; Kent George Tablac, 33; and Kevin Tablac, 38. The Tablac brothers owned the house rented by Ortiz.

Recovered at the scene were two sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 15 grams with an estimated street value of PHP102,000; assorted drug paraphernalia; empty plastic sachets placed inside a pencil case; and a cash deposit slip amounting to PHP104,000.

Duquiatan said the investigation was ongoing regarding the other cohorts of Ortiz and the possible involvement of five other suspects in illegal drug activities.

She said the suspects, who were detained at the PDEA-12 lockup here, would face multiple charges for violation of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

7 killed as ex-soldier runs amuck in Calbayog City

Wed, 20 May 2020 10:12:01 GMT

SHOOTING. The chaos in Gadgaran village, Calbayog City in Samar after a soldier run amok, killing six people and wounding two others on Tuesday afternoon (May 19, 2020). The gunman, an ex-soldier, also died in a shootout with policemen. (Contributed photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – Seven people died, including the gunman, and two others were seriously wounded when an ex-soldier indiscriminately shot his neighbors and bystanders in Gadgaran village, Calbayog City, Samar late Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect, Glenn Balunan, who was drunk during the incident, also died in a shootout with responding members of the police mobile force battalion around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police said in a report sent to reporters on Wednesday.

Killed during the shooting rampage were Carlo Saldaña, 28; Garry Saldaña, 34; Vicente Lozano, 66; Jimmy Jadulco, 45; Leopoldo Molat, 64 and Jalita Ramada, of legal age.

Wounded were Humprey Tacaldo, 54 and Janine Barreto, of legal age.

“One of the victims died on the spot and five were brought to Calbayog District Hospital for immediate medical treatment but they were pronounced dead on arrival,” the police report said.

An investigation is still ongoing to determine the motive of the suspect.

Calbayog, a first-class city in Samar is the trading center in the northwestern part of the province. The city is located 172 kilometers north of Tacloban, the regional capital. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 20)

Wed, 20 May 2020 08:40:35 GMT

The Department of Health reports 279 new COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths and 89 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 13,221.

Vlogger at character actor Emman Nimedez, lumalaban sa leukemia

Wed, 20 May 2020 08:01:18 GMT

Photo Credit: Emman Nimedez Youtube Video

MANILA – Nakikipaglaban ngayon sa sakit na leukemia ang vlogger na si Emman Nimedez.

Nakilala si Emman sa bansag na “Pambansang Oppa” dahil sa kanyang parody videos o nakakatuwang panggagaya sa Korean dramang “Goblin” noong 2017.

Sa ngayon ay umaabot na sa higit isang milyon ang mga tagasunod ni Emman, dahilan para gawaran siya ng YouTube Gold Play Button.

Maliban sa pagiging vlogger, pinasok din ni Emman ang pag-arte. Naging parte siya ng mga pelikula tulad ng “Loving in Tandem.”

At sa kanyang vlog na may pamagat na “Kailangan Niyo Na Rin Malaman,” ibinahagi ni Emman ang malungkot na balitang mayroon siyang sakit na acute myeloid leukemia.

Kuwento ni Emman, naisip niyang ang nakamamatay na coronavirus o COVID-19 ang maaring dahilan ng pagkakaroon niya ng lagnat.

“Ngayong taon dumating na rin ang pinakamatinding laban na kakakaharapin ko. Siguro hindi lahat sa inyo alam ito, pero kasabay ng paghataw ko rito sa internet ay yung madalas na pagka-admit ko sa ospital dahil sa iba’t ibang bagay naman. Pero itong huli yung nakita niyo sa Twitter na nai-post ko nang walang caption dahil yon sa lagnat na sobrang tumagal sa akin. Siyempre noon akala namin ay COVID siya pero hindi, iba yung pinanggagalingan ng lagnat,” kuwento ni Emman sa kanyang mga tagasunod.

"So yun hinanap nila at na-track nga nila na nasa bone marrow siya. So, noong kinuhanan ng samples 'yung bone marrow ko, ‘yun lumabas kahapon sa results na mayroon akong acute myeloid leukemia. Mayroon akong cancer," pag-amin ni Nimedez.

“At sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon lahat ginagawa ko para manatiling matibay, maging handa at higit sa lahat maging malakas kasi kailangan. At saka kasama ko ang lahat ng mga tao na nasa paligid ko na ganun din sila.

“Siyempre kayo kasama ko kayo. Kung mayroon man akong trip, gusto ko kumpleto tayong lahat eh ito ‘yon. Hayaan niyo lang ako na isama kayo sa laban na ito para maipakita na rin sa inyo na lahat ng ibabato sa ating hamon, lahat nang ibabato sa ating pagsubok, ay kakayanin basta diretso lang ang tingin natin sa buhay at saka positibo tayo,” dagdag ni Emman.

Sa kanyang vlog, iginiit ni Nimedez ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng kanyang mga subscriber.

TF Covid: Don't let malls be ground zero for next wave of COVID

Wed, 20 May 2020 07:29:41 GMT

Photo Credit: General Eleazar Facebook Page

The Joint Task Force COVID-Shield asked Metro Manila residents to refrain from leaving their homes for non-essential trips to the malls while under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

“Let’s show our cooperation. Do not let the malls be the ground zero for the next wave of COVID-19 infections. The success of this battle against coronavirus lies in your hands,” Lieutenant Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of Joint Task Force COVID-Shield, said.

Eleazar said police officers will be deployed to different malls and business establishments that are allowed to operate under MECQ areas to ensure that the public observe health protocols.

The police will also ask local government units to close down malls and business establishments that cannot control the crowd as the country continues to struggle with COVID-19.

“Kasama sa provision ang ‘pag observe sa health protocols and social distancing measures. If may kapabayaan ang mga mall owners ay pwede itong maging grounds for their closure depending on the evidences na makukuha natin (Part of the provision is observing health protocols and social distancing measures. If mall owners neglect these, it will be grounds for their closure depending on the evidence that we get),” Eleazar said.

He however added all mall owners are now coordinating with the police and have already implemented the necessary measures to contain COVID-19.

Some residents of Metro Manila flocked to the malls last Saturday, May 16, the first day of the MECQ in the metropolis.

Eleazar said the police have recorded fewer violators since Saturday, indicating that people are following the order of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Highlights: President Duterte’s May 19, 2020 Address

Wed, 20 May 2020 06:46:52 GMT

WATCH: President Duterte wants immediate purchase of COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available, he announced in a televised address Tuesday night.

P210-M smuggled cigarettes destroyed in Zambo City

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:11:39 GMT

DESTROYED. Some PHP210 million worth of smuggled cigarettes confiscated in series of anti-smuggling operations in this city and in nearby Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces are destroyed Tuesday (May 19, 2020) in this city. Heavy equipment rolled over the cases of cigarettes after it was soaked with water. The contrabands were later dumped at the local sanitary landfill. (PNA photo by Ely E. Dumaboc)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) led the destruction Tuesday of some PHP210 million worth of confiscated smuggled cigarettes in this southern port city.

Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr., BOC-Zamboanga district collector, said the assorted cigarettes were seized in separate anti-smuggling operations since June of last year until this year in this city and in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas.

Barte said the destruction of some 5,000 master cases was based on orders of the BOC central office after the cigarettes were forfeited in favor of the government.

The cigarettes were scattered on a concreted lawn of a shipping firm’s warehouse and soaked with water by firemen.

Barte said the destruction of the seized smuggled cigarettes is to serve the smugglers a lesson that the government is serious in its campaign against smuggling.

Barte lauded other agencies of government such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, police, military and other concerned stakeholders for the support in the anti-smuggling campaign of the BOC.

Meanwhile, Barte said he has requested the BOC-central office to put up a condemnation facility in this southern port city to serve as the destruction area of seized contrabands.

The destruction of the confiscated cigarettes was witnessed by Councilors Josephine Pareja and John Dalipe and other government officials. (With reports from Ely E. Dumaboc/PNA)

NPA combatant killed in Surigao Sur firefight

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:09:02 GMT

NPA FIGHTER KILLED. An unidentified New People’s Army combatant is killed in an encounter Monday (May 18) in Sitio Kiskis, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Government troops recovered two AK47 rifles, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various war materiel, and medical supplies following the 45-minute firefight. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant was killed during a pre-dawn clash with government troops belonging to the 36th Infantry Battalion on Monday (May 18) in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel.

In a statement Tuesday (May 18), Major Francisco Garello, the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), said the armed encounter took place in the remote area of Sitio Kiskis, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel.

“The 36IB troopers encountered around 30 CNTs (communist NPA terrorists). The clash lasted for about 45 minutes,” Garello said, adding the troops also recovered two AK47 rifles, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various war materiel, and medical supplies.

Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, 402Bde commander, assured Caraga Region residents Tuesday the Army "will not rest until the NPA rebels are destroyed".

“They either surrender peacefully or they will be annihilated. People are on alert and are informing us of their whereabouts. They have nowhere to hide,” Licudine said.

He added that Surigao del Sur residents are volunteering vital information to track down the escaping NPA rebels.

Meanwhile, Capt. Jonald Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday that the NPA rebels involved in the recent encounter belong to the NPA's "weakened" Guerilla Front-30 led by a certain Joel Maca Mahinay.

Aside from the high-power firearms, landmines, and ammunition, Romorosa said government troops also recovered several subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36Ib commander, said he believes the presence of the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of San Miguel town was a diversionary tactic aimed at disrupting the continuing pursuit operations of the Army after the May 11 encounter in Cantilan town.

“With the information provided by the local residents on the presence of these armed men, the Army is able to conduct military operation and successfully foiled their plans,” Diagmel said.

“We also commend the courageous and brave move of the residents by providing information and denouncing the presence of the CNTs in their respective communities,” he added.

Romorosa said that the cadaver of the NPA member killed during the encounter was turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government for identification and proper disposition. (PNA)

Teacher nabbed for bounty threat vs. PRRD posts bail

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:06:29 GMT

OUT ON BAIL. Public school teacher Ronnel Mas, 25, was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on May 12, 2020. The Olongapo Regional Trial Court has ordered Mas' provisional release after he posted bail worth PHP72,000. (Photo courtesy of Allan Sison)

MANILA – The public school teacher from Zambales, who was arrested for his Twitter post threatening the life of President Rodrigo Duterte, has posted bail.

In an order Tuesday, Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 72 Judge Richard Paradeza ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in Manila to release Ronnel Mas after he posted a PHP72,000-bond for his provisional release.

The court also set his arraignment and pre-trial on May 28.

State prosecutors earlier ordered the filing of inciting to sedition charges against Mas.

In a seven-page inquest resolution dated May 13, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon approved the recommendation of Assistant State Prosecutor Jeanette Dacpano that the charges be filed before the courts.

They said Mas' Twitter post, which read "the words I will give 50 million reward kung sino makakapatay kay (to whoever can kill) Duterte. #NotoABSCBNShutDown," suggests violent means to topple the Duterte administration.

Prosecutors said the law alleged to have been violated punishes those who shall write, publish, or circulate scurrilous libels against the government or any of its duly constituted authorities or which suggest or incite rebellions, conspiracies, which tend to stir up the people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community.

They noted that Mas himself admitted to the media that he indeed personally posted the provocative message on social media.

Citing precedents, prosecutors said the confession did not form part of the custodial investigation and was not given to police officers but to a media man in an apparent attempt to elicit sympathy.

However, prosecutors said it is up to the appropriate government agency whether to pursue the separate charges for violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and grave misconduct filed against Mas.

They noted that the Civil Service Commission, as the central personnel agency of the government, has jurisdiction over disputes involving the removal and separation of all employees of government branches and is the sole arbiter of controversies relating to the civil service. (PNA)

Duterte won't fire Sinas over birthday bash amid quarantine

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:03:22 GMT

National Capital Region Police Office chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas (File photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte will not fire or transfer National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, over his birthday celebration that violated quarantine protocols last May 8, saying he is needed in his post.

In a taped public address aired late Tuesday night, Duterte said he prevented Sinas from getting fired or transferred because he believed he was a “good and honest” officer.

The President explained that he studied the “merits” and “demerits” of Sinas’ case and decided not to dismiss him.

“Mas kailangan ko 'yung tao dito sa trabaho niya. Marami ‘yan sila (I need him more in his job. There are a lot of them). They’re all competent but you know seniority. It is his time to be there,” he said.

Amid criticism that Sinas and his guests were not wearing face masks during the party, Duterte said it was natural to remove them because they were eating.

"‘Yun naman nagsabing nakakita hindi siya naka-mask, e siyempre may mga meryenda ‘yan, may pagkain, alang-alang naman kainin nila pati 'yung mask. Di tanggalin talaga nila (Those saying they did not see him wearing a mask, of course, because they were having snacks. Of course they would remove them),” he said.

Duterte said Sinas will stay in his post until further orders.

“Sabihin mo the ‘law is the law’. Well, akin na ‘yun (You say the law is law but that’s on me). It’s my responsibility. But I will not order his transfer. He stays there until further orders,” he said.

Duterte said he believed that Sinas would have opposed the gathering if he knew beforehand about the “mañanita” or the traditional birthday welcome by his colleagues.

He came under fire after photos of his birthday bash at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City went viral on social media last May 8.

In the photos released by the NCRPO public information office, which have now been deleted, it can be noticed that the police officials failed to observe safe physical distancing.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the gathering in itself was "uncalled for” and that Sinas should have practiced "delicadeza".

Sinas has apologized but insisted that there was “nothing wrong” with the celebration since quarantine protocols were observed. (PNA)

Senate Hearing on ABS-CBN’s Franchise

Tue, 19 May 2020 13:34:25 GMT

WATCH: The Senate Committee on Public Services tackles ABS-CBN’s franchise on Tuesday, two weeks after the network’s shutdown.

House to Forego Hearing ABS-CBN’s Provisional Franchise

Tue, 19 May 2020 12:51:10 GMT

The Lower House drops the bill granting ABS-CBN provisional franchise, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said in a plenary speech on Tuesday.

Davao de Oro judge called out for celebrating birthday under GCQ

Tue, 19 May 2020 12:23:50 GMT

Photo Credit: Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) Twitter Account

The Supreme Court (SC) said it is investigating a presiding judge and her staff in Davao de Oro for possible quarantine violations when she celebrated her birthday.

The SC issued a show cause order against Judge Cresenciana dela Cruz of the Nabunturan, Davao de Oro Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3.

Cruz and her staff celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago and hosted a buffet in her chambers, which is considered a violation of social distancing guidelines.

The SC has directed the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to submit its report within 15 calendar days to determine if Cruz and her staff committed a violation.

Social gatherings and other mass gatherings are prohibited under the community quarantine in the Philippines as part of the government’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Davao de Oro, formerly named Compostela Valley, is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ).

The SC recently submitted several administrative circulars asking court employees and members of the bar to strictly comply with the quarantine protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Ang kwento ni Sam at Lorena sa AJ Kalinga

Tue, 19 May 2020 12:14:53 GMT

Nakilala namin si Sam at Lorena sa pamamagitan ni Father Flaviano Villanueva, SVD at ng Arnold Jannsen Kalinga Foundation. Ito ang kanilang kuwento at kung paano nagbago ang kanilang buhay mula sa pagiging homeless.

Malacañang admits no COVID mass testing, but expanded targeted testing

Tue, 19 May 2020 11:26:08 GMT

File Photo

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the proper term for government efforts to test COVID-19 is not mass testing, but expanded targeted testing.

“Ang tawag po dapat ay ‘expanded targeted testing’. Wala pong bansa sa mundo na tini-test ang lahat ng kanilang mga mamamayan. Kaya nga po mali ang terminong ‘mass testing’ (The term should be expanded targeted testing. No country in the world tested all of their citizens. The term mass testing is wrong),” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Roque’s statement is a response to criticisms of his previous statement that the government has limited capacity to conduct mass testing for COVID-19 and will leave employee testing to the private sector.

Roque said the government welcomes private sector involvement in the conduct of tests for workers.

“Hindi rin po pinababayaan ng pamahalaan ang expanded testing sa pribadong sektor. Partner po natin ang pribadong sektor sa bagay na ito (The government does not fully leave expanded testing to the private sector. The private sector is still a partner in this),” he said.

Under the expanded targeted testing scheme, the government will limit the testing of COVID-19 to persons with symptoms of coronavirus infection and those with a history of travel to corona-hit countries.

Roque said persons with close contact to COVID-19 patients are also covered under the expanded targeted testing along with those who tested positive in the antibody tests.

Roque added that the government is also working on reaching the global benchmark, which is testing one to two percent of the whole population of the Philippines, or even up to 10 percent in Metro Manila.

FILIPINOS AT THE LOSING END OF ABS-CBN'S SHUTDOWN

Tue, 19 May 2020 11:02:32 GMT

Aling Helen Gregorio, a mother who used to earn a living as a scavenger prior to ECQ, said in a TV Patrol interview last May 12, “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ABS-CBN at nakatawid gutom po kami kasi yan po ang hapunan naming mag-ina." She was referring to the ready-to-eat meals the media network distributed in Barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan under its Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program.

Julius Evangelista and his family got evicted from their rented home as he could not pay rent after he lost his income as a jeepney driver. His story was aired on TV Patrol. This led to an outpouring of support from viewers who were touched by his family's plight. They also received relief under the network's Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program.

“Naiiyak lang po ako sa sobrang saya po, naisip ko kahit papaano may pang-umpisa na po ako para sa pamilya ko,” he disclosed in a TV Patrol interview last May 9.

The impact of the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise goes beyond the loss of a free media platform that millions of Filipinos can rely upon especially during times of crisis.

What many people do not see is that this also means Filipinos may eventually lose a leader of public service in the country—of relief operations in particular— which for years have been able to raise funds, provide immediate aid, function as a bridge for Pinoys who would like to extend help, and serve as a lifeline to our destitute kababayans like Aling Helen and Julius.

According to ABS-CBN, prior to the issuance of the cease and desist order, it was already able to reach an estimated 600,000 families for its Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program. Under this humanitarian effort, families from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were provided with food and other basic goods. The program also provided meals to thousands of medical workers and other volunteers, with the help of its partner organizations.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the media network had long established its role in public service with Sagip Kapamilya and other long-term programs of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

With the network now out of the free TV airwaves and left with only limited platforms, the nation is in danger of losing a vanguard of public service and a beacon of hope as people like Aling Helen and Jullius know all too well.

Based on recent pronouncements, ABS-CBN’s franchise battle will be lengthier than usual. Even the provisional franchise the House proposed—presumed to allow the network back on air while lawmakers deliberate on its franchise renewal—is likely to be delayed. During this time, the network's relief efforts, call for action and donation, and messages of hope to Filipinos in dire need of support might continue perhaps, but surely not as accessible as before.

Ultimately, Filipinos who are in need of support will be the ones on the losing end.

Cebu gov tells expectant mothers to avoid hospitals with Covid patients

Tue, 19 May 2020 10:45:51 GMT

Photo Credit: Governor Gwen Garcia Official Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia urged expectant mothers to consider giving birth in the provincial hospitals located in the cities of Carcar, Danao, and Bogo, and in Balamban town.

She advised them to avoid hospitals in the cities of Talisay and Cebu where Covid-19 cases have increased in number.

Four of ten new COVID-19 cases announced on May 18 were women who gave birth in Talisay District Hospital (TDH) in Talisay City and in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City. VSMMC is a central hospital for covid patients, while TDH is where most of Talisay’s coronavirus patients are brought for treatment and swabbing.

The other new cases are a newborn from Toledo City born in TDH, a one-year-old child from San Fernando, a health worker from Minglanilla and three more Talisay residents. One of the three from Talisay died in VSMMC from a brain aneurysm.

Garcia said she already ordered local health officials to investigate the rising number of Covid patients among regular patients who visited hospitals.

Beijing says Trump 'shirking responsibility' to WHO

Tue, 19 May 2020 10:41:01 GMT

May 18 photo from China Foreign Ministry

Beijing, China - Beijing on Tuesday accused Donald Trump of smearing China and shirking American responsibilities to the World Health Organization, after the US president threatened to pull out of the UN health body.

The American leader has been locked in a bitter war of words with Beijing, alleging it covered up the initial outbreak in central China late last year before the disease spread globally, causing economic devastation and claiming lives across the planet.

Trump on Monday called the WHO a "puppet of China" before tweeting a letter he had sent to the organisation's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus threatening to make permanent a temporary freeze on funding from the US.

China in response accused Trump of trying to "smear China" and "shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing Tuesday.

"The US leader’s open letter you mentioned is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public, and achieve the goals of smearing China’s anti-virus efforts, and shirk responsibility for the United States' own insufficient response," Zhao said.

"The US tries to use China as an issue to shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO. This is a miscalculation and the US has picked the wrong target."

More than 317,000 people have died of COVID-19 out of nearly 4.8 million infections worldwide, and governments are scrambling to contain the virus while seeking ways to resuscitate their hammered economies.

Zhao added the US was attempting to deflect from its own "insufficient prevention and control" against the virus.

With more fatalities and cases in the United States than any other country by far, under-pressure Trump has blamed the WHO for not doing enough to combat its initial spread.

"The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," Trump's letter read.

China urges the US to "stop shifting the blame" and instead focus on containing the virus, Zhao said at a regular press conference.

Earlier Monday the WHO said it would launch an independent review of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing has furiously denied the US allegations that it played down the threat, and Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated at the World Health Assembly that his nation had been "transparent" throughout the crisis.

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3 W. Visayas cops sacked for defying liquor ban

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:01:57 GMT

DISMISSED. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) headquarters in Iloilo City. Three of its police personnel were sacked for violating the liquor ban during the enhanced community quarantine period, said a press statement released on Monday (May 18, 2020). (PNA file photo)

ILOILO CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) has proven it is serious in its internal cleansing as it immediately sacked three personnel for violating the liquor ban.

In an official statement released Monday, the PRO-6 said three of the 29 liquor ban violators during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period were police personnel.

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, PRO-6 director, lodged criminal and administrative charges against Staff Sgt. Roy Panaguiton of the Sebaste Municipal Police, Cpl. Arnie Luminario of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), and Staff Sgt. Paul Pingoy assigned at the regional headquarters.

Aside from criminal and administrative cases, the three were also relieved of their assignments.

“PRO 6 condemns the act of these three police officers who were found to have violated the liquor ban after having been apprehended at a QCP (quarantine control point in) Pandan, Antique, (as well as the) Sta. Barbara and Passi QCP, both in Iloilo province, transporting boxes of liquors on separate occasions,” the regional police office said.

Meanwhile, the PRO-6 commended the courage and discipline of the police officers manning the quarantine checkpoints in Pandan, Antique, and Santa Barbara and Passi City in Iloilo.

Pamuspusan said they were quick to apprehend erring individuals and confiscate the contraband.

“Rest assured that our personnel will continue to do its mandate as front-liners in this time of pandemic even as (the) region is now under General Community Quarantine,” he said. (PNA)

2 nabbed for illegal sale of Covid-19 test kits in Parañaque

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:00:35 GMT

'TEST KITS FOR SALE'. An NBI agent inspects the house where boxes of Covid-19 test kits that are sold online were discovered in an operation in Parañaque City on May 14, 2020. The Food and Drug Administration warned the public that Covid-19 test kits are strictly for medical professional use and not for personal use. (Photo courtesy of NBI)

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday announced the arrest of two individuals in Parañaque City for illegally selling test kits for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, NBI OIC-Director Eric Distor said suspects Shanon April Mejia Alegre and Esseline Rasia Sy Ong were arrested in an entrapment operation by the bureau's Anti-Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (AOTCD) on May 14.

An undercover NBI agent transacted with the suspects online and ordered 200 boxes of test kits worth PHP2.4 million from the suspects. Each box is sold at PHP12,000.

During the actual operation at a house in BF Homes, the two showed to undercover agents the boxes of test kits bearing the markings "Wondfo SARS COV2 Antibody Test (Lateral Flow Method)."

In separate advisories issued in April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated to all licensed importers and distributors that Covid-19 test kits are strictly for medical professional use and not intended for personal use.

The said product should be acquired by the general public through a prescription from a licensed physician, hospital, or pharmacy.

Meanwhile, FDA Circular No. 2020-016 strictly prohibits the online selling of FDA certified Covid-19 antibody test kits.

The suspects who failed to show a license to operate or special certification to sell or distribute the test kits are now facing criminal charges. (PNA)

Ranking NPA leader in Central Luzon nabbed in Zambales

Tue, 19 May 2020 08:58:30 GMT

ARRESTED. A ranking leader of the New People's Army who serves as medic and supply officer under the Alvarez, Peralta Command Zambales Platoon was arrested in Masinloc, Zambales on Monday (May 18, 2020). The suspect was arrested through a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 71 in Iba, Zambales for criminal cases of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson. (Photo courtesy of the Zambales PNP)

IBA, Zambales – An alleged top-ranking official of the communist terrorist group operating in Central Luzon was arrested on Monday in Masinloc town, this province.

Col. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., provincial director of Zambales Police Provincial Office, on Tuesday identified the suspect as Darlene Jane Mon, who is using the aliases “Daya,” “Gin,” “CJ” and “Sinag,” and a resident of Sitio Mandaloy, Barangay Taltal, Masinloc.

Peñones, in his report submitted to Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, said Mon was arrested by the joint operatives of Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Unit (PNP RIU-3), Zambales provincial police force, and Masinloc Police Station.

He said Mon is listed as No. 1 most wanted in Zambales, and also marked Top 10 most wanted in Central Luzon.

Likewise, based on intelligence reports gathered by Philippine National Police, Mon is an active member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and operates as a medic and supply officer under the Alvarez Peralta Command Zambales Platoon.

The suspect was arrested through a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 71 in Iba, Zambales for criminal cases of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson.

