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Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear
Thousands of anxious small-town Maine residents began a second day under lockdown Friday as police waging a sprawling manhunt struggled to find a US Army reservist accused of killing 18 people in America’s deadliest mass shooting this year. Dozens of law enforcement agents surrounded the family home of the suspect, Robert Card, 40, but by mid-evening agents left the property in Bowdoin, near Lewiston, Maine, to hunt for him elsewhere. A wide area around Lewiston remained locked down Friday, more than 24 hours after Card allegedly went on a rampage in which 13 people were also wounded. People in Lewiston were on edge, buzzing with talk of Card and the massacre. "Uneasy," said resident Jeremy Hiltz, when asked how he felt. "It's a small community . When something like this happens, everybody knows somebody" affected." Authorities erected roadblocks, ordered schools and businesses closed, and told residents to stay indoors. Governor Janet Mills said the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Card was seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic rifle as he walked into the Just-in-Time bowling alley on Wednesday. In early evening, law enforcement agents surrounded the Card family home in Bowdoin, bringing in armored vehicles, and sending up drones and a helicopter. State police warned "please come outside" and "we don't want anyone to get hurt" over a loudspeaker near the home, but later said the warnings were routine and not confirmation that Card was inside. One longtime neighbor, Dave Letarte, said news of the shooting "floored me." "I would have never expected that from him," he told AFP of Card. Joseph Walker, a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, was among those killed Wednesday night, his father, Leroy Walker, told NBC News. Walker said his family was "suffering and dying in a nightmare we don't understand." "We were up all night. We didn't know where to go, who to turn to," he said. Terror at bowling alley One survivor told television reporters that he was 15 feet (5 meters) from the gunman when he opened fire at the bowling alley. He thought at first it was a balloon popping. "And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I just booked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up into the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there," he said. Card is a member of the US Army Reserve, but had not been deployed in any combat zone. US media reported that he had recently been sent for psychiatric treatment after he said he was hearing voices. Hundreds of police in military style camouflage gear, as well as FBI agents, flooded the search zone in what Lewiston police chief David St. Pierre called "an all-hands-on-deck approach." Republicans oppose new laws This latest shooting is one of the deadliest in the United States since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people. Mass shootings are common in the United States, a country with more privately owned guns than people, and strong political opposition to even minor restrictions on access. The country has recorded at least 565 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. President Joe Biden called Maine's governor to offer federal support, and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all government buildings. Biden added that the gun violence that plagues the United States "is not normal, and we cannot accept it," urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. A Maine Democrat who holds a seat in the US House of Representatives, Jared Golden, flipped on this ban, saying that after the shooting in his state his previous opposition to such a restriction, which is supported by most in his party, was a mistake. "I have opposed efforts to ban deadly weapons of war, like the assault rifle used to carry out this crime," Golden said Thursday. "The time has now come for me to take responsibility for this failure," he added. But in a reminder that Congress will not be considering stronger gun ownership laws anytime soon, the newly installed Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, told Fox News that the reason for so many mass shootings in the United States "is the human heart, not guns." The post Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard
Russian author Sergei Lebedev's novel "Untraceable", about an undetectable toxin used to target Kremlin critics, was released a few years ago but has taken on added resonance as alleged poisonings have multiplied. Now the dissident writer is warning that the Russian exile community in Europe faces an ever greater threat amid heightened tensions over the Ukraine war. "This emigre community in Europe is now one of the most important targets for the Russian security (services)," the 42-year-old, now based in Germany, told AFP in an interview at the Frankfurt Book Fair this week. "There will be attempts to infiltrate, to get informants... Of course, there will be some assassination attempts." In Germany -- which Lebedev describes as a "hub" for overseas Russians -- there have been a growing number of suspected cases of Kremlin critics being targeted. In May, German police said they were investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after an activist, Natalia Arno, reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents. Meanwhile, Berlin-based Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko wrote in a Guardian article last month about how she fell ill last year after visiting Munich, and poisoning was suspected. Inside Russia, the most high-profile case in recent years of a Kremlin critic allegedly being poisoned was that of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed allegations that it has targeted critics in this way. But Western governments say evidence points to the contrary and for Lebedev, Russians in Europe are not taking the threat seriously enough. 