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Pangasinan buy-bust yields over P2.5-B shabu
POZORRUBIO, Pangasinan - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement agencies confiscated over PHP2.5 billion worth of suspected shabu from four individuals, one of them a Chinese national, in a buy-bust operation on Friday here.Based on the initial information fr.....»»
2 Chinese nationals yield P1.8-B shabu in separate ops
MANILA - Anti-narcotics operatives seized PHP1.768 billion worth of shabu from two Chinese nationals in separate buy-bust operations in Quezon City and Cavite on Sunday.Derrick Carreon, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), said in a statement that Cai Jia Zhu (alias.....»»
CHR alarmed by war vs drugs in Davao City
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is alarmed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s “war against drugs”, as seven drug users were killed from different barangays in the city over the weekend, just a few hours after his declaration......»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»
7 dead after Davao City Mayor Duterte declares war vs. drugs
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 March) – Two more drug suspects died in separate buy-bust operations in Toril District here before dawn Tuesday, after they allegedly resisted arrest, a police official said. This brought the number of fatalities to seven since Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared a “war” on illegal drugs last March […].....»»
Drug suspect slain in Davao sting
An alleged major drug trafficker was killed in a sting in Davao City on Saturday......»»
Drug den in Punta Princesa, Cebu City shut down, three men nabbed
CEBU CITY, Philippines — With the help of concerned citizens, law enforcers arrested three newly identified drug personalities and dismantled a suspected drug den in Sitio Tres de Abril, Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, March 21, 2024. The drug bust took place at around 1:25 p.m. in the barangay, which was previously.....»»
Wanted for high-profile crimes killed in Bangsamoro police operation
A suspect in a series of motorcycle theft, multiple murder, extortion and operation of a drug den, who has links with local terrorist groups, was killed while his companion was wounded in a shootout with policemen in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday......»»
Drug den in Brgy. Apas: Couple nabbed, P108,800 ‘shabu’ seized
CEBU CITY, Philippine — A couple was arrested for allegedly running a drug den in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with call center agents and habal-habal drivers as their usual clients. A buy-bust operation at around 5:30 p.m. led to the arrest of Jonathan Roca, 44, and his common law partner,.....»»
Dayuhan tiklo sa ‘obats’
ARESTADO ng mga awtoridad ang isang Chinese national sa Brgy Cutcut, Angeles City sa isinagawang anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation nitong Sabado, Enero 20. Nasamsam ng mga operatiba ang humigit-kumulang 30 gramo ng hinihinalang shabu mula sa suspek na may karaniwang presyo ng droga na Php204,000.00. Nahaharap ngayon sa kasong kriminal ang suspek na kasalukuyang naninirahan ….....»»
Government told to stop borrowing from China
Think tank Infrawatch PH has asked the government to consider cancelling P159 billion worth of Chinese projects, mostly in transport, in light of Beijing’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea that endangers Filipino lives......»»
Cliffhanger
One of the challenges of operating a convenience store is theft by shoplifters. In the United States alone, the losses of small city retail stores were estimated at over $94 billion in 2021, Bloomberg reported. Washington State recorded the highest retail store losses from theft in the country, according to the National Retail Federation. Local stores have installed security cameras, motion sensors, and inventory control systems to help prevent shoplifting, an NRF survey showed. It remains to be seen if such high-tech security measures work, but location and size are definitely effective in discouraging shoplifters for one remote convenience store in China. The tiny wooden store at the Shiniuzhai Scenic Area in the Chinese province of Hunan is only two square meters. Opened in 2018, the store recently trended online after a popular military blogger with 889,400 followers posted on the popular Chinese social network Weibo a photo with the caption: “The most inconvenient convenience store,” CNN reported. Few customers are served by the store but not because of its limited offerings. It just so happens to be located along a route less traveled called via ferrata. The pathway for climbers consists of steel bars driven into the mountainside to serve as steps and metal anchors for fastening climbing ropes. In any case, the store is convenient for adventurers summiting the mountain, as they can get a water refill or buy a beverage for hydration while perched on the side of a vertical cliff. At the same time, the store looks inconvenient for its sole attendant as it hangs halfway to the top of the cliff, 120 meters from the ground, with its floor supported only by steel brackets bolted to the cliffside. Moreover, restocking requires the storekeeper to pull up supplies from the ground with a rope, according to Oddity Central. To others, inconvenient is an understatement for the store hanging from a cliff. Scary should be a more accurate description......»»
‘Time to explore ODAs from other countries’ Poe says after Chinese ODA withdrawal
Senator Grace Poe on Thursday expressed her belief that it is high time for the Philippines to look for alternative sources of funding from other countries for the proposed Mindanao Railway Project. According to Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, the country may pursue official development assistance from other countries following the Department of Transportation's move to drop China as a funding source for the P83-billion railway project in the southern Philippines. “It’s time to explore ODAs from other countries and seek available funding options from multilateral institutions and international assistance agencies that can deliver the goods,” she said in a statement. Poe noted that the withdrawal of the ODA from China for a railway project “should not derail the implementation of our infrastructure programs,” “In the past years, Chinese banks have also kept us in suspended animation with delays in our loan applications putting in limbo a number of government projects,” she said. “While appearing attractive, the loans are not exactly that benevolent as they come with hefty interest rates and other strings that could be detrimental to the country in the long term,” she added. She also suggested to the government to tap the private sector which she said “holds the potential of accelerating infrastructure development and bringing innovative and efficient services.” She issued the statement after Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that the Philippines is no longer loan financing from China for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project. The first phase of the railway project aims to reduce travel time between Tagum in Davao del Norte and Digos in Davao del Sur by one hour from the current 3.5 hours. Quoting Bautista, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said in August that the Philippine government would no longer engage Chinese state-owned companies for major infrastructure projects in the country. “I talked to Secretary Jimmy Bautista, he was at the Senate recently. We talked one-on-one. I told him: ‘Secretary, you are seeing what they are doing to your Coast Guard, right?’” he said “I told him not to give Chinese state-owned companies projects here in the Philippines such as trains. We have the North to South Railways…. Let us not give it to them. Let us give it to South Morea or Japan instead,” he added. He continued: “I was glad because Secretary Bautista said they would no longer Chinese state-owned companies for their trains, airports, and big-ticket items.” The construction of the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment of the Mindanao Railway Project was supposed to start in January 2019. The post ‘Time to explore ODAs from other countries’ Poe says after Chinese ODA withdrawal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law
China has adopted a new law strengthening so-called patriotic education, state media said, the latest step in President Xi Jinping's drive to reassert the Communist Party's ideology in the country's classrooms. A crackdown on the highly lucrative world of for-profit private tutoring in 2021 was also seen as part of efforts to reassert ruling party control over the education system. The moves banned tutoring firms from hiring overseas teachers, with critics saying it was cutting off Chinese children from outside influences. The new law, which comes into effect on January 1 and was approved on Tuesday, will "strengthen patriotic education in the new era" and seek to impart a "patriotic spirit" in China's youth, according to state-run news agency Xinhua. A Xinhua commentary hailing the law's adoption by Beijing's top lawmaking body said that education had been "facing challenges" recently. "Some people are at a loss about what is patriotism," the commentary read. It attacked "the influences of some social thoughts, such as historical nihilism" -- a term often employed by Beijing's leadership to condemn accounts that run contrary to official rhetoric about the party. The law contains provisions already included in other legislation, the commentary said, including those banning "insulting the national flag and distorting or denying heroes' deeds and spirit". Zhao Leji, China's top lawmaker, said the law would help the country in "forging a mighty force" to build a "strong" nation, Xinhua reported. Education has long been used by the Communist Party to boost its legitimacy in the eyes of China's 1.4 billion people. Much of its narrative centers on its role in conquering absolute poverty and asserting China's position in a hostile international climate. But conspicuously absent are detailed discussions of the party's role in instigating China's bloody Cultural Revolution and Great Famine, in which millions died. The post China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese firms eye $4 billion energy investments
Two Chinese companies are looking to invest around $4 billion for the manufacturing of wind energy equipment, the head of the Board of Investments said......»»
Lenovo considers Phl top regional mart
Even if neighboring countries in Southeast Asia have the advantage of using advances in technology ahead, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo. Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing gadgets, software, business solutions, and related services, sees strong demand for its products in the Philippines. “The only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand in the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling,” according to Gian Carlo Nogales, a representative of the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines “Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” Nogales said at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge technology tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of remote and hybrid workforces but also address significant challenges faced by businesses in the digitalization trend. The post Lenovo considers Phl top regional mart appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market
Even if neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region are advantageous in terms of being technology savvy, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. “We see strong demand for the Philippines, the only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand for the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling. Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” according to Giancarlo Nogales from the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge tech tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of today’s remote and hybrid workforces but also to address significant challenges faced by businesses as they digitize operations across departments. “Lenovo research shows that managing a remote workforce and global teams remain central tasks for CIOs.1. That is why the new offerings integrate impressive processing power, immersive 3D, and advanced security to create a unified, human-centered experience,” the company said. Further, Nogales added that sales for Lenovo in the Philippines will continue to soar as the country has a bigger population which connotes demand compared to other nations in SE Asia. What Lenovo can count on with the Philippines is the demand for laptops and tablets that are now being used by students, educators, workers, and even the government. “Actually, we have an ongoing engagement with the government sector. I was at an event with the DICT (Department of Information and Communications) and we had discussions with the Department of Education as well, but we still understand what they are looking for. Of course, with DepEd, it’s a big agency, and what I can say is we are working with them across whatever we can offer—cloud technologies, among others,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Nogales said he sees an ongoing digital transformation within organizations and will continue over the coming years. Digital transformation is an ongoing journey Meanwhile, VST ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go stressed that in the ever-evolving world of technology, organizations are charting a course - through a landscape that has seen profound advancement in recent years. “It's important to understand that digital transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Every day, we bear witness to the unveiling of new digital technologies. In this dynamic environment, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are blurring, creating a phenomenon known as phygital convergence," he said. He said organizations nowadays stand at the threshold of a remarkable technological revolution. “Generative AI is the talk of the town with Chat GPT and other AI, offering organizations the power to intelligently automate customer experiences and streamline internal operations. The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Microsoft is launching CoPilot and most software applications are incorporating AI in their applications. Gartner predicts that by 2030, a staggering 80 percent of people will interact with smart robots daily, and in just two years, these smart robots will become workforce partners for 90 percent of global companies,” he said. Further, Go stressed that AI and machine learning, once a novel concept, have become integral to the products and services offered by major companies. “A mere decade ago, we were learning to communicate with machines. Today, machines understand and adapt to our language, erasing the boundaries between humans and technology. While AI is currently the headline in the tech world, we must not lose sight of the critical need to modernize our IT infrastructure,” he stated. For organizations to embrace technology, he said it’s a pivotal step in allowing organizations to embrace the latest technology trends, including Multi Clouds, Quantum computing, Data explosion, RPA, Generative AI, and more. “Investments in Connectivity solutions, Digital Infrastructure, Cloud technologies, Cybersecurity, Big data, Storage, Automation, and Collaboration tools remain vital to prepare for the ever-evolving Tech landscape. In the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, Technology plays a very important and critical role in their war strategies. Computers, AI, Starlink, and drones are heavily used in their strategies,” he said. The post Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BOC, PCG, PNP bust P2.2-B shabu from Mexico shipment
Combined elements of the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, among other enforcement units, uncovered a shipment from Mexico containing 323 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) at the Manila International Container Port terminal in Manila on 4 October, Wednesday. A belated report from the BOC said the contraband's estimated street value was P2.2 billion, concealed in a jerky beef shipment from Mexico. The shipment arrived at the MICP on 24 February 2023 from Logistica Integral Aduanal Meyma and Aime Express Logistics SA DE CV, Mexico, and was consigned to a certain Salesbeat Within OPC. Incidentally, the BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service received “derogatory information that the subject shipment contain illegal drugs”, and accordingly monitored closely the declaration, processing, and/or movement of the same. However, despite considerable lapse of time, no goods declaration was filed for the subject shipment. On 29 September 2023, CIIS-MICP requested the District Collector of MICP to issue a Pre-Lodgment Control Order against the subject shipment described in the covering Bill of Lading to contain laminated beef jerky. Pursuant to PLCO issued by District Collector Romeo Rosales dated 29 September 2023, in the presence of operatives from the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, BOC-X-Ray Inspection Project, Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group, BOC-Enforcement and Security Service, PCG), Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc., and CIIS-MICP, the shipments were subjected to X-ray scanning last 2 October 2023 and 100 percent physical examination, which yielded more or less 323 kilograms of shabu concealed inside the laminated beef jerky. Thereafter, the identified shabu was temporarily loaded back inside the subject container, padlocked, and sealed with the signatures of the assigned Customs examiner and afore-identified witnesses. Deputy Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said that this latest operation is not only a coordinated response to the President’s call but also a fulfillment of the agency’s mandate to protect the country’s borders and ensure the security of all ports of entry. On the other hand, District Collector Romeo Rosales stressed that: “Our officers continue their dedication to our border security mission, which led to this latest shabu interception. Their drive, vigilance, and alertness on a daily basis made this operation possible. We remain committed to keeping our communities safe from these narcotics while facilitating lawful goods entries.” The post BOC, PCG, PNP bust P2.2-B shabu from Mexico shipment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P23.6-B narcotics seized in PBBM term
Authorities have seized P23.62 billion worth of narcotics across the country since the start of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said on Monday. The latest PDEA data also showed 61,269 were arrested, including 4,174 high-value targets, during 44,338 anti-illegal drugs operations from 1 July 2022 to September 30 this year. It said a total of P23.62 billion worth of illegal drugs which includes over 3,000 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu, 25.78 kilograms of cocaine, 43,940 pieces of ecstasy, and 2,739.93 kilograms of marijuana were apprehended. Authorities likewise dismantled 683 drug dens and one clandestine shabu laboratory during the same period. At least 27,748 out of 42,046 barangays (villages) have been declared drug-cleared as of September 30 while 7,785 are still drug-affected. The barangays with drug-cleared status were issued certifications by members of the oversight committee on the barangay drug-clearing program. In a related development, Quezon City Police District Director Brg. Gen. Redrico Maranan on Monday said that 817 drug suspects and confiscated P41,124,151.60 worth of illegal drugs in a series of buy-bust operations conducted for the third quarter of this year in the city Maranan also said that a total of 458 anti-drug operations were conducted by the different police stations and units of QCPD which resulted in the confiscation of 5,699.72 grams of shabu, 18,442.13 grams of marijuana, and 158 grams of Kush or high-grade marijuana. On top of these were the operations conducted by the Novaliches Police Station 4 under Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo that led to the arrest of 74 drug personalities and the confiscation of P9,363,399.60 worth of illegal drugs followed by the District Drug Enforcement Unit under officer-in-charge Maj. Wennie Ann Cale who apprehended 29 drug peddlers and confiscated PHP8,851,200.00 worth of shabu and marijuana. Likewise, the Kamuning PS 10 under Lt. Col. Robert Amoranto confiscated P4,017,304.00 and arrested 78 drug suspects while the Talipapa PS 3 under Lt. Col. Morgan Aguilar nabbed 53 drug suspects and seized P3,962,680 worth of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, 55 drug peddlers were also arrested and P3,628,304 worth of illegal drugs and confiscated by the operatives of the Batasan PS 6 under Lt. Col. Paterno Domondon Jr. The post P23.6-B narcotics seized in PBBM term appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign interest
The Philippines is earning plaudits for the Marcos administration’s tough balancing act of asserting its territorial claim on the West Philippine Sea while preventing the tense situation with China from escalating. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made it his policy to improve relations with the United States that were strained under the last administration, while continuing to engage with China but recognizing the need to respect each country’s position. Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute cited recent moves by the country that showed it will not back down from China’s assertiveness, but neither will it take actions to provoke its anger. “While Beijing attempts to tighten its grip on the region with a new ten-dash line, a multi-billion dollar military modernization drive is underway in the Philippines,” a Lowy report said. It said many analysts believe that Manila’s pronouncements about confrontation are “gestures” rather than real attempts to challenge China. An open conflict would have tremendous geopolitical and economic costs for the Philippines. “Beijing remains Manila’s top trade partner and import supplier,” Lowy said. It cited instances in which the Philippines stepped back from adding fuel to the fire. “The Philippines’ decision to skip last month’s joint military exercise with the United States, Australia and Japan in the South China Sea is seen as a way of avoiding conflict with China,” it noted. It said that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro had refused to cooperate with Taiwan on security issues, which has been viewed as the country’s continued adherence to the One-China policy. “Despite his harsh remarks on Beijing, some Chinese international relations experts are optimistic about the appointment of Teodoro Locsin as Manila’s Special Envoy to China as he has not only favored cooperation with Beijing but has been critical of the West,” it added. Lowy said Locsin’s appointment is read as Manila’s attempt to stabilize ties with Beijing, adding that “others are disappointed with the choice.” This recognition from independent observers indicates the Marcos administration is skillfully threading a thin line to show it is insisting on its sovereign stake while pushing back against Beijing. Manila’s resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre landing craft, for instance, which is considered the eye of the storm in the current friction, has been a pure play by Philippine forces. Manila’s supply and coast guard ships are constantly in a game of tag with huge Chinese Coast Guard vessels which try to frustrate the provision of supplies to the platoon of Marines guarding the outpost. Last month, China’s coast guard water-cannoned a Navy supply boat. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified this as “safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with law” and criticized Manila for “ignoring China’s goodwill and sincerity.” China then demanded the Philippines remove the beached Sierra Madre. Lowy reported that “Manila has further aggravated Beijing by describing the danger of conflict in the Taiwan Strait as a ‘major security concern,’ in its newly published National Security Policy.” It quoted various state mouthpieces in China as having criticized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s condemnation of the ten-dash line and his claim that Manila “wouldn’t resist a fight” for its maritime rights. China has always referred to the Duterte period as when an ideal engagement had existed with the Philippines. Duterte initially exerted efforts to win the trust of the Chinese but had always indicated to President Xi Jinping that he would have to raise at some point the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that favored the Philippines. China continues to follow its playbook that the Philippines is being manipulated by the US to take bold actions in the West Philippine Sea conflict. Beijing glosses over the fact that when the late President Noynoy Aquino bungled the handling of the 2012 faceoff with China, it was the US that abandoned the Philippines as it did nothing to stop the reclamation of features in the disputed area. Similarly, China has advocated dialogue but, thus far, nothing has come of it, even after the Philippines gave way to its wishes over the past six and more years. The post Sovereign interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»