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New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
New DCPO chief to focus on personnel morale, asset optimization
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) bid farewell to PCol. Alberto Lupaz and welcomed its new City Director, PCol. Richard Bad-ang, in a turn-over ceremony at the Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on March 22......»»
Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
17 killed as truck loaded with sand collides with passenger van
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews /25 March) – Seventeen persons were killed when a truck loaded with sand collided with a passenger van in Antipas, North Cotabato Monday noon. Captain Godofredo Tupas, Chief of Police of Antipas town said the collision happened along a curve at the boundary of Barangay Greenhills and Lohong at 12:48 p.m. The van […].....»»
Decline in exploitation cases; advocacy efforts strengthened
AN OFFICIAL from the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) reported two cases of online exploitation of women and children in the region in 2022......»»
Women shaping Philippine monetary policy
Women have made significant strides as leaders in the Philippine financial services industry even as challenges continue to persist. At the helm are two distinguished female members of the Monetary Board (MB) – the policy-setting body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) –both of whom are breaking the bias for women in finance......»»
UN chief urges ceasefire to end Gaza’s ‘godawful nightmare’
UN chief Antonio Guterres pleaded Saturday for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the war between Israel and Hamas militants that has devastated much of Gaza, demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare". Addressing a Cairo summit that ultimately proved fruitless, according to Arab diplomats, Guterres said the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced. The latest bloodshed began on October 7 when Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign, killing more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and cut off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food. According to Arab diplomats who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the meeting in Cairo failed to reach an agreement, with Western representatives seeking "a clear condemnation placing responsibility for the escalation on Hamas", which Arab leaders refused. The Western officials also wanted to call for the release of those held by Hamas. Egypt's presidency instead released a statement -- drafted with the approval of Arab attendees, the diplomats said -- saying the war had laid bare "a defect in the values of the international community". World leaders have long "sought to manage the conflict, and not end it permanently, by proposing temporary solutions and palliatives that do not live up to even the lowest aspirations of a suffering people", the statement read. In response, Israel bemoaned the lack of a condemnation of what it called "Islamic terror" that endangered the region and entire world. "It is unfortunate that even when faced with those horrific atrocities, there were some who had difficulty condemning terrorism or acknowledging the danger," a foreign ministry statement said. "Israel will do what it has to do and expects the international community to recognise the righteous battle." 'Global silence' In the opening session, Guterres had said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight" but stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". He then stressed that "those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people". In the meeting which also included the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Italy, Jordan's King Abdullah II called for "an immediate end to the war on Gaza" and condemned what he labelled "global silence" on Palestinian death and suffering. "The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear: Palestinian lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives," he charged. "The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries -- they stop at borders, they stop at races, and they stop at religions." The summit came on the day a first convoy of aid trucks rumbled into southern Gaza, which Guterres said needed to be rapidly scaled up, with "much more" help sent through. The UN has said that about 100 trucks per day are needed to meet worsening needs in Gaza. The Palestinians need "a continuous delivery of aid to Gaza at the scale that is needed", the UN chief told the Cairo "Summit for Peace". 'We will not leave' Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi argued that the "only solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "justice" and said that "Palestinians must realise their legitimate rights to self-determination" and have "an independent state on their land". Abbas stressed his demand for a two-state solution and an "end to Israel's occupation" and rejected what he has warned could be a "second Nakba" -- a reference to the more than 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their lands during the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. "We will not leave," he repeated three times at the end of his speech. Cairo and Amman have repeatedly rejected calls for large numbers of refugees to enter Egypt from Gaza, warning that the "forced displacement" would lead to the "eradication of the Palestinian cause". Egypt and Jordan were the first Arab states to normalise relations with Israel, in 1979 and 1994 respectively, and have since been key mediators between Israeli and Palestinian officials. Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan urged for the current conflict to become, "rather than a regional conflagration, a breeding ground for a just and lasting peace". He also condemned "unconditional military aid to Israel which only serves to maintain the occupation", while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan condemned the failure of the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire after a US veto. The post UN chief urges ceasefire to end Gaza’s ‘godawful nightmare’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel
Gun battles raged Sunday between Hamas militants and Israeli forces a day after the Islamist group launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, in a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides since the Iran-backed Hamas launched the multi-pronged assault at dawn on Saturday, with Israeli forces fighting holdout militants and pounding the Gaza Strip with air strikes. This is what we know about the conflict so far: How it unfolded The army said hundreds of Hamas militants attacked Israel from around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Saturday, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in an assault that also came 50 years after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Islamist group fired thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza as its militants used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence surrounding the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Using motorbikes, pickup trucks, motorized gliders, and speed boats, the militants streamed into Israeli urban areas including Ashkelon, Sderot, and Ofakim, which is about 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Gaza. The gunmen attacked a rave party attended by hundreds of young Israelis near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza, Israeli media reported. Israel said Hamas has taken more than 100 hostages in Israel. They include an unknown number of Americans and Germans. The militants overran several locations inside Israel, including a Sderot police station where they engaged in a shootout with Israeli forces on Sunday. How Israel is responding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce to "rubble" Hamas hideouts in Gaza, an impoverished enclave of 2.3 million people hemmed in by an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years. The army said it has deployed tens of thousands of soldiers to fight the militants who were still "on the ground" Sunday on Israel territory. It has also carried out air strikes on Hamas positions inside Gaza, in an operation it has dubbed "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the air raids had struck 800 targets including Gaza tunnels, buildings, and other infrastructure. The military said it aims to rescue Israeli hostages and then evacuate the entire region within 24 hours. Almost 1000 killed Israel says Hamas gunmen have killed more than 600 people and wounded over 2,000 in Israeli cities, towns, and kibbutz communities. AFP journalists have seen the bullet-riddled bodies of civilians lying on the streets in at least three locations in Israel: the city of Sderot, the nearby kibbutz of Gevim, and Zikim beach north of the Palestinian coastal enclave. An unknown number of people were reportedly killed at the rave. On the Gaza side, at least 370 people have been killed and more than 2,200 wounded, taking the combined toll to almost 1,000 dead. A British man who had been serving in Israel's army was among those killed in the Hamas attack, his family said. Two Ukrainian women who had been living in Israel were also killed, Ukraine said. Thailand has said two of its citizens were killed, while Cambodia reported the death of a Cambodian student. What Hamas said about the offensive Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets in an offensive it has branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Its chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday vowed to press ahead with "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons". Hamas has called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as in "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Early on Sunday, Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah said it launched missiles and artillery shells into northern Israel "in solidarity" with the Hamas offensive. The Israeli army said it retaliated with artillery fire. Elsewhere, media outlets in Egypt said a policeman opened fire on an Israeli tour group in the northern city of Alexandria on Sunday, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian. How the world has reacted United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" Hamas' attack on Israel and called for "diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration". The West, much of which has designated Hamas a "terrorist" organization, has also condemned the Islamist group's assault on Israel. President Joe Biden said the United States support for its key ally Israel was "rock solid and unwavering". The White House said on Sunday he had ordered "additional support" for Israel. The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel." Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said the Islamic Republic supported the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned Israel must be held accountable for "endangering the security of nations in the region". Russia has called for an "immediate ceasefire". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause, on Sunday urged both sides "to support peace". Saudi Arabia appealed for an "immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control". The post What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hundreds dead in Israel-Gaza war as Hezbollah launches attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned of a "long and difficult" war, as fighting with Hamas left hundreds dead on both sides after a surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group. The conflict's bloodiest escalation in decades saw Hamas carry out a massive rocket barrage and ground, air and sea offensive Saturday that Israel's army said had killed more than 200 Israelis and wounded 1,000, while soldiers and civilians were taken hostage. Gaza officials said intense Israeli air strikes on the coastal enclave had brought the Palestinian death toll to at least 256, with nearly 1,788 wounded. As fighting raged Sunday, Lebanon's powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement said it had fired "large numbers of artillery shells and guided missiles" at Israeli positions in a contested border areas "in solidarity" with Hamas. Israel's army had earlier said it fired artillery on southern Lebanon in response to a shot from the area without identifying the attackers. "We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack," Netanyahu said on X, formerly Twitter, early Sunday. "The first stage is ending at this time by the destruction of the vast majority of the enemy forces that infiltrated our territory," he added, pledging no "respite" until victory. Overnight Israel battered the Gaza Strip with air strikes as rockets from the blockaded Palestinians territory rained on Israel. Sunday morning gun still battles raged between Israeli forces and hundreds of Hamas fighters in multiple locations, including at the Sderot police station across the border from Gaza. Police and Israeli army special forces "neutralized 10 armed terrorists" who were holed up inside the station, a police statement said. The bloody air, sea and land attack launched Saturday by Hamas came half a century after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, taking Israel and the world by surprise. As the UN Security Council called an emergency meeting for Sunday, President Joe Biden voiced "rock solid and unwavering" support for the US ally and warned "against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation". - Hostages and 'so many bodies' - The Israeli army said overnight its forces were still engaged in gun battles in a string of Israel locations, in an operation labelled "Swords of Iron", as reservists were being called up. Hamas earlier released images of several Israelis taken captive, and another army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, confirmed that soldiers and civilians had been kidnapped. "I can't give figures about them at the moment," he said late Saturday, adding there was also a "severe hostage situation" in the Negev desert communities of Beeri and Ofakim east of Gaza. According to Ynet Israeli news website "dozens of Israeli captives, including numerous women, children and elders, are believed to have been taken into the Gaza Strip". The fighting prompted Israel to cut off Gaza's electricity, fuel and goods supplies, Netanyahu said. The Islamist group started the multi-pronged attack around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Saturday with thousands of rockets aimed as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, some bypassing the Iron Dome defense system and hitting buildings. Hamas fighters -- traveling in ground vehicles, motorized paragliders and boats -- breached Gaza's security barrier and attacked nearby Israeli towns and military posts, opening fire on residents and passersby. "Send help, please!" one Israeli woman sheltering with her two-year-old child pleaded as militants outside opened fire and tried to break into their safe room, Israeli media reported. Bodies were strewn on the streets of the Israeli town of Sderot near Gaza and inside cars, the windscreens shattered by a hail of bullets. "I saw many bodies, of terrorists and civilians," one man told AFP, standing beside covered corpses on a road near Gevim Kibbutz in southern Israel. "So many bodies, so many bodies." AFP journalists witnessed Palestinian armed men gather around a burning Israeli tank, and others driving a seized Israeli military Humvee vehicle back into Gaza, where they were met by cheering crowds. - 'Gates of hell' - Israeli army Major General Ghasan Alyan warned Hamas had "opened the gates of hell". An AFP journalist in Gaza saw clouds of dust from the remains of bombed residential towers which Gaza's interior ministry said contained 100 apartments. Israel's military said it had warned residents to evacuate before targeting the multi-story buildings used by Hamas. The escalation follows months of rising violence, mostly in the occupied West Bank, and tensions around Gaza's border and at contested holy sites in Jerusalem. Before Saturday, at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners had been killed this year, including combatants and civilians, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. Hamas labeled its attack "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" and called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as in "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed to have fired more than 5,000 rockets, while Hecht said Israel had counted more than 3,000 incoming rockets. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said the group was on the "verge of a great victory", vowing to press ahead with "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons must be completed". - 'Dangerous precipice' - Air raid sirens wailed across southern and central Israel, as well as in Jerusalem on Saturday, and there were major disruptions at Tel Aviv airport where many carriers canceled flights. Israel said schools would remain closed on Sunday which marks the start of the week. Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, leading to Israel's crippling blockade of the impoverished enclave of 2.3 million people. Israel and Hamas have since fought several wars. The last major military exchange, in May, killed 34 Palestinians and one Israeli. Violence also erupted across the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, with five Palestinians killed and 120 wounded in clashes with Israeli forces and settlers, Palestinian medical services said. Countries around the world condemned the wave of attacks by Hamas, which Israel, the United States and European Union consider a terrorist group. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "terrorism in its most despicable form". But Hamas drew support from other foes of Israel, with Iran's supreme leader declaring he was "proud". UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland warned of "a dangerous precipice" and called on all sides to "pull back from the brink". (Rosie Scammell with Adel Zaanoun in Gaza) az-rsc-jd/hkb © Agence France-Presse The post Hundreds dead in Israel-Gaza war as Hezbollah launches attacks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hagedorn’s zest for change remembered
