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That extra step: How TV Patrol verified Rep. Paolo Duterte s questionable PHP51-billion infrastructure budget
CHEERS TO ABS-CBN's TV Patrol for its report that confirmed that Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte received a total of PHP51 billion for infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2022, when his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was still in o.....»»
1.4M vacationers flocking to ports
The Philippine Ports Authority said Wednesday that vacationers flocking to various ports in the country may surpass 1.4 million during the long weekend. Malacañang has recently declared 30 October 2023 as a regular national holiday through Presidential Proclamation No. 359 s.2023 for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, while 1 and 2 November are regular holidays -- All Saints and All Souls Day, respectively. “This year’s forecast of 1,422,406 passenger traffic is 6 percent higher than the figure recorded in 2022 which was 1,337,396 mainly caused by the relaxing of travel requirements after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is likewise significantly higher than the 500,000 plus number of passengers recorded in 2020 covering the same dates,” PPA general manager Atty. Jay Santiago said in an interview. The influx of passengers is also expected to start on 28 October based on the data gathered by PPA over the past years, he added. Among the ports with the highest number of passengers recorded in 2022 were the ports in Iloilo, Batangas, Babak Port in Davao, Dumangas Port in Panay Island and the ports in Negros Occidental. “Plan your trips early and make sure you have all your bookings confirmed. Also, check with the shipping lines for any change in schedule and don’t bring unnecessary items, especially prohibited items, and check with local government units on prohibited agricultural and meat products,” Santiago reminded travelers. No leave policy To ensure full workforce complement and maintain strict security protocol at public ports, Santiago issued a “No Leave Policy” effective Wednesday, 25 October to 8 November 2023. In a memorandum issued on 23 October 2023, Santiago instructed all PPA personnel to refrain from availing leave of absence during this time when port services are mostly needed. “As the lead agency in the passenger operation of PPA-managed ports nationwide, we have a huge responsibility in ensuring that sea travel of the public, especially during this coming BSKE and Undas, remains convenient, safe, and responsive to their needs, thus, the implementation of this No Leave Policy,” Santiago said. PPA also heightened its security measures at 25 port management offices nationwide. The measures include strict security, 24/7 CCTV monitoring and K9 dogs roving in all port vicinity, passenger luggage passing through x-ray machines and passengers passing through body scanners. The PPA said the public can check its social media pages for hourly updates or inquire via the PPA hotline, which operates 24/7 for any port-related questions through landline number (02) 8711-2360. Marina’s effort Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Atty. Hernani Fabia said they have already coordinated with the domestic shipping lines to ensure that their online ticketing systems are up and running for the convenience of travelers. “It is one of my orders to Enforcement Service and MROs (Marina Regional Offices),” according to Fabia. The post 1.4M vacationers flocking to ports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla: Anti-hunger TF still existing
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the continuing existence of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger even after the abolition of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, which was initially designated as the head of the task force. Remulla provided legal clarification, stating, “We opine that, being a completely different entity, the IATF-ZH subsists despite the abolition of the office of its designated chair, i.e., OCS.” The Justice official issued the legal opinion in response to the query of Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Department of Health regarding the dissolution of the OCS by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The defunct OCS was established in 2020 during the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. Herbosa raised the issue due to the government’s loan agreement with the World Bank-International Bank, which required IATF-ZH to lead the project steering committee for the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project. Since the DoH serves as the lead agency for the PMNP, