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50,000 cops nationwide, including 2,100 from Central Visayas, promoted to higher positions
50,000 cops nationwide, including 2,100 from Central Visayas, promoted to higher positions.....»»
Cops on heightened alert, NLEX ready for Lenten break
Police units across the country are on heightened alert starting tomorrow, as part of security preparations for the safety of the public during the Holy Week break......»»
Hunter Trooper awarded for bravery in Iloilo clash
Hunter Trooper awarded for bravery in Iloilo clash.....»»
Is our patriotism and heroism enough?
Our history has countless narratives of heroism by Filipinos who were able to overcome enemies with more superior capabilities. One of these was the bravery and superior skills displayed by Col. Jesus Villamor and his 6th Pursuit Squadron in defeating the Japanese in an air battle during World War II......»»
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......»»
Exposing the NTF-ELCAC and military
What we witnessed is the bravery of two environmental defenders in the face of outright repression. The post Exposing the NTF-ELCAC and military appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Unite for peace
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War. [caption id="attachment_178304" align="aligncenter" width="1101"] Dr. Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) | illustration by Glen Tolo for the Daily Tribune[/caption] The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that, in a globalized world, crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is, therefore, imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China. Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it becomes increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight. The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain. Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy. In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue and, most of all, unity. The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts. However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member-state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed. While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs. Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly. It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake. We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan. The post Unite for peace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unite for Peace in the World and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War. The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that in a globalized world crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is therefore imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China. Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it has become increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight. The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain. Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy. In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue, and, most of all, unity. The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts. However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed. While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs. Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly. It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake. We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan. The post Unite for Peace in the World and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups
Considered to be the Philippines’ largest city in terms of land area, Davao City is a sprawling 2,444-square kilometer area that has a population of about 1.632,991 million people based on the 2015 census. Dabawenyos (meaning the residents of Davao City and not the ethnic group of the same name) which is how local residents of the city are called, are mostly Visayans. The rest of the population are lumads or indigenous people belonging to different ethnic groups, while massive immigration is a continuing trend since the start of the 20th century. Davao City boasts of unity in diversity among the city’s population including the 11 ethnic groups with respect for one’s culture and traditions. Dabawenyos, migrants, lumads, not to mention ethnic Americans, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Japanese, Indonesians and Malaysians co-exist in a city that is said to be one of the world’s safest cities. Let’s get to know these 11 ethnic communities, whose colorful and rich culture contributes to a vibrant and interesting metropolis, that is Davao City. [caption id="attachment_173319" align="aligncenter" width="948"] MERANAW - The Meranaw are said to have the best traditional clothes out of all Filipino ethnic groups. The name means “People of the Lake” and they are known to be brave. Historically, the Meranaw are believed to have offered sacrifices in defense of their homelands and to pay homage to Islam, their religion. Among those the ethnic group takes pride in is their rich literature which includes the chanted epic Darangen as well as their sophisticated wood and metal crafts expressed in their Torogan — a special house built for a Meranaw maiden — Okir, a design motif.| Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173320" align="aligncenter" width="1044"] Ata MANOBO — The Ata Manobo or “dwellers in highlands” are powerful people who appear to be a mixture of Negritos and other ethnicities in the area. As occupants of the headwaters of Davao, Tuganay and Libuganon rivers, the Ata Manobo depend primarily on hunting as their livelihood. They are thought to be sensitive and vindictive but can be easily pacified if handled with utmost diplomacy. | Photograph Courtesy Of Gerald Macfred Dillera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173321" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Kagan— The group’s name was derived from the word kaog which means “whisper.” The Kagan people are known as agriculturists—cultivating rice, corn, abaca and coconut for cash crops. Those who are living near the coasts practice fishing. They are Tagakaolo who have converted to Islam either through intermarriage or contact with the Maguindanaos. | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/davao Group 6 B[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173322" align="aligncenter" width="1149"] Klata-guiangan — Klatas occupy a very small territory stretching from Catalunan to Calinan within Davao City. Their traditional population centers included Blao, Tagakpan, Dulian, Sirib, Gunalong and Tamugan. They are called the “forest dwellers.” | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/kadayawan Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173323" align="aligncenter" width="885"] Iranun — They are regarded as the fiercest pirates in Southeast Asia, adopting a typical maritime lifestyle of sea invaders. They attacked merchant shipping and coastal settlements in the Philippines, the straits of Malacca and the islands beyond Sulawesi. These days, they work as fishermen and long-distance traders. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173324" align="aligncenter" width="967"] Sama — The Sama people are described as peace-loving and cohesive people, thus putting so much value on togetherness. Their forebears are said to possess special powers having the supernatural ability to invite spirits called Jin to do things for them. Majority of the Sama people are mostly living in the Bunawan and other coastal areas in Davao City. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173325" align="aligncenter" width="1034"] Maguindanao — Their name means “people of the flood plain” and their traditional home range includes Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. Outside these provinces, they are scattered around the three districts of Davao City and other nearby provinces like Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Living mostly along the mouths of rivers, they impeded the Spanish colonizers’ efforts in bringing the other indigenous groups of Davao into the Christian fold. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173326" align="aligncenter" width="973"] OBO Monobo — The Obo Monobo are known for their intricate casting, fine weaponry and jewelry. For them, these things possess souls, as souls also possess animate objects. Obo oral tradition tells of Apo Sandawa’s journey from the north to Davao. Apo Sandawa’s point of entry in Davao was at Ulas. From Ulas, Apo Sandawa and family moved north towards the Talomo mountains, even reaching Mt. Sinaka. Apo Sandawa’s journey ended in Mt. Apo where he was buried. Apo Sandawa is considered the ancestor of the Obo. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173327" align="aligncenter" width="919"] Tausug — The Tausugs traditionally reside in the archipelago of Sulu. Their name means “people of the current,” and they are known for their courage and bravery. Loyalty is an important trait among the Tausugs. They practice the ritual of blood compact to signify the depth of their loyalty to one another. They are fierce and dangerous but the moment one befriends one of them, the bond will be enduring. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173328" align="aligncenter" width="903"] Matigsalog — A subgroup of the Manobo, the Matigsalog or “river people” are considered to be the most aboriginal inhabitants of Mindanao chiefly occupying the Agusan River valley in Compostella, from Malalag to Sarangani and between Cuabo and Cape San Agustin. In Davao City, they live mostly in the hinterlands of Marilog, Marahan or Paquibato. Their houses are built near the rivers, often on the forks of trees. Of Malay descent, the Matigsalog are of slight built but athletic. Their name is made up of two words Matig (place of origin) and Salug (river). They are regarded as one of Davao’s colorful ethnic groups. | Photograph Courtesy Of Wikicommons/nick Nichols Cc By 2.0[/caption] The post The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tzu Chi gifts PDLs with restored vision
Forty aging persons deprived of liberty will see the world again in all its glory when they step out of prison as reformed members of society. This as an eye mission facilitated by the Tzu Chi Eye Center, the Bureau of Corrections and Daily Tribune yesterday in Sta. Mesa, Manila began helping PDLs with age-related vision issues, ranging from cataracts to glaucoma. Some of the detainees will get corrective glasses and eyedrops, while others will undergo surgery, said Tzu Chi medical director Dr. Bernardita Navarro. The non-government organization’s services are rendered at no cost to the beneficiaries. “We thank Tzu Chi Foundation a great deal for extending to our PDLs high-quality medical eye care we simply can’t afford,” said Bucor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. Since 2007, the Tzu Chi Eye Center has been conducting thousands of eye surgical missions that have benefited some 115,000 patients from underprivileged communities. Founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1966, the Tzu Chi Foundation has been at the forefront of community volunteerism, environmental protection, the promotion of human values, and the undertaking of charity, medical and educational missions. Catapang told the PDLs their cases will be reviewed and those who could be freed would be allowed to rejoin mainstream society. “Maybe this will help them to be good while inside, knowing that on this date they will be released to their families,” Catapang said. During the PDLs visit to the mission, Navarro joked that the BuCor chief’s family name may be “Catapang,” which means bravery, but his middle name should be “Mamon” for his having a heart that is soft like the popular Filipino bread. With ALVIN MURCIA @tribunephl_alvi The post Tzu Chi gifts PDLs with restored vision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
It’s Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
The longest and most colorful festival in the Philippines is indubitably Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival. It formally kicks off on 10 August with revelry of ethnic gongs and music festivities and ends on 20 August with dazzling and radiant floats festooned in an array of fruits and flowers. August is the most abundant period of harvests and, as a tradition, the indigenous tribes in the city celebrate the season with festivities. And we celebrate with them. Davao City is home to 11 ethnic tribes. A large portion of elevated and forested lands in the city are their ancestral domain, while a few of them inhabit the coastal area. Despite the diversity of cultures, they live in peaceful coexistence along with other pioneers from various parts of the country. The tribes are well represented in the City Legislative Department and as Deputy Mayors. Let us refer to the City Tourism Office for the description of the various tribes that live in Davao City. Ata. They are shy and kind but are quick to anger. They are often referred to as people of the mountain as they prefer to live in upland areas. Bagobo Klata. They are forest dwellers and brave and feared warriors. They are known for their elaborate attire and fine artistry. Bagobo Tagabawa. They are the best dressed and said to be the most intelligent among the indigenous peoples. They dwell in the foothills of Mt. Apo which they call Apo Sandawa and is their place of worship and considered sacred. Matigsalug. The riverside dwellers. They are engaged in farming and are famous for the native rice variety. They fish and hunt and gather wild fruits for a living. Obu Manuvu. The oldest tribe in Davao City. They are known for their fine weaponry and jewelry. Planting cacao and vegetables is their source of livelihood. Iranun. Davao City has its share of the Iranun tribe who were originally from Illana Bay, better known today as the Moro Gulf, but they have spread to nearly all of Mindanao. They are descendants of Sultan Kudarat. They are known as the defenders of the nation as they fought against the Spanish colonizers. Kagan. This tribe inhabits the coastal areas of Davao. They are referred to as Davao Moros. They are a peace-loving people and are known to co-exist with other tribes. Maguindanaon. Known to be the first major Muslim converts in Mindanao. Courageous and resourceful, they are known for their bravery against the Spanish conquistadores. They live in many parts of Davao City. Maranao. The best dressed among the ethnic groups. They are famous for their wood and metal craft. They are referred to as “people of the lake.” Sama. A peace-loving tribe that values togetherness. Their forebears were said to have special powers as they could summon spirits called “jin” to do things for them. Taosug. They are from Sulu and are known for their bravery, yet are kind, hospitable, and helpful, and have a word of honor. They engage in trading and fishing, as among their means of livelihood. Davao is home to the world’s most elegant eagle and the habitat of the king of orchids we call Waling Waling, or Vanda Sanderana to orchidists. On its fertile lands are a variety of crops, among these, durian, bananas, and pineapples which are the principal exports of the city. Mangosteen, pomelos, lanzones, dragon fruit and rambutan abound this season. Numbeo ranks Davao as the most livable city in the Philippines. And this is made possible by the man who led the city against criminal and drug syndicates and ISIS and communist terrorists. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is the one. The first President from Mindanao whose trust and approval ratings, and path of destiny the incumbent Vice President Inday Sara Duterte is bound to be heir to. The 38th Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of life, abundance, and thanksgiving. Come join us. The post It’s Kadayawan Festival in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Korea fetes Phl soldiers’ bravery
National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Speaker Kim Jin-Pyo recently paid tribute to the bravery of the thousands of Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War. In a courtesy call on Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Kim acknowledged the important role of Filipinos in the history of Korea. “During the darkest hours during the Korean War, the Philippines sent over 7,400 young and brave soldiers to fight for our freedom and democracy. We deeply appreciate and remain truly grateful to the Philippines’ support,” Kim said. To recall, during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the Philippines deployed five Battalion Combat Teams or the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea under the UN Command. The Philippines sent 7,420 Filipino soldiers, representing the fourth-largest foreign troop contribution. “With that foundation, I think we were able to build really strong relations over the past seven decades, and I think our relationship is ready to be elevated to a strategic partnership,” Kim said. The Republic of Korea, according to Kim, is always ready to help the Philippines in advancing its manufacturing and mining sectors by developing the country’s energy distribution systems. The post Korea fetes Phl soldiers’ bravery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa hopes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will put more focus on the drug problem during the remainder of his term. “Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of,” Dela Rosa said shortly before Marcos delivered his second State of the Nation Address. “It is different if the Chief Executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem,” he stressed. In his SoNA, Marcos said the battle against illegal drugs will continue after the government launched the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA program and will put up 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. “The campaign against illegal drugs continues — but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry,” the President said. Marcos said the government will be relentless in the fight against drug syndicates by “shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations.” “Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations,” he said. The President vowed to install individuals of unquestionable integrity who will be effective and trustworthy in the task of eliminating the drug problem, which he described as a “dreaded and corrosive social curse.” “We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” he added. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa believes Marcos will continue to support the push to revive the Reserve Officers Training Corps. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SoNA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” Dela Rosa said. Wowing ‘em all Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte wore a traditional Maguindanaon dress for the annual event. Her SoNA outfit was a Bangala paired with trousers and a flowing inaul or malong. It featured gold accessories that symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources. The inaul is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao. During the first SoNA, Duterte wore a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress. She thanked Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur and Jearson Demavivas for their creative input that inspired her to wear a Maguindanaon traditional dress. Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay designed the dress. Ungkakay has been promoting the culture and tradition of the Moro people of Mindanao through his designs for 16 years after finishing college at the University of Southern Mindanao. He was recently recognized for his contributions to the promotion of Mindanao by the local government of Cotabato City. Travel sector highlighted Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco rated exceptional the President’s address as he highlighted the crucial role that tourism plays as a reliable pillar of economic growth, providing livelihood to more than 5 million Filipinos. “The President’s ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to development we take as an affirmation of his administration’s thrust towards strengthened tourism governance between and among all stakeholders of the tourism industry,” she said. “As an industry that banks and thrives on the scale of infrastructure development, we are elated to know the President’s continuing commitment to connect all prospective sites of economic development,” she added. Marcos said the stress on tourism will spur the sector’s development countrywide, and consequently, create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. The post Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PRO-5 fetes hero cop
LEGAZPI CITY — The Bicol Police Regional Office has duly recognized the heroism of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a shooting incident in Barangay San Felipe in Naga City. PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque stressed that the police officer — identified as Patrolman Ronnie Revereza Jr. — is a dedicated personnel and his “bravery in the line of duty will always be remembered and honored. He made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the public, and his commitment to ensuring the safety of the people will not be forgotten.” “He will forever be remembered as one of the modern heroes of the Philippine National Police, who selflessly offered his life for the greater good. His legacy will live on, and his comrades in the police force will continue to carry out their duties in his honor,” Obinque said. The post PRO-5 fetes hero cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tribune, Marcos share good gov’t journey (6)
Allegations that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has evaded transparency do not have a leg to stand on based on his stand on issues, as reported by Daily Tribune. During his stint as a senator, Marcos demanded from the Armed Forces of the Philippines the disclosure of the details of an encounter in Basilan in 2016, amid reports that the military had imposed a news blackout. A clash in Basilan between soldiers and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group left at least 18 soldiers dead and some 80 others wounded. The incident happened a year after the Mamasapano debacle, in which 44 Special Action Force troopers were massacred. The AFP, Marcos said, had to make public who led the operation and the exact purpose of the mission in an area controlled by the armed group. “Who was in charge of the operation? What was the exact objective of the operation? We need answers because this is something that strikes a chord with every Filipino because of the Mamasapano incident a year ago,” he had said. “Here we go again. We are again in the dark about what happened,” Marcos said, referring to the confusion that followed the tragic Oplan Exodus that neutralized Malaysian terrorist Marwan. Marcos expressed concern over the silence of the AFP, and noted a similarity to the ill-fated Mamasapano operation. It took a series of Senate investigations before the public got details of the operation and the officials involved. Then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff Hernando Iriberri were found to have flown to Zamboanga City and Basilan province to meet with ground commanders regarding the disclosure of details of the encounter. A 10-hour firefight erupted a day after Italian hostage, former missionary Rolando del Torchio, was released by the ASG. Transparency as a practice Marcos said the entire nation and the families of the slain soldiers deserved full transparency on the military operation against the international terrorist group. “We need a full picture of the encounter. We should not hide these details. The Filipino people and most especially the families of the soldiers killed and wounded deserve to know the whole truth,” he said. Reports said government forces were deployed to hunt down ASG commander Isnilon Hapilon who was involved in several terrorist attacks. About 100 ASG bandits were involved in the clash with the government troops. Four soldiers were decapitated. The ASG had launched a kidnapping spree then, snatching 10 Indonesian fishermen, followed quickly by four more hostages. The four were Dutch Ewold Hurn, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad. Marcos and the other senators honored the slain soldiers, citing their bravery. (To be continued) The post Tribune, Marcos share good gov’t journey (6) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP issues first-ever colored coin set
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said that establishing a formal currency by any country is part of the definition of being a sovereign nation. The Chief Executive said this in his speech as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas led the launch of the commemorative coin set for the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace. "We have to see it not just a very very nice souvenir, but really a commemoration of the creation of the Republic of the Philippines," Marcos said. The President mentioned that the creation of the coin set was made possible through modern technology and current best techniques being practiced in the country. The commemorative coins are a "labor of love" and that it "(shows) how far we have gone" as a nation in 125 years, he said. The country's first-ever colored coins feature the country's key historical scenes. The BSP issued the coin set with 100-Piso, 20-Piso and 5-Piso denominations in commemoration of the 1898 declaration of Philippine independence (100-Piso), the birth of the country’s first republic at the Barasoain Church (20-Piso), and the bravery of the Filipinos who fought for the country’s sovereignty in the Philippine-American War (5-Piso). The central bank used the latest digital printing technology in developing the APIN coin set, which features the first colored, non-circulation, commemorative coins produced by the BSP. "I have never seen coins like these before," Marcos said. "We have used all the best technology, and you can see different things depending on the angle you view them. I congratulate everyone who has been involved in this quite remarkable project," he added. BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, for his part, pointed out that that the central bank issued the colored non-circulation commemorative coins as part of the central bank's effort to preserve the cultural heritage and promote pride in our shared history. "We are issuing for the first time the colored, non-circulation --- which means you cannot spend this, you collect it --- coins showcasing key historical scenes," Medalla said. The Central Bank chief also highlighted the symbolic significance of the coin designs. Medalla said the coins symbolize peace (blue), courage (red) and freedom or sovereignty (yellow). The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is at the forefront of the 125th APIN celebration from 2023 to 2026, with the theme "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan," Under Administrative Order No. 8, Marcos directed the creation of a committee that would “facilitate the planning and execution of programs and projects” for the commemoration of the 125th Philippine independence anniversary. The post BSP issues first-ever colored coin set appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Navy @ 125: Activates 2 FAIC-M platforms
The Philippine Navy on Friday commissioned into service its two brand new Israeli-made fast attack interdiction craft missile (FAIC-M) platforms as it celebrates its 125th anniversary at the Commodore Divino Pier in Manila. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the formal activation of the country’s new capable boats—the third and fourth addition to the existing components of Acero-class Patrol Gunboats (PG) of the Fleet's Littoral Combat Force. Marcos sees the commissioning of the vessels as a significant naval aspect of the country’s military operations. “This endeavor will pave the way for the holistic transformation of our AFP into a stronger, modern, and formidable organization. By then, the AFP will be more effective in its military aims and more responsive to our national goals,” Marcos said. Earlier this month, the Philippine Navy christened these two ships—the BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), named after the Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal for Valor awardees for bravery and sacrifice beyond the call of duty, late Cpl. Gener Tinangag and late Sgt. Domingo Deluana. PN spokesperson, Capt. Benjo Negranza said the vessels will be deployed to the vital choke points, major sea lines of communication, and littoral domains of the country. “These 32-meter long gunboats will provide added muscles to the Navy's capability to secure the seas with their quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles,” Negranza added. Meanwhile, Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., said the two newly-commissioned vessels “symbolize the promising future of our maritime defense and efforts toward enhanced capabilities, increased resilience, and stronger presence in the maritime domain.” The newly commissioned vessels are part of the Philippine Navy’s FAIC-M acquisition projects, along with the procurement of nine Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats worth P10-billion. This project is under the Horizon 3 of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The post Phl Navy @ 125: Activates 2 FAIC-M platforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VP Sara: We defeated the ‘devil’
DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday admitted that she avoided mentioning the New People’s Army which she regards as the “devil’s name”, but has only realized the need to speak about it to defeat them. “We needed to speak of the devil if only to defeat the devil. And we did,” she said in her speech during the Davao City’s first anniversary as an insurgency-free city. “But speak of the devil not with fear but with the resolve, the bravery, the tenacity of real patriots determined to defend our fellow Filipinos, particularly our children, and our homeland.” The Vice President clarified that she avoided mentioning the “devil’s name” in order not to dignify its presence or acknowledge the monstrosity of its terrorist acts over the past 53 years. “I thought that mentioning ‘New People’s Army’ added more air into their swollen state of madness and encouraged them to unleash more destruction and death and string another cycle of violence for the people to suffer from,” Duterte said. She recounted the terrorism perpetrated by the NPA which includes the death of a four-month-old girl in Talakag, Bukidnon, following an NPA ambush in November 2016 and the death of a vendor who died five days after falling into a coma after he was hit by a landmine that the NPA detonated in Mandug here in May 2017. “The threat of a terror group like the NPA to the lives of Filipinos, the future of our children, and our most cherished democratic ideals are real. Let us look back at Paquibato when it was still under the shadows of the NPA,” Duterte said. She added that during that time, most children were not getting enough nutrition and many were out of school — a vulnerability exploited by the NPA for recruitment. “There was a scarcity of government services and basic infrastructure because Paquibato was an NPA territory and this made the people more miserable,” Duterte said. The post VP Sara: We defeated the ‘devil’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia bombs Eurovision duet’s town in Ukraine
Ukrainian contestants in Eurovision, the world’s biggest live music competition which held its finale in Liverpool on Saturday, got a nasty response from Russia when they sang a song about the bravery of their soldiers. The Tvorchi duo, Andriy Hutsuliak, 27, and Jimoh Augustus Kehinde, 25, reported the bombing of their hometown Ternopil after they sang “Heart of Steel” in tribute to the brave resistance of Ukrainian troops in the Azovstal steel factory against a Russian siege last year. “Our hometown...was bombed by Russia while we sang on the Eurovision stage about our steel hearts, indomitability and will,” Tvorchi posted on Instagram. The head of Ternopil’s regional military administration Volodymyr Trush said early Sunday morning that two people were injured in the strike, which sparked fires at warehouses owned by commercial and religious groups. “Two civilians were injured. Preliminary, shrapnel wounds and burns. The victims are in hospitals,” Trush posted on Telegram. Firefighters were still battling the blaze at the time of his post and he said that “specialists will be at the scene all night.” On Saturday, Sweden won the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, succeeding Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, which was victorious last year with a “Stefania,” a song mixing hip-hop and local folk music. Loreen, the contest’s 2012 winner, beat out 25 competitors in the finale with her dance-pop track “Tattoo” to become only the second contestant to do so after Johnny Logan for Ireland in the 1980s. Because of the Russian invasion, Ukraine was unable to organize the 67th edition of the contest and the Beatles’ hometown Liverpool hosted instead. Sweden will host next year’s Eurovision. The post Russia bombs Eurovision duet’s town in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sanchez decorates Pelosi before meeting with Biden
WASHINGTON (EFE): The head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, has praised former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi for her bravery.....»»