Palawan Rep. Edward Hagedorn passed away Tuesday morning, his chief of staff confirmed to the Daily Tribune. He was 76. Hagedorn’s official Facebook page said the lawmaker “died peacefully” but did not reveal the cause of his demise. However, he had previously disclosed his battle with pancreatic cancer. “Cong. Ed’s life speaks volumes, particularly his role as a champion for the environment, tourism, agriculture, and peace and order,” the post read. “His efforts created inclusive spaces for the community and inspired a collective desire for change... Above all, Cong. Ed’s life journey has always been fueled by hope and was void of fear.” Hagedorn’s family had yet to share details of his wake and funeral at press time. Before his stint in Congress, Hagedorn was the long-time mayor of Puerto Princesa City, serving from 1992 to 2013. He took a brief hiatus in 2001 due to term limits. In 2013, he ran for the Senate but lost. In 2022, he ran for congressman of Palawan’s third district and won. The House leadership is “deeply saddened” by the loss of Hagedorn, describing him as a “guiding light and inspiration” to many House members. “As we remember Cong. Ed, let us not only grieve his passing but also celebrate the inspiration he provided. His legacy calls us to continue his work with the same passion and love he demonstrated every day,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said. “To have known and worked with Cong. Ed has been an honor and a privilege. His spirit and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire us all,” he added. “May we find solace in the immense legacy he leaves behind and the countless lives he touched.” Back in July, Hagedorn was found guilty of malversation of public property by the Sandiganbayan for his failure to turn over government-issued firearms when he was mayor of Puerto Princesa City. Hagedorn maintained he was innocent of the charges. During that period, he revealed that his doctor had recommended a special diet to address his elevated body mass, especially following knee surgery. With CELESTE ANA FORMOSO The post Hagedorn’s zest for change remembered appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec, PAO sign MOA to battle vote-buying, vote-selling
The Commission on Elections and the Public Attorney’s Office signed a memorandum of agreement on the poll body and the prosecutorial arm’s cooperation against vote-buying and vote-selling on Monday, 2 October. As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataang elections are fast approaching, Comelec chairperson George Garcia and PAO chief Persida Acosta led the signing of the MOA. Garcia pointed out the need for this cooperation to put an end to vote buying/selling, what he referred to as the “modern cancer of democracy”. “Nangangahulugan lang na ‘di puwede na palagpasin natin ang eleksyong ito at ang mga susunod na eleksyon nang hindi natin kasama ang PAO sa paglaban lalong-lalo na sa modern cancer na ito. Yan ay para ma-empower natin ang mga kababayan na maglakas-loob na dumulog at pumunta sa Comelec upang magreklamo. Hindi lang sa pamimili kundi sa pamimigay at pagtanggap ng mga goods, ng money at promises mula sa mga candidates,” Garcia said in his speech. [This means that we should not let these coming elections and future elections pass without involving PAO in fighting this modern cancer. This will empower the public to have the courage to file complaints with the Comelec. Not only on vote-buying but on giving and receiving goods from the candidates.] Acosta’s take on the signing of the MOA is to protect the sanctity of the 'voice of the people' and will fortify the country’s democracy and the rule of law. The post Comelec, PAO sign MOA to battle vote-buying, vote-selling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Man on a mission
He has been to hell and back since entering the country’s premier military school, the Philippine Military Academy, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1982, to seeing action as a police officer, and lately to waltzing into the ring of fire by entering politics. Much has been written about the exploits of former police general Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, since 2019, with the positive usually outweighing the negative. Love him, hate him, but believe me, Magalong is no lone ranger. He can sustain the hard yards of fighting criminality and corruption that one wonders where he gets all the energy and focus in addressing the challenges that come his way. Last month, Magalong and a few local chief executives launched “Mayors for Good Governance,” a campaign for responsible leadership and anti-corruption in local governments. They signed A2, a manifesto committing local executives to transparency and the rule of law. The movement has already received support from more than 150 city and municipal mayors nationwide, a testament to how much rests on his stewardship. Corruption is like a “communicable” disease that can easily transmit the evils that go with it from the lowest strata to the highest echelon of society. It has many forms and strains — from petty graft to large-scale kickbacks — and affects people from all walks of life, generations, and races. People get used to it until it becomes a way of life, and in the process, they lose