'Very eerie' "They are not very much concerned with security," he said. "They do not understand the principles of how the security services work." "Untraceable", which tells the story of an ageing scientist who creates a highly toxic, undetectable poison, was inspired by the 2018 poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. And it was around the time that the book was published in Russia that opposition politician Navalny was allegedly poisoned -- a development that Lebedev said he found "very eerie". While he has been vocal about his opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he does not believe he faces a threat himself. He has not found himself in the crosshairs of the authorities and feels he does not run the same level of risk as others, such as critical journalists, particularly those still trying to report from inside Russia. Still, Lebedev -- who moved to Germany five years ago with his wife -- said he has been taking extra precautions, particularly when it comes to exchanging sensitive information. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lebedev worked as a geologist and later as a journalist. He was motivated to write a novel after discovering his grandmother's second husband had been the commander of a Soviet labor camp. He was shaken by the revelation and faced the question of how to "deal with this personally -- with the fact that in your family (there) was a murderer". "I realized that the way out was to write a novel." 'Shocked' at Ukraine war The result was the book "Oblivion", about the legacy of the Soviet prison camp system, which was released about a decade ago and launched his literary career. He has since written several books and his latest is a collection of short stories, "A Present Past: Titan and Other Chronicles". It reflects what he believes is Russia's tortured relationship with the Soviet era -- and society's failure to come to terms with the past -- as well as aspects of its problematic present. Lebedev, who lives in Potsdam outside Berlin, did not flee his homeland. He first moved to Germany for professional reasons. But he has not returned since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fearing it is not safe to do so. He said he was "shocked" when Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine. "I was the same idiot as many of us were, thinking that Putin is a... modern autocratic, modern dictator and not the blood-thirsty maniac that he is." He sees no swift end to the conflict. "The most difficult and problematic thing is that Russians are getting used to the fact that they are at war but still life is sustainable," he said. The post Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA: 6 Pinoys unaccounted, 2 injured, 1 allegedly taken hostage in Israel
At least six Filipinos are confirmed missing, two were injured, and one was allegedly taken hostage by the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist Hamas in Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. Citing a verified report from the Philippine Embassy in Israel, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the six Filipino nationals remain unaccounted for after being unable to contact them through their mobile numbers and social media accounts. “The Embassy is working non-stop with Israeli security authorities and community contacts to ascertain their condition. We continue to await feedback from them,” Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message. She reported that both of the two hurt Filipinos were being treated in medical facilities. During the rescue, one of them had minor injuries, and the other one received treatment for smoke inhalation. “Both have been visited by our Labor Attaché and Welfare Officer who provided assistance and essential supplies,” she said. She noted that the two injured Filipinos belong to the 18 others who have been rescued and transferred to safer areas. ‘Hostage’ According to Daza, the DFA is verifying if one of the hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza is a Filipino. She noted that this was after a Filipina woman in the country reached out to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to report that her husband was taken hostage by Hamas in one of the viral videos on social media. Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Israel had already relayed the report to the Israeli military authorities. “Post cannot independently verify his identity based on the video alone but considers the report of the wife as important. We are also working with community contacts on his case,” she said. ‘Repatriation’ Meanwhile, Daza said at least 25 Filipinos have expressed their intent to be repatriated from Gaza. “Numbers may change as some are still undecided, but as of date, 25 who have signified their intention, informed Post they want to leave Gaza,” she said. There are a total of 137 Filipinos in Gaza. The DFA previously said that there are almost 30,000 Filipinos who consider Israel their second home. Most of them work in the caregiving, hospitality, engineering, and healthcare industries. The post DFA: 6 Pinoys unaccounted, 2 injured, 1 allegedly taken hostage in Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma
A year after it premiered, Anak Datu is returning to the stage, opening the 37th season of Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. When it debuted, it immediately became a landmark production in several ways. It was one of the first plays to be mounted with a live audience after the lockdowns and restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. And it was the first play to be staged at the newly opened CCP Black Box Theater or Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Anak Datu is one of the few plays on the Tausug and Moro people and cultures of Mindanao, portrayed with marked sensitivity and apparent diligence. It was lauded by critics and audiences, with former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as one of the prominent people who trooped to CCP to watch the play on 1 October 2022. The play went on to win six awards at the 13th Gawad Buhay and five at the 35th Aliw Awards. [caption id="attachment_192618" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] the tausug pangalay dance is incorporated into the play.[/caption] Fine-tuned production Despite the accolades and being one of the most important theatrical events in 2022, the play was faulted by some for what was seen as its confusing storytelling, its shifts in timeline and milieus, and the cumbersome sets. The second staging afforded the creative team the opportunity to fine-tune these and other aspects of the production. According to director Chris Millado, former CCP vice president and artistic director, they were able to make the storytelling clearer and supply an elevated platform to make the designs of the light projections more visible. For Dennis N. Marasigan, current CCP vice president and artistic director, “[o]n its rerun, Tanghalang Pilipino's Anak Datu is tighter, its storytelling and technical aspects clearer and crisper, and its staging even more affecting, effectively overlaying story, myth and history.” The restaging marks another milestone in the journey of the play, which started in 2018 from talks that artist Toym Imao, son of the late National Artist for visual arts Abdulmari Asia Imao, had with Millado and veteran actor and TP artistic director Fernando “Nanding” Josef about making a stage adaptation of the elder Imao’s short story for children, written in 1968, the year Toym was born. The team recruited award-winning playwright Rody Vera to write the script. The plan became more concrete when Josef decided to make the project TP’s first original play after the pandemic lockdowns. By then, the play has evolved into something larger than the original story. Serving as Anak Datu’s set designer, Imao recalled the anxieties they felt during the first stages of production, especially the prospect of one of them getting sick and shutting down the show. “But we were able to tell an essential story that was important, especially for a nation that was coming out of the devastating election of May 2022 for a lot of people. It is something important for us na nakapagkuwento kami (we were able to tell a story),” he said. [caption id="attachment_192619" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ramli Abdurahim as the pirate Jikiran.[/caption] Three stories Anak Datu tells three stories — Toym’s childhood with his father (Paul Jake Paule) and mother, Grace de Leon (Toni Go-Yadao); his father’s short story; and the recent history of his father’s people, the Muslim Tausug in Sulu Archipelago and the Moro, the collective Muslim ethnic groups, of Mindanao. The Imao family portion shows Toymie (Carlos Dala) growing up with Voltes V and other preoccupations of middle-class children in Metro Manila. Then there is the story of the disputed 1968 Jabidah Massacre, told through Jibin Arula (Gie Onida), the lone survivor — how young Tausug men, mostly illiterate, were recruited by the military, transferred to Corregidor and then massacred upon the discovery of a suspicious plot. Also dramatized is the 1974 Palimbang Massacre, in which the military allegedly murdered more a thousand Moro men inside the Malisbong masjid in the province of Sultan Kudarat, while 3,000 women and children were detained and about 300 homes were burned down. These incidents were said to have sparked the conflicts and armed struggle in Mindanao that would scar the region for decades. Along with the contemporary scenes is the retelling of the short story Anak Datu, set in a pre-colonial time and rendered in mythical mode, combining both the familial and the tragic. The Tausug village of datu Karim (Hassanain Magarang) and his wife Putli Loling (Tex Ordoñez-De Leon and Lhorvie Nuevo) is attacked by pirates, led by Jikiran (Ramli Abdurahim), who kidnaps the pregnant Putli Loling. She gives birth to Karim, who grows up knowing Jikiran as his father but later learns the truth. [caption id="attachment_192620" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Artist Toym Imao taking a picture with the cast and creative team.[/caption] Graceful movements All throughout, the play shifts among these threads of stories, each one compelling and multi-layered. Counterbalancing the oral storytelling is the dramatization through graceful movements, choregraphed by Magarang using the pangalay or Tausug traditional dance, a shared art form with the Yakan (pamansak) and Sama (igal) peoples, thus rendering the stories more visual and adding allure and distinctive cultural flavor to the play. The dances are accompanied by a live kulintangan or gong ensemble. The stark interiors of the theater come alive and burst with colors courtesy of the lighting by Katsch Catoy and projection design of GA Fallarme, who uses Abdulmari Imao’s paintings and traditional Tausug and Meranaw motifs such as the okir as inspirations. Toym’s set pieces are highly movable to keep up with the constant shifts in storytelling, and the bigger ones are like art installations, contributing to the visual richness of the production. Harnessing memory, myth and history, Anak Datu is able to weave its stories into an enthralling whole, establishing interconnectedness and consolidating the story of a person, a family and a community into the very story of a nation, like three or more streams converging into a great river. Tanghalang Pilipino’s Anak Datu runs 29 September to 15 October at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). The post ‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’
Krizelle Dianne Respicio yesterday snapped back at two people who had worked for her at Alpha Assistenza SRL, the company now at the center of a visa procurement scandal involving Filipinos seeking jobs in Italy. In an unsigned post that has since been deleted on Alpha Assistenza’s official Facebook account, the agency issued a statement denying Respicio had implicated her aunt, Arlyn Pangan, in any scam. Consul general speaks Pangan, along with Socorro Velasquez who is now cooperating with Philippine authorities investigating Alpha Assistenza, was tagged by some of the complainants as a “runner” for Respicio. Alpha Assistenza said “Ms. Pangan has denied making these statements written” by this reporter. Pangan, however, yesterday stood by her story that was based on her face-to-face interview with DAILY TRIBUNE and Usapang OFW last Friday. The consul general to Milan, Elmer Cato, had issued a statement in a report by TV Patrol on Sunday. “We have strong evidence to prosecute this case, through lawyers here (Italy) and in the Philippines,” Cato said, apparently referring to Respicio and her partner and co-CEO Frederick Dutaro. Cato has denied coddling Respicio and Dutaro and, in an earlier statement by the consulate, averred that they had been undertaking a “case build-up” against the couple’s company. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega also met with the Filipino community in Milan to look into the cases of illegal recruitment there. To recall, Pangan said that she had agreed to help Respicio because she was family, adding that the Alpha Assistenza co-CEO also offered to help her facilitate her trip to Italy so she could get cancer treatment there. The second employee Alpha Assistenza also hit out at Jeffrey Villalon, the creator of its website who also approached DAILY TRIBUNE to “spill the beans” on the company which, he said, promised to bring him back to Italy at no cost to him. Alpha Assistenza claimed Villalon was never its “marketing manager” although he built the Alpha Assistenza website. “Our website had been under the control of Jeffrey Liwanag Villalon, who had been asking me for money and refused me access thereto,” the Alpha Assistenza post said. Respicio appeared on a news report by ANC’s TV Patrol on Sunday to deny all claims of illegal recruitment allegedly committed by Alpha Assistenza. “We vehemently deny that there were illegal activities perpetrated by Alpha Assitenza. I am not hiding. I am not escaping,” Respicio said. The post Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Socorro NGO accused of child abuse eyeing to establish private school in community
An alleged religious "cult" based in Socorro is eyeing to establish its own private school for children in the community, the Department of Education said, even as the group faces charges for allegedly kidnapping and sexually abusing minors......»»
Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash
TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities reported on Thursday that an individual believed to be a member of the New People’s Army was killed in a clash with soldiers on the outskirts of Catubig, Northern Samar. The still unidentified armed rebel allegedly belonged to a band of 10 insurgents that engaged in a 10-minute gun battle with members of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion in upland Anongo village in Catubig town. According to 20th IB commander Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, soldiers were deployed to carry out the mobile community support and sustainment program operations in the village when they encountered remnants of the Front Committee-15, sub-regional committee, Eastern Visayas regional party committee. “They were known for their involvement in intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities,” Buban said in a statement. After the brief clash, the rebels retreated, leaving behind their slain comrade and war materials, including four backpacks, two hammocks, one 30-round magazine assembly, an M203 empty shell, ammunition, slippers, a cauldron, a water container, a pair of rainboots, and subversive documents. There are about 10 army battalions assigned in Samar province as the government heightened its fight against communist insurgents. Only two NPA guerilla fronts in Samar Island remain in existence after the dismantling of one front and the weakening of another early this year. The post Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ
Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani has asked the Department of Justice to junk the complaint against him for multiple counts of falsification of public documents filed by his estranged brother for being “baseless, contrived, and manufactured.” Rajiv, in his 25-page counter-affidavit filed through his counsel, denied committing any falsification in order to take control of the more than P1 billion worth of properties left behind by their father Prem Chandiraman following his death in 2011. He claimed that the falsification complaint was merely resurrected by his brother to pressure him to give in to the latter’s demands for more money after their initial compromise agreement in 2022. “By re-filing the complaint for falsification of documents as against Rajiv, Amith has violated his waiver and quitclaim. In the regime of law and order, repudiation of an agreement validly entered into cannot be made without any ground or reason in law or in fact for such repudiation,” Rajiv said. Contrary to his brother’s claim, Rajiv recounted that because of his business ethics, he was able to establish a good business reputation in the business community, particularly in the Filipino-Indian community. Rajiv is the owner of Rheana’s Trading Inc., which is one of the leading domestic companies engaged in the business of buying, selling, distributing, and importing electronic products and accessories. While his older brother, according to Rajiv, got hooked on illegal drugs and was confined in several drug rehabilitation facilities. Rajiv said his brother, in 2020, was released from a drug facility and then stayed in Dubai. A year after, Rajiv claimed there were several defamatory messages against him that were being circulated among relatives, friends, and colleagues, particularly, that he had allegedly falsified several sale documents. With this, Rajiv conducted his own personal investigation and was convinced that these defamatory messages originated from Amith. “It eventually became apparent that Amith started these malicious rumors as he wanted additional monies from Rajiv and their mother,” Rajiv said. Rajiv initially sought redress before the courts by filing a complaint for damages with an injunction against Amith to prevent and dissuade him from continuously spreading malicious allegations against him. He also filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel against Amith. Meanwhile, Amith, in July 2022, filed a criminal complaint for falsification of public documents against Rajiv and their mother and several other respondents before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City. He alleged that Rajiv conspired with their mother to falsify the signature of their deceased father as appearing on several sale documents. In order to end their rift and upon persuasion of family members, Rajiv said he agreed to a compromise with Amith, which led to the mutual withdrawal of the cases that were filed against each other at that time. The agreement also provides a waiver and quitclaim covering any and all potential claims or rights against each other arising from, or in connection with the cases, as well as the estate of their late father. Rajiv, as part of the consideration for the compromise agreement, bound himself to pay Amith the total amount of P150 million by way of support. Rajiv said he has been complying with his contractual undertakings in providing Amith with monthly support of Php600,000, including giving financial assistance for Amith to put up his own electronics trading business. But was surprised to learn that Amith violated their agreement by resurrecting the falsification complaint against him. Amith in his complaint, claimed that Rajiv, their mother Pushpa Chandiramani, and several others connived in depriving him of his inheritance from their father Prem, amounting to billions of pesos in the form of real estate properties and business interests. Among the properties that he claimed were illegally taken from him by Rajiv and his cohorts was a prime 1,559 square-meter lot in Cubao, Quezon City with Transfer Certificate of Title No.46459. But the camp of Rajiv maintained that the compromise agreement entered into by him and Amith is a valid and enforceable contract; thus, the latter is barred from filing a falsification of public documents complaint. “The act of Amith in re-filing or reviving the Complaint for Falsification of Documents with the NBI is a violation of the compromise agreement, and his desistance, waiver, and quitclaim undertakings,” Rajiv said. He disclosed that he has filed a formal complaint for specific performance and damages seeking to compel Amith to comply with the provisions of the compromise agreement and the waiver and quitclaim. Presently, the complaint is pending with the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 145. The post Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Calls for federalism backed anew
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Alliance of Advocates of Federalism in the Philippines Inc. announced on Sunday that it has received a positive response from the people in central Mindanao after learning the advantages of the federal form of government. This, as AAFP president Atty. Nazir Ynawat recently conducted a forum in Digos City in Davao del Sur province, explaining to them the advantages when the country decides to shift its form from Presidential to Federal form. Under the presidential form of government, the power is equally divided among its three branches of government — executive, legislative and judicial — while in Federalism mode of government, it combines a general government with regional governments in a single political system.” Ynawat said he received a positive response from officials and the academe, adding that a similar reception was also demonstrated by the town grassroot sector and officials of academe in the towns of Goma, Tuban, Padada, Sinawilan, Malinao, Tacub, Sulop and the adjacent towns of Digos City. “I find the audience to the forum very receptive to my explanation about the federal form of government,” Ynawat said. During the forums he conducted in central Mindanao, about 90 percent of those who attended signed a membership form attesting their desire to join the AAFP and a total of 9,875 people coming from all sectors of the community have signed a membership form. He also disclosed that some local government officials of towns and cities in central Mindanao are discreetly supporting the AAFP movement, claiming that it is time for Filipinos to adopt a new form of government system to advance the nation and the region. In other developments, the Moro National Liberation Front on Sunday branded the recent statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that he is gearing towards a federal form of government as “mere propaganda.” MNLF political director Gafur Hajirul told DAILY TRIBUNE in a telephone interview that Marcos allegedly only floated the federalism issue to gain support for administration candidates in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October. Harijul stressed that if the President is really serious about federalism, he should have included it among his prioritized legislative agenda, adding that Marcos can also use emergency powers to declare shift of form of government. The MNLF had earlier back tracked on its earlier move to seek independence of Mindanao to campaign support to the shift from Unitary to Federal system which coincided with the group political objective of self-rule. With Perseus Echeminada The post Calls for federalism backed anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Justice assured for slain Rodriguez teen
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Saturday vowed to bring justice to the family of a 15-year-old boy who was allegedly killed by a police officer and his companion in Rodriguez, Rizal. Acorda said in a statement that the suspects, Police Corporal Arnulfo Sabillo and Jeffrey Baguio, had been arrested to face charges of homicide and attempted homicide. “We are committed to ensuring that the bereaved family finds justice for their deceased loved one,” Acorda said of the incident that happened on 20 August. John Ace Ompad was riding a motorcycle home with his brother when two men, later identified as Sabillo and Baguio, attempted to stop him. Ompad allegedly threw his helmet at them. In response, Sabillo reportedly fired four times in the direction of John Ace but hit his 15-year-old brother in the abdomen. The minor victim was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries. “Such actions are deeply regrettable and do not represent the values of the Philippine National Police,” Acorda said. “We will ensure a thorough and impartial investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.” Sabillo and Baguio were arrested by the PNP on 22 August and were placed under investigation. Sabillo’s Taurus service pistol was confiscated. Also relieved from their posts were members of the Community Police Assistance Center 5 of the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station who would face administrative charges. The killing of the boy happened just weeks after the Navotas Police shot dead 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in an alleged case of mistaken identity during a follow-up operation to arrest another suspect. The post Justice assured for slain Rodriguez teen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proxies and agents
The country has been the focus of China’s foreign influence operations, or FIOs, over the past few years, which are activities that had intensified in parallel to the worsening situation in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has been the focus for the bulk of the People’s Republic of China FIOs relating to the WPS, as much of the offshore territory claimed by the PRC in this area that lies within the Philippines’ EEZ, based on a report of Dr. Peter Chalk, a former senior analyst with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA. United Front Work, which is a euphemism for covert activities in the Philippines, is allegedly undertaken mostly by five local groups: China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, which promotes universal adherence to the CCP’s One China Principle by advocating against recognition of Taiwan and, presumably, its claims in the SCS; Chinese People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, which works to foster cordial relations with other countries to “improve” their opinions of the PRC; China Overseas Friendship Association, which acts as a platform for information exchanges, and people-to-people links and provides networking across the global overseas China diaspora; and China Zhi Gong Party, which focuses on outreach to overseas Chinese individuals and communities. The groups act as proxies of the United Front Work Department, or UFWD, of the Chinese government which have specific tasks to coopt influential Filipinos and members of the Filipino-Chinese community into backing the PRC’s position on regional affairs. With respect to the WPS, the UFWD focuses on swaying businessmen, civic leaders, academics, journalists, and politicians to act as pliable conduits for promoting and endorsing Beijing’s presence in the littoral area. Chalk then recounted the overarching influence of Beijing that extended to the May 2022 national elections, when the UFWD reportedly attempted to manipulate candidates including one in northern Luzon, who was instrumental in Beijing’s effort to oppose the annual US-Philippines Balikatan exercise. “Though the drill ultimately went ahead, the official issued a statement that he would not support US forces rotating through two military bases” in his province, Chalk stressed. “This reticence may reflect that the governor remains under some degree of PRC influence, at least in terms of his opposition to an American military presence in strategically significant regions of the archipelago,” Chalk continued. Chalk also identified “pseudo-strategic think tanks” in the country as promoting one-sided analyses and commentaries supporting President Xi Jinping’s Indo-Pacific maritime policies. He cited the Philippines Association for China Studies, the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Association, and the Integrated Development Studies Institute as examples. Apart from using these centers as a means for spreading pro-PRC propaganda, the UFWD has allegedly compromised these organizations’ senior leadership to penetrate the highest echelons of the Philippine government and security establishment. Chalk mentioned a case in point which was in August 2022, when the President of PACS had to withdraw his candidacy to become the deputy national security advisor to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after officials with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency sent an unsigned letter accusing him of having close links to China and selling classified information on the WPS disputes. The post Proxies and agents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taguig cops figure in bloody gunplay
A policeman was shot dead while another was brought to a hospital in critical condition following a gunplay inside the Taguig City Police Station before noon Monday. A third policeman, the alleged assailant, was also wounded. The fatality was identified as P/EMS Heriberto Saguiped, while those who were wounded in the shooting incident were named in a spot police report as P/Cpl. Alison Sindac and P/CMS Alraquib Aguel. Aguel confronted Saguiped inside the Office of the Community Affairs Section of the Taguig police headquarters in Barangay Tuktukan, according to the spot report that said Sindac was hurt while pacifying Aguel and Saguiped. According to Taguig police chief P/Col. Robert Baesa, Aguel went amuck after engaging Saguiped, reportedly a member of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force Batch ‘97, in a heated argument allegedly about food. Saguiped sustained gunshot wounds to the head, police sources said. Listed in critical condition was Sindac, while Aguel was also brought to a hospital for treatment after being shot by a responding policeman. Aguel was tagged a suspect in shooting both Saguiped and Sindac. All three police officers are assigned to the said police station. The incident happened at around 11:30 a.m. in the police station located inside the City Hall compound. Baesa said they were still investigating all other angles. With Glen Jacob Jose The post Taguig cops figure in bloody gunplay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hiding in plain sight
Yes, who does not want the serenity of a gated community and the security that comes with living in such a neighborhood isolated from the outside world, with its tidy rows of well-kept lawns and picket fences protecting the dreams within? But a magician’s hat can just be as deceptive as appearances, like the production of a rabbit seemingly from thin air. Just ask the people who live in an upscale neighborhood in a city neighboring the Villars’ turf, Las Piñas. A collective gasp recently emanated from its residents as they were forced to confront the harsh reality of their amiable community starting to crumble, of their haven seemingly being overtaken by a long procession of undesirables skillfully hiding in plain sight. One particular house in the enclave of the perfumed set, said to be predominantly painted red (hmmm, what a choice of color), had been at the center of activities of rowdy and loud Chinese nationals who, residents surmised, may belong to the group of their compatriots recently arrested. They were referring to the recent burst of activity by the Philippine National Police, during which elements of its Anti-Cybercrime Group raided a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator or POGO facility in Las Piñas City. Here, we couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of those (illegal?) POGO workers, supposedly the very masters of the virtual world, being implicated and charged with allegedly running a network of human trafficking and money laundering, being caught with their digital underwear down. Kudos to the PNP-ACG, even if Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla took issue with the group for purportedly failing to coordinate their actions with government prosecutors, something which the cops denied, with the best civility they could muster as they were talking to Remulla. The Chinese nationals who were detained were doubtless wondering how their cyber-castle fell apart so spectacularly. It’s a classic case of wolves in sheep’s clothing being stripped of the wool covering them. But there’s no passing judgment as of yet. While some applaud this crackdown as a triumphant illustration of quick justice, others may wag their fingers at the seeming outrage that seemed out of proportion. After all, was such a bold use of force necessary to expel a den of criminals? It’s a question that brings to mind the delicate balancing act that Philippine authorities have been trying to master: how to crush criminal underbellies without impeding businesses’ rightful objectives. And in the case of posh subdivisions serving as the hideaways of criminals, cops cannot just barge in. The flip side of going after dubious characters in such places is that residents may object to their privacy being invaded by sleuths in their midst. Watching the government walk the fine line between righteousness and rationality is definitely a narrative twist. One only needs to look at the Duterte government’s campaign against illegal drugs to see how difficult police work can be. And perhaps it’s only fitting that we struggle with the fuzziness of the lines between crime and repression, digital delinquency, and moral vigilance in a world increasingly ruled by the ones and zeros of technology. In the greater story of Philippine law enforcement’s tango with the shadows, this POGO raid is but one chapter. The government’s efforts to combat crime should not just be limited to the rough streets; they should also permeate communities that thought they had built barriers immune to such unrest. It should be kept in mind that security isn’t just about walls and gates; it’s about the steadfast resolve of everyone to be vigilant to bring to light even the darkest corners of our neighborhoods, literally and figuratively. Crimes hit the hardest when they stop being statistics of something bad happening to other people. Fighting criminality is the shared responsibility of all peace-loving people, whether in the slums or the enclaves of the haves. The post Hiding in plain sight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan renews call on China to recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award
Japan on Wednesday joined the growing pressure on China to recognize the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands that cemented Manila’s claims in the West Philippine Sea. In a statement, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshima called on both the Philippines and China to “comply” with the arbitral award which he described as “final and legally binding.” “As the Tribunal's award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to comply with the award,” Hayashi said. “The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” he added. He issued the statement as the nation commemorates the seventh anniversary of the landmark victory, a ruling which China continues to reject by insisting on its historic rights in the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it filed against China in the PCA. China, however, rejected the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights nine-dash line claim. According to Hayashi, Tokyo “strongly hopes” that the parties' compliance with the award will “lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” “Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law will be the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said. Likewise, he noted that Japan renews its objection to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying that these are “inconsistent” with UNCLOS. He also said that it remains “seriously concerned” about the current situation in the area. “Recalling that the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement issued in February 2023, G7 Hiroshima Leaders' Communiqué in May 2023 and G7 Foreign Ministers' Communiqué in April 2023 underscored the importance of the free and open international order based on the rule of law, Japan reiterates its strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” he said. “Japan will continue working in coordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law,” it added. Last week, Chinese Coast Guards vessels allegedly blocked and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine Coast Guards vessels in the Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. The post Japan renews call on China to recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sulu governor gets people’s backing