The court recommended no bail for murder and arson but granted PHP100,000 each for the two counts of attempted murder.

Peñones warned the enemies of the state that the police force is maintaining its vigilance against anyone or group that is trying to destroy or disrupt peace and order in the community, especially during this time of a health crisis.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)

Trump threatens to pull US funding to WHO permanently

Tue, 19 May 2020 08:55:40 GMT

Photo Credit: Donald J. Trump Official Twitter Account

Washington(dpa) - United States President Donald Trump has threatened to permanently pull funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) if it does not commit to "major substantive improvements" within 30 days, according to a letter to the WHO chief shared by Trump on Twitter.

In a four-page letter to WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Trump set out what he called "repeated missteps" by the organization. Trump claimed that the WHO shares the responsibility for the large number of deaths in the crisis.

He charged that mismanagement on the part of the WHO and reliance on information from China had dramatically worsened the epidemic and spread it globally.

Trump said he would make a temporary freeze of funding permanent and might also reconsider US membership of the organization at the end of the 30-day deadline if he saw no improvements.

"The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," the US president asserted. He said discussions with the organization on how to reform the WHO had already begun. "But action is needed quickly. We do not have time to waste."

"I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organization that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving America's interests," Trump concluded.

The US president faced international criticism when he announced in April he would be halting funding to the WHO while a 60- to 90-day review took place. He has also faced criticism over how the White House initially responded to the virus.

Trump has repeatedly accused the WHO of failing in its response to the coronavirus pandemic. He has said US taxpayers provide between 400 and 500 million dollars a year to the organization. That funding is largely appropriated by Congress.

Trump's criticisms of the WHO echo some experts, who say the organization relied too heavily on information from China in the initial stages of the outbreak.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 19)

Tue, 19 May 2020 08:37:00 GMT

The Department of Health reports 224 new COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths and 114 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 12,942.

‘Bawal Lumabas’ na awitin ni Kim Chiu, trending

Tue, 19 May 2020 07:59:39 GMT

Photo Credit: Kim Chiu Instagram Account

MANILA – Muling nag-trending ang aktres na si Kim Chiu, maging ang pinakabago niyang music video para sa awiting “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song).

Wala pang 24 oras mula nang ilabas ito online ay pumalo na sa higit 1 milyon ang mga nakapanood nito.

Matatandaang nagmula ang bagong awitin ni Kim sa kontrobersiyal niyang pahayag sa “Laban Kapamilya” online protest noong Mayo 8 nang magbigay siya ng kanyang suporta sa ABS-CBN, ilang araw matapos itong ipasara ng National Telecommunications Commission noong Mayo 5.

Matapos ang kanyang pahayag kung saan inihambing niya ang pagsasara ng network sa nangyayari sa classroom o silid-aralan, agad itong umani ng pambabatikos.

Aminadong nalito mismo sa kanyang pahayag, agad ding humingi ng paumanhin ang aktres.

Dahil nasaktan at naapektuhan sa mga pambabatikos, ilang araw nagpahinga mula sa social media si Kim.

At nitong Lunes, Mayo 18, sinorpresa ni Kim ang kanyang mga tagahanga sa paglabas niya ng “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song).

Ginawa ito ni Kim sa inspirasyon at tulong nina Adrian Crisanto na nag-viral ang open letter para sa Kapamilya actress nang ipayo nitong gawing positibo ang mga negatibong nangyayari, at gayun din si DJ Squammy na siyang gumawa naman ng remix ng ‘Bawal Lumabas” na sumikat at naging dance challenge pa sa “Tiktok.”

Sa Instagram ni Kim nitong Martes, Mayo 19, ibinahagi niya ang kasiyahan sa tagumpay ng “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song).”

“�� !!!!!! ��. �� !�� That feeling na nagising ka trending ka ulit, kinahaban ako. Pero nung nabasa ko, para akong nagising sa isang bangungot!!! Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat!!! ❤️. Things may put you down pero tayong mga pilipino hindi natin nakakalimutan tumawa sa gitna ng pinagdadaanan natin. Mahilig tayong tumambay pero hindi sa problema,” ani Kim sa caption ng kanyang post.

“Salamat sa lahat ng nagbigay inspirasyon sakin. Lets spread love, kindess and positivity. Good vibes lang ang pwede sa classroom! Tama? Tama!!!!�� special thank you sa lahat ng taong nasa likod nito!❤️ maraming salamat mahal ko kayo❤️ . This lyrics by adrian got me. ‘�� '�� . �� . �� . �� . �� . (�� .).’�� (�� ) Will be available in digital platforms this weekend!!!,” dagdag pa ni Kim.

SC orders NTC to comment on ABS-CBN’s petition on franchise renewal issue

Tue, 19 May 2020 07:50:10 GMT

Photo Credit: Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) Twitter Account

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to comment on the petition filed by ABS-CBN against the commission’s cease and desist order.

“The court required respondent NTC to file a comment on the petition of ABS-CBN Corporation within a non-extendible period of 10 calendar days from receipt of notice,” SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka said.

Hosaka also said the SC has convened in an en banc session to discuss the temporary restraining order petition filed by ABS-CBN against the NTC order.

The NTC ordered ABS-CBN to shut down after the network’s franchise expired earlier this month.

The SC required the Senate and House of Representatives to comment on the petition of ABS-CBN in a separate order.

The high court also ordered the NTC to respond to the comments of the Senate and House of Representatives within five days.

The SC has denied as well the petition filed by lawyer Larry Gadon that asked the high court to consolidate ABS-CBN’s petition with his earlier petition seeking to prohibit NTC from issuing provisional authority to the network.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman meanwhile criticized the recalling of House Bill No. 6732, which was set to provide a provisional franchise for ABS-CBN.

Lagman urged Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and other lawmakers to “pursue the original intent of House Bill No. 6732 of granting the giant network a provisional franchise to operate while the House, albeit belatedly, deliberates thoroughly on the fate of the pending measures for franchise renewal.”

House Reconsiders Approval of Bill Granting ABS-CBN Provisional Franchise

Tue, 19 May 2020 06:55:47 GMT

WATCH: Congressmen reconsider the approval on second reading of House Bill no. 6732 granting ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020.

The House of Representatives is expected to discuss the bill again later as it holds a regular session at 3:00pm.

US says Taiwan’s absence may damage WHO’S credibility and effectiveness

Tue, 19 May 2020 04:52:52 GMT

File Photo

The United States of America has condemned the exclusion of Taiwan from the World Health assembly as most countries continue to battle the pandemic.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said China’s “spiteful action” in silencing Taiwan “exposes the emptiness of its claims to want transparency and international cooperation to fight the pandemic, and makes the difference between China and Taiwan ever more stark.”

Pompeo also said Taiwan has effectively become a model world citizen, while China continues to withhold critical information about the virus and deny access to their scientists and relevant facilities.

The US, along with Taiwan’s diplomatic allies including Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay have formally requested to invite the country as an observer. However, during the World Health Organization’s meeting done virtually, member states delayed its discussion on whether Taiwan will be granted an observer status.

China is blocking the move since it considers Taiwan as its province.

Pompeo also criticized WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s supposed lack of independence, taking note of how the leader bowed to China’s pressure.

“The Director-General’s lack of independence deprives the Assembly of Taiwan’s renowned scientific expertise on pandemic disease, and further damages the WHO’s credibility and effectiveness at a time when the world needs it the most,” Pompeo added.

At present, no one has disputed Taiwan’s status as one of the world’s most successful efforts to contain the pandemic with only seven recorded deaths and 440 confirmed cases despite its close proximity to the original outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Pompeo added that “this should not be a surprise. Transparent, vibrant, and innovative democracies like Taiwan always respond faster and more effectively to pandemics than do authoritarian regimes.”

At the onset of the pandemic, Taiwan had already been pushing for its inclusion in WHO.

Taiwan’s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said they need WHO as much as the organization needs them in ensuring that the highest attainable standard of health for every person is met especially at a time when a crisis anywhere readily becomes a problem everywhere.

Global health security requires every person to exert efforts in ensuring an optimal response to public health threats and challenges

“Taiwan, though not a member of WHO, cannot stand alone and must be included in the fight against such threats and challenges. Taiwan has fulfilled its responsibilities as a global citizen and abided by the International Health Regulations 2005,” Shih-chung said.

Since the start of the outbreak, Taiwan has notified WHO of COVID-19 cases while communicating with countries such as Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, United States, Italy and the European Center for Disease Prevention Control, among others.

Sultan Kudarat teacher nabbed for illegal drugs

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:19:30 GMT

COTABATO CITY – Police agents arrested a school teacher during a drug buy-bust operation in President Quirino town of Sultan Kudarat province, the regional police office reported Monday morning.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office-12, identified the arrested suspect as Edgar Allan L. Asug, 51, of neighboring Barangay Kalawag 2 in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat.

“The suspect was caught in the act selling one medium-sized sachet of suspected shabu to a poseur-buyer at Barangay Poblacion in President Quirino town,” Capellan said.

A subsequent body search on the suspect yielded another sachet of shabu weighing one gram, a PHP1,000 bill, two disposable lighters, mobile phone, identification cards, and the marked money.

“The arresting officers later found out that Asug is a teacher by profession,” Capellan said.

Charges for violation of RA 1965 otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against the teacher. (PNA)

Army recovers NPA food supplies, war materiel in Surigao Sur

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:17:33 GMT

NPA FOOD STASH. With the help of a captured communist New People’s Army combatant, government troops belonging to the 36th Infantry Battalion uncover a rebel hideout that concealed food supplies and other items during a two-day operation on May 16-17, 2020 in the hinterlands of Barangay Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur. The military says the food items belonged to the residents in the area who were extorted by the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

BUTUAN CITY – The discovery of two communist New People’s Army (NPA) hideouts in Surigao del Sur over the weekend resulted in the seizure of food items, war materiel, and subversive documents, a military official said Monday.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, said the hideouts were discovered during massive military operations in the remote areas of Barangay Bayogo in Madrid town and in Barangay Cabangahan in Cantilan on May 16 and 17.

“The food caches were discovered in Barangay Bayogo, Madrid through the help of alias 'Bray-Bray' an NPA member apprehended by pursuing 36th IB troopers after the armed encounter that took place on March 14 in the area,” Romorosa said.

The seized NPA food supplies include rice placed in six plastic containers, each with a capacity of six liters, and half-sack of assorted canned goods.

“Bray-Bray told us that they (the rebels) left the food supplies for safekeeping and future purposes and to move away to avoid the operating troops,” Romorosa said.

He said the captured NPA also revealed that the food supplies were forcibly taken from the communities and residents through the rebels' "extortion activities".

He said the food supplies belonged to the NPA combatants of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP 2), of the "weakened guerilla front" under the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Romorosa said the second hideout discovered in Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan town resulted in the discovery of war materiel, subversive documents, and personal belongings of NPA combatants.

NPA WAR MATERIEL. Government troops belonging to the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion recover food supplies, war materiel, subversive documents, and other personal belongings of communist New People’s Army rebels in the remote area of Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, during a two-day military operation on May 16-17, 2020. The military says an NPA surrenderer provided information that led them to the rebel hideout. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

He said the hideout, which can accommodate around 40 rebels, belonged to a rebel unit under the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16.

Recovered from the said hideout include one .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, live ammunition, a rifle scope, paraphernalia from an improvised explosive device (IED) such as wire, blasting caps, and switch.

The Army troopers also recovered mobile cellphones, backpacks, a transistor radio, sweatshirts, flashlights, medical paraphernalia, assorted food items, and documents with high intelligence value.

In a statement Monday, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, said the discovery of the NPA food cache and war materials with the help of their former members was "a big blow on their side as they continue their futile armed struggle against the government".

“With the relentless combat operation in the area, they have no choice but to surrender to the government rather than be killed in an encounter or starve to death,” Diagmel said. (PNA)

3 nabbed, P125-K shabu seized in Zamboanga

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:10:05 GMT

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Three drug pushers were arrested while some PHP125,000 worth of shabu seized in separate anti-drug operations here and in Dipolog City, police said Monday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Ericson Daud, 43; Anthony Ryan Despalo, 37; and Michelle Marcojos, 29.

Galvez said Daud and Despalo, both unemployed, were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 6:10 p.m. Sunday in Lobo Drive, Barangay Canelar here.

She said both suspects yielded some PHP60,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in 12 plastic sachets and PHP400 marked money.

Marcojos, also jobless, was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 10 p.m. Sunday in Purok Duranta, Barangay Turno in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, police said. She reportedly yielded some PHP65,000 worth of suspected shabu and P500 marked money.

Galvez said the arrested suspects were detained and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the crime laboratory while charges are set to be filed against them. (PNA)

5 suspects fall in Lanao Norte with P136-K shabu

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:04:26 GMT

SHABU SEIZED. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents in Region-10 inspect the pieces of evidence after five drug suspects are arrested inside an alleged drug den in Linamon town in Lanao del Norte on Saturday (May 16, 2020). PDEA-10 says the five sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu are estimated to be worth PHP136,000. (PNA photo by Richel V. Umel)

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 10 (PDEA-10) filed illegal drug charges on Monday against five suspects here after being arrested in a buy-bust operation with PHP136,000 worth of suspected shabu.

PDEA-10 Spokesperson Neil Pabilona identified the suspects as Muhammad Ashraff Yanu alias Amad, Grizele Dame Cloma, Abdul Rajiv Yanu Jabber, Jovane Sasel Sanggacala and Kirby Geme Abarquez.

The suspects, who have been under monitoring for two months, were slapped with criminal cases for violating Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 after being arrested on Saturday, May 16.

"In an actual buy bust operation, the PDEA agent was able to buy P1,000 worth of suspected shabu. Upon the arrest of Yanu, four other sachets of shabu of different sizes were taken from the suspect's possession," Pabilona told the Philippines News Agency.

Linamon town Mayor Randy Macapil also warned on Sunday that the local government already has a list of local drug personalities.

"If they still continue to operate, the law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the law," Macapil said.

PDEA-10 Director Wilkins Villanueva lauded the "relentless efforts" of the joint law enforcement to eradicate the illegal drug trade in the province. (PNA)

NPA leader killed, minor rescued in Agusan Sur clash

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:01:19 GMT

DEAD NPA LEADER. Government forces killed during a five-minute firefight communist rebel leader Ronnie Rocero on Saturday evening (May 16, 2020) in Barangay Don Alejandro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. Authorities also arrested two rebels, one of whom was a minor. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A sub-commander of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and two others were captured following a firefight with the joint forces of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Agusan del Sur, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion, said they received a request from the San Luis Municipal Police Station for the arrest of Ronnie Rocero, a vice-commander of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan (MB) in the area and allegedly the acting vice squad leader for the rebels' Guerrilla Front 88 (GF-88).

"After confirmation by the police and our intelligence, we immediately planned out the arrest of Rocero,” said Jimenea, adding that the law enforcement operation was conducted on the evening of May 16 (Saturday) in Barangay Don Alejandro, San Luis town.

As the Army and PNP operatives were approaching the vicinity, Jimenea said an undetermined number of NPA combatants opened fire, resulting in a five-minute encounter with government forces.

Jimenea said the encounter resulted in the killing of Rocero, the capture of an NPA combatant identified as Eric P. Acita, and the rescue of a wounded NPA combatant who is a minor.

Government forces also recovered a KG9 sub-machine gun pistol, one .45-caliber pistol and two hand grenades at the encounter site.

The wounded minor was immediately rushed to Agusan del Sur Provincial Hospital for treatment while the captured NPA was turned over to San Luis PNP for documentation and filing of charges.

The cadaver of Rocero was brought to Rosario, Agusan del Sur for proper disposition, Jimenea said.

He said Rocero was allegedly involved in the series of atrocities and the killing of indigenous people (IP) leaders who refused to support the communist rebel movement.

Jimenea said Rocero was also involved in the killing of Robincio C. Salamorin, the chairperson of Barangay San Pedro in San Luis, Agusan del Sur on February last year.

In a separate statement, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said Rocero had six standing warrants of arrest for murder, multiple attempted murder, and frustrated murder.

Esquivel said PRO-13 is also preparing the charges against the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), and the NPA for violating the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, and trafficking in persons.

The captured NPA rebel, he said, will be facing charges for attempted murder and in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in addition to violations of R.A. 7610, R.A. 10364 and R.A. 9851.

“The rescued 14-year-old boy who was exploited by the CNN (CPP-NDF-NPA) is now properly taken care of and will be turned over to local Social Welfare and Development (LSWD) for proper intervention,” Esquivel said. (PNA)

21 NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato

Tue, 19 May 2020 01:50:30 GMT

NPA SURRENDERERS. Former communist New People’s Army rebels pose with their surrendered firearms and explosives after yielding to the police and the military on May 15, 2020 in Banga town, South Cotabato province. The 21 returnees, who were presented to local officials and the media on Monday (May 18, 2020) will be enlisted into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Twenty-one more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including four sub-commanders, have surrendered to police and Army personnel in South Cotabato province.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said the rebels, who were formally presented to local officials and the media on Monday, voluntarily yielded along with at least seven firearms following a series of negotiations.

Capellan said the surrenderers were received last Friday by personnel from the South Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company (SCMFC), Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), and the Banga municipal police station during community support activities dubbed “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” held in Barangay Kalkam, Tupi town, and Barangay Lambingi in Banga.

The peace initiatives are part of the program launched by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office and the 27IB in line with their continuing joint internal security operations, he added.

Capellan said the returnees were formerly under the Roxas Range Company and West Musa or Brigol Company of the NPA’s Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73, respectively.

He said the NPA units are led by Benancio Ulaman Julan, the commanding officer of Platoon West; and Yunit Militia commanders Ervin Saling Ferrer, Jemmy Biolanda Magbanua, and Hasan Pagayao Saling.

The other surrenderers were identified as Nelson Tang Olin, Shiela Mae Ticao Olin, Santos Salam Abad, Jay-R Atam Abad, Ariel Jodis Pascua, Ker-Ker Saling Bangon, Johnny Sabal Pungol, Ryan Caspillo Sabal, Joey Saling Paulite Jr., Abdul Pagayao Saling, Bazer Lintang Mampurok, Michael Digo Balao, Jomel Negil Panoy, Jim Endig Ofong, Nazer Lintang Mampurok, Danny Gambin Dati, and Arsenio Kanahay Maling.

Capellan said the group surrendered four homemade 12-gauge shotguns, a loaded M2 Carbine rifle, an improvised M14 bolt action rifle, a homemade single-shot pistolized shotgun, 40mm “high-explosive, dual purpose” cartridge, M26 fragmentation hand grenade, MK2 fragmentation grenade, PRB high-explosive fragmentation grenade and assorted ammunition.

“They also brought along 10 subversive textbooks and documents,” he said.

The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the SCPMFC and will undergo processing for inclusion into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, PRO-12 director, assured on Monday the police will assist the reintegration of the former rebels into their communities.

“This will be the start of their fruitful and productive journey. Rest assured that we are more than willing and prepared to help them as they restart their lives with their families,” Corpus said.

He also called on the remaining active NPA rebels in the area to also surrender and avail of the government’s reintegration program. (PNA)

‘Di ako makukulong sa pagkasakang ko’ : Kathryn Bernardo, nagreact sa mga bashers

Mon, 18 May 2020 13:36:49 GMT

Photo Credit: Kathryn Bernardo Instagram Account

MANILA – Buo ang loob ng aktres na si Kathryn Bernardo nang magbigay ng reaksiyon sa ilang puna ng mga bashers.

Sa kanyang pinakabagong vlog, hinarap ni Kathryn ang madalas na puna tungkol sa kanyang pagiging sakang, o hindi pagkakaroon ng tuwid na mga hita at binti.

“Boom! Ito ‘yung hinihintay ko!” bungad ni Kathryn nang basahin ang pintas na “ang pangit ni Kathryn Bernardo, sakang na ang pangit pa.”

Pag-amin ni Kathryn, kung noon ay isa sa mga insecurity niya ang pagiging sakang, sinabi niyang paglipas ng mga taon ay natutunan niya itong tanggapin.

“So lahat kayo sinasabi about my legs na hindi diretso ang legs ko, sakang ako. Bakit ko inalis ang comment section ko sa Instagram? Kasi feeling ko grabe ‘yung negative energy. Ang daming time talaga ng bashers. But, ngayon talaga hindi na ako na ba-bother. Alam niyo over the years natutunan kong tanggapin ‘yung legs ko. Yes it’s not straight. Parang parenthesis ‘yun sinasabi nila but wala eh parte siya ng pagkatao ko,” ani Kathryn na ibinahaging ang kanyang nobyo na si Daniel Padilla ang nagpamulat sa kanya na hindi siya dapat magkaroon ng insecurity.

“Before sobrang insecurity ko ito. Pero alam niyo sino ang nagpa-realize na huwag magkaroon ng insecurity? Si DJ. So, through DJ na-overcome ko ‘yung insecurity ko about my legs. Ngayon as in kahit anong tayo ko. Kasi na-realize ko lahat tayo mayroong imperfections. Siguro nagkataon sa akin ibinigay ni God ‘yung legs ko. So ano ang gagawin ko eh ‘di nagwo-workout ako para ma-exercise siya and tatanggapin ko siya. Hello hindi naman ako makukulong sa pagkasakang ko. So, I love my legs and si DJ love din ang legs ko. So I’m sorry,” ani Kathryn.

Ilan pa sa matapang na sinagot ni Kathryn na mga puna ay ang sinasabing pagiging “pabebe” niya, pagiging pangit at ang pagkakaroon ng nakakainis na boses.

Sa ngayon, isa si Kathryn sa pinakamalaking bituin ng kanyang henerasyon.

READ: Guidelines for the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:21:55 GMT

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque announced on Monday that the IATF has approved the omnibus guidelines for the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines.

New areas under ECQ/MECQ

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:14:31 GMT

LOOK: Here is an updated list of areas that are under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 31, 2020, Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque announced on Monday.

All provinces, highly-urbanized cities and independent component cities that are not under ECQ and MECQ are placed under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Cebu mayor asks IATF to allow motorcycle backriding

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:09:58 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan Facebook Page

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan asked the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow motorcycle back-rides for his constituents.

“Personally, I would like motorcycle back-riding to be allowed for family members or partners. This is safer than riding in public transportation, where you don’t know the other riders. But we have to abide by the IATF which says that this is illegal. Because of that, we are writing them again to ask for a reconsideration on this, as I understand the sentiments of the people,” said Chan on his official Facebook page.

The mayor added that motorcycles serve as the primary mode of transportation for the majority of the workers in his city.

“I am fully aware of the prohibition on back riders in motorcycles under the existing GCQ guidelines. However, it is my humble belief that this mode of transportation should be tapped to lower the gap between the high demand for transportation and the reduced operational capacity of the public utility vehicles. Moreover, per information related to me, some workers feel safer that they are being transported by a family member instead of taking public transportation,” he added.

If approved, Chan’s policy would allow only immediate family members and city residents to backride on a motorcycle, and only when going to and from their workplace. They must also present proof that they are related when questioned by traffic officials.

Businesses and workforces are partly back to their usual operations, but public transport remains highly controlled.

A limited number of public buses are already allowed to operate during GCQ, while PUJs are still waiting for the go signal from the Land Transportation Office. With limited public transport, much of the riding public has to wait for hours to get a ride to and from work.

Lapu-Lapu, which is situated in a separate island from mainland Cebu, registered 50 COVID-19 cases as of May 15. Twenty-seven of these already recovered.

On May 15, the IATF placed the city under a state of general community quarantine (GCQ). Chan issued an executive order dated May 16, 2020 underlining the guidelines of the citywide GCQ.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 18)

Mon, 18 May 2020 08:39:44 GMT

The Department of Health reports 205 new COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths and 94 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 12,718.

Malacañang: Going outside still unsafe even under MECQ

Mon, 18 May 2020 08:23:10 GMT

File Photo

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque chided the public on Monday for flocking to the malls on Saturday, the first day of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila.

Roque warned mall owners that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and Malacañang will close their operations again if they defy quarantine protocols and health guidelines of the government.

He also said the public should never forget the risks of going out of their houses and must comply with basic health protocols such as wearing facemasks and observing social distancing.

“Bawal lumabas, pero ‘pag nag-comply ka, inayos ninyo ang mag comply sa proper hygiene katulad ng paghuhugas ng kamay, pagsuot ng face masks or face shield, at pagsunod sa social distancing at iba pang health protocols, mapa-flatten natin ang curve. At ang bawal ay magiging pwede nang lumabas (It’s forbidden to go out, but if you comply with proper hygiene and wash hands, wear face masks and follow social distancing and other health protocols, we can flatten the curve. And the forbidden will be allowed),” Roque said.

Roque also said the public should take the threat of COVID-19 seriously and emphasized that the coronavirus is still not contained.

“Paalala lang po, modified enhanced community quarantine or general community quarantine pa ‘yan, nasa ilalim pa ng community quarantine pa rin tayo. Nandiyan pa rin ang virus habang wala pa ring bakuna, habang wala pa ring gamot (We remind you, whether modified enhanced community quarantine or general community quarantine, we are still under community quarantine. The virus is still there while there is no vaccine or medicine),” Roque said.

The IATF lifted the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status in Metro Manila and shifted to MECQ on March 15, allowing operations of selected business establishments.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the MECQ status was intended to aid in reviving the economy and restarting employment in the Philippines as the country continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

LTFRB pushes cashless transactions to avoid spread of COVID-19

Mon, 18 May 2020 07:06:26 GMT

File Photo

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is pushing for cashless transactions in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) in order to prevent the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through money.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said they are encouraging operators of taxis, transport network vehicles (TNVs), buses and modern jeepneys to go cashless to protect both passengers and drivers from COVID-19.

Delgra added that cashless transaction will not only prevent transmission of the coronavirus, but will also promote social or physical distancing.

“This is not new because we’ve been pushing this even before the pandemic. We are pushing for cashless transactions as part of the modernization program for public transport. We just saw the need to implement it now because of the pandemic,” he said.

The LTFRB has already allowed the partial operations of TNVs, taxis, buses and modernized jeepneys in GCQ areas to provide mass transport system for those who are allowed to work.

Delgra also appealed to the public to avoid going out of their houses for non-essential trips if they wish to avoid getting infected.

He said it is still not safe to go outside because of COVID-19.

MMDA warns motorists on heavy EDSA traffic under MECQ

Mon, 18 May 2020 05:24:00 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) told motorists to expect heavy traffic on EDSA with the increased volume of vehicles after the shift from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said more vehicles are now allowed on the road after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) expanded the list of Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR).

Pialago added that additional police checkpoints have also contributed to the traffic on EDSA.

“Dumami po talaga ang bilang ng sasakyan since Saturday and kailangang isa-isahin if kasama sila sa APOR since nadagdag ang mga tao and the sectors allowed to operate under MECQ (The number of vehicles rose since Saturday and we need to check each individual if they are APORs, since the people and sectors allowed to operate under MECQ increased),” she said during the Laging Handa press conference on May 18.

Pialago urged motorists to prepare their APOR documents so police personnel and traffic enforcers can check them out more quickly.

She also emphasized that coordination between the MMDA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to ensure that only APOR holders are allowed to go outside to limit the movement of people.

The President needs a 'Good One' in his cabinet

Mon, 18 May 2020 02:38:22 GMT

Whoever says that the decision to gradually lift restrictions under the community quarantine system is “Solomonic” may be shortchanging President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

This kind of decision is not just wise, this is heroic. After all, the decision is enveloped with terrifying risks. A decision not to take this action would have been full of similar risks.

In making this move, the President had to balance the interests of life and livelihood.

On the surface, it would seem that the President may be in a no-win situation.

Had he not approved the proposal of the Interagency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, he would have allowed the economy to get to a point where a revival in the short-term may be difficult to achieve.

By approving the IATF proposal to put most of the country on general community quarantine (GCQ) status, the President may have put too much trust on the public’s ability to protect themselves from being contaminated and trigger a dreaded second wave of infection.

We hope the public would prove the President right in reposing such trust in them. The President is no stranger to making hard decisions.

We presume that such ability is partly due to his astronomical approval rating. Leaders work hard at gaining public approval. They know that public support becomes crucial when controversial decisions are made.

Such decisions by leaders expend or even exhaust political goodwill.

Not so with this President. Making the hard decisions seem to have a positive effect on his rating. In his case, the exercise of political will boosts goodwill rather than exhaust it.

Before the mid-term elections last year, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11201, creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

He also called for the urgent creation of a department that would oversee the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers.

With the present invasion by the COVID 19 virus, the President may also wish to consider the creation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Health Affairs that would oversee how the government is responding to the pandemic.

On several occasions, the President expressed his desire for former Senator Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito to be appointed in his cabinet.

Observers believe that this may be a wise move by the President.

Media coverage of the many skirmishes between law enforcers and barangay residents in Metro Manila highlighted the sorry state of our urban areas.

The absence of decent dwelling for many and the lack of coherent planning that will aid and regulate urban growth are obvious and are evidently the root cause of misery of a huge portion of our population.

The onslaught of COVID 19 also served as a retelling of the suffering and sad plight of our overseas workers.

Hundreds went through an ordeal trying to return home to be with their loved ones during the lockdown period.Thousands are going through a similar harrowing experience trying to survive the quarantine in the countries where they were locked down.

The next challenge will be the redeployment of our overseas workers when the economies of their respective host countries restart.

The processing of their documents and their departure to their employment destinations will have to be expedited to make sure they recover lost revenue opportunities and to get the most out of an expected economic recovery.

This is crucial since this sector contributes significantly to the national coffers. Yes, there is a need for one single department that will take full responsibility for our overseas workers.

President Duterte has openly expressed his preference for former Senator JV to join his Cabinet.

That his preference immediately got a lot of nod was expected. Senator JV has a solid track record in the Senate as a “public welfare” legislator.

He proved that he is one lawmaker who understands what the less-privileged sectors need and how to properly use public funds to meet those needs.

It will be recalled that Senator Ejercito, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, was the main proponent of the Universal Healthcare Law which expanded the access of underprivileged citizens to benefits.

He was also the principal author of the law creating the DHSUD.

Health, housing and mass transportation had been his main advocacies since he was a member of the House of Representatives.

We recall that while in Congress, then San Juan Representative JV Ejercito championed the Kasambahay Bill which became the landmark Domestic Workers Act of 2012. He also authored the bill which became the Local Housing Boards Act.

The built-in advantage of Senator Ejercito is that he has experience in both the legislature and in the executive branches of government.

Having served as mayor of San Juan city for three terms, he has first-hand experience in dealing with real-life problems of grassroots communities.

Many believe that the wisdom he got from his local government experience was partly the reason why he was one of the senators who came up with the most number of bills related to grassroots concerns in the 16th Congress.

If President Duterte decides to put Senator Ejercito in his Cabinet, he would be leveraging on the Senator’s experience as a veteran legislator and his local government leadership.

Many lamented the loss of Senator Ejercito in the last senatorial elections. That loss may after all be a gain for the executive branch of government.

After all, it looks like the former senator is more of a man of action even if he excelled at legislation.

The President needs someone who has both strengths in his Cabinet.

UPLB Math Prof: COVID-19 cases may still surge

Sun, 17 May 2020 10:20:33 GMT

University of the Philippines Los Baños mathematics professor Dr. Virgilio Sison said a surge in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines remains very probable.

“Definitely the virus is still present in our midst and a single infected individual, who may be asymptomatic, can still infect another individual. Thus it is very probable for the cases to surge,” Dr. Sison said.

He emphasized that, while the lockdown is helping slow down the spread of COVID-19, cases are still on the rise.

“Control measures apparently have simply staggered the infection over a longer period of time,” Sison said.

He also advised that, even with the relaxation of certain protocols, everyone should continue to observe mitigation efforts seriously to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace, in public places, in transportation and in homes. “Each one of us has an important responsibility in this regard,” he added.

Department of Health (DOH) figures say the most affected age groups are 30-39 years (21%) followed by 20-29 years (17%), which comprise a major bulk of the workforce.

The first of Sison’s graphs shows the daily new DOH-confirmed cases from March 15 to May 16, 2020 with the black line representing the daily trend.

The second and third graphs show the figures from the first graph simplified into a trend line to represent whether the average number of cases is rising or dipping. In this case, it is still rising.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 17)

Sun, 17 May 2020 09:26:05 GMT

The Department of Health reports 208 new COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths and 74 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 12,513.

My eyes are red, should I go to the hospital?

Sun, 17 May 2020 08:58:37 GMT

The SARS-COV2 virus causing COVID19 has us all in a tizzy. Some people can’t wait to go out with lockdowns being eased, while others are even more afraid of the possible second wave of infections. So many questions buzzing in our minds daily, such as: Is it safe to see my doctor for check ups? What if I go and the patients waiting in the clinic are infected? Aren’t some of them asymptomatic? What if I catch the virus too? What if my doctor has it as well? How do I know when it’s safe? Do doctors even know the answer to that? Sadly, we don’t. So now what?

Eye-wise, ophthalmologists have a guide to say whether the eye concern is a true emergency needing immediate care versus something that can be managed safely at home. Cases of trauma including chemical injuries naturally have to go straight to the ER. The same with sudden loss of vision in the absence of a traumatic event. What about other eye concerns? How do we know they are urgent? Most doctors have started offering online consultations so that their patients, old and new, can contact them and help them figure out whether their complaint is benign or serious.

You are home gardening when a leaf falls from a tree and hits your eye. You start to rub the eye and notice some redness plus blurring of vision. Do you go to the ER right now? Stay calm. Assess the situation first: Is there any bleeding? How is my vision relative to the unaffected eye? Test this by covering the better eye while looking ahead then perform the same thing on the other eye. If the affected eye can see but the vision is somewhat fuzzy, the blurring may not be sight-threatening. However, if you can only see movement and ill-defined shapes, a more active management should be done. In any case, seek out an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

A quick search on Facebook will lead you to one. Contact the eye MD who will send a visual acuity chart for better assessment. The consultation will then be done via video call or you will be asked for photos of the eye. Depending on the findings, you will be given a prescription or be advised to go to your nearest ER.

What about eye redness or “sore/pink eyes” (conjunctivitis)? This is a common complaint year-round and is a generally benign and self-limiting viral infection that we get from crowded areas especially when we touch our eyes without washing our hands. However, both doctors and patients should be wary about this especially since we’re in quarantine and are hardly exposed to other people.

Several medical articles have come out warning doctors that this could be a case of COVID19. Many patients affected with COVID19 are asymptomatic. No cough, colds, fever and seemingly no other symptoms except sore eyes. Again, if this is the only symptom, best consult your ophthalmologist online and you will be guided accordingly. You will likely be given eye drops and advised not to go out for 14 days to tide over the infection.

We’re in the new normal now. Let’s not panic when we have medical concerns. Consult your doctors online first.

Margarita Bondoc-Hermosa is an ophthalmologist practising in Metro Manila and the Visayas. She can be reached on facebook.com/margaritabondoc.eyemd

Cebu province GCQ starts on May 20

Sun, 17 May 2020 05:12:34 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu Provincial Government Facebook Page

Cebu Province is set to shift to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting 12:01 a.m. of May 20, eight weeks after the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was implemented.

Cebu governor Gwen Garcia said businesses and public transportation will be partially opened and some restrictions will be relaxed under GCQ. Social distancing, temperature check upon entry into any establishment and use of masks and gloves among other health protocols will continue to be implemented under GCQ.

The province was initially set to graduate to GCQ on May 16. Garcia and Cebu mayors however agreed to draft an executive order first. The order will be signed by Garcia and will carry all the regulations and guidelines of the GCQ.

Under the GCQ starting May 20, the public will be allowed to travel within the province including to and from the islands of Bantayan and Camotes, which are part of Cebu.

Only buses will be allowed to ply their commuter routes. Triicycles will have to carry only one passenger each.

Mayors are “urged to set up their own bus stops as pick-up points for passengers,” said Garcia on Sugbo News.

Quarantine passes will still be required when one needs to go out to buy supplies, medicine and goods for the family.

While “essential” businesses and establishments will be allowed to open, sports gyms, fitness centers, sports, recreation centers, karaoke joints, cinemas, public swimming pools, cockpits and other leisure houses will remain closed.

Curfew hours will still be in effect during GCQ.

The cities of Talisay and Mandaue will however remain under ECQ.

Talisay Mayor Samsam Gullas had requested the governor to temporarily hold off Talisay’s graduation from ECQ while the city waits for COVID-19 test results of residents. The city has 10 positive cases as of May 16. Talisay sits next to Cebu City, the epicenter of Covid-19 in Cebu, with Mandaue on the other side.

Mandaue City had earlier requested the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to allow the city to retain its ECQ status. The cities of Mandaue, Cebu and Lapu-Lapu were granted by the IATF-EID an extension of their ECQ until May 31.

DTI: Opening of business establishments meant to revive economy

Sun, 17 May 2020 04:52:08 GMT

Photo Credit: DTI Philippines Facebook Page

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said selected businesses were allowed to temporarily operate in MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) areas in a bid to slowly revive the Philippine economy.

“We remain cautious about opening, though our objective is to allow people to return to jobs and restart the economy, which is why we reopen some establishments that were closed under ECQ (enhanced community quarantine),” Lopez said.

Lopez said malls and other business establishments allowed to operate are required to follow minimum health protocols, which can be accessed on the DTI’s website.

He however warned the public that it is still unsafe to go outside while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has lifted the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas and shifted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on May 16.

Some essential business establishments are allowed to operate under MECQ.

Barbershops, salons, gyms, entertainment and leisure activities and other mass gathering activities are still not allowed to operate under MECQ.

The Philippines has 12,305 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of May 16.

Enable Volunteers and Barangays for Real Bayanihan: The Covid Experience

Sun, 17 May 2020 01:20:34 GMT

When I first read the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, officially designated as Republic Act No. 11469, the main thing that struck me was its apparent lack of consideration for what could possibly be a movement or movements of volunteers that would be ready to help out in the generation and mobilization of resources to help those most in need under quarantine conditions.

Coming on the heels of the Taal eruption where the nation saw a deluge of citizen assistance for government relief efforts, one can only wonder why the public sector seemed to have been unable to learn its lesson on the Filipino passion to engage in real Bayanihan. Unfortunately, nothing in the Bayanihan Act suggests the need to enable citizens to help out.

Indeed, the Bayanihan law was enacted in March 2020 merely to grant the President additional authority to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and not to harness volunteerism nor create social cohesion. It only enabled the Presidency to securitize the approach in addressing the pandemic by unduly underscoring military and police control over the citizenry. Tragically, the Bayanihan Act does not live up to its moniker.

Even as the quarantine dragged on, there has only been a belated and lukewarm recognition by national government of voluntary efforts under the pandemic.

Bayanihan, Collaboration, and the “Private Sector” . It can be asked then, can government do what needs to be done without volunteer efforts and the private sector? For instance, the government’s organization of Task Force T3 (Test, Trace, Treat) is a public-private collaboration with support of the Asian Development Bank, the Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and private healthcare providers from AC Health (of the Ayala group) and MPIC Hospital Group (Pangilinan-led),and Unilab.

Task Force T3 was set up almost two months after quarantine was imposed to “boost testing capacity from an average of 3000 to at least 30,000 tests a day.” Information from these tests will be the basis for further government actions and decisions. This collaboration is a positive development in our national battle against Covid.

Aside from Bayanihan, collaboration has been one of the magic words in many exchanges in online discussions on fighting Covid. The magic of collaboration and bayanihan can be seen clearly expressed in the various initiatives of the private sector to help communities from the start of the quarantine. This “private sector” is constituted by both profit and non-profit organizations that come in various forms — civic organizations, non-governmental organizations, neighborhood or community associations, faith-based organizations (the non-profit subsector), and even business corporations (the profit subsector). Under many instances in the past and now in the pandemic, many of these organizations have been doing more than is expected of them by society.

Having been involved in many non-government networks and an active netizen, I clearly saw how many private groups and networks immediately sprung to volunteer action under the quarantine. Hence, with a small team of my research assistants from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, I developed an online survey that looked into this overwhelming flow of activities from volunteers.

Let me share here some initial findings and observations we have from 22 sample cases (groups) gathered online from May 11-16.

About a third of those who responded were organized or set up specifically in response to COVID19. They were “newly formed.”

Most of them have been dependent on donations from their own fund raising activities. In turn, most are providing assistance in three forms—distribution of “in-kind donations” (e.g., groceries or food items, and medical protective gears); direct financial subsidy; and, “other humanitarian assistance” (counseling for mental health concerns; provision of contacts and information; and, provision of temporary housing or transportation services).

In terms of networking, most have partnered with other private groups and local governments. Some consciously avoid dealing with national government units or agencies. At any rate, more than half of them have seen no need to deal with the national government and they would prefer to be left alone.

These twenty two groups have provided direct assistance to tens of thousands of mostly needy individuals in Metro Manila. They have been filling a significant portion of the gap in the government’s Social Amelioration Program under the fight against Covid.

Moreover, in their own way, these groups have been helping the local economy by engaging non-volunteer or hired hands. About a fourth of them are doing so. Moreover, for their supplies, most are sourcing and partnering from local producers or suppliers.

Considering these, I argue that the government has been remiss in fully harnessing the overwhelming energy and drive of the general public, in particular the private and voluntary sector to share what can best be described as the Filipino sense of bayanihan.

I and my research team have also queried the respondents regarding their ideas on how the government should be dealing with volunteer efforts under conditions like this pandemic. Their answers have been most insightful.

Government must pro-actively enable the private sector to better provide assistance and voluntary services especially to our most needy citizens. In other words, government must help people help themselves. Our leaders can do this by:

1. Openly encouraging volunteerism and truly considering volunteers as partners rather than as the “expression of opposition forces.” The Bayanihan Act could have provided for the recognition of voluntary initiatives;

2. Supporting volunteers’ efforts, through: (a) the provision of means of transportation and other logistical support; (b) The provision of technical know-how or advice; and, (c) facilitating the procurement of needed supplies as well as the release of permits and passes;

3. Waiving or at least simplifying registration requirements for volunteer groups, and relaxing restrictions on fund raising;

4. Not “politicizing” volunteer actions by promoting or passing off their assistance as being those of certain politicians; or by tagging non-government efforts as moves of the “opposition”;

5. Continuing to tap private sector human resources for government activities;

6. Coordinating volunteer efforts to maximize their impact on our communities; and,

7. (this relates directly to the previous proposition) Putting in place an information, education and communications campaign that particularly complements and highlights volunteer efforts.

Towards a New Normal and Stronger Local Governance . Our PUP sociology team’s probing of particular respondent-volunteers and their engagements with local governments has also exposed crucial weaknesses in our local governance units. There is a need to enable all barangays so that they can perform as the Local Government Code of 1991 envisioned them — with able Barangay health workers.

Looking at the Barangays beyond the quarantine period , we can start rebuilding our health system by strengthening our BARANGAY health programs and units and making them more responsive and inclusive.

Among others, the so-called “new normal” should mean open and pro-active LGUs that can forge partnerships themselves with various private and non-government groups.

To the dismay of many volunteer groups, LGus could not even provide maps of needy areas or a reliable directory of their constituents. Community-based monitoring of development concerns—such as the poverty situation—is sorely lacking thus, one can only wonder then on what data and information do many of these LGUs—the Barangays and cities—base the plans and decisions that they have to make.

Very clearly, in local governance at least, much of the new normal is what we should have had prior to the pandemic. Much of the new normal should have been the old normal.

In closing, I wish to share a very interesting line from a paper entitled Social Cohesion vs COVID-19 from the Ateneo Policy Center. The authors of the paper, Manuel M. Dayrit and Ronald U. Mendoza, argued that: “Controlling the spread of communicable diseases within and across borders requires strong social cohesion, or a unity of purpose around this collective action challenge. In fact, the world’s response to COVID19 reflects how prepared different nations really are at both international cooperation and national collective action, the two main ingredients of social cohesion that will be necessary for effective crisis response.”

National collective action? National collective action means collaboration or bayanihan, if you will. Collaboration builds trust, and trust leads to more collaboration. Collaboration requires a modicum of trust. Government should first acknowledge then and trust that our people will deliver. They do! We do, as we have shown here. It is government that has faltered. However, it is not too late yet. We have only just begun, as it were.

DTI: No price increase of select medicines

Sat, 16 May 2020 11:31:33 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned pharmaceutical companies and drug stores against taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing medicine prices.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said pharmaceutical companies and drug stores should observe the maximum retail prices of particular medicines issued by the Department of Health.

“Yung gamot na part sa listahan na iyon ng DOH, dapat manatili ang price nila. Bawal ang price increase (The medicines listed by the DOH should retain their prices. Price increase is prohibited),” Lopez said during the Laging Handa virtual press conference on May 16.

The secretary said his department will immediately conduct an investigation on pharmaceutical companies and drug stores reported to have violated the said DOH directive.

Lopez however clarified that the DTI will not stop pharmaceutical companies and drug stores from imposing reasonable price increases on medicines that are not covered in the DOH list especially those that were manufactured abroad.

He also emphasized that the suggested retail price (SRP) of medicines and other basic commodities should remain unchanged in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed the National Capital Region (NCR), Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Angeles City and Laguna under MECQ.

Cyclists reunited with bikes a month after quarantine breach

Sat, 16 May 2020 11:20:31 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Rex Gatchalian Facebook Page

The Valenzuela City government returned on May 16 the bicycles of four cyclists who were nabbed for violating quarantine protocols in the city last month.

“They have served their community service by repacking. Then we kept their bikes during ECQ (enhanced community quarantine). They have learned their lessons. Their bikes have been returned,” Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said on Facebook.

The four cyclists were arrested after they went outside their homes and biked their way to Manila Bay last April 13 in spite of the ECQ in Valenzuela City.

The cyclists were made to repack relief goods in Valenzuela as penalty.

The cyclists promised to use their bikes within the bounds of law during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Valenzuela City and other cities in Metro Manila have been placed under MECQ.

DOJ resets inquiry on complaints filed against Pimentel

Sat, 16 May 2020 11:15:14 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Koko Pimentel Facebook Page

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reset for next month its preliminary investigation on the quarantine protocol violation complaint against Senator Koko Pimentel.

“Tentatively reset to June 18,” Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said in a text message to reporters on May 16.

The DOJ initially scheduled the preliminary investigation on May 20.

Former University of Makati law dean Rico Quicho filed a complaint against Pimentel on April 6 for violation of Republic Act No. 11332 and other regulations of the Department of Health (DOH).

Pimentel accompanied his wife, Kathryna, to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) on March 24. He failed to inform hospital staff beforehand that he had undergone a COVID-19 test on March 20 and was waiting for its result. He learned that he tested positive for the virus while in the hospital.

The senator told reporters on May 2 that he is COVID-free after he retested for the virus and obtained a negative result.

Chinese aggression seen to slow down South China Sea code talks

Sat, 16 May 2020 10:24:10 GMT

File Photo

Maritime experts say China’s recent aggressive actions in the South China Sea amid the COVID-19 pandemic may slow down talks on the proposed Code of Conduct (COC).

In an online briefing hosted by the US embassy in the Philippines, analysts said negotiations for the COC may be affected by the recent sinking of a Vietnamese vessel by a Chinese Coast Guard ship in the Paracels as well as Beijing’s unilateral declaration of new territorial districts in the disputed waters.

Dr. Hung Son Nguyen, Director General and Head Institute for the South China Sea at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam said, “now things look even gloomier given what is happening in the South China Sea right now.”

Both Vietnam and the Philippines protested the Chinese Coast Guard’s sinking of the Vietnamese vessel on April 2 and its establishment of two administrative zones in the contested area.

Nguyen said the only way for the Code Of Conduct process to pick up is for China to convince ASEAN states that it is willing to work with them.

“To salvage the code of conduct process, China needs to look at its behavior, its activities in the South China Sea and show its willingness and political will to create a conducive environment for ASEAN states to be convinced that the code of conduct is still viable,” Nguyen said.

Dr. Jay Batongbacal, University of the Philippines’ Director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea fears a possible deadlock in the negotiations unless parties come up with other measures.

“States may not be amenable as before or open or cooperative as before especially on matters related to explorations, fishing, military encounters - all of these events in recent months will play into concerns of the diplomats when they decide to resume negotiations,” he said.

“If that kind of negative trend of assertion continues, then by the time this is over and diplomatic activities resume, we could see all this building up into a kind of backlash when things resume.”

Sumathy Permal of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia said ASEAN and China should ensure that the process of talks on the Code Of Conduct continues despite delays in the meetings.

“ASEAN should stay together to come up with one voice to try to resolve the disputes and include regional arrangements for maritime protection in the waters,“ he said.

Director of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Greg Poling meanwhile said, “things don't look good as it is at present.”

Poling explained that news has been universally bad for the last three months or so especially with the COVID-19 pandemic happening.

He reminds claimant countries as well as the international community that they are losing the South China Sea. He, however, said the countries may avert this if they take action now.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 16)

Sat, 16 May 2020 09:01:37 GMT

The Department of Health reports 214 new COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths and 101 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 12,305.

ABS-CBN stocks resume trade on Monday

Sat, 16 May 2020 05:56:11 GMT

Photo Credit: The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Facebook Page

The Philippine Stock Exchange is set to lift its suspension on ABS-CBN stocks by 9 a.m. on Monday.

This follows the release of ABS-CBN’s disclosure statement on May 15 as per PSE requirements.

In its disclosure statement, ABS-CBN said TV and radio operations revenues amounted to P23.3 billion, of which P15.9 billion or approximately 68% revenue was from free-to-air advertising. Long-term debts amounted to P21.336 billion.

The network also promised to pay existing debts on schedule and assured that it is seeking alternative ways to make up for the expected shortfall caused by the NTC closure order.

ABS-CBN meanwhile continues to air on cable, satellite and Internet channels.

The PSE suspended trading for ABS-CBN’s stock on May 6, a day after the National Telecommunications Commission ordered the network to close TV and radio operations. The network’s legislative franchise expired on May 4.

The network also awaits the approval of pending bills at the House of Representatives on its franchise to operate. The House on May 13 passed House Bill 6732 to grant ABS-CBN a temporary license to operate until October 31, 2020 while they deliberate on the bills.

IATF allows home religious activities under MECQ

Sat, 16 May 2020 05:33:31 GMT

File Photo

Malacañang announced that home religious activities and non-contact sports are allowed in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting May 16.

“Pwede na rin pong magbigay ng home religious services, pansin niyo, home religious services – ang mga pari, imam, rabbi at pang religious ministers (Priests, imams, rabbis and other religious ministers may conduct home religious services),” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque emphasized that church officials providing home services must observe proper health protocols, including the wearing of face masks, observing social distancing and the checking of body temperature.

Roque also said employment activities for recruitment and placement activities are also allowed under MECQ areas provided that operation is only at 50 percent capacity.

Firearms and ammunition training establishments are also allowed to operate in MECQ areas and are subject to strict regulations of the Firearms and Explosives Office of the Philippine National Police.

Roque reminded the public to remain vigilant against COVID-19 and said it is still not safe to go outside because of the health risks.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed the National Capital Region (NCR), Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Angeles City and Laguna under MECQ.

DOJ to indict public teacher behind post on P50 million bounty for Duterte’s head

Fri, 15 May 2020 15:06:32 GMT

Photo Credit: Ronnel Mas Twitter Account

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found probable cause for the filing of a sedition case based on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 against public school teacher Ronnel Mas.

Dagupan City NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) officials arrested Mas on Wednesday after he offered a P50 million reward to anyone who could kill President Rodrigo Duterte on his twitter account, @RonPrince_.

“There exists probable cause to indict respondent Mas of violation of Article 142 of the RPC [Revised Penal Code]. Sedition, in its more general sense, is ‘the raising of commotion in disturbances in the state,” the DOJ said in its resolution.

The DOJ however referred the investigation and resolution on the grave misconduct complaint against Mas to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which has jurisdiction over government employees.

Mas remains under NBI custody as of Friday.

The DOJ said the arrest of Mas was initially with defect as it did not fall within the scope of warrantless arrest conditions. It was later made valid when Mas admitted to the media that he committed the crime.

“Be that as it may, the defect of Mas’s warrantless arrest was ultimately cured when Mas extra-judicially admitted to the media that he indeed personally posted the provocative text in his Twitter account @RonPrince_,” the DOJ said.

Mas said he simply wanted to get people’s attention when he made his tweet.

Cebu Province not yet ready for GCQ

Fri, 15 May 2020 13:12:41 GMT

Photo Credit: Mayor Joannes Pepito Alegado Facebook Profile

Consolacion mayor Joannes Pepito Alegado said Cebu province will remain under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) after May 15.

Alegado made the statement on his Facebook account after a meeting with other mayors, Provincial Board members and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia in Balamban town on Friday.

“GCQ (general community quarantine) protocols in the Province of Cebu will still have to be refined. The finalized GCQ Protocols will still have to be properly disseminated to the public before its implementation. The GCQ will not start tomorrow,” said Alegado.

The mayor said some businesses will be allowed to operate again while under quarantine. He emphasized that transitioning to GCQ does not mean going back to normal.

“Community Quarantine gihapon ta. Aduna nay mga makabalik trabaho ug abli sa negosyo subay sa gitugotan sa IATF, apan adunay mga protocols nga dapat gayud sundon. Amping gihapon ta. Bantay gihapon ta (We will adapt the community quarantine policy. There will be those who will be allowed to work and reopen their businesses based on the guidelines set by the IATF, but there will be protocols that must be followed. Let’s stay safe and always be on guard),” he said.

Alegado also said workers in the cities of Cebu, Lapulapu and Mandaue must undergo rapid testing in their respective companies every 14 days.

The three cities jointly extended their ECQ following the rise of COVID-19 in their areas of responsibility.

Former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta, 1944-2020

Fri, 15 May 2020 12:26:40 GMT

Former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta passed away Friday morning. She was 75.

Aquino-Oreta was a staunch advocate for education. She chaired the Senate education committee from 1998 to 2004.

She was also behind the Early Childhood Care and Development Act, Solo Parent Act, Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Micronutrient Fortification Program, Clean Air Act, E-Commerce Act, the Philippine High School System Act, Governance of Basic Education Act and the Philippine Landscape Architecture Act.

Aquino-Oreta served as a legislator in the House of Representatives for three consecutive terms, from 1987-1998, representing the district of Malabon-Navotas.

She also became the first woman to serve as Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the history of the Lower House.

She became a Lieutenant Colonel (Reserved) in the Philippine Air Force after earning a Master’s Degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Signal #2 still up in several Luzon areas as ‘Ambo’ slightly weakens

Fri, 15 May 2020 12:18:55 GMT

Severe Tropical Storm “Ambo” slightly weakens as it approaches Infanta, Quezon.

PAGASA reports as of 4 PM, the center of ‘Ambo’ was estimated at 40 km south of Infanta, Quezon with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 kph and gustiness of up to 140 kph. It is moving northwest at 20 kph.

Signal #2 remains over several areas in Luzon including Metro Manila.

6,500 OFWs tested negative for COVID-19

Fri, 15 May 2020 11:20:08 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Coast Guard Facebook Page

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that 6,500 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in quarantine centers have tested negative for COVID-19 and will be allowed to go back to their homes.

PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia said the cleared OFWs will get their certificates from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and quarantine clearances from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

The OFWs were required to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at the quarantine centers to determine whether they were infected with COVID-19.

The OFWs will be sent home either Saturday or after typhoon Ambo exits.

The PCG continues to provide assistance and quarantine facilities for OFWs and returning Filipinos who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

NCRPO chief, 18 others face raps over ECQ 'party'

Fri, 15 May 2020 10:23:29 GMT

NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)

MANILA – National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas and 18 other police officers are now facing criminal charges in connection with his birthday celebration that allegedly violated quarantine protocols.

Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) led by Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo filed the charges of violation of City Ordinance No. 12, series of 2020, which imposes mandatory wearing of face masks and physical distancing, and Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act before the Taguig City Prosecutors' Office on Friday.

Other named respondents are Brigadier Generals Nicolas Bathan, Florencio Quibuyen, Florencio Ortilla, Gerry Galvan and Ildelbrandy Usana; Colonels Eliseo Tanding, Remus Medina, Raul Tacaca, Emmanuel Peralta, Tomas Frias, Rodel Pastor, Ferdinand Ortega and Manuel Abrugena: Lt. Col. Orlando Carag Jr.; Majors Epream Paguyod and Britz Sales; and Corporals Abdumar Bakil and Bernie Lazaga.

In a separate report submitted to PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, Triambulo said the mass gathering also constitutes administrative offenses.

These include less grave neglect of duty under Rule 21 section 2 (B), item (1) sub-item of National Police Commission (Napolcom) Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 for refusal or neglect to observe enhanced community quarantine protocols prohibiting mass gatherings, as Section 2, paragraph 7, Omnibus Guidelines enforced by Executive Order No. 112. s 2020 provides and less grave misconduct under Rule 21, Section 2(B) item. sub-item (i) of Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 on account of violation of Republic Act 11332, Sec. 9 in relation with Sec.10.

The pieces of evidence showing these violations were obtained through photos circulating on social media, the PNP-IAS said.

Sinas earlier apologized for the incident, which was held at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City, but claimed some of the pictures circulating on social media were edited and grabbed from old posts. (PNA)

ABS-CBN: Shutdown to put added financial burden on company

Fri, 15 May 2020 10:15:50 GMT

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News Facebook Page

Media network ABS-CBN on Friday said the shuttering of its operations causes additional financial burden on the company.

In a disclosure statement to stockholders dated May 15, ABS-CBN said the National Telecommunications Commission’s cease and desist order will significantly impact the company’s media, networks, and studio entertainment (MNSE) operations.

“For the period ended September 30, 2019, the revenues of this segment amounted to Php23.3B, of which, Php15.9B or approximately 68% of MSNE revenues, was free-to-air advertising. On a consolidated basis, free-to-air advertising was approximately 50% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the period ended September 30, 2019,” it said in the disclosure.

“As of September 30, 2019, ABS-CBN’s long-term debts amounted to Php21.336B,” it further said.

ABS-CBN meanwhile continues its MNSE, cable, satellite, broadband, digital and interactive media operations.

It also announced it will pay bank debts according to its existing payment schedule.

ABS-CBN also said its petition at the Supreme Court against the NTC order is justified and the order violated the network’s right to equal protection of the law and to due process.

The network maintains that it committed no violation of the law.

The House of Representatives on May 13 passed House Bill 6732 to grant ABS-CBN a temporary license to operate until October 31, 2020, while they deliberate on pending bills for the network’s 25-year franchise.

AFP turns over P16.9-M cash donation to OCD

Fri, 15 May 2020 09:54:17 GMT

DONATION. AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (left), and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad do an elbow bump during the turnover ceremony of the AFP's PHP16.9-million cash donation on Friday (May 15, 2020). The amount was raised through salary deduction based on the rank of soldiers, including cadets, candidate soldiers, and probationary officers. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday turned over its donation pledge worth PHP16.9 million to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., presided over the ceremony at the OCD Building inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

He handed over the check worth PHP16,901,934.27 to Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, OCD administrator and executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The amount was raised by the AFP general headquarters; Philippine Army; Philippine Air Force; and Philippine Navy from a portion of their members’ salaries.

The percent deduction was equitable to the soldier’s rank, including cadets, candidate soldiers, and probationary officers.

As head of the AFP, Santos gave the biggest contribution of PHP10,484, while the lowest ranking soldier -- a private, an airman, or an apprentice seaman -- donated PHP100.

The amount reflected the AFP’s present fill-up of personnel, except civilian human resources.

The AFP’s pledge of donation was a humble gesture of solidarity with the government as it shares the nation’s burden in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Aside from the donation, the AFP continues its nationwide operations in support of combatting the deadly disease.

As of May 13, a total of 23,464 combined active soldiers and reservists have been deployed to quarantine assistance stations nationwide.

On the other hand, the military’s mobility operations since April 20 have resulted in the accommodation of 70,607 passengers and distribution of more than two million food packs in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Various air and naval assets have also helped carry out importation and transportation missions of medical equipment, protective gear, and supplies for patients and front-line workers.

Meanwhile, the military’s "Kapwa Ko Sagot Ko" program has already benefitted more than 55,000 persons through various lines of efforts in the National Capital Region.

These include humanitarian activities, such as the Mobile Kitchen, Tulong-Uwi, Pagkain sa Walang Bahay, Ayuda sa Mag-aaral, Sagip Kapwa, and Kabalikat Front-liners operations. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 15)

Fri, 15 May 2020 08:46:46 GMT

The Department of Health reports 215 new COVID-19 cases, 16 new deaths and 123 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 12,091.

Allan K, nagluluksa sa pagpanaw ng kapatid

Fri, 15 May 2020 07:36:11 GMT

Photo Credit: Allan K Instagram Page

MANILA – Sa gitna ng enhanced community quarantine dala ng pandemikong coronavirus (COVID-19), nagluluksa ngayon ang komedyante at host na si Allan K.

Sa kayang Instagram post nitong Huwebes, Mayo 14, ibinahagi ni Allan K na pumanaw na ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na lalaki.

Hindi naman nagbigay si Allan ng iba pang personal na detalye hinggil sa kanyang kapatid at kamatayan nito.

"The good Lord will take care of you in heaven. Rest well BUNSO. Your manong Allan will always miss you. I love you so much. Ngayon pa lang namimiss na kita eh... bye for now. Regards to nanay and tatay in heaven..." ani Allan sa kanyang post, kung saan ibinahagi din niya ang larawan ng kapatid.

Sa comment section ng post, bumuhos naman ang pakikiramay ng mga tagahanga, kaibigan at kasamahan sa showbiz ni Allan K.

Ilan sa nagpaabot ng pakikiramay ay sila Jaya, Pops Fernandez, EA Guzman, Aiko Melendez at kapwa komedyante na si Ruby Rodriguez, na kamakailan lang ay nagluksa din sa pagpanaw ng kanyang kapatid namanggagamot.

Typhoon Ambo weakens; expected to leave PAR on Monday

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:50:56 GMT

Photo Credit: Dost_pagasa Facebook Page

Typhoon Ambo weakened today and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning.

The Typhoon made landfall just after noon on Thursday over San Policarpio, Eastern Samar.

Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) Director Renato Solidum said the typhoon is now heading towards northwest Catanauan, Quezon Province and is expected to hit the Metro Manila-Rizal area at 8:00 p.m. today.

Solidum added that Ambo will hit Ilocos Sur by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow before leaving PAR.

Typhoon Signal number 2 remains in effect over Metro Manila.

Solidum told local government units (LGUs) to always be prepared and ensure the safety of their constituents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also advised LGUs to ensure that physical distancing and minimum health protocols are strictly observed in evacuation centers to avoid further spread of the coronavirus.

IATF updates on PH COVID-19 response - May 14, 2020

Thu, 14 May 2020 12:08:25 GMT

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque clarifies low-risk areas will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) even after May 15.

This means the earlier plan to lift quarantine in low-risk areas on May 16 will no longer push through.

The entire country will remain under GCQ except NCR, Laguna and Cebu City which will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Roque also discussed other details of the latest approved IATF resolution.

PAGASA: Signal #3 up in more areas as Typhoon Ambo maintains strength

Thu, 14 May 2020 11:57:44 GMT

Signal #3 is up in more areas as Typhoon Ambo continues to bring violent winds and heavy to intense rains over the northern portion of Eastern Samar.

PAGASA reports as of 4 PM, Typhoon Ambo was last spotted over San Jose De Buan, Samar with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gustiness of up to 255 kph. It is moving west at 15 kph.

NPA fighter killed in Pinabacdao, Samar clash

Thu, 14 May 2020 09:58:01 GMT

SLAIN REBEL. An unidentified fighter of the New People's Army (NPA) killed in a clash with government troops on Wednesday (May 13, 2020). His comrades abandoned him after a 10-minute gun battle in upland Layo village, Pinabacdao town, Samar province. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – A combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with government troops on the outskirts of Pinabacdao town, Samar province on Wednesday, the military said.

The unidentified armed rebel was slain in a 10-minute gun battle between the soldiers and five rebels in upland Layo village before noon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 801st Brigade, Col. Camilo Ligayo, said.

After the clash, the soldiers recovered a rifle with an attached grenade launcher, an improvised explosive device, a blasting cap, a bandolier with one long magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, and two rounds of ammunition for a grenade launcher.

No one from the government side was hurt during the firefight.

The troopers were patrolling the area, acting on reports from residents about the extortion activities of the communist terrorist group.

“This is a display of the intensified support of local communities to the government, denouncing the atrocities and activities of the rebel-terrorists. It is a tragedy that another rebel loses his life as a victim of this senseless armed struggle in an attempt to defend a futile ideology,” Ligayo said in a statement on Thursday.

It was the second clash between government troops and the communist terrorist group in Pinabacdao this year.

Last March 11, two NPA fighters and a soldier were killed in a clash in remote Canlobo village.

Layo and Canlobo are two of Pinabacdao’s five remote villages that have been identified by government troops as affected by the communist terrorist group.

These villages have been identified for various interventions by government agencies to wipe out the insurgency.

Pinabacdao, a fourth-class town in Samar with a population of more than 18,000, is 47 km. north of Tacloban, the regional capital.

The military is upbeat about ending the insurgency problem soon with the creation of local task forces to end the local communist armed conflict.

DILG to summon 43 mayors over poor SAP payout accomplishment

Thu, 14 May 2020 09:55:57 GMT

(PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will give show cause orders to 43 mayors over their poor performance in the distribution of the emergency cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to low-income families in their localities.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said these 43 local chief executives (LCEs) must explain why they had poor performance despite the two extensions of the deadline given to local government units (LGUs) with the latest deadline ending midnight of May 10.

“While the vast majority of the LGUs were able to distribute their SAP before the deadline leading to a national pay-out rate of 97 percent yesterday, may ilan pa rin na naiwan (there are those who were still left out), thus, the DILG and the public deserves to know why they failed to complete their distribution,” he said.

“Maglalabas na tayo ng (We will issue) show cause order sa mga naiiwang (to the remaining) 43 mayors nationwide dahil sa bagal ng pagbibigay ng ayuda sa kani-kanilang mga (because of their slow progress in giving aid to their) constituents. Kasi nga meron pa tayong (It is because we still have) 3 percent na mga family beneficiaries ang hindi pa rin nakakatanggap (of family beneficiaries who have not received aid) as of Wednesday,” he said.

He said that the 43 LGUs had a 79-percent and below accomplishment rate as of the final deadline set on May 10 midnight.

Eleven of these mayors are in Western Visayas, eight are in Mimaropa, five in Central Visayas, four in Davao Region, and four in the National Capital Region.

LGUs that had poor distribution rate and did not meet the May 10 deadline also include two each in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and one in Central Luzon.

PNP handles SAP graft, corruption cases

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, meanwhile, clarified that graft and corruption cases related to the handling of the SAP fund will now be investigated by the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and no longer by the DILG field offices.

He said Año has decided to transfer the probe of corrupt practices of barangay officials of SAP from the DILG field offices to the PNP CIDG field offices for the immediate filing of cases since the CIDG has more investigators than the DILG field offices.

“Iyong mga tara, kaltas, splitting at pare-parehas ang pangalan ng nakatanggap ng SAP ay CIDG na ang mag-iimbestiga niyan. Ngunit kung mga violations of social distancing, tinolerate ni kapitan iyong tupada, nagkaroon ng parade o naging pabaya si kapitan sa mass gathering, ‘yan po ang may show cause kasi administrative case ‘yan (The cases of tara, deductions, splitting and those similar names who have received SAP will be investigated by the CIDG. However, violations of social distancing, tolerance of illegal cockfighting by barangay chairpersons, conduct of parades or negligence in mass gatherings, those will be issued show cause orders because those are administrative cases),” he said.

He added that Año will not tolerate a single instance of graft and corruption.

"‘Pag may (If there is) ‘tara’ (corruption system), may kaltas, merong splitting, pulis na po ang pupunta sa inyo at kung sakaling caught in the act kayo, aresto na po kayo kaagad (there is deduction, splitting, the police will come to you and if you are caught in the act, you will be arrested immediately),” he added.

Malaya said that the public may participate in validating the list of beneficiaries of SAP in their communities by checking the list posted in barangay halls, which is also a requirement for LGUs to get the second tranche of SAP to be downloaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Iyong compliance ng mga barangay sa pagpaskil ay mataas, 97 percent ng lahat ng barangay pinaskil ang mga listahan ng kanilang mga benepisyaryo. Kaya nakikita ng mga kababayan natin kung sino ang tiwali dahil makikita mo sa listahan kung mayroong anomalya (The compliance of barangays in terms of posting lists is high. Around 97 percent of all barangay posted the list of their beneficiaries. So the people now see who is corrupt because you can see in the list if there are anomalies),” he said. (PR)

PNP to file criminal charges vs. Sinas over birthday bash

Thu, 14 May 2020 09:54:36 GMT

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be filing a criminal case against National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas and other senior police officials over alleged violations of quarantine protocols during his birthday celebration.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this development was relayed to him by PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa over a phone conversation on Thursday afternoon.

“Per my latest conversation with Philippine National Police chief PGen. Archie Gamboa, a criminal case is now being readied to be filed tomorrow against NCRPO chief Debold Sinas, along with other senior police officials who attended the gathering,” Roque said in a statement.

He said Gamboa also bared that the PNP is also getting clearance from the Office of the President (OP) to file administrative charges against Sinas.

“Maj. Gen. Sinas is a third level officer and a presidential appointee; hence, a clearance from the OP is needed for the filing of administrative charges of the PNP. The same applies to the senior police officials who are also presidential appointees,” Roque said.

Roque did not state the possible maximum penalty that may be imposed against Sinas and other police officials.

In a virtual presser on Thursday, Roque announced that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has ordered PNP-Internal Affairs Services to send him a copy of the results of the PNP probe into the controversial birthday bash.

“Inatasan na po niya [Medialdea] ang Internal Affairs Services ng PNP na mag-conduct ng imbestigasyon at i-forward sa kanyang tanggapan na mismo kung ano ang resulta ng imbestigasyon (He has ordered the PNP-IAS to conduct an investigation and forward the results of the investigation to his office),” he said.

PNP-IAS Inspector General and lawyer Alfegar Triambulo, in an interview with reporters, said Sinas may face criminal and administrative charges for breaking quarantine rules.

He, however, said Sinas will not be relieved from his post pending investigation results.

Sinas earlier apologized over the incident, which was held at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City, but claimed some of the pictures circulating on social media were edited and grabbed from old posts.

Pictures of Sinas' birthday celebration angered netizens, claiming there was a double standard in implementing quarantine protocols.

Following reports that local government officials in Santo Tomas, Pangasinan were also caught celebrating a birthday bash while ignoring quarantine protocols, Roque urged the public to report their complaints to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Kung mayroon po kayong mga reklamo sa mga taong gobyerno na lumalabag sa quarantine protocols natin, iparating ninyo po sa DILG (If you have complaints about any government worker who violated quarantine protocols, report them to the DILG),” Roque said.

Roque emphasized that nobody, including national or local officials, should be exempted from quarantine protocols.

“Aaktuhan po iyan dahil seryoso po tayo: Quarantine po, iyan lang ang pamamaraan para mapabagal ang pagkalat ng sakit (They will act on it because we are serious. We are under quarantine, that is the only way we can slow down the spread of the disease) and of course we will lead by example,” he added.

Last week, videos of Santo Tomas Mayor Timoteo “Dick” Villar and several guests celebrating the latter’s birthday were uploaded on Facebook.

In one of the videos, Villar was filmed shaking hands with visitors, completely failing to observe physical distancing.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who said Sinas’ birthday bash was “uncalled for”, reminded both local officials and police officers to set a good example in implementing quarantine protocols.

“Ang ating sinasabi sa ating mga government officials lalo na sa nasasakupan ng DILG, ito 'yung tinatawag nating delicadeza, may mga pagkakataon na kailangan maging (good) example ka (What we are telling government officials, especially those under the DILG, is to have delicadeza. There are instances when we should set a good example),” Año said in a radio interview. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 14)

Thu, 14 May 2020 08:40:55 GMT

The Department of Health reports 258 new COVID-19 cases, 18 new deaths and 86 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 11,876.

DOH calls on LGUs in Ambo-hit areas to observe COVID-19 health protocols

Thu, 14 May 2020 07:47:32 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

The Department of Health (DOH) called on local government units in areas that will be hit by typhoon Ambo to ensure that their evacuation centers are compliant with COVID-19 minimum health standards.

Health undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Thursday said local disaster response teams have mobilized to ensure that LGUs evacuation centers are compliant with the department’s protocols.

“So kailangan pong maipatupad or magkaroon ng stratehiya na kung saan ay magkakaroon ng paghihiwalay ng mga pamilya sa mga evacuation centers (We also need to prepare a strategy for possible separation of families at evacuation centers),” Vergerie said.

She added that LGUs can use tents or other facilities to ensure that physical distancing will be observed in the evacuation centers to prevent further COVID-19 infections.

The Philippines has 11,618 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Typhoon Ambo made landfall over San Policarpio, Eastern Samar at 12:15 pm today, May 14.

DOH crafts "return to work policy"

Thu, 14 May 2020 07:39:39 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Health (DOH) is crafting guidelines for companies and businesses that will be allowed to resume operations beginning May 16.

Health undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said the so-called return-to-work policy will require companies to have their employees screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

“Ibig sabihin po na if bumalik na ang ating mga empleyado ay magkakaroon ng screening process at ating tignan kung sino ang may symptoms para sila ay mahiwalay at ma-test (Before employees return to work, they have to be tested so that persons with suspicious symptoms can be separated for further testing),” Vergeire said.

She added that employees who manifested COVID-19 symptoms 14 days before the screening should also be isolated so employers will be able to identify workers who are fit to work.

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III backed the proposal of the DOH, saying it will ensure that workers are not infected by the coronavirus.

Both Vergeire and Bello support the imposition of standard health protocols such as the use of face masks and observance of social distancing.

The government has allowed some companies in modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to resume work in a bid to open the country’s economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez Rizal Ready for COVID-19

Thu, 14 May 2020 06:04:08 GMT

Despite the social media posts in Rodriguez Rizal where packed residents are waiting in line, Barangay San Isidro Captain Karen Mae Hernandez says she is committed to deliver relief and provide help for all the families within her village.

DOLE projects 2.5 million jobless due to COVID-19 pandemic

Thu, 14 May 2020 05:34:34 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) projects that some 2.5 million workers will be left jobless in the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III said their data is based on the number of companies that have submitted applications for suspension and closure of their operations.

“As part of our COVID recovery plan, we focus on how to keep employment. We will do our best to avoid displacement. That's why we’re asking businessmen na ‘wag na muna mag-sara (we’re asking businessmen not to close),” Bello said during the Laging Handa press conference on Thursday.

Bello said his department is now focusing on maintaining employment of workers and providing livelihood for those who will be surely affected.

Bello said they will continue providing cash assistance since the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) already provided an additional P1 billion for displaced workers.

Lagman urges House to fast-track ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Thu, 14 May 2020 05:25:07 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives

Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman on Thursday called on fellow representatives to fast-track ABS-CBN's long-term franchise so that it may resume regular broadcasts.

Lagman said the House could have fast-tracked the pending bills on ABS-CBN’s franchise in the same way it fast-tracked House Bill 6732.

"This kind of fast-tracking could have been done much earlier in the committee on legislative franchises upon the directive of the Speaker by considering and deliberating on the 12 bills proposing for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, " said Lagman on his official website. “Instead, the House leadership temporized action on the measures until the network’s franchise expired on May 4, 2020.”

The House Committee of the Whole led by Speaker Alan Cayetano passed House Bill 6732 yesterday.

The bill grants a provisional license for ABS-CBN to operate until October 31, 2020..

Lagman says the House must finish work on the 12 pending bills on ABS-CBN’s franchise before October 31.

Typhoon Ambo pushes PCG to cancel cargo vessel and fishing boat operations

Thu, 14 May 2020 05:18:33 GMT

Photo Credit: Dost_pagasa Facebook Page

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has cancelled the operations of cargo vessels and fishing boats because of typhoon Ambo.

“Maritime activities will resume when the weather condition becomes normal, as may be declared by PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] ,” the PCG said on its official Facebook page.

The PCG said its assets nationwide have been instructed to prepare to respond to emergency situations.

The service also said its men will coordinate with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) for possible rescue operations and other activities.

Typhoon Ambo makes landfall over San Policarpo, Eastern Samar

Thu, 14 May 2020 05:13:09 GMT

PAGASA reports the eye of Typhoon Ambo has made landfall over San Policarpo, Eastern Samar at 12:15 PM.

Signal #3 has been raised over provinces in Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Several areas in Luzon have also been placed under Signal #1 including Metro Manila.

Typhoon Ambo is expected to head towards Sorsogon later tonight.

Police probes capitol car's 'role' in radio anchor's murder

Thu, 14 May 2020 02:27:27 GMT

UNDER PROBE. The police in Negros Oriental is seeking a search warrant from court to investigate a Toyota sedan for its possible involvement in the murder of Dumaguete radio anchor Cornelio Pepino. Provincial police director, Col. Julian Entoma on Wednesday (May 13, 2020) said CCTV footages show what appears to be the same car allegedly tailing the radioman on the night he was shot dead. (Photo by Juancho Gallarde)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental provincial police director, Col. Julian Entoma, on Wednesday said they are now investigating the possible involvement of a provincial government-owned car in the murder of broadcast journalist Cornelio Pepino a.k.a. Rex Cornelio last week.

He said based on closed circuit television (CCTV) footages from the Dumaguete City government and from private entities, police investigators saw the car, a silver-gray Toyota sedan, appearing to be tailing the anchor the night Pepino was shot by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects on May 5 along the national highway in Barangay Daro here.

Entoma said police investigators considered including the car in the investigation after checking on the CCTV footages. With the help of information technology (IT) experts, the enhanced video clips showed the vehicle with its red plate number along the same route that Pepino, along with his wife onboard a motorcycle, took in going home from the radio station he worked for.

A red plate is issued by the Land Transportation Office for government vehicles.

While not being explicit about the details so as not to compromise the investigation, Entoma said the motorcycle driver and the alleged gunman were “seen to board the sedan after the execution of the crime”, leaving behind the motorcycle they rode.

The police also failed to recover the abandoned motorcycle that evening as Entoma said they believe that the sedan was a “ploy to mislead” pursuing policemen to search for the suspects on board a motorcycle instead, rather than in a four-wheeled vehicle.

Entoma said after thorough investigation and based on intelligence reports, the police found the said Toyota sedan with the red plate, whose numbers appeared to match those in the CCTV footages, parked near the Department of Education (DepEd) building in the Capitol area.

Further follow-up and tracing led the police to discover that the car “belonged” to the provincial government, he said.

The police on Tuesday afternoon proceeded to the area where the car was parked but in the absence of a waiver from the provincial government through its legal office, they could not open it and check for fingerprints, Entoma said.

On Wednesday, the police applied for a search warrant in court and presented the CCTV footage to support their application, the provincial police director said.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Provincial Legal Officer Louie Rastica, he said the provincial government refused to issue a waiver to the police because the Special Investigation Task Group-Pepino, led by Entoma, declined to let them see the CCTV footage for them to confirm if it was the same car that was parked near the DepEd building.

Rastica said he suggested to the police to just follow the legal process by applying for a search warrant in court.

The legal officer said they asked to see the CCTV footage because initial reports on Pepino’s murder said the suspects were riding a motorcycle.

He said they cannot just allow the police to open the car without legal basis.

Meanwhile, Entoma said the police are now inclined towards believing that the murder of Pepino, a radio reporter/anchor of DYMD Energy FM, was work-related.

Entoma said Pepino must have crossed some people through his reports and his public affairs program, "and so we are asking the management of DYMD Energy FM to provide copies of recorded interviews and other materials that would help in the police investigation".

Pepino was the third journalist to be shot dead here in the past three years.

In May 2018, Edmund Sestoso was shot in broad daylight while on his way home from his daily morning program, while Dindo Generoso was gunned down in November 2019 while driving on his way to work at a local radio station here. (PNA)

3 die, 1 arrested in NoCot, S. Kudarat drug ops

Thu, 14 May 2020 02:25:41 GMT

SEIZED. The Uzi machine pistol and suspected shabu recovered by the police from drug suspect Ziedfrey Nicole Aceboque Echevarria, 27, following an entrapment operation in Barangay Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato on Wednesday (May 13, 2020). Echevarria, who died during a shootout, was one of three suspects killed in a series of police drug sting operations in Central Mindanao in the last two days. (Photo by PRO-12)

COTABATO CITY -- Three suspected drug pushers were killed while another was arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Central Mindanao, the police regional office said Wednesday.

Brigadier Gen. Alfred Corpus, director of Police Regional Office -12, said the police anti-drug operations were carried out following reports that drug personalities continued with their illegal activities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

In Midsayap, North Cotabato, police killed in a shootout Wednesday morning drug suspect Ziedfrey Nicole Aceboque Echevarria, 27, following an entrapment operation in Barangay Poblacion 8.

“The suspect sensed he was dealing with poseur-buyer and pulled out an Uzi machine pistol and opened fire at the arresting team,” Corpus said.

Echevarria was hit in the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the suspect were the Uzi machine pistol with live bullets, six sachets of suspected shabu, PHP500 marked money, and a motorcycle.

Police records indicated that Echevarria was listed as a high-value target in the inter-agency drug information database of the police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

On Tuesday, police also engaged and killed in a shootout a drug personality in Barangay Inas, M’lang, North Cotabato.

Corpus said suspect Jeric Dapudong Fuentespina, 27, was dealing with a poseur-buyer around 2:30 p.m. and was to be arrested when he ran away while firing at the pursuing lawmen.

“Fuentespina failed to reach the hospital alive following a shootout,” the police official said.

Recovered from the suspect were the PHP500 marked money, 10 packets of suspected shabu, and a home-made 9mm pistol.

Also on Tuesday, policemen engaged in a shootout drug suspect Joel Vicelles Miñoza, 49, in Barangay Aurelio F. Freires Sr., Lebak, Sultan Kudarat during a drug sting operation.

The suspect was transacting to a police poseur-buyer around 10 a.m. when he suddenly drew his gun and opened fire at the police back-up team.

“The policemen fired back, hitting the suspect,” Corpus said adding that the latter died at the hospital where he was rushed.

Recovered from the scene were one .45-caliber pistol, four sachets of suspected shabu, and the PHP500 marked money.

Subsequently, at about 2:30 p.m. of the same day, another drug suspect, identified as Rezel Caro Amar, a 31-year-old female, also of Barangay Aurelyo Freires Sr. in Lebak, was nabbed in an entrapment operation.

Recovered from her possession were the marked money, five sachets of suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia. (PNA)

2 'drug peddlers' fall, P680-K ‘shabu’ seized in NoCot

Thu, 14 May 2020 02:22:33 GMT

COTABATO CITY – A team of operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), police, and the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion arrested on Wednesday two alleged big-time illegal "drug peddlers" and seized PHP680,000 worth of suspected shabu and high-powered firearms in North Cotabato.

PDEA 12 (Soccsksargen) Director Naravy Duquiatan said the operation in Sitio Marabarak, Barangay Guiling, Alamada town collared Ali Adapan and Usman Selangan whose son, Pilong, was the original target of the anti-drug operation.

However, Pilong Selangan, allegedly a high-profile drug personality, managed to elude arrest, he said.

“He quickly escaped after sensing he was dealing with a poseur-buyer,” Duquiatan said of Pilong, allegedly a leader of an organized drug gang.

He said the younger Selangan was responsible for the proliferation of illegal drugs in Alamada, and his market even extends into other municipalities in the entire province.

“This armed lawless group supplies illegal drugs in large volume to their customers in consignment basis,” Duquiatan said.

Confiscated during the operation were two large sachets of suspected shabu weighing some 100 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP680,000, and the PHP1,000 marked money on top of 94 “boodle” paper bills.

Also seized were three M-30 Garand rifles, four M-16 rifles, an M-14 rifle, an improvised M-79 grenade launcher with ammunition, four handheld radios, and a cellular phone that the group had been using in illegal drug transactions.

Cases for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), and RA 10591 (illegal possession of firearms) are to be filed against the suspects who are being held at the PDEA-12 detention facility in General Santos City. (PNA)

5 SAP beneficiaries in SoCot face raps for double claims

Thu, 14 May 2020 02:17:02 GMT

DOUBLE CLAIM. Photo shows one of the five beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program from South Cotabato province who were flagged by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 12 (Soccksargen) for allegedly claiming the PHP5,000 emergency cash assistance two times in different barangays. The agency said the perpetrators will face perjury and estafa charges. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Five beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in South Cotabato province are facing perjury and estafa charges for allegedly claiming twice the PHP5,000 emergency cash assistance.

Cezario Joel Espejo, Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 12 director, said Thursday the violators were found by the agency through a locally-developed application that it commissioned to track beneficiaries of the assistance program.

He said they are currently preparing the complaint against the five personalities, who were from the municipalities of Tupi and Lake Sebu.

A team tasked to review the SAP releases submitted by local government units (LGUs) in Region 12 or Soccsksargen managed to secure the pictures and details of the double claimants, he said.

“It came out in our system that they claimed the financial assistance two times. We already identified the perpetrators and the photos showing them receiving the cash assistance in two different barangays were undeniable,” he told reporters.

Espejo said the erring claimants, whose identities were withheld pending the filing of formal charges, even used their own names and might have thought that they would not be discovered.

He said they would look into the possible connivance between the perpetrators and local officials.

“It is quite unbelievable that these persons used two names in different barangays but it was not flagged,” he said.

The official said the fraudulent acts were clear violations of the implementing guidelines of the SAP, which was among the assistance programs implemented by the national government under Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The cash assistance was aimed to ease the effects of the enhanced community quarantine measures in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Espejo said he ordered their personnel to double-check their database and other lists of beneficiaries submitted by LGUs for other possible cases of multiple claims.

He said the list was among the requirements for the liquidation of SAP funds released by the national government.

As of Wednesday, the agency said over PHP3.3 billion in cash subsidy, or 98.82 percent of the allotted funds were already released to some 660,457 beneficiaries in the region.

DSWD-12 targeted a total of 668,287 families from Soccsksargen’s 45 municipalities and five cities that were affected by the Covid-19 crisis as beneficiaries of the SAP assistance. (PNA)

‘Ambo’ intensifies into severe tropical storm, more areas under Signal #1

Wed, 13 May 2020 13:03:36 GMT

“Ambo” intensifies into a severe tropical storm as it moves closer to land, PAGASA reported in its latest bulletin on Wednesday afternoon.

PAGASA also raised Signal #1 over several provinces in Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions.

As of 4 PM, the center of Severe Tropical Storm Ambo was estimated at 315 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gustiness of up to 115 kph. It is moving west northwest at 10 kph.

Ambo is forecast to further intensify into a typhoon as it approaches Eastern Visayas-Bicol Region area.

House Committee of the Whole approves bill for ABS-CBN provisional franchise

Wed, 13 May 2020 11:30:47 GMT

The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole approved on Wednesday afternoon House Bill 6732, which grants ABS-CBN a temporary franchise to operate until October 31, 2020.

The bill filed by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledges the contribution of the network in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The untimely shutdown of ABS-CBN affects the efforts of the government in fighting the pandemic by depriving tens of millions of Filipinos access to potentially life saving information. It creates a gap in our most important defense against the virus - our ability to tell the population to stay home and save lives."

It also condemned the shuttering of the network by the National Telecommunications Commission as an unexpected and unconscionable act.

“It not only disrupted the essential work of Congress, and sowed intrigue and disunity among the different branches of government and our people - it was also done during this period in crisis.”

The bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Neptali Gonzalez, Raneo Abu, Roberto Puno, Dan Fernandez, LRay Villafuerte Jr., Ferdinand Romualdez, and Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado.

ABS-CBN shut its TV and radio operations last May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission released a cease and desist order against the network. Its legislative franchise expired on May 4.

In April, the House of Representatives promised to fast-track ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. Cayetano later admitted that they were sidelined by the Taal Volcano eruption in January and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

LIST: Industries allowed under ECQ, MECQ, GCQ

Wed, 13 May 2020 10:47:21 GMT

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque announces on Wednesday the list of industries that are allowed to operate in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), and general community quarantine (GCQ).

Over P500-K shabu seized in Surigao Sur

Wed, 13 May 2020 10:15:48 GMT

BUSTED. Personnel from the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Caraga Region (PDEA-13) arrest Brando Gomez (right, in red shirt), during an operation in Barangay Victoria, Tago, Surigao del Sur, on Tuesday (May 12, 2020). Authorities say the suspect yielded PHP590,000 worth of shabu and other pieces of evidence. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Sachets containing suspected shabu worth over PHP500,000 were confiscated in a buy-bust operation in the Surigao del Sur town of Tago.

Col. James T. Goforth, director of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO), identified the suspect of Tuesday's buy-bust operation in Barangay Victoria, Tago, as Brando Gomez, 26, a resident of Marihatag town, Surigao del Sur.

Goforth said Gomez yielded two pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu weighing around 50 grams with a market value of PHP590,000.

“The suspect is on our watch list and we have been tracking his activities until a buy-bust operation was finalized that led to his arrest,” the police official said.

Goforth lauded the provincial police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency "for a successful operation".

“Our intensified drives against illegal drugs and other forms of illegal activities are unhampered despite the services we render at the quarantine checkpoints and other security operations in line with the fight to contain the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Surigao del Sur,” he said.

The arrested suspect and the confiscated illegal substances are now under the custody of PDEA-13, he added. (PNA)

2nd netizen to offer bounty for Duterte slay nabbed in Boracay

Wed, 13 May 2020 10:14:37 GMT

ARRESTED. Ronald Quiboyen, a 40-year-old construction worker who posted on Facebook offering PHP100 million for President Rodrigo Duterte’s slay is arrested on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on Tuesday (May 12, 2020). He will be charged with a violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. (Photo courtesy of Malay MPS)

ILOILO CITY – A 40-year-old construction worker who offered a PHP100-million reward to anyone who can kill President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on Tuesday night.

Ronald Quiboyen, posted a seditious content on Facebook that states "yong 50 milyon nyo doblehin ko gawin kung 100 milyon kung sino makapatay kay duterte andito ako ngayon sa boracay... ' (I will double your PHP50 million, I will make it PHP100 million whoever can kill Duterte, I am now in Boracay...).

Lt. Col. Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., officer-in-charge of Crime Investigation and Detection Group in Western Visayas (CIDG-6), in an interview Wednesday said the suspect was angered by the President’s implementation of lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis.

He said Quiboyen was immediately traced and arrested with the help of the Aklan Provincial Police Office, Malay Municipal Police Station, and CIDG’s Anti-Cybercrime Group.

"Our director in CIDG, Gen. (Joel Napoleon) Coronel, and his command group directed me to check and go for a manhunt operation because of his (Quiboyen) seditious act,” he said.

The suspect was traced in Sitio Hagdan, Yapak village in Malay.

Balmaceda said Quiboyen, while displaced from his previous job, worked as a motorcycle driver during the enhanced community quarantine. “He hates the President because of the lockdown as it might be hard for him to live,” he said.

Balmaceda said the suspect made mention of the public school teacher who was also apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Zambales last Tuesday also for offering PHP50 million for the President’s head.

The CIDG considers the post of Quiboyen as a threat to national security.

While the Philippines is a democratic country, Balmaceda said the freedom of expression also has limitations.

“Although we are on a democratic government, one should be mindful of what they say and do even if they are angry,” he said.

Quiboyen will be charged with violation of Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code in Relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Balmaceda said the charges against the suspect will be filed on Wednesday. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 13)

Wed, 13 May 2020 10:11:03 GMT

The Department of Health reports 268 new COVID-19 cases, 21 new deaths and 145 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 11,618.

30 Mayors to explain failure to meet SAP distribution deadline

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:50:28 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked 30 local chief executives to explain their failure to meet the May 10 deadline for the distribution of cash aid through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

“Nag-utos na po si Sec. Eduardo Año na maglabas ng show cause order sa hindi lalampas ng 30 mayors sa buong bansa, papaliwanagin sila bakit hindi nila nalabas or distribute ang SAP bago ang May 10 deadline (Sec. Eduardo Año issued a show cause order for 30 mayors to explain why they did not fully distribute SAP before May 10),” DILG undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said.

Malaya added about 96 percent or nine out of ten mayors nationwide completed the SAP distribution as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Malacañang announced on Tuesday that there will be no second tranche of SAP distribution in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) as they are already allowed to resume their work.

Malaya however clarified that SAP beneficiaries who belong to the so-called left out families of about 5.9 million will continue to receive financial assistance whether they are under GCQ or enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) areas.

Malaya also said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved the recommendations to allow local government chief executives to decide on barangay level lockdowns.

He added the IATF has acknowledged that mayors are more knowledgeable on the situation of their barangays.

He also said mayors must coordinate with their Department of Health (DOH) and regional IATF representatives before they decide on barangay lockdowns, and must base their decisions on science or data.

Judy Ann Santos, ibinahagi ang kanyang ‘quarantined’ birthday

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:32:35 GMT

Photo Credit: Judy Ann Official Instagram Account

MANILA – Nagkaroon ng simpleng selebrasyon kasama ang kanyang pamilya ang aktres na si Judy Ann Santos para sa kanyang ika-42 kaarawan.

Sa kanyang Instagram, ibinahagi ni Judy Ann ang mga larawan ng kung paano nila ipinagdiwang ang kanyang kaarawan nitong Lunes sa gitna ng pinaiiral na enhanced community quarantine sa Metro Manila at iba mga probinsiya dahil sa coronavirus (COVID-19).

Malaki ang pasasalamat ng aktres sa kanyang mga kaibigan at pamilya na nakasama niya sa simple at makabuluhang kaarawan ngayong quarantine.

“Grateful for family and friends.. simple and very meaningful “quarantined” birthday celebration.. thank God for technology! We were still able to hear mass with family and friends as we would always do every year .. ( zoomass) Thanks fads! @titocaluag . ❤️❤️ for blessing us. .,” ani Judy Ann.

Nagpasalamat din ang aktres sa lahat ng nakaalalang batiin siya.

To everyone who greeted .. thank you! �� sorry hindi ko kayo mareplayan lahat..but you just made my day very, very meaningful. Ate yohan baked my cake.. and it was the best cake evah!! #42,” dagdag ni Juday.

Police checkpoints, curfew hours to remain in areas under MECQ

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:28:01 GMT

Photo Credit: General Eleazar Facebook Page

COVID Shield Commander Police Lt. General Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday said police checkpoints and the implementation of curfew hours will continue in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Eleazar added that while the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has relaxed limits on the movement of people in areas under MECQ, security measures will remain in place to prevent the so-called second wave of COVID-19.

He maintained that police checkpoints and the implementation of curfew hours will help the PNP monitor the movement of people under MECQ and avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

The PNP will allow people to cross borders provided they are considered authorized persons outside residence (APOR).

Eleazar explained that the quarantine pass cannot be used for crossing PNP checkpoints, but can be used only within each barangay under MECQ.

Health protocols of the Department of Health (DOH) such as wearing of facemasks and observation of social distancing should also be strictly observed in the MECQ areas.

Malacañang has placed Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna under modified enhanced community quarantine until May 31 as they are considered high-risk areas.

ABS-CBN continues charity activities amid closure

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:20:20 GMT

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News Facebook Page

ABS-CBN Corporation continues its charity activities despite the closure of its TV and broadcast operations.

The media company on May 11 said its Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig program has delivered over P375 million worth of donations to some 750,000 families in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's Ligtas Pilipinas initiative has given medical equipment, food, drinks and flowers to medical personnel in 80 hospitals nationwide.

Both initiatives are part of ABS-CBN's contributions to help the country combat COVID-19.

Anyone seeking to aid ABS-CBN’s charity efforts may email foundation@abs-cbnfoundation.com, visit its Facebook page at fb.com/abscbnfoundationinc, or call 3415-2272 local 3792 for more information.

ABS-CBN closed TV and radio operations on May 5 following an order from the National Telecommunications Commission.

The company’s legislative franchise lapsed on May 4.

Congress meanwhile continues to deliberate on its franchise renewal.

A hotel in La Union opens its door to frontliners

Wed, 13 May 2020 06:57:45 GMT

WATCH: A hotel in San Juan, La Union opens its doors to frontline workers. Tourism in the province remains down as COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect.

TS “AMBO”: Signal #1 raised over parts of Samar provinces

Wed, 13 May 2020 06:50:29 GMT

PAGASA raised Signal #1 over parts of Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar as Tropical Storm “Ambo” further intensified on Wednesday.

As of 10 AM, the center of Tropical Storm “Ambo” was estimated at 360 km east of Borongan, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph and gustiness of up to 105 kph. It is slowly moving northwest.

Ambo is forecast to further intensify into a typhoon before it makes landfall over the Bicol region by tomorrow evening or Friday morning.

Catholic Church consecrates Philippines to Blessed Virgin Mary amid COVID-19 pandemic

Wed, 13 May 2020 05:26:36 GMT

Photo Taken: February 26, 2020

Catholic clergy encouraged the faithful to participate in the May 13 consecration of the Philippines to the care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the country continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Broderick Pabillo said the consecration will follow a prayer of the rosary at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela this morning.

Pabillo said a holy mass will be held at the Archdiocese of Manila at noon time. The local chief executives in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Makati and San Juan are expected to attend.

The Philippines was consecrated to the care of Mary in 2013 during the Year of Faith.

'Drug peddler', murder suspect nabbed in S. Kudarat ops

Wed, 13 May 2020 02:15:36 GMT

COTABATO CITY – Police arrested a suspected drug peddler and a murder suspect during separate law enforcement operations in Sultan Kudarat province on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, speaking for the police in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), identified the arrested suspects as Miguel Castañeda, 56, of Barangay Tuka, Bagumbayan, and Jonathan Malid, 29, of Barangay Datalblao in Columbio town.

Capellan said Castañeda was collared by joint elements of the Isulan municipal police drug enforcement unit and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during a drug buy-bust operation.

“After he handed over the illegal stuff to a police poseur-buyer, Castañeda noticed law enforcers approaching and tried to escape using his motorbike,” he said.

Police chased and eventually arrested Castañeda, who was placed under surveillance for a week before the sting operation, in neighboring Barangay Kolambog, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Seized from him were two sachets of suspected shabu, the marked money, and his motorbike used in drug peddling, police said.

Meanwhile, law enforcers in the town of Columbio, also in Sultan Kudarat, arrested Jonathan Malid, 29, who was facing murder charges.

“The police (officers) were armed with an arrest warrant issued by a local court against Malid,” Capellan said.

Police suspected Malid to be a member of the communist New People’s Army but the latter repeatedly denied this. (PNA)

P3.4-M illegal logs seized in Northern Samar

Wed, 13 May 2020 02:14:24 GMT

ILLEGAL. Illegally-cut logs recovered during anti-timber operations from May 4 to 9 in San Isidro, Northern Samar. A total of 69,672 board feet of illegal logs with a market value of PHP3.4 million were confiscated during the joint operations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) in Happy Valley village, a statement said on Tuesday (May12, 2020). (Photo courtesy of 1st NSPMFC)

TACLOBAN CITY – Illegal logging activities in Northern Samar continues amid the health crisis as PHP3.4-million worth of unregistered freshly-cut lumbers were seized by authorities in a week-long operation.

Joint anti-timber operations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) from May 4 to 9 resulted in the confiscation of approximately 69,672 board feet of illegally cut logs in Happy Valley village in San Isidro town.

These include assorted lumber and keelboats of hardwood tropical trees, said Maj. Edwin Oloan Jr., 1st NSPMFC commander, in a statement on Tuesday.

“The operations were carried out using a drone camera that showed stockpiles of illegal logs along roadsides and others were covered with coconut palms,” he added.

A certain Arnel Lucban Surio, together with other personalities were seen trying to conceal the stockpile, but eventually scampered to the mountainous area upon recognizing the presence of authorities, the police report said.

“Even in this time that our country is in the midst of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we will not stop to exercise our sworn duties and responsibilities to fight criminality and terrorism,” Oloan said.

Administrative and criminal charges will be fine against the suspects for violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

The DENR said this is the biggest volume of illegal forest products ever seized in the province.

The law enforcement team were also able to confiscate approximately 39,500 board feet of illegal lumbers with a market value of PHP1.97-million during operations in the same town from April 24 to 26. (PNA)

1 killed, 5 nabbed in Bicol drug ops

Wed, 13 May 2020 02:13:03 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – An alleged high-value target illegal drug pusher was slain in a shootout while six others were nabbed by police anti-narcotics operatives in separate drug stings in three Bicol provinces on Monday night.

Suspected shabu worth almost PHP300,000 was seized in the operations in Masbate, Camarines Sur and Albay provinces, according to Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol).

“In Albay, suspect Bobby Vargas, 40, of Barangay Cormidal in Tabaco City was caught selling shabu in a drug operation in said village at around 6:40 p.m. Police recovered from the suspect five shabu sachets weighing 20 grams with street value of PHP136,000,” she said.

In Camarines Sur, Jonil Borromeo, 41, considered a high-value target illegal drug pusher, was killed after resisting arrest by policemen in Barangay Del Rosario, Iriga City around 6 p.m.

Police recovered from the suspect a .38-caliber handgun, and sachets of shabu with unspecified weight and worth.

In Buhi town also in Camarines Sur, suspects Bobby, 42, and Christopher, 43, both surnamed Samantela; and Christopher Arroyo, 36, all residents of Barangay De Los Angeles, were caught selling shabu to an undercover police agent around 7:15 p.m.

The suspects, also considered as high-value targets, yielded nine sachets of shabu worth PHP125,000.

In Palanas, Masbate, Leynard Bryan, 34, likewise a high-value target, was caught in possession of two sachets of shabu in a drug sting in Barangay Nabangig. (PNA)

AFP welcomes P2-M reward vs. Reds

Wed, 13 May 2020 02:09:45 GMT

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncement of PHP2-million reward to whoever can provide information that will lead to the neutralization of top communist terrorist leaders will mobilize more people against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), the country's military chief said Tuesday.

"Good news for the AFP. That will be an additional reward for those informants aside on what is already on the AFP Reward system. This will bring in more informants. Thanks to PRRD for the additional incentive," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Filemon Santos, in a media interview.

Santos also pledged to ensure the safety of the informants.

Also, with the whole-nation-approach being utilized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) and the AFP, he expressed confidence that the CPP-NPA threat will be finished before Duterte ends his term in 2022.

"Our kababayans who have been providing the AFP significant information leading to our recent decisive operations (against the CTG) will be twice benefited thereby," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"They will not just be relieved from the lingering pestering presence of the NPA, our Kababayans can even cash in on the report that they will give to the AFP. And ultimately, they will get rid of the menace this terrorist NPA brings in their lives," Santos said.

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said they will comply with the Chief Executive's desire to let the military help in the distribution of cash aid to people severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

" We feel the express desire of the President to provide immediate intervention measures to address the need to bring amelioration assistance to the people forthwith. The AFP will comply," Arevalo said in a statement to reporters.

He added that all field commanders will institute necessary adjustments in troop deployment in compliance with the President's order.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will intensify its campaign to neutralize NPA rebels who are constantly attacking government personnel engaged in containing and alleviating the threats posed by Covid-19.

“The NPA members have been taking advantage of the health crisis by attacking many of the law enforcers assisting in the distribution of the aid to the communities. We have always been motivated to neutralize CPP-NPA personalities," said PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, in a virtual press briefing.

He said the reward is a signal for the police to purge the personalities of the CPP-NPA.

Gamboa recognized that going after the NPA has always been reiterated by Duterte to the police and the military.

"Ito naman, this has always been reiterated by the President to the AFP and to the PNP the need for us na harapin squarely itong NPA [This has always been reiterated by the President to the AFP and to the PNP, for us to squarely face the NPA]," Gamboa said.

Gamboa assured an all-out war against the CPP-NPA as the government's unilateral ceasefire ended earlier in April.

Duterte’s latest pronouncement came, as he once again expressed ire over the NPA’s series of attacks against the government forces who are assisting local governments in addressing the public health emergency.

Duterte assured informants that they would be treated as witnesses and would get protection from the government.

He said he would also relocate the recipients of the reward money for safety purposes.

He added that he would give them a “new identity” to protect them as well as land for their relocation.

Duterte said his administration is ready to fight the CPP-NPA and also willing to “die for the country”. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

Highlights - President Duterte’s May 12, 2020 Address⁣

Tue, 12 May 2020 10:12:41 GMT

WATCH: President Duterte reminds the public to still take precaution even after quarantine is relaxed in some areas starting May 16, 2020.⁣

2 NPA rebels killed in Zambo Sur clash

Tue, 12 May 2020 10:02:39 GMT

RECOVERED. Government troops recover two AK-47 assault rifles and other personal belongings following a clash Monday (May 11, 2020) that saw the death of two New People's Army rebels in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur. The troops were on combat patrol when they clashed with a group of NPA rebels. (Photo courtesy of the 53rd Infantry Battalion)

PAGADIAN CITY – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in the Zamboanga del Sur town of Midsalip, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the gun battle that occurred at 11:05 a.m. Monday in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip ensued as the troops chanced upon a group of NPA rebels while on combat patrol.

Herrera said the troops recovered the two NPA casualties after the 15-minute firefight, along with two AK-47 assault rifles, two bandoliers with magazines, ammunition, and a backpack.

He said there was no reported casualty among the troops.

“This (clash) would not have been possible without the information provided by concerned citizens of the enemy presence in their communities,” he said. “The people are already taking proactive roles in denouncing the terroristic acts of the NPAs in their barangays.”

Col. Leonel Nicholas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the troops are tracking down the fleeing NPA rebels.

“We call on the public to remain vigilant and report to the government forces the presence of suspicious-looking people in their communities,” said Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), commended the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan troops for their "remarkable accomplishments" amid 2019 coronavirus disease crisis.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Running gun battle kills 10 rebels in Agusan Norte-MisOr border

Tue, 12 May 2020 10:01:20 GMT

NPA CASUALTIES. The bodies of the 10 communist New People’s Army rebels are brought to two funeral parlors in Gingoog City early morning Tuesday (May 12), following an encounter Sunday in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, at the Misamis Oriental-Agusan del Norte border. Pursuit operations and sporadic skirmishes continue as of Tuesday, military officials say. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A running gun battle that erupted at dawn last May 10 at the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border has already killed at least 10 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, Army officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the first encounter took place in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Molina said Sitio Likudon is at the border of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte and under the operational jurisdiction of the 23IB, a unit under the 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde).

“As of early morning Tuesday (May 12), we already recovered 10 dead bodies of NPA combatants and brought them to two funeral parlors in Gingoog City,” Molina said.

Pursuit operations

He said pursuit operations are still ongoing and sporadic encounters continue since Sunday in the area as the remaining NPA members scampered in different directions after the first armed engagement.

“It’s still dangerous in the area. The NPAs planted landmines and our troopers are very careful while conducting pursuit operations,” Molina said.

He said government troops also recovered five high-power firearms, ammunition, landmines, cellphones, and subversive documents.

Molina said the military operation was launched Sunday after residents reported the presence of around 70 armed men who later turned to be NPA rebels under its Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A).

Upon reaching the area at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Molina said the armed men fired on approaching troopers that resulted in a 10- to 15-minute firefight.

Running gun battle

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), he added, immediately dropped in more Army troopers in the area.

DEAD NPA COMBATANTS. Several cadavers belonging to communist New People’s Army combatants are wrapped before being transported Tuesday, May 12, from the encounter site to the funeral parlors. Ten NPA fighters are killed following an encounter Sunday in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, at Misamis Oriental-Agusan del Norte border on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

In an interview Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander, commended the 23IB troopers for the "success of the military operations in the area."

“This is a running gun battle as gun fires can still be heard in the area,” said Licudine, who was in Gingoog City with Molina to personally monitor the continuing pursuit operations.

Licudine said they are expecting more NPA casualties as government troops continued to scour the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border to pursue the remaining NPA combatants.

Licudine said the rebels harassed, extorted, and collected food from civilians who recently received their relief assistance from the government.

The rebels, he said, were short on food supplies following the lockdowns enforced to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Hunger, exhaustion

"The NPA rebels have suffered hunger and exhaustion as their emissaries encountered difficulties in finding supplies of foods and other basic needs," the Army official added.

He said the NPA is also constrained in obtaining supplies after most barangays in Gingoog City and parts of Agusan del Norte had declared the NPA as persona non grata last year.

“Despite the declaration, civilians continue to fear the presence of the NPA. I commend the courage of some civilians who, despite the danger, managed to provide us accurate information on the area where the NPA were gathering. The information resulted in this successful military operation,” Molina said.

Molina said no casualties were reported on the side of the government.

Persona non grata

1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said the unit has conducted a series of information drives in the area since last year that resulted in the declaration of persona non grata of communities against the NPA.

Since the declaration, Maglalang said the civilians have been providing vital information on the movements of the NPA.

“The support of the civilians is vital to our effective operations. The recent military operation was a success due to their support and cooperation,” Maglalang said.

Meanwhile, military officials have called on the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and return to their families and communities peacefully.

“The government is always ready to accept them and to provide assistance to start their lives again,” Licudine said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Netizen posting alleged bounty for killing PRRD nabbed

Tue, 12 May 2020 09:58:40 GMT

NABBED. Public school teacher Ronnel Mas, 25, at the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila following his arrest on May 12, 2020. Mas allegedly offered a PHP50-million reward via Twitter to whoever can kill President Rodrigo Duterte. (Photo courtesy of Allan Sison)

DAGUPAN CITY – National Bureau of Investigation-Dagupan District Office (DADO) operatives arrested a 25-year-old public school teacher for allegedly offering PHP50-million reward through Twitter to whoever can kill President Rodrigo Duterte.

In an interview Tuesday, NBI-DADO chief Rizaldy Jaymalin said the teacher Ronnel Mas, of Barangay Poblacion North Sta. Cruz, Zambales, was nabbed after an interprovincial search between Zambales and Pangasinan.

“It was on May 11 when NBI director Eric Distor instructed the agency to search for the suspect,” Jaymalin said.

However, Mas deactivated his Twitter account, prompting the NBI agents to triangulate and investigate until they eventually identified him through his interactions online.

From his mother’s place in Pangasinan, he was eventually traced to his residence in Zambales, Jaymalin said.

Mas did not initially admit owning the Twitter account that posted about the reward, saying he was a “victim of identity theft”, and that someone allegedly made a fake Twitter account using his name.

Jaymalin asked for his phone to validate his claim.

“He presented us with a severely damaged iPhone 8 apparently to conceal evidence which may incriminate him. He eventually broke down and admitted to the deed,” he added.

Despite his public apology, the NBI is set to file cases against him.

Mas will be charged with inciting sedition in relation to cybercrime, and violation of Republic Act 6713, or ethical standards of public officials.

Jaymalin warned netizens to avoid posting similar content.

“Freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, it has limits, especially when you are inciting people to commit horrific deeds,” Jaymalin said. (PNA)

Areas no longer under community quarantine starting May 16, 2020⁣⁣

Tue, 12 May 2020 09:50:28 GMT

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque announces the list of areas that will no longer be under community quarantine starting May 16, 2020.

Cebu province to transition to GCQ, preps for countryside development

Tue, 12 May 2020 09:50:15 GMT

Photo Credit: Cebu Provincial Government Facebook Page

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said her province is set to transition from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to what she calls enhanced countryside development as it battles the economic effects of Covid-19.

“We will graduate to GCQ (general community quarantine) from ECQ. We will transition to Enhanced Countryside Development, a development for the province where there will be opportunities for all Cebuanos to better their respective lives,” said Garcia on Sugbo News.

Malacanang spokesperson Harry Roque said the province of Cebu is among the local government units that will be under GCQ starting May 16. The province has been under ECQ since March 30, 2020.

Garcia said she is positive that the crisis will end soon. She adds that the provincial government has put in place programs that will make the transition easier.

The governor earlier said she would push for countryside development. She noted that the province’s agricultural resources have not been maximized during the ECQ,

The governor however said she was happy that the province has kept the number of Covid cases at a minimum.

“We hope that the ECQ will be lifted soon as we all know its effects on our economy especially on the people who are suffering,” she added.

LIST: Areas under MECQ, GCQ until May 31, 2020⁣

Tue, 12 May 2020 09:34:37 GMT

LOOK: Here is the list of areas that will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) until May 31, 2020, Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque announced on Tuesday. ⁣

COVID-19 in numbers (May 12)

Tue, 12 May 2020 09:00:46 GMT

The Department of Health reports 264 new COVID-19 cases, 25 new deaths and 107 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 11,350.

Duterte's economic team pushes Build, Build, Build restart and mass hiring

Tue, 12 May 2020 06:35:02 GMT

Photo Credit: PCOO

The economic team of President Rodrigo Duterte proposed today restarting and accelerating the government’s Build, Build, Build program to maintain the country’s economic standing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez said the resumption of Build, Build, Build is the best driver of economic growth in the country due to its multiplying effects in terms of employment and shared prosperity.

He emphasized that the government needs to come up with an economic stabilizer so that the country will have sufficient resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dominguez also proposed the mass hiring of contact tracers to boost the government’s response to stop COVID-19 transmission and defeat the coronavirus while providing jobs.

“If we hire these guys to do contact tracing, I think we can provide good jobs to people. We need to hire enough contact tracers to match the number we expect that will come with more testing,” he said.

Dominguez urged the Senate to pass the comprehensive tax reform program before June 3, which will include flexible tax and non-tax incentives to attract more investors in the country.

The comprehensive tax reform bill remains pending at the Senate.

Dominguez said the government should also stimulate consumer demand and promote manufacturing of products to keep people from panic-buying amid the pandemic.

PAGASA: TD “Ambo” maintains strength, may intensify into tropical storm

Tue, 12 May 2020 06:27:27 GMT

Tropical Depression “Ambo” maintains its strength while remaining almost stationary, PAGASA reported in its latest bulletin.

The center of TD Ambo was estimated at 385 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and has maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

This will bring scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rainshowers during thunderstorms over Mindanao.

Ambo is forecast to intensify into a Tropical Storm within 24 hours.

Anak ni Sonny Parsons binalikan ang masayang alaala ng Ama

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:38:13 GMT

Photo Credit: Nicole Villarama Sta. Maria Facebook Profile

Pumanaw na ang mang-aawit at aktor na si Sonny Parsons nitong Linggo, Mayo 10 sa edad na 61.

Sinasabing atake sa puso ang ikinamatay ni Parsons habang nasa isang charity drive sa Tayabas, Quezon.

Sa Facebook, kinumpirma ng kanyang anak na si Nicole Villarama Sta. Maria ang pagpanaw ni Parsons.

“Rest in peace papa Sonny Parsons, you are now with Allah. Thank you sa lahat ng advices mo sakin, sa love and for letting me meet all my siblings. I love you! Naiisip lang kita last friday night and pinakikinggan ko mga songs mo. I love you papa! �� #hagibis,” ani Nicole.

Isang datu ang muslim na si Parsons.

Kilala si Parsons bilang miyembro ng grupong “Hagibis” na sumikat noong dekada 80.

Pinasikat nina Parsons at Hagibis ang mga awitin tulad ng “Babae,” “Lalake,” “Legs” at “Katawan.”

Maliban sa pag-awit ay pinasok din ni Parsons ang pag-arte at paggawa ng mga pelikula.

Noong 2017, napasama pa si Parsons sa seryeng “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Pinasok din ni Parsons ang politika at nagsilbi bilang konsehal sa Marikina City.

Galvez: Gov't unable to endure extended ECQ

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:06:13 GMT

File Photo

National Task Force COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said the government can no longer afford to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to limited resources.

“In the absence of a vaccine, all we can do is prevent and contain it and mitigate its impact. The government, however, cannot endure the ECQ for an extended period of time, as its resources are very limited,” Galvez said.

Galvez also said the government could not yet determine the fate of the ECQ on May 15, as he emphasized that they are trying to balance the health risks with the economic effects of the pandemic.

Galvez presented to President Rodrigo Duterte the general concepts that will be undertaken should the government decide to shift from ECQ to general community quarantine (GCQ).

He said they are trying to determine how the concepts will work with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and on how to protect the economic gains should GCQ be imposed, among others.

The government has placed Metro Manila, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Albay and Catanduanes under ECQ.

The ECQ will end on May 15.

Wanted ‘NPA combatant' nabbed in Surigao Sur

Tue, 12 May 2020 02:19:04 GMT

BUSTED. A team of police operatives arrest Lando G. Turaja, an alleged member of the communist New People's Army in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga on Sunday (May 10, 2020). Turaja, 50, has standing warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

BUTUAN CITY – A suspected member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) with a standing warrant of arrest was arrested by government forces in Lianga, Surigao del Sur over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) director, identified the suspect as Lando G. Turaja, 50, a resident of Barangay Balibadon in Cortes, Surigao del Sur.

In a statement Monday (May 11), Esquivel said Turaja, who was arrested during a manhunt operation on Sunday, has a standing arrest warrant for murder and attempted murder issued by a regional court in Tandag City.

Turaja is a member of Guerrilla Front 30 of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Esquivel said, adding the suspect is the fourth most wanted person in Surigao del Sur.

“Our troops confiscated one caliber 9mm Bereta pistol loaded with six ammunition from his possession. Based on our investigation, he was the primary suspect in a shooting incident that killed the Barangay Captain of Cayale, San Miguel Surigao del Sur last 2018,” Esquivel said.

He said PRO-13 remains on a heightened alert against persons with standing warrants of arrest despite the health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a separate interview Monday (May 11), Col. James T. Goforth, Surigao del Sur provincial police director, said Turaja was also involved during the ambush of a police patrol car in Surigao del Sur sometime in 2015.

“During the investigation, Turaja admitted that he was part of the blocking force of the NPA during the said ambush,” Goforth told the Philippine News Agency. (PNA)

Davao de Oro firefight yields NPA war materiel

Tue, 12 May 2020 02:17:48 GMT

ARMED ENCOUNTER. The Army's 71st Infantry Battalion recovers two high-power firearms, an improvised explosive device, and other war materiel after a firefight with the communist New People’s Army in Barangay Pangibiran, Mabini, Davao de Oro, on Monday (May 11, 2020). Military officials say the crash occurred after the troops responded to the complaints of the residents in the area about the rebels' harassment. (Photo courtesy of 71IB)

DAVAO CITY – The Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) recovered two high-power firearms, an improvised explosive device, and other war materiel after a firefight with communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Davao de Oro town of Mabini Monday.

2Lt. Kim Carlos, 71Ib civil-military operations officer, said the encounter broke out after government troops responded on the complaints of the residents about a group of NPA fighters harassing their community.

“No casualty from both sides, but bloodstains were found along the enemy’s withdrawal route,” Carlos told Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

After the armed encounter with about five NPA combatants, government troops managed to recover an improvised explosive device, an M16 rifle, an AK47, 10 magazines, 206 live ammunition, blasting caps, backpacks with personal belongings and subversive documents, and other pieces of evidence.

“We will not allow NPA to perpetrate horrible acts anymore, or as freely as they like. Nevertheless, let us strive even harder, think even smarter, and move even swifter so that we can really end local armed conflict in our area of operation,” said Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander.

Gonzales also vowed the government troops are determined to "destroy communist groups" operating within the 71IB jurisdiction covering the municipalities of Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro, and Tagum City in Davao del Norte.

Last week, 71IB said it assisted the “Nagkahiusang Mag-Uuma sa Pindasan og Pangibiran” (NAGMAPPA) from the Davao de Oro town of Mabini withdrew their support from the leftist “Kilusan ng Mambubukid sa Pilipinas” (KMP).

The military has long identified KMP as a legal front of the NPA, listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“All these feats are the result of the cooperation and synergy in practice by the Local Government Units (LGU) and other peace stakeholders”, Gonzales said. (PNA)

HVT, 3 others nabbed in Zamboanga anti-drug ops

Tue, 12 May 2020 02:16:25 GMT

EVIDENCE. Authorities seize some PHP25,000 worth of suspected shabu, a .38-caliber revolver with four rounds of live ammunition, and other pieces of evidence during an anti-drug operation Monday (May 11, 2020) that saw the arrest of a couple in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone 1, Isabela City, Basilan province. The Police Regional Office-9 vows to continue the anti-drug operations even amid the 2019 coronavirus disease crisis. (Photo courtesy of the Ronda del Basilan Facebook page)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A high-value target (HVT) "drug personality" and three others were arrested while illegal drugs and a firearm were seized in separate anti-drug operations here in the region, a police official said Monday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Crisento Natividad, 44; Castro Binondo Jr., 41; Abdulbasar Aming, 42, and his wife, Samida, 41.

Natividad was caught in possession of some PHP2,200 worth of suspected shabu and PHP200 marked money when arrested in a buy-bust operation around 4:50 p.m. Sunday in Estrada Street, Barangay Tetuan here, Galvez said.

Galvez said Binondo, who is listed by the police as "top 7 priority drug personality," was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Purok 1, Barangay Nabilid, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte.

Binondo yielded some PHP2,000 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money, police said.

The Aming couple, meanwhile, was arrested around 3 a.m. Monday in Barangay Kaumpurnah Zone 1, Isabela City, Basilan. They yielded some PHP25,000 worth of suspected shabu, a .38-caliber revolver with four rounds of live ammunition, illegal drug paraphernalia, PHP3,500 marked money, and PHP1,200 cash in different denominations, police said.

Galvez said the suspects were detained pending filing of formal charges.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, PRO-9 director, earlier vowed to continue the anti-drug campaign without let-up even amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis. (PNA)

NPA rebel dies after 5-minute clash in Surigao Sur

Tue, 12 May 2020 02:14:56 GMT

CASUALTY. A communist New People’s Army is killed following a five-minute firefight in the Surigao del Sur town of Cantilan on Monday, May 11. The clash broke out after government forces responded to a civilian tip-off on the presence of suspected NPA rebels conducting 'extortion activities' in the area. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant was killed in a fresh firefight between the rebels and the Philippine Army Monday morning (May 11) in Surigao del Sur.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, said the encounter in Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan town ensued when government forces responded to a civilian tip-off on the presence of suspected NPA rebels conducting "extortion activities" in the area.

Romorosa said the 10 NPA combatants belonging to the Guerrilla Front 16C-1 of the NPA's Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC) of the NPA were headed by a certain “Jacob”.

After a five-minute firefight, he said the NPA rebels retreated into the northeast direction and left the body of a dead comrade near the clash site.

Government forces recovered an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition, personal belongings, and documents with high intelligence value, the Army official said.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, lauded the residents in the area for providing the Army with vital information.

“This is a manifestation of the growing support of communities to the Army and the government and an expression of their disinclination and unwillingness of the presence of the NPA in their communities,” Diagmel said.

He also expressed grief over the death of an NPA combatant, saying the still-unidentified fighter was "another victim of the futile armed struggle and failed ideology of the communist movement in the country".

“I call on the remaining Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) NPA terrorists to surrender now and return to the fold of the law. Lay down your arms and return to your families,” Digamel said.

He added that the government is "always ready to accept NPA members" who will be assisted through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and other livelihood programs for returnees.

Romorosa said the recovered cadaver will be turned over to the barangay officials in the area and to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for identification and proper disposition, Romorosa said. (PNA)

FIBA Set for 2023

Mon, 11 May 2020 13:42:25 GMT

Photo Credit: FIBA Official Facebook Page

FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball) confirmed on Monday that the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023.

FIBA's Central Board approved the dates following consultation with the host nations and a recommendation by FIBA's Competitions Commission.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will have the Group Phase take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines, with the Final Phase to be held in Manila.

It will be the first time for the competition to be held in more than one country.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will feature 32 national teams from around the world. It will also use the expanded format adopted last year in China where Spain bagged the championship after beating Argentina.

FIBA will also continue its competition system implemented in 2017. The qualification process will include six windows over a 15-month period across the four regions of Africa, Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe.

Pre-qualifiers started in February 2020 in Europe where eight teams are expected to qualify. The Americas Pre-Qualifiers to be held later this year are expected to produce four teams for the 2023 event.

Qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from November 2021 to February 2023, with 80 national teams competing for a spot in the World Cup. The first window of qualification will be played from November 22 - 30, 2021.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 official website has already been put up to give updates.

Church officials urged to meet LGUs for resumption of religious events

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:59:09 GMT

Photo Taken: February 26, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) advised churches to meet with local government units on the resumption of religious gatherings once Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said local government officials were responsible for convincing the IATF to include religious gatherings as among the mass gatherings to be prohibited.

“I’m sure karamihan sa mga miyembro ng IATF ay sang-ayon na ipatuloy ang mga religious gatherings, pero ang sabi nga po nung binawi yan ng IATF, ang mga nagreklamo ay mga local opisyales nga rin po natin (I’m sure most IATF members are OK with allowing religious gatherings; but when the IATF reversed its position, it was because of the complaints of local officlals),” Roque said.

“Ang importante nga po is, supposing itutuloy nga po ang religious gatherings, how sure are we po na magkakaroon ng social distancing kasi may mga lugar po gaya ng South Korea kung saan kumalat nga ang COVID-19 dahil sa religious gatherings (The important thing when allowing religious gatherings is, how sure are we that we can maintain social distancing, since in places such as South Korea, COVID-19 spread through religious gatherings),” he added.

Roque said church officials must present their plans on how to implement social distancing measures during religious events.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo has laid out protocols for church events in the Archdiocese of Manila once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) expires on May 15. He was also the one who raised the question to Roque on the resumption of religious gatherings.

The cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay and San Juan are under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila.

House calls for inquiry on ABS-CBN Franchise issue

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:56:34 GMT

Photo Credit: House of Representatives

Congressmen led by Davao representative and presidential son Paolo Duterte filed a resolution on Monday calling for an investigation into ABS-CBN's alleged violations of its legislative franchise terms.

House Resolution 853 cites the allegations that ABS-CBN had been charging money for channels that were supposed to air for free.

“By charging the public with its pay-per-view Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) channel through ABS-CBN TV Plus, it has been gaining huge profits at the expense of the public while using the air frequencies provided by the government for free,” said the resolution.

The resolution also noted ABS-CBN’s issuance of Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs) to non-Filipino citizens through ABS-CBN Holdings which the lawmakers said is a violation of Section 11, Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution.

The only two representatives to sign Duterte’s resolution were Cavite rep. Abraham Tolentino and party-list ACT-CIS (Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support) rep. Eric Go Yap.

The Federation of International Cable TV Associates of the Philippines (FICTAP) was among the groups that opposed ABS-CBN’s continued operations. It also accused the network of violating the terms of its congressional franchise.

The Philippine Cable and Telecommunication Association (PCTA), another cable TV group, put its support behind ABS-CBN when the order for the network’s closure was given.

Malacañang: Some Metro Manila cities will remain under ECQ

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:50:01 GMT

Photo Taken: March 21, 2020

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said only a few Metro Manila cities will be shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15.

Roque was mum over what specific cities will be under GCQ and ECQ (enhanced community quarantine ).

He however said that Metro Manila and Davao City are considered critical areas for COVID-19 in the Philippines.

Roque said the decision on quarantine lifting will also depend on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in each area. The highest recorded cases of COVID-19 in Metro Manila are in Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Makati and Mandaluyong.

“The decision [to lift ECQ] is precisely, can we provide critical care to those who might get sick. There are areas that might be declared GCQ. Trust the IATF. This will be a reasoned scientific decision,” Roque said.

Metro Manila mayors met over the weekend and recommended to the IATF three quarantine options: extend the ECQ for 15 more days; shift to GCQ; and modify the quarantine rules when the ECQ lapses on May 15.

Roque said the IATF has yet to decide on the said recommendations.

House to hold NTC in Contempt

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:01:51 GMT

Photo Credit: National Telecommunications Commission Official Website

The House of Representatives on Monday threatened the National Telecommunications Commission with contempt for issuing a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN corporation.

The Legislative Franchise Committee chaired by Rep. Franz Alvarez ordered the NTC to respond within 72 hours.

The order also mentions the failure of the NTC to deliver on its previous promise to grant a provisional authority for ABS-CBN to operate.

"The act of the NTC constitutes undue interference on and disobedience to the exercise of the power of the House of Representatives, and therefore, an affront to its dignity and an inexcusable disrespect of its authority,” said the franchise committee.

Isabela representative and committee vice-chair Tonypet Albano said the House will push for NTC’s abolition should the agency be cited for contempt.

Representatives filed at least 11 bills in the 18th Congress to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN for another 25 years after its expiration on May 4.

The House however started deliberating on the franchise issue on March 10. Quarantine measures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic started on March 16.

Last friday, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano criticized the NTC for blindsiding them in issuing the cease and desist order. He also blamed Solicitor General Jose Calida for pressuring the agency to shutter the media company.

Calida had threatened to hold NTC executives liable for graft should they grant a temporary permit to ABS-CBN.

CHED pushes for flexible learning system for universities and colleges

Mon, 11 May 2020 10:40:58 GMT

File Photo

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) advised schools to apply a flexible learning system so that social distancing measures may be continued when college classes start this coming August.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said state universities and colleges (SUCs) may choose online, offline, residential and non-residential methods of teaching.

“The intention is to decongest the classrooms. To reduce the number of students in classrooms at one time so that social distancing and the health of the students can be protected,” he said.

De Vera said school officials have until June to see how they may apply the new learning system to their students based on connectivity.

He said schools must determine how many of their students have no access to the internet and how many have good connectivity at home.

They have already coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to assess the connectivity of all 300 campuses nationwide.

Some private schools that still use the face-to-face method have applied for permission to continue the said method for the opening of classes in September.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 11)

Mon, 11 May 2020 10:01:13 GMT

The Department of Health reports 292 new COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths and 75 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 11,086.

SAP distribution to continue despite lapsed deadline

Mon, 11 May 2020 09:32:13 GMT

File Photo

Malacañang has authorized the continuation of the Social Amelioration Program distribution in areas that failed to meet the March 10 deadline.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said distribution of cash assistance should continue until the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) takes the money away from local officials.

Roque however said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) might ask local officials to explain their failure to meet the deadline.

“Ang importante po makarating pa rin ang ayuda dun sa natitirang hindi pa nakatanggap (It is important that assistance will reach those remaining people who haven’t received it yet),” Roque said.

The DILG said 90.86 percent of local officials met the deadline for SAP distribution.

Roque said it is up to the DILG to file administrative complaints against local officials who failed to meet the May 10 deadline.

IATF updates on PH COVID-19 response - May 11, 2020⁣⁣

Mon, 11 May 2020 08:46:19 GMT

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque updates the nation on the government’s efforts against COVID-19. ⁣⁣

⁣⁣

Roque reiterates there will be no face-to-face classes allowed before August 24. He adds all construction sites will be allowed to reopen following strict implementation of guidelines.

CSC issues guidelines for resumption of gov’t work

Mon, 11 May 2020 07:16:33 GMT

Photo Credit: Philippine Civil Service Commission Facebook Page

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued guidelines for the resumption of work of government employees.

CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada said these will form part of new occupational safety and health standards for the public sector.

“We have to look after our government officials and employees kasi tayo inaasahan ng taong bayan na magsilbi sa kanila. If we will not take care our ourselves, who else will take care of them?” Lizada said.

Lizada said department heads of government agencies can choose from the work-from-home scheme, skeleton workforce, four-day workweek, staggered working hours or alternative working arrangement.

She emphasized that elderly government workers, pregnant women and other employees that are vulnerable to COVID-19 will be required to work from home.

The CSC guidelines will fully take effect on May 22.

The guidelines will also be applied retroactively for employees who had been absent since March 16, the date of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of State of Calamity and imposition of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Cebuana beauty queen, partner nabbed in Moalboal

Mon, 11 May 2020 06:53:20 GMT

Viral Photo from Internet

Moalboal town police arrested Cebuana beauty queen Maria Gigante and her Spanish boyfriend for swimming and drinking beer at a beach Sunday afternoon.

This is considered a double violation of the province-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Moalboal Police Senior Master Sergeant Jennelyn Awe said the arrest of Gigante and her boyfriend, Javier Filosa Castro, was done at 5:30 p.m., Sunday in Basdiot Beach. Awe added the two had told checkpoint officers that they were off to Barili to join an outreach activity.

Gigante was crowned Binibining Cebu in 2017. She is a resident of Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City, while Castro is a temporary resident of Cebu City.

Under the Cebu province-issued ECQ law, only Cebu City residents with vehicle pass or those rendering essential services such as doctors, delivery staff, government officials and other such personnel are allowed to move about the province.

Cebu beaches and other public places have been off limits to the public as part of the province’s move to discourage large crowds and avoid the spread of the deadly Covid-19.

Awe said the couple are being kept in an isolation room. Cebu City is currently the top city in the Philippines with the most number of coronavirus cases.

Filipino citizenship is never lost

Mon, 11 May 2020 04:01:45 GMT

THIS talk of Filipino citizenship of Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, former chair and chief executive of ABS-CBN which is being used against him and the network in the current closure by the Duterte administration, brings me back to my high school days studying what was then the new 1973 Philippine Constitution in social studies and civics class.

In the discussion on Filipino citizenship we learned that our constitution follows the principle of Jus Sanguinis – meaning natural-born citizens of a country are determined by “blood”, or simply the citizenship of the parents. More specifically, in the case of Filipinos, those whose fathers OR mothers are Filipino citizens. In our high school study this existed in both the 1935 and 1973 constitutions, and in the post EDSA revolt’s 1987 constitution the provision on Filipino citizenship remains the same.

This, in contrast to the principle of Jus Solis which uses the place of birth as determinant for natural-born citizenship. This is the case for the constitution of the United States of America where those born there are automatically US citizens.

I recall quite a number of friends and relatives finding themselves a citizen of both the Philippines and the US because their Filipino parents (either through legal or extra-legal – even illegal? – means) found themselves in the US at the time of their birth.

Many of them who started travelling at an early age found themselves granted both Philippine and US passports by virtue of their birth certificate. There was no dual citizenship recognition in either country yet, but the rule was when they reach the age of majority – 18 years old – they were supposed to elect one citizenship and lose the other entirely. But it wasn’t as if the act of electing citizenship or choosing between the two is monitored and publicly enforced automatically. Most just keep silent about it and conveniently use both passports silently.

Of course, there are times when a public act of electing your citizenship has to be done. One example of which was when actor Edu Manzano, in his Makati City candidacy, publicly tore his US passport to emphasize he had chosen Filipino citizenship and was therefore qualified to run. However, I don’t know if he actually did anything else to elect his citizenship like a legally administered oath before immigration authorities or a judge.

Nowadays having both Philippine and US passports is no longer an issue with the Dual Citizenship Law. In the Senate Public Services Committee hearing on the ABS-CBN franchise last February 2020, the issue of Gabby Lopez’s citizenship was brought up. The question was if Lopez was an American citizen in the 18 years he partly owned and managed the station, it would have been illegal under the 1987 Constitution’s ban on foreign media ownership.

ABS-CBN’s position in the hearing was that Lopez is a natural-born Filipino citizen by virtue of both his parents were Filipino citizens when he was born in 1952.

Senator Franklin Drilon, principal author of the Dual Citizenship law, had this to say: “we wrote the Dual Citizenship Act, and the purpose was to revert to Filipino citizenship all those who lost their Filipino citizenship by virtue of a 1932 law. And, therefore, in effect, you are reverting to your Filipino citizenship from birth once you reacquire Filipino citizenship.”

Drilon added that the application of the Dual Citizenship law is retroactive. “Yes, retroactive,” Drilon said in response to query by committee chair Sen. Grace Poe. “The purpose of the law is to repeal a previous law which caused the loss of Philippine citizenship when you acquire foreign citizenship. We repealed that law. So in effect, you never are presumed to have lost your citizenship under that public act of the 1930s. That’s our purpose and that was the intention of the law.”

The law allowed many Filipinos who elected or acquired US citizenship and lost all their rights as Filipino citizens to reacquire their Filipinos citizenship and rights. On simple and practical terms, while many Filipino US citizens used to come visit under a 20-day limit on their US passports, they now come home as Filipinos with Philippine passports with no stay limits.

Of course, they still have to stay silent on this matter, for while the Philippines now recognizes both citizenships and passports, the US still does not. As far as that country is concerned, they only have their US citizenship and not dual.

Apparently, with the purpose of the Dual Citizenship law and its retroactive nature repealing the 1932 law which stripped one of Filipino citizenship after electing another, all acts that any natural-born Filipino had done to lose their citizenship are erased and citizenship status is confirmed.

So, as simplistic as it may seem, it does not change the fact that Gabby Lopez is a natural born citizen, as he was when he was born to Filipino citizen parents in 1952 under the 1935 constitution, and that is upheld by the Dual Citizenship Law, Republic Act No. 9225 of August 29, 2003, entitled “AN ACT MAKING THE CITIZENSHIP OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENS WHO ACQUIRE FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP PERMANENT.

AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE COMMONWEALTH ACT. NO. 63, AS AMENDED AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

COVID-19 in numbers (May 10)

Sun, 10 May 2020 09:52:04 GMT

The Department of Health reports 184 new COVID-19 cases, 15 new deaths and 82 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 10,794.

NTC embarrasses President Duterte and Speaker Cayetano

Sun, 10 May 2020 08:01:42 GMT

There’s a video that went viral for a while last week and it had nothing to do with TikTok.

The video showed a television anchorwoman grilling National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios regarding the cease-and-desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC headed by longtime Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba.

The order led to the sudden departure of the country’s largest broadcast network, ABS-CBN, from the airwaves.

In that interview, Cabarios justified the NTC move that caught a lot of people by surprise even though it was public knowledge that the network's franchise was set to lapse last May 4.

What surprised – and disgusted many – was the timing and the manner in which the order was served.

The NTC move left many to wonder why the NTC disregarded the interest of the public.

As it did, the NTC and Commissioner Cordoba, exposed two important people to major embarrassment: President Rodrigo Duterte and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

The way we understand it, a regulatory agency is one tasked to protect and advance the interest of the public. When people are locked down in their homes, access to timely information gains major importance.

Knowing they can get hold of the latest news and updates help people calm down. This access reduces their levels of anxiety.

What matters is that the public can get local news 24/7. It also matters that they have a choice of the source of news that match their preference.

True, there are other sources of news. ABS CBN is not the only hub of news and public service.

In fact, at the nationwide level, its broadcast reach – particularly of its radio stations – would pale in comparison with the presence and loyalty that older, more seasoned stations like our home station DZRH have.

ABS CBN’s AM radio arm is present only in three cities outside of Mega Manila. It’s FM stations broadcast from 16 cities outside of it.

Compare this to the reach of DZRH AM stations via its relay stations in 21 key cities outside of the Metropolis. Add to this the reach of its 126 radio stations under the Radyo Natin and Aksyon Radyo brand.

Its three FM stations broadcast from a total of 50 locations outside of Metro Manila, from Baguio in the north to as far as Cotabato and Koronadal in the South.

So, ABS CBN may not have the widest reach. Keep in mind, it has a following, particularly in Metro Manila. The ABS CBN faithful has been unexpectedly deprived of a preferred source of news.

Cordoba and his Deputy Commissioners, sadly, may have miserably failed in its task of advancing and protecting the interest of the public.

We also wonder why the NTC appeared to have gone out of its way to embarrass Speaker Cayetano.

It is clear to the public that an agreement was reached during a hearing in Congress. This was between the House and Commissioner Cordoba that he would give the network provisional authority to operate. That was a covenant made in the halls of a sacred institution.

It is clear that Speaker Cayetano had come up with a good modus vivendi.

Under this arrangement, Congress gets to focus its attention on the urgent matters of life and death – legislation related to the pandemic. At the same time, the issue of the ABS CBN franchise is put to the backburner and the public is not deprived of one source of news.

Speaker Cayetano’s modus vivendi was, at best, Solomonic.

It was, of course, premised on the assumption that Commissioner Cordoba understands the meaning of Word of Honor.

That does not appear to be the case. With unexplained temerity, Cordoba turned his back on his commitment. In so doing, the NTC gave the President and Speaker Cayetano and the House of Representatives a slap in the face.

In the television interview, Cabarios kept advancing the argument that there was no legal basis for the network to keep operating.

He miserably failed to explain why his boss, Cordoba was turning back on a commitment given to the House of Representatives which owns the power to grant franchises.

Or, maybe, Cabarios felt there was no compelling need to explain the slap the NTC and Cordoba gave Speaker Cayetano.

Cordoba and the rest of the Commission must have a powerful backer – or backers.

How else can they virtually spit on the face of our country’s lawmakers.

It was not only Speaker Cayetano and Congress which NTC embarrassed. Cordoba, et. al. also put President Duterte in an awkward situation.

The day the NTC served the CDO, the international community had just marked the celebration of World Press Freedom Day.

It is true that the closing down of the network may have nothing to do with putting a gag on Philippine media.

However, it gave the President’s critics a platform from which to hit him on the issue of Press Freedom. The timing of Cordoba's move was bad for the President.

Cordoba et. al. must have also misread the President’s latest moves. It must be recalled that a few days before the NTC’s action, the President had gone public with an apology to two large business groups- the Ayala and the Pangilinan-led conglomerates.

The President earned plaudits for his move to mend fences. This was a boost to the confidence of the business community – something the country badly needed.

The timing of the President’s efforts to reach out to this sector is perfect. In times like this, a leader like him knows he has to rally the Nation, unite it, and get it to collaborate. He must do this if we are to survive the economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Then, here comes the NTC and Cordoba creating a chilling effect on the business sector with a reckless act.

It appears the NTC does not recognize the fact that it is part of the branch of government headed by the Chief Executive.

It is time for the President to review the composition of this Commission.

It may surprise him to find out that Cordoba has been NTC Commissioner since the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and some of its officials have been there since the time of President Corazon Aquino.

Maybe even longer.

Perhaps, already too long.

Mr. President, it's time to give them the boot.

-o0o-

BGI’s Huo-Yan Laboratory formally launched in Philippines

Sun, 10 May 2020 06:55:10 GMT

Photo Credit: Chinese Embassy Facebook

Chinese company BGI opened a new molecular and diagnostic pathology laboratory in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 9.

The Huo-Yan lab, as its creators call it, is part of an Asian Development Bank initiative developed in March to help Asian nations in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The laboratory is designed to handle 3000 tests per day. Health Secretary Francisco Duque expects the lab to boost existing testing capacities for the COVID-19 pathogen.

The Philippines is the latest country to receive BGI’s Huo-Yan laboratory technology. The Huo-Yan Lab has so far been introduced into more than 20 countries, including Australia, Denmark, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, “We are very thankful to the Chinese government for allowing us to access this sort of technology. It’s very important for us to really take control of what’s happening in terms of controlling the pandemic.”

Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Mr. Tan QingSheng said the laboratory is also part of efforts to improve relations between China and the Philippines.

Last month, a 12-member Chinese medical expert team shared information on COVID-19 with their Filipino counterparts. China also issued special permits for Philippine military aircraft and vessels to go to China to collect medical supplies and other assistance from China.

Gov’t to expand quarantine facilities, lab capacity in Cebu

Sun, 10 May 2020 06:45:12 GMT

Photo Credit: Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)

The national government plans to expand quarantine facilities and laboratory capacities in Cebu.

“We know there are cases in this area, there are over a thousand cases. While this is a big number, what we want to tell the people of Cebu is that we can beat this thing together,” said National Action Plan Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon.

Dizon met with Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes on Saturday, May 9, to discuss the government’s efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19.

Dizon highlighted the government’s strategy to “test, trace, and treat” to fight COVID-19. For Cebu, he said the goal is to increase the present lab capacity of roughly 1,000 tests per day to 3,500.

"We have instituted a very simple but we feel effective way to fight COVID-19, and this is simply explained in three words: test, trace, and treat or T3. We are very happy that this system is already in place here in Cebu, and the national government will put all of its efforts to even strengthen and augment the things that the officials here in Cebu have already done,” Dizon said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Mark Villar has also committed to build more isolation facilities in Cebu.

“This virus can be controlled if we are ready with the infrastructure to control it. And the national government has committed all-out support for the province of Cebu to achieve this” Dizon said.

Dizon also delivered PCR test kits to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Sub-National Laboratory as well as rapid diagnostic test kits and personal protective equipment to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.

Dizon also met with Bohol Governor Arthur Yap to discuss plans to increase testing capacity and expand isolation facilities in the province. He brought a team from the Department of Health (DOH) and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to Bohol to inspect and start the accreditation process for laboratory facilities.

Villar calls for easing of quarantine measures in Metro Manila low risk areas

Sun, 10 May 2020 05:23:36 GMT

Photo Credit: Senator Cynthia A. Villar Official Facebook Page

Sen. Cynthia Villar on Sunday voiced support for the proposal to switch low-risk areas of Metro Manila from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) after May 15.

The Nacionalista Party senator said the prolonged ECQ is already taking its toll on the economy and causing distress among workers and their families.

“We all know that the government cannot provide assistance to everybody affected by this public health emergency. We should now start reopening the economy with health protocols such as the use of face masks and the practice of social distancing strictly implemented,” she added.

Villar earlier recommended the return of workers to the construction, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

As of May 8, 2020, Metro Manila areas which have the lowest number of cases per 100,000 population are: Caloocan (14.5), Navotas (14.9), Malabon (15), Valenzuela (17.1), Marikina (28.1), Las Pinas (32.6), Muntinlupa (32.9), Taguig (33.2), and Pateros (33.8).

Villar said only areas with the highest number of COVID-19 cases need strict quarantine measures. Metro Manila cities with the most number of total cases are Quezon City (1,523), Manila (833) and Parañaque (500).

Earthquake hits Occidental Mindoro on Sunday

Sun, 10 May 2020 03:52:35 GMT

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck Occidental Mindoro on Sunday and was felt in some parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 9)

Sat, 09 May 2020 09:50:32 GMT

The Department of Health reports 147 new COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths and 108 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 10,610.

IATF approves construction and infrastructure projects under ECQ

Sat, 09 May 2020 07:01:13 GMT

Photo Credit: Build Build Build Official Facebook Page

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed construction projects in both the public and private sectors to resume in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Presidential and IATF spokesman Harry Roque on Saturday said priority is given to construction of quarantine and isolation infrastructures, facilities for health sectors and emergency work and climate mitigation projects.

He added that work in the energy sector, flood control and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation programs, sewerage projects, water service facilities, digital work, food production, agriculture, fishery, fish port development, housing, communications, water facilities, manufacturing and BPO sectors is also allowed under the ECQ.

Roque however said the IATF allowed projects should be accredited by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The IATF will also allow construction projects that are compliant with the safety guidelines of the DPWH in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

DA turns digital to meet e-commerce demands in ECQ areas

Fri, 08 May 2020 10:59:05 GMT

File Photo

The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched its e-Kadiwa online project to meet the demands of e-commerce businesses in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The e-Kadiwa project is an online platform where vendors can sell their fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said they have approved the application of four qualified vendors to sell their agricultural products on e-Kadiwa. The platform has recorded 100 deliveries since it was launched.

“We are elevating our game by digitizing agriculture. It’s one of the positive aspects brought about by COVID-19 pandemic,” Dar said.

Dar’s office has further received 300 inquiries from some 54 vendors asking to join the e-Kadiwa project.

Dar also lauded LGUs nationwide for purchasing and distributing P1.8 billion worth of agricultural products from farmers who were affected by the community quarantine.

Local POGO group supports weeding out illegal operators

Fri, 08 May 2020 10:27:48 GMT

File Photo

A group of local gaming operators on Friday expressed support for the government’s efforts in weeding out illegal gaming operators in the country.

Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) spokesperson Atty. Margarita Gutierrez said the group approves of the recent arrests of suspected illegal gambling operators in Makati and Paranaque City.

“Our group is compliant with governmental requirements and certifications and faithfully follows the laws and regulations governing regular business operations,” said Gutierrez. “We support the continuing campaign of law enforcers against illegal gambling to weed out the industry of the undesirables.”

The group said it does not condone or tolerate any form of illegal online gambling operations.

Gutierrez also claimed that the existence of illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) draws fire to legitimate operators as well.

The group also declared support for the initiative of Rep. JB Bernos for improved regulatory processes to eliminate illegal gambling.

ASPAP also thanked the government for allowing limited resumption of POGO activities. The group promised to remain compliant with the conditions set by Malacañang, PAGCOR and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to ensure the safety of everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pinay caregiver receives house from Michael Buble

Fri, 08 May 2020 10:17:22 GMT

Photo Credit: HGTV Instagram Account

MANILA — Minette, a Filipina caregiver has received one of her biggest blessings, with international music artist Michael Bublé gifting her with a house in Vancouver, Canada.

Bublé gave the newly-renovated house to Minette to fulfill the dying wish of his grandfather, Demetrio, to give his long-time caregiver her own house.

Bublé’s surprise for Minette was featured in the episode of “Celebrity IOU,” a “HGTV series where Hollywood A-listers express their gratitude to individuals who have had a major impact on their lives by surprising them with big, heartwarming home renovations.”

The singer said it’s his grandfather’s way of showing his appreciation to Minette for taking good care of him for eight years.

“I think my grandpa would be thrilled knowing that we could maybe lessen the burden a little bit in allowing Minette to continue helping her family without it being so hard on her,” Bublé shared.

Bublé also shared how easy it was for his grandfather and their family to treat the Filipina health worker like family.

With the help of “Celebrity IOU” hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott, Bublé also took part in the renovation of their old property before they gave it to Minette.

SC denies petition for Duterte’s health records

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:51:00 GMT

File Photo

The Supreme Court (SC) in a 13-2 vote has denied the petition filed by Atty. Dino De Leon to make President Rodrigo Duterte reveal his state of health.

SC Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa were the dissenters.

De Leon said he will file a motion for reconsideration after securing a copy of the SC’s resolution.

“For as long as there are people with uncompromising integrity who are willing to fight for this nation, there is hope,” he said on Facebook.

De Leon filed an urgent petition for mandamus on April 13 asking the SC to intervene after his request for Duterte’s health records from Malacañang based on the Freedom of Information (FOI) law was denied.

He said Duterte’s incoherent, unresponsive, and unintelligible rambling in previous interviews was what prompted him to file the petition.

Citing Section 12 of Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, De Leon said the public deserves to know the President's health condition.

2 rebels killed in Sorsogon clash with cops

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:48:48 GMT

LEGAZPI CITY – Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with policemen on Friday morning in a remote village of Bulan town, Sorsogon province.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office (PRO-5) spokesperson, said members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) engaged the armed men in Barangay Dolos around 5:30 a.m.

"The running gun battle has led to the death of two still unidentified NPA rebels whose bodies are in the custody of the police operatives," she said in an interview.

The police operatives, while scouring the encounter site, recovered five assault rifles, ammunition and documents.

Checkpoints were set up in neighboring villages for possible interception of the fleeing rebels.

Calubaquib said the PNP-Bicol fully supports the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in ending the problem on insurgency and terrorism without bloodshed.

"It urges members of the CPP-NPA to return to the fold of the law and avail the opportunities offered by the government and peacefully start a new chapter of their lives together with their families," she added. (PNA)

W. Visayas cops to probe SAP anomalies

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:47:26 GMT

PROBE VS. SAP ANOMALIES. Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, Police Regional Office (PRO) director in Western Visayas, said the cops in the region will investigate erring officials involved in anomalous distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP) fund. In a statement on Friday (May 8, 2020) he said the action is to ensure the government’s fund really reaches quarantine-affected households. (PNA file photo by Gail Momblan)

ILOILO CITY – Guided by the directives from its national headquarters, the Police Regional Office (PRO 6) in Western Visayas said it would conduct aggressive investigation against government officials involved in the anomalous distribution of social amelioration program (SAP) funds.

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, PRO 6 regional director, has ordered provincial and city directors to go after corruption among local government units (LGUs) and village officials in the SAP distribution, said Lt. Col. Gilbert Gorero, of the PRO 6’s Regional Plans and Strategy Management Division and the concurrent spokesperson, on Friday.

In a teleconference on Thursday, all commanders in the region were directed to establish hotline numbers and action centers to accommodate complaints against erring village officials.

“If there are complaints regarding that (SAP) distribution, we will see the relative information first like if he or she has not received the SAP aid but is included in the list or has received the insufficient amount, among others,” he said.

The local police will be supported by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Western Visayas in investigating reports of irregularities, he added.

It will also be done in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), he said.

He urged the public to be vigilant and report corrupt government officials.

He said this action can help the administration assure the allocated budget will go to quarantine-affected households.

“If you have information, you can file the complaint,” he added.

Aside from erring officials, Gorero said the public can also report to the local police the SAP beneficiaries who misused the government’s financial aid.

“If you know SAP beneficiaries who gamble or misuse the government’s assistance, you can also report to the police for proper action,” he said.