their independence of thought because their eyes are shut. Pope Francis described it best: “Some people behave in relation to corruption as they would with drugs. They think they can take it and leave it as they please. They start with something minor: a kickback here, a bribe there. And between this and that, they gradually lose their freedom.” Fighting corruption is like fighting drugs; it is never one-sided. There are hits and misses along the way. Anything is fair game when you put a face into a noble cause. I was a field operative of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency assigned in Region 8 when Magalong was director of PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service, which was responsible for dismantling numerous drug laboratories and causing the dismissal of several police scalawags. Magalong is one straight arrow. He never compromises his name when it comes to fighting drugs and crime. However, he is also a caring leader who always looks after his men like he would his children. He never tolerates shenanigans but lavishes praise and support for a well-done job. That’s why it did not come as a surprise when he was made chairman of the Mamasapano Board of Inquiry in 2015, which investigated the carnage of 44 Special Action Forces in Maguindanao. I have seen firsthand Magalong’s sincerity when it comes to public service. A public servant who goes beyond his comfort zone to give timely and proper assistance to the public, Magalong has the integrity and bravery to stand by his ideals to the detriment of his career because he wants the country to succeed. Like Magalong, I also had my share of fighting the tentacles of corruption in PDEA and later at the Bureau of Customs, once touted as the most corrupt government agency, during my seven-month stint as a commissioner despite the brickbats and the Sword of Damocles hanging above me. It was a lonely battle indeed, especially since I came to the bureau all alone. Tormentors coming from opposite directions were having a field day — from the not-so-harmless Marites (Mare, ano ang latest?) and Mariposa (Mare, post mo na) to greedy politicians and industry shenanigans. I have no moral qualms regarding Magalong’s mission — to take the arduous and lifelong task of making a difference in people’s lives, especially the poor, who are most hurt by corruption. Taking the high road is never easy, and I am sure that knowing Magalong, he could surmount all the hurdles, including the legal ones, that come in the end. The post Man on a mission appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vietnam economy grows 5.3% in third quarter
Vietnam's economy grew 5.3 percent on-year in the third quarter, official data showed Friday, though experts warned it was on course to miss an ambitious year-end target. Loan interest rate reductions, an extension of tax payments and increased public investment had a positive impact, the General Statistics Office said. But analysts warn it will be an uphill battle for the clothing, shoes and electronics manufacturing hub to reach a year-end target of 6.5 percent expansion for 2023. "Vietnam would only reach a year-end economic growth of between 4.5 percent and 4.7 percent, much lower than the government's set target," Rong Viet Stocks Company chief economist Tran Thi Ha My told AFP. "Growth for the fourth quarter is expected to be at around six percent... largely thanks to improved industrial production and exports." According to GSO, a slump in demand hit the country's exports. One of Vietnam's largest shoemakers for brands such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok announced in August it would cut jobs for the third time this year. Vietnam earned nearly $260 billion in the first nine months from exports. The communist state has long been a success story among Asian economies and in 2022, its economy grew eight percent. The Asian Development Bank predicts 5.8 percent growth for Vietnam's year-end figure, "mainly due to weak external demand". "Weak external environment, including from a subdued recovery in the People's Republic of China, has hampered export-led manufacturing, thus shrinking industrial production in Vietnam," the bank’s Vietnam country director Shantanu Chakraborty said this week. "The economy remains resilient, and recovery is expected to pick up in the near term, driven by strong domestic consumption, which is supported by moderate inflation, an acceleration of public investment and improved trade activities." The GSO reported that 776,000 more laborers in Vietnam have found jobs since the beginning of the year, compared with the same period last year. Average monthly income was around $288, nearly seven percent higher, GSO said. The post Vietnam economy grows 5.3% in third quarter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates
Investors were hoping to hear central banks finally signal this week that they were close to being done raising interest rates in their battle against inflation. Instead, policymakers indicated that high rates are here for a while yet, with more hikes on the cards and few, if any, cuts in the near future. The US Federal Reserve set the tone on Wednesday when it paused its rate-hike campaign but caused a stir by leaving the door open to another increase before the end of the year. The central bank also unsettled investors by saying that only two cuts were expected next year instead of four as anticipated. The Fed has more room to keep its "hawkish" stance as the US economy has performed better than feared despite the rate increases. This firm position is shared by other central banks. Norway's rate hike Thursday was anticipated, but it also warned further tightening was "likely" in December, while ruling out any easing before next year. Growth or inflation This firm tone came "as a surprise to the markets," which have "decided that the peak" of rate hikes is "happening right now," HSBC economist Fabio Balboni told