JOLO, Sulu Province — Residents of Sulu province rallied their support to Governor Abdusakur Tan as the governor is being marred by accusations from former Maimbung Vice Mayor Pando Mudjasan. This comes as the former vice mayor is facing various criminal charges in Sulu. Leaders in the province — who refused to be identified for security reasons — called on the people of Sulu to express their support to the governor. “Let’s stand up, hold our heads high, and respond not with anger, but with dignity and truth and together, we can ensure the legacy of Tan is accurately represented,” said the leaders. Another personality in the province also called on those that were allegedly misled by the propaganda of Mudjasan “to get a real glimpse into the man (Tan) whom we are proud to call our leader.” He added that Tan’s journey is a testament to the potential of hard work, dedication, and the belief in the power of community. “The root of these unfounded allegations can be traced back to ex-Vice Mayor Mudjasan. Upon being served with legitimate arrest warrants for multiple serious crimes, he lashed out against Tan,” said the local leader. While some loyal friends and relatives of Mudjasan accused Tan of monopolizing business and creating instability, the “reality on the ground paints a completely different picture.” They added that the allegations of creating instability and bombings against the governor are baseless. The post Sulu governor gets people’s backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bring Chinese harassment at WPS before UN’
Senator Risa Hontiveros yesterday accused China of being “reckless and irresponsible” after its militia and coast guard ships allegedly pursued two Philippine Coast Guard vessels on a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre last 30 June. Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 659 pressing the Philippine government to raise the reported harassment by Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations General Assembly. “I hope that the Senate can tackle my resolution as soon as the session resumes, as we need the support of the wider international community to stop China’s unbridled aggression,” Hontiveros told reporters. The Senate resolution urges the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, “to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels within the WPS.” Hontiveros said if China wants to be a regional leader, it “should act responsibly by de-escalating tensions” in the region, instead of fanning the “flames by engaging in these rash actions.” Raymond Powell, a fellow at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and a former United States Air Force official, reported the harassment of the two PCG ships — the BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo — by China. “After the resupply, the two CCG ships pursued the PCG ships to the east. CCG 3103, which had just arrived from Scarborough Shoal, then returned to China’s nearby military base at Mischief Reef. CCG 4203 has resumed its patrol of Sabina Shoal,” Powell wrote in his tweet. The Department of National Defense had yet to comment on the issue at press time. The post ‘Bring Chinese harassment at WPS before UN’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anti-drug drive spares no one — Abalos
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has vowed to spare no one in the government’s anti-drug campaign. “We have to make a statement. We are going to show our people that the government is serious about this war on drugs. There will be house cleansing, and no one will be spared,” Abalos said during a forum on mental health and substance use organized by the Department of Health and USAID RenewHealth Project as part of the observance of World Drug Day on Monday. The DILG chief also said that the government and law enforcement agencies need to become “role models” in the campaign against illegal drugs. “We do not believe in shortcuts. We believe in the rule of law. Trust in government must be sustained,” he said. “Everyone has a role in this fight. We will increase awareness against the use of illegal drugs, strengthen our community-based drug rehabilitation program, empower the youth, engage with the business sector, and promote an active lifestyle,” Abalos added. Abalos previously announced the conduct of random drug testing in the DILG, its attached agencies, and local governments as part of its Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program. At least 50 police officers have also been charged with criminal and administrative cases for allegedly committing irregularities in the seizure of P6.7 billion worth of “shabu” in October last year. The post Anti-drug drive spares no one — Abalos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong looking into Anti-Hospital Deposit Law violations
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed concern over reports that some hospitals allegedly refuse to admit patients in need of medical care as he stressed the importance of endorsing Republic Act 10932, or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law. The lawmaker — who recently aided residents of Nagcarlan town in Laguna — said that these incidents should be looked into especially in the current pandemic situation where many Filipinos are still struggling financially amid existing health threats. He also said that refusing to admit patients is illegal and a disregard for the welfare of the poor. The senator, as the chairperson of the Committee on Health, said he is prepared to call for a hearing to address these reported violations if necessary. Go emphasized that if hospital representatives fail to attend the hearing, they can be subpoenaed and if they disregard the subpoena, they can be held in contempt. The senator also reminded the medical community not to neglect the welfare of fellow Filipinos and assured them that their kindness and compassion are crucial in their profession. According to Assistant Secretary Charade Mercado-Grande of the Department of Health, the Health Facilities Oversight Board will ensure compliance with the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law by considering the needs of both patients and medical providers. In accordance with RA 10932, individuals working in hospitals or medical professionals who are found to have violated the law will face penalties, including fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000, as well as a prison sentence lasting from six months to two years. Meanwhile, directors or officers of hospitals or clinics may be subject to imprisonment for a period of four to six years, along with a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million, or both penalties concurrently. The post Kuya Bong looking into Anti-Hospital Deposit Law violations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»