Reports from the vigilant public can help assure the government that the funds it allocates reach households affected by the enhanced community quarantine, he added. (PNA)

Parents of minor recruited by militant groups file habeas suit

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:46:04 GMT

HABEAS SUIT. Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio (right) and Relissa Lucena (left) show a copy of an urgent petition for writs of habeas corpus and amparo they filed before the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday (May 8, 2020). The petition asks the high court to compel the Anakbayan and Kabataan party-list to produce Lucena's daughter, Alicia Jasper, whom they recruited and place her in their parents' custody and comply with the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – The parents of an 18-year old girl, who was recruited when she was still a minor two years, to campaign for a party-list group and recruit members for a left-leaning organization, filed a suit before the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday.

In an urgent petition for writs of habeas corpus and amparo, Relissa and Francis Lucena, parents of Alicia Jasper 'AJ' C. Lucena, asked the high court to compel the Anakbayan and Kabataan party-list to produce their daughter and place her in their parents' custody and comply with the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who represents the Lucena couple in the petition, said it is imperative that her (AJ) person be produced in court and she be returned to her parents.

"Until then, her life, liberty, and security, which was violated when she was a minor, will continuously be violated and abused. Aggravated by the occurrence of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, AJ's life and safety are in great danger. AJ is without any financial resources since she is an out-of-school youth, She has no gainful employment. She has no means of protecting and providing for herself. She needs to stay home, and be with her family." Topacio added.

The Lucena couple is seeking a temporary protection order for the protection of AJ as well as their family members against the groups and prohibiting the latter "from recruiting, influencing, indoctrinating, immersing and threatening the life, liberty and security of Alicia Jasper Lucena".

The suit likewise sought a court order directing and ordering the immediate placement and custody of AJ to the care and custody of the petitioners and her family in compliance with the Bayanihan Act, compelling everyone to stay at home.

"The measure of the state's protection guaranteed by the Constitution over the basic social institution of our nation should not be rendered useless when its members reach the age of majority," the petitioners said.

"How can a family be the foundation of our nation if its members are being encouraged to abandon and neglect their own family? How can a family be strengthened and its solidarity promoted for total development if its members, especially children, are being mentally conditioned to leave their family abode and disregard the sanctity of their own family," they added.

Named respondents in the suit were Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, Anakbayan national spokesperson Alex Danday, Anakbayan members Chary delos Reyes, Bianca Gacos and Ray Joven Ballais Villafuente and lawyer Maria Kristina Conti.

AJ was a student at the Far Eastern University (FEU) when she was recruited by the group, and went missing in July 2019.

She has since been photographed in a number of protest rallies.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

On Aug. 14, 2019, AJ and another missing student, Lory Caalaman, were seen in a press conference held by progressive lawmakers in Congress.

The Anakbayan, in pleadings submitted to prosecutors, justified as "voluntary" AJ's decision to campaign for the group during the elections.

In March, a video footage on the Anakbayan social media page showed AJ participating in a mass demonstration. (PNA)

COVID-19 in numbers (May 8)

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:25:24 GMT

The Department of Health reports 120 new COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths and 116 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 10,463.

ABS-CBN Franchise: A Timeline⁣

Fri, 08 May 2020 09:01:00 GMT

WATCH: The renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise has been pending since 2014. Let’s take a look at the events that led to the May 5, 2020 shutdown. ⁣

Gov't targets 30K swab tests by May 30

Fri, 08 May 2020 07:26:33 GMT

Enderun Tent Mega Swabbing Center at McKinley Hill in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Photo Credit: The BCDA Group Facebook Page

The government targets a daily swab test rate of 30,000 persons by the end of May in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, said Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chief and national testing czar Vince Dizon.

“Ngayon, mayroon na tayong 12,000 capacity per day. Kampante tayo dito sa tulong ng Department of Health (DOH), maabot natin ang 30,000 capacity test per day sa May 30, (Currently we have 12,000 capacity a day. We are confident that with the help of the DOH we can reach 30,000 by May 30)” he said.

Dizon announced the opening of the mega swabbing center at the Palacio de Manila along Roxas Boulevard on May 8. The facility can test 5,000 patients per day.

The government had already converted the Philippine Arena in Bulacan and Enderun College in Taguig City into mega swabbing centers in Metro Manila. The Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City is also set to open as a swabbing center this week.

Dizon said the positive response of the private sector will help them increase testing capacity in the mega swabbing centers and flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases.

The Philippines had more than 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, May 7.

Dizon meanwhile asked private schools with nursing and other medical-related courses to encourage their students to volunteer, citing the need for more people to man the mega swabbing centers.

Dizon assured volunteers of adequate compensation and protection while working in the facilities. Interested individuals may call the DOH or the government’s hotline 8888.

Cayetano: NTC ambushed House

Fri, 08 May 2020 06:21:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Alan Peter Cayetano Official Facebook Page

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the House of Representatives was ambushed by the NTC when it released the cease and desist order against ABS-CBN last Tuesday.

Cayetano blamed Solicitor General Jose Calida for the release of the closure order. “Despite the legal opinion of the Department of Justice... (and) a resolution from the Senate, and several verbal and written assurances given to Congress - the NTC appears to have succumbed to pressure from the Solicitor General, and issued a cease and desist order to ABS-CBN,” the speaker posted on his Facebook page.

Last March, Cayetano and other representatives promised to issue a provisional authority for ABS-CBN while they work on the company’s franchise renewal. NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba had also agreed to provide a temporary license for the network in the same month.

The speaker said work on ABS-CBN's franchise was sidetracked by the Taal Volcano eruption and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He assured that Congress continues to work on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.

“As for the sudden flip-flopping of the NTC and the unconstitutional meddling by the Solicitor General in the business of Congress, I promise you - there will be a reckoning,” Cayetano said.

Albay representative Edcel Lagman however said Cayetano contributed to the issue by kowtowing to President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated personal opposition to the renewal.

“Moreover, Cayetano cited his own personal grievances against ABS-CBN to justify his temporizing on the consideration of the 12 pending bills for renewal,” said Lagman.

He however agreed that the House of Representatives can absolve itself by approving ABS-CBN’s franchise at the soonest possible time.

NCRPO distributes relief packs to Taguig residents⁣

Fri, 08 May 2020 06:15:06 GMT

LOOK: PNP NCRPO Chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas leads the distribution of food packs and groceries to residents of Maharlika Village in Taguig City. The activity is part of the NCRPO's Adopt an Indigent Family (Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko) Program.

ABS CBN asks SC to stop Cease and Desist Order

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:18:21 GMT

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News Facebook Page

ABS-CBN brought its case to the Supreme Court on Thursday to stop the National Telecommunications Commission’s cease and desist order.

In its Petition for Ceritiorari, the network asked the high court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order against the NTC decision.

“Because ABS-CBN, its employees and the public are already suffering grave injustice and irreparable injury before the matter can be heard on notice, ABS-CBN also prays for the issuance of a temporary restraining order enjoining the implementation of the CDO,” the petition says.

ABS CBN says the closure will result in more than 11,000 workers losing their jobs at a time when many are already jobless because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The network also sees a loss of up to 35 million pesos each day it remains off the air.

“While its most immediate loss would be loss of advertising revenues, ABS-CBN will not be able to service its credits,” the petition says.

ABS CBN admitted that it may be unable to pay its debts while off the air and creditors may ask for collaterals. The network revealed that it is already receiving bank notices for such.

It also pointed out that the NTC had previously allowed broadcasting companies to continue with its operation even without congressional action on franchise renewal or extension.

Cases cited include those involving Vanguard Radio Network, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo as well as telecommunications companies like Innove and Smart Communications.

ABS-CBN also said the NTC violated their right to due process and equal protection of the law in issuing the order without notice or hearing as well as the public’s right to information. It also curtails the freedom of speech and of the press.

The Department of Justice earlier said there is sufficient equitable basis for the network’s continued operation since President Rodrigo Duterte did not disapprove or revoke the agency’s legal opinion.

COVID-19 in numbers (May 7)

Thu, 07 May 2020 10:08:40 GMT

The Department of Health reports 339 new COVID-19 cases, 27 new deaths and 112 new recoveries. Total number of confirmed cases in the country is now at 10,343.

Celebs mourn passing of veteran director Peque Gallaga

Thu, 07 May 2020 08:25:35 GMT

Photo Credit: Anne Curtis and Judy Ann Instagram Account

MAYNILA - Veteran filmmaker Peque Gallaga, who directed the 1982 classic film “Oro, Plata, Mata,” has died of pneumonia in Bacolod City. He was 76.

Mourning the loss of one of Philippine cinema’s legends, several local celebrities took to social media to express their condolences.

On Instagram, Anne Curtis wrote: “I will forever be grateful to him and Direk Lore for choosing me to be their Princess Dahlia in Magic Kingdom.. it breaks my heart knowing that he won’t get to meet my own little Dahlia. Direk Peque, thank you for giving me a role that would change my life forever. I will miss you and will treasure the memories and lessons you taught me in the craft of acting. Rest In Peace. I love you. My deepest condolences to the Gallaga Family.”

Judy Ann Santos shared: “My dearest direk Peque... i will forever be grateful for the chance na nakatrabaho kita.. your passion for your craft is undeniable in so many ways.. your wisdom in many things, your honesty, professionalism, genuine love and kindness to everyone around you , your hugs and laughter i will miss the most.. thank you for allowing me to know you personally.. you and direk lore and ate jo will forever have a special place in my heart.. you added more color and texture in my career... maraming maraming salamat sa lahat direk peque gallaga... #rip.”

Comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas wrote: “Halos lahat ng Shake Rattle and Roll ay kasama mo ako dahil gusto mo ako kasama direk. Maraming salamat sa iyong napakaganda at napakahusay na kontribusyon sa sining ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Paalam po direk Peque Gallaga. May you rest in peace.

Actress-singer Zsa Zsa Padilla tweeted: “From Hiwaga sa Balete Drive. Took his photo while he was giving me instructions for one scene. Maraming salamat, Peque Gallaga.”

Actor-singer Khalil Ramos wrote: “Definitely one of the best to ever do it.”

Jaclyn Jose shared: “I will always remember your compassion, your smile. I will forever miss you.”

Gallaga made his directorial debut with the movie “Binhi” in 1973. He also worked on numerous films, including "Scorpio Nights," "Virgin Forest” and “Unfaithful Wife.”

Gallaga teamed up with Lore Reyes in helming fantasy hit movies like "Magic Temple” and “Once Upon a Time." His final project was the animated film “Magikland.”

Malacañang: No reason to veto ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Thu, 07 May 2020 08:12:11 GMT

File Photo

Malacañang says President Rodrigo Duterte sees no reason to veto the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN should Congress approve it.

“Unless there is any constitutional infirmity, I don’t think the president is inclined to veto it. Sinabi ng presidente na ‘neutral ako diyan at gawin niyo ang trabaho niyo base sa inyong konsensya’ (the president said he is neutral on it and wants you to do your job based on your conscience) ,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

He added that Duterte has already left the decision to Congress, which will not turn a blind eye to the issue.

He also cited Section 16 of Executive Order No. 546, which says the president could be held liable for graft if he influences the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on the matter.

“Ito ang dahilan kung bakit lahat ng issues ng NTC ay sa hukuman dinadala at hindi sa Office of the President (This is why issues for the NTC are brought to court and not to the Office of the President) … I think the matter should be left answered by the Congress,” Roque said.

Meanwhile, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said he was saddened by the closure of ABS-CBN, which he called his home in the entertainment industry.

“Hopefully matugunan na kahit provisionary lang ibigay sa kanila para sila ay mag ere (Hopefully even a provisionary permit could be given so they could air) ,” Gomez said.

Gomez said some of his friends from the network who lost jobs are already asking for his help.

MIAA loses P1B revenue due to COVID-19 pandemic

Thu, 07 May 2020 05:39:02 GMT

Photo Credit: Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Facebook Page

The Manila International Airport Administration (MIAA) announced a loss of P1 billion in its revenue collection as the country continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal attributed the losses to the reduction of the number of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA.

He said only two to three flights are allowed at the NAIA after Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The average number of daily flights before the COVID-19 pandemic was 768.

A week-long suspension of inbound international flights has also contributed to the losses.

“Sa ngayon po, mayroon pong pinakarami na bago mag-suspend ng incoming flights ay nasa minsan 10 [commercial] flights a day na lang po natin. So talagang wala pang 10 percent ang operasyon ng ating paliparan (before incoming flights were suspended, 10 commercial flights a day came in. We are not even reaching ten percent in operating capacity) ,” he said.

Monreal said they are now preparing health protocols that will take effect when the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Diseases (IATF) switches Metro Manila from ECQ to general community quarantine (GCQ). The switching is set to happen on May 15.

He said all airport passengers and employees will be required to wear facemasks and observe health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH) to keep COVID-19 from spreading.

The Philippines has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases as of May 6.

Broadcaster shot dead in Dumaguete

Thu, 07 May 2020 02:54:13 GMT

GUNNED DOWN. Cornelio Pepino, also known as Rex Cornelio, a broadcast journalist of DYMD Energy FM in Dumaguete City, was shot dead Tuesday (May 5, 2020). He was on his way home with his wife on a motorcycle when two suspects on board another motorcycle shot him. (Photo courtesy of Syril Repe)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A broadcast journalist was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects along the national highway in Barangay Daro here Tuesday evening.

Cornelio Pepino, who goes by the name Rex Cornelio on air, 48, a resident of Boloc-boloc in the nearby town of Sibulan, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in his body and head, said Col. Julian Entoma, provincial police director.

Police investigation showed the incident happened when Cornelio was driving his motorcycle with his wife, Colleen, as backrider, on their way home around 8:30 p.m. from his regular evening program at DYMD Energy FM, where he was a reporter and announcer.

Entoma said that the suspects rode up to the victim and shot him, causing him and his wife to fall on the ground.

Investigation showed that one of the suspects alighted from the motorcycle and finished off Pepino, Entoma said.

The victim was rushed to the Silliman University Medical Center here but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Policemen from the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) recovered empty shells of caliber 9mm firearm from the site of the incident.

While considering all other angles, Entoma said the closest possible motive for Pepino’s death was work-related.

Pepino had reportedly received a death threat but declined a security detail, the provincial police director said.

Pepino is the third broadcast journalist to be gunned down in Dumaguete in recent years.

Edmund Sestoso of Power 91 DYGB-FM was shot dead on May 1, 2018 while Dindo Generoso of Bai Radio DYEM-FM was gunned down on November 7, 2019, both in this capital city.

More than a decade ago, Roger Recaña, a radio broadcaster, was also murdered here although it was not known at the time whether his death was related to his work in the news media.

Meanwhile, Entoma said the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) has created the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Pepino to focus on the investigation of the broadcaster’s death.

Entoma will head the task force, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and possibly the National Bureau of Investigation.

Police are now obtaining closed circuit television (CCTV) footages as Entoma also called on potential witnesses, who could avail of a witness protection program, to help in the investigation. (PNA)

Drug suspect slain; 2 wanted persons nabbed in GenSan, SoCot

Thu, 07 May 2020 02:53:01 GMT

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A fugitive drug suspect was killed while two other wanted persons were arrested in separate police operations here and in South Cotabato province on Tuesday.

Maj. Tirso Pascual, chief of Bula police station, identified on Wednesday the slain suspect as Poge Mislay, 21, who had a standing warrant for selling and possession of dangerous drugs.

Pascual said the suspect was killed in an encounter with police operatives around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Pandian, Barangay Labangal.

Mislay reportedly resisted and drew a handgun when the police officers were about to serve the arrest warrant.

A brief firefight resulted in the fatal wounding of the suspect, who was declared dead upon arrival at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital, he said.

Recovered from Mislay were a caliber .38 revolver loaded with three live bullets and two sachets of suspected shabu.

Also found at the scene were three fired cartridges from a caliber .38 handgun, a deformed fired bullet, and four 9mm. fired cartridge cases, police said.

“The suspect was listed as a drug courier and considered as a high-value target drug personality,” Pascual said in an interview.

In South Cotabato, police operatives arrested in separate manhunt operations two "most wanted" persons in Tupi town.

A report from the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office said suspect Argie Palad, 25, was nabbed around 11 a.m. Purok Centro 2, Barangay Morales in Koronadal City by elements from the Tupi municipal police station, Koronadal City police station, the First Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the South Cotabato Provincial Highway Patrol Team.

Palad, who was charged with rape, was the number five most wanted person in Tupi.

Another suspect charged with statutory rape, Danilo Manglicmot, 33, was arrested around 1 p.m. in another operation on the national highway in Barangay Palian, Tupi.

Manglicmot was listed as the number 12 most wanted person in the municipal level. (PNA)

63 illegal Chinese POGO workers nabbed in Makati raid

Thu, 07 May 2020 02:48:59 GMT

ILLEGAL POGO. Authorities seize laptop computers and other gadgets in an operation against an unlicensed POGO in Makati City on Tuesday (May 5, 2020). A total of 63 Chinese nationals and 13 Filipino employees were arrested in the raid. (Photo courtesy of NCRPO)

MANILA – Authorities arrested 63 Chinese nationals engaged in illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Makati City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday.

NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said the operatives from the Southern Police District (SPD), Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA), local police and the Makati Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) raided six rooms of a building at No. 8884, Obrero St., in Barangay Olympia at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The operation stemmed from the information from a confidential informant regarding online illegal gambling activities operated by a Chinese national identified as Xiao Bao.

Arrested during the operation were 63 Chinese nationals and 13 Filipino employees while the initial target of the operation and alleged owner of the business entity, Xiao Bao, remains at large.

Seized from the suspects were several laptops and cellular phones which were allegedly being used in their illegal POGO operations.

Police said the suspects were brought to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City as charges against them are being prepared.

BPLO records showed that the business entity located in the address was not registered.

It also violated the order of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) suspending all POGO operations and all its service providers during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Sinas appealed to the public, including foreigners who are staying in the metro, to comply with the existing laws especially at this time of health crisis.

“We would like to reiterate our plea for cooperation from all the people in the Metro including our foreign friends who are staying here to please observe due compliance to all existing laws especially the further extended ECQ protocols to alleviate the difficulties brought by this pandemic not just to our front-liners but to each of us alike,” he said.

Around 60 POGOs have secured licenses to operate from PAGCOR while around 218 POGO service providers in the country have 108,914 foreign employees.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said revenues from POGOs could be used as additional funds for Covid-19 response. (PNA)

Breaking Precedent Against ABS-CBN

Wed, 06 May 2020 13:39:37 GMT

The National Telecommunications Commission has singled out ABS-CBN when it issued a cease and desist order after the expiration of the broadcasting company’s franchise.

Maybe Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba had his nerves rattled when Solicitor General Jose Calida threatened the NTC with cases if it granted provisional authority in favor of the network.

This begs the question, what did ABS-CBN do to deserve such treatment? The NTC has targeted the tv station despite knowledge that the franchise is still undergoing the legislative process at the House of Representatives.

At a Senate hearing last February 24, Cordoba even testified that the regulating body had allowed broadcasting and telecommunications companies to continue their operation even after the expiration of their franchises.

“Considering po that first time ito mangyari at mayroon po kasing mga cases before where nangyari po ay while the legislative process ay umaandar ay nagkaroon po nang pag-end or pag-lapse noong franchise sa mga pending committee bills, for example, of franchises ay tumuloy naman po ito,” he told Senators

Examples of those that had lapsed franchises were even detailed by Senator Grace Poe.

“Sa GMA franchise, March 20, 2017 ang expiration date pero ito ay napirmahan ng April 21, 2017, so nag-lapse rin. TV5, ganoon din, December 2018 pero napirmahan ng April 2019; CBCP, nagtapos ng 2017 pero pinirmahan ng 2019, dalawang taon iyon; Subic Broadcasting, nagtapos ng 2017 napirmahan ng 2018; Radio Marine Network, nagtapos ng 2018 pero pinirmahan pa ng 2019; Smart Communications, nagtapos ng 2017 ng March pero pinirmahan ng April 2017; Globe Innove, April 10, 2017 nag-expire pero napirmahan ang kanilang prangkisa December 14, 2018; PT&T, nag- expire ng 2015 pero nag-lapse into law ng 2016,” she said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra meanwhile emphasized the legal principle of “equity.”

“Equity is the principle by which substantial justice may be a thing in cases where the prescribed or customary forms of ordinary law are inadequate,” Guevara said.

“Considerations of equity have apparently been applied in previous similar situations presented earlier namely, among others, PT&T, SMART Communications, Incorporated, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Incorporation. All of whom were allowed to operate despite expired franchises as long as the application for the renewal of these franchises were lodged with the Congress before the lapse of their term,” he added

The lower and upper houses even communicated to the NTC that it should grant ABS-CBP provisional authority while the franchise renewal is still being heard.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgario Cabarios was even quoted last March 11 that it would allow ABS-CBN to operate after May 4.

So what happened? Fear may have lorded over NTC and its officials. The consequence of this action has now crept into the political sphere and the discussion of freedom of speech under a supposedly democratic country.

DOTr defines mass transport guidelines in GCQ areas

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:31:45 GMT

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has allowed mass transportation to operate in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Each transport sector is expected to follow the guidelines set by the DOTr in cooperation with the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

For the aviation sector, government and military flights, selected international flights, air ambulance and medical supplies, flight check and weather mitigation, maintenance and utility, emergency and other flights approved by the IATF are allowed under GCQ.

Social distancing and other health protocols will be observed in all airports allowed to operate.

For the maritime sector, passenger ships should carry only 50 percent of their full capacity to avoid congestion of passengers.

The DOTr also mandates the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for passengers in all seaports under GCQ. Upon entry at ports, terminals and passenger vessels, all individuals shall undergo disinfection procedures.

For the road sector, the DOTr said passenger bus and jeepney loads should not exceed 50 percent of the vehicle’s capacity, excluding driver and conductors. UV express and other AUV (Asian Utility Vehicle) services should not exceed two passengers per row.

Tricycles must have only one passenger in the sidecar while back riding is prohibited.

Private cars should have only one passenger in the front seat and only two passengers in the front-facing rear seats.

The DOTr continues to prohibit any mode of public transportation in areas under extended community quarantine (ECQ).

For the rail sector, operations of the Light Rail Transit-1, LRT-2, Metro Rail Transit-3 and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will resume with limited capacity once the ECQ is lifted in Metro Manila.

Covid-19 brings Ph trade down in March 2020

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:22:53 GMT

File Photo

Philippine international trade is down in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and trade restrictions set in response to it.

The Philippine Statistics Authority says the country’s total merchandise trade dropped to US$11.44 billion - its lowest level in two years.

This trade performance is 25.7 percent lower than the US$15.40 billion recorded in the same month the previous year. Exports declined by 24.9 percent and imports 26.2 percent.

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua sees some improvement next year provided that certain adjustments will be made in the way business is done.

“Merchandise trade may recover in 2021, but this will depend on how fast we can contain the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its economic impact through government policies to support affected industries and workers,” Chua said.

Chua adds that the export industry needs to be more responsive to the changes in consumer spending and redesign their product lines accordingly.

An economic recovery program is in the works. Chua reveals they are now working with Congress to craft such a measure that will benefit small and medium enterprises.

“The program will include highly targeted tax incentives that are time-bound, transparent, and performance-based to help us attract the right types of investments and help firms recover,” he said.

Also in the pipeline are wage subsidies and guaranteed loans for critically-affected export, import and supply chain industries.

AFP lauds seizure of 21 NPA firearms in Mindanao

Wed, 06 May 2020 09:34:13 GMT

AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., (File photo)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., has commended various military units in eastern and western Mindanao for their success in seizing 21 high-powered firearms belonging to the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) during operations early this month.

“The AFP leadership commends the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, to which 66th Infantry Battalion and 67th Infantry Battalion belong, and the 1st Infantry Division, where the 97th IB and 42nd IB are attached, for their string of successes in degrading the communist terrorist‘s armed capability," Santos said in a statement on Tuesday.

Santos added that the seizure of high-powered firearms is a significant accomplishment against the communist rebels who have no compunction of using these weapons to terrorize rural communities and target innocent civilians.

He added that the majority of these weapons were confiscated through information provided by former rebels and communities.

Santos was referring to the May 1 operations of the 66IB in Lupon, Davao de Oro where an M-60 machine gun, three M-16, and one M-14 rifles were seized, and the May 3 patrol of the 67IB in Banganga, Davao Oriental where another three M-16 rifles and an M-2 carbine were confiscated.

In a separate operation, also on May 3, the 67IB also discovered an arms cache in Cateel, Davao Oriental containing five M-16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, an M-4 carbine, an M-203 grenade launcher, one M-14 rifle, and an M-653 rifle.

"The CTs (communist terrorists) are known to flee pursuing government forces by burying their weapons and ammunition and scampering into smaller groups. These gains added up to the previous 26 firearms seized from the communist terrorists in Davao since the ceasefire lapsed in April," the AFP said in a separate statement.

Members of the CPP-NPA who previously surrendered to the Army willingly provided the location of the arms caches.

A former rebel under the alias "Noli" voluntarily surrendered to the 66IB and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) headed by Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, while an alias "Jeckol" surrendered to the 67IB.

In a related development in western Mindanao, a high-powered firearm was seized after combined elements of the 97IB and the 42IB encountered about 40 communist rebels in Zamboanga del Norte in the early morning of May 4.

Operating troops conducting security patrol engaged in a 45-minute firefight against a guerilla unit of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in the town of Siayan.

While clearing the encounter site, troops seized one M-60 machine gun; a spare M-60 barrel; three pieces of improvised explosive devices; two AK-47 magazines; 289 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition; one medical kit; two boxes of assorted medicines; two bandoliers; one electronic multi-tester; personal belongings; and subversive documents.

“The AFP assures our people of the military's relentless efforts to prevent communist terrorist groups from spreading harm and violence in the region amidst the country’s ongoing battle against (the coronavirus disease 2019) Covid-19,” Santos said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)