AFP, even though "central banks' communications leave the door open to the possibility to further hikes". It leaves "real uncertainty about the level of inflation next year", he said. Their decision "reflects a compromise between growth and inflation", he added. The rate hikes raise the cost of credit for businesses and consumers, which theoretically in turn reduces demand and inflationary pressures. But if demand slows too much, it runs the risk of triggering a recession. Faced with this dilemma, the European Central Bank (ECB) chose inflation-limiting measures, with a 10th consecutive rate hike. That took its benchmark rate to 4.0 percent, the highest since 1999. "We can't say we have peaked," ECB president Christine Lagarde said, although other officials indicated that the cycle of raising rates might be coming to a close. "Our future decisions will ensure that the key ECB interest rates will be set at sufficiently restrictive levels for as long as necessary," the bank's chief economist Philip Lane said Thursday in New York. Return to lower rates There are other signs, however, that rates are reaching their peak. The Bank of England on Thursday announced its first pause on raising rates since December 2021, following a slight decline in UK inflation in August. Switzerland and Japan -- like half of all central banks -- have also chosen to halt raising rates in the past 10 days. "We expect no more rate hikes in the future" for the US, England and Europe central banks, said Balboni. Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics said she expected the last hikes to come in the fourth quarter, and that the easing cycle would take hold as 2024 approaches. "By this time next year, we anticipate that 21 out of the world's 30 major central banks will be cutting interest rates," she wrote. Although Balboni, taking a more measured stance, said "in the context of weak growth, it will be very complicated to reduce rates" while inflation remains "too high". Instead, he believes reductions to US rates won't be seen until the third quarter of 2024, while the rest of the world will have to wait until 2025 for rate relief. The post Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paranas town mourns village chair’s death
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Paranas in Samar raised the flag on a half-mast last Monday to mourn the death of a barangay captain who was shot dead by suspected members of the communist New People’s Army on 16 September 2023. The victim — identified as Tito Llamado, barangay chairman of Anagasi, a far-flung village of Paranas — is believed to have been killed by members of NPA’s Arnulfo Ortiz Command based on a hand-written note that was found on his body where the communist rebels owned up to the killing. “Kap. Tito was a dedicated leader who tirelessly served the residents of Barangay Anagasi, striving to improve their lives with purpose, choice, dignity, and respect,” a statement posted in the LGU’s social media account said. “We honor his memory and stand in solidarity with the people of Barangay Anagasi during this difficult time, forever inspired by his exemplary service, leadership, and friendship,” it added. The LGU also expressed condolences to the family of the slain village leader. “We deeply appreciate the positive impact of your benevolent actions and outstanding leadership in Barangay Anagasi. May justice be served in the wake of your passing,” it said. Meantime, Paranas Municipal Police chief PMaj. Kim Windell Montilla disclosed that responding investigators found the note of the NPA group owning up responsibility for the killing along with empty shells of 5.56mm gun. Montilla said Llamado is running unopposed in his re-election bid as barangay captain of Anagasi for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023. As the village chief, Montilla said Llamado was an active partner of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in encouraging rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the law. “Paranas Police will ensure that justice will be served and we will pursue to file appropriate criminal charges against the heartless terrorists who are responsible for this inhumane act,” Montilla said. “The government forces would not be startled nor shaken by this violence committed by the Arnulfo Ortiz Command.” “This assault on the agent of the government who vows only to serve the country and his countrymen will fuel our counter-insurgency efforts to strengthen our battle to free the municipality from the bondage of insurgency,” Montilla added. The post Paranas town mourns village chair’s death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COP28 will include first local climate summit
A summit for non-national authorities will take place during crunch UN climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, officials said Tuesday, in recognition of the role of cities and local governments in averting ecological disaster. Named the "COP28 Local Climate Action Summit," it was announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the president-designate of the COP28 talks, and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, who will co-host. Its chairs include US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, with the event to be held December 1-2. "Cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost," said United Nations chief Antonio Guterres in a statement. "Mobilizing and equipping local governments with the capacity and financing to accelerate climate action is necessary if we are to bend the emissions curve." In the fight to prevent climate disaster and hold long-term warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, the pledges and policies of national governments have long hogged the spotlight. But, according to a report by the C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, "three-quarters of C40 cities have outpaced their respective nation-states in per-capita emission reduction, illustrating the clout of city-led policies and initiatives." Around 70 percent of the world's people are expected to call cities home by the year 2050, and more work needs to be done to ensure subnational governments are prepared to meet the challenges of increasing climate disasters, organizers said. "By bringing hundreds of local leaders to COP28, we will foster new, multi-level partnerships to help fast-track the energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on people, lives and livelihoods, and make sure local voices are heard at the international climate table," said Jaber. Local leaders first convened informally on the sidelines of COP21 in 2015, where the Paris Agreement was adopted. "In the climate crisis, big leadership comes from small governments, and that's a great trend," Oscar Soria, campaign director for the nonprofit Avaaz, told AFP. "However, it also shows the lack of leadership from national governments, who are ultimately the ones that set the tone on ambition and progress on climate." The UN's first official progress report on climate published earlier this month concluded the world is perilously off course in meeting goals for slashing carbon pollution and boosting finance for the developing world. The post COP28 will include first local climate summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1)
My appreciation of arts and culture began when I was assigned by the Commission on Audit as the first resident auditor of the Intramuros Administration, or IA, then headed by Dr. Jaime C. Laya. It was our distinct honor and privilege to have worked with Dr. Laya, who was highly admired for his honesty and integrity. His presence in the workplace brought trust, grace and efficiency. He was the chief implementor of the mandates to restore and develop Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history, to restore its general appearance to conform to the Spanish architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, and to sponsor, conduct or otherwise assist and support festivals and cultural activities. Knowing the functions of the agency under audit helped me to review intelligently the economy and effectiveness of the utilization of government resources in the implementation of the mandates to restore the walls of Intramuros, the authenticity of the works it was acquiring, and the cost-effectiveness of the acquisitions. The continuing process of examining things of the past and imbibing into my consciousness bits of knowledge about the makings, the ages, and colors of the porcelain antiques of the Ming and Sung dynasties, the religious relics, the artifacts, the paintings of Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo and Castañeda, the archaeological findings, of the rare and ancient books, of the music of various ages and classes of our indigenous peoples, of the architectural and sculptural designs displayed by our own artists in this particular form of discipline — in totality constituted a singular quality of distinction that was uniquely beautiful and globally interesting to behold. The whole process of assimilation enabled me to equip myself with the necessary tools to create my own forms of art out of the stored knowledge that is both teachable and writable for the education and pleasure of man and the Greater Glory of God. President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos founded the Intramuros Administration on 10 April 1979, not only to restore the walls of the oldest city of Intramuros but to perpetuate the memory of the citadel of the only Catholic Empire in Asia. Intramuros was primarily a fortress. How it was built and how it withstood the battle during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War is a fascinating story. The decision of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War to make their last stand in Intramuros against the Allied Forces in the Philippines was a tribute to the formidability of the old walled city as the strongest fortification built by Spain in Asia. The Japanese Army had a worthy commander, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi, a graduate of the Imperial Japanese Navy Academy in 1915. In 1937, he was promoted to captain and given command of the battleship Kirishima on 20 April 1942. On 15 November 1942, his forces engaged the US Navy in the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal where his battleship Kirishima was sunk but not after it had sunk two US battleships and eight cruisers — a major one-sided triumph for the Japanese Imperial Naval Command which promoted Iwabuchi to Rear Admiral. He was given command of the 11th fleet, in charge of the Japanese defense of Guadalcanal against the United States. General Yamashita later gave him a direct order to withdraw and report to him and not to proceed to Manila. He refused, citing his shame over having lost his Kirishima. He believed he could redeem that loss by holding his position in Intramuros to the death. Before the start of hostilities, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi addressed his men: “We are very glad and grateful for the opportunity to serve our country in this epic battle. Now with what strength remains, we will daringly engage the enemy. Banzai to the Emperor! We are determined to fight to the last man.” (To be continued) The post Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden fires 2024 salvo with Ukraine ‘war zone’ ad
WASHINGTON, United States – With its war zone imagery and macho voiceover it could be a movie trailer — but the sunglasses-clad star of a new campaign ad is none other than 80-year-old US President Joe Biden. Facing a battle in the opinion polls, America’s oldest ever commander-in-chief is using his surprise trip to Kyiv in The post Biden fires 2024 salvo with Ukraine ‘war zone’ ad appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM
I bumped into prominent Maranaw politicians at a vigil for a mutual relative — former Regional Assemblyman Alex Menor. (When Muslims speak of a wake it is a gathering of relatives of a deceased minus the mortal remains. Islam mandates the immediate burial of a dead Muslim). Governor Mamintal Bombit Adiong and Marawi City Mayor Sultan Majul Gandamra and others were there to console the bereaved family. Our exchanges pivoted into politics with the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and youth elections last Monday. I asked them about the formation of an aggrupation called SIAP, which stands for Samahang Inklusivo, Alyansang Progresibo, which roughly translates as “inclusive group, alliance for progress.” The meeting of the group went viral on social media where it was widely talked about. It had a political ring to it and people were curious about its nature, purpose, and vision. The roster of members includes a who’s who of the political ecology of the province. A supermajority of the municipal mayors attended the meeting led by the president of the Mayors League, lawyer Dimnatang Jimmy Pansar, who has notched a distinguished mark in politics with his indomitable staying power. This column learned that a parallel organization of local parties is being conceptualized in other provinces of the BARMM which could conglomerate into the SIAP. Governor Adiong explained that the SIAP is not new. It is not a product of present-day BARMM political dynamics. It is a regional political party that was founded by his father, the late Congressman/Governor Mamintal Adiong Sr. It had been made moribund by the passage of time, pushed to the margins by the new waves of national political parties. The organization of a strong locally-based party is a strategic move meant to attract national parties for possible alliances. We suppose this is being rebooted by the son, Governor Bombit, in preparation for the coming elections, especially the parliamentary elections in BARMM where political parties are a necessity. If the SIAP is adopted by the other members of the so-called BARMM Governor Caucus it will be the regional party that will face the United Bangsamoro Justice Party of the BARMM-MILF. This is not farfetched considering the zeitgeist in BARMM where there is no love lost between the governors (except of Maguindanao del Norte) and the BARMM leadership. The BARMM setup is not the usual system of government that Filipinos are familiar with. It has a parliamentary genre, British in origin, where political parties play a major role in governance. The party that garners the majority of elected deputies or members of parliament forms the so-called “government of the day.” In case no party is able to command a majority, they amalgamate to form a coalition government. The minority or coalition of minority parties forms the opposition. For as long as the majority coalition is intact, the head of government (as differentiated from the head of state) stays in power. In case of a loss of confidence over the way the Prime Minister is governing, a confidence vote in the parliament is called to decide whether or not to unseat him. The “government of the day” refers to the cadre of officials currently performing executive functions. In the case of the BARMM, it refers to the Cabinet members appointed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Murad, who is also chairman of the MILF, the majority of whom must be members of the Regional Parliament. A battle royal among political parties looms in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary election unless the incumbents will agitate again for a postponement to prolong their stay in power. They could offer a flimsy reason like the noncompletion of their transition works and the normalization process. This column looks with favor on the formation of local political parties, like the SIAP, as a force to enhance democracy. In fact, if the parliamentary experiment of the BARMM is successful, it will be a strong argument for the shift of our government system to a parliamentary one in case the Constitution is amended. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe partners with Albay, groups in battle vs hunger
Digital platform Globe and the Albay provincial government have forged a partnership in support of the Hapag Movement, marking the first time a local government unit has joined the initiative against involuntary hunger. Albay Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman hosted a benefit dinner on 11 August 2023 at the Governor’s Guest House in Legazpi, which gathered prominent Albayanos. Proceeds from the dinner will be channeled directly to The Hapag Movement, with the goal of supplementing the efforts of the provincial government of Albay to provide meals to the families that have been affected by the ongoing state of calamity that the locality is still experiencing. Shared value leads to partnership This is a tangible commitment to alleviating hunger, reflecting the shared values and dedication of both Globe and the Provincial Government of Albay. The initiative’s key partner organizations are the Albay chapter for the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international humanitarian organization that is one of the implementing partners of the Hapag Movement, Albay Queen 102, Leo Club, and their mother organization Legazpi City “Host” Lions Club, PMJF, a socio-civic organization that focuses on eight global causes, including hunger. Yoly Crisanto, chief Sustainability and corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group, thanked the Provincial Government of Albay for stepping up to the challenge of addressing involuntary hunger. “Tonight marks a huge milestone for the Hapag Movement because Albay is the first LGU to sign up and join us. We believe that LGUs are among the key pillars for nation-building,” Crisanto said. The post Globe partners with Albay, groups in battle vs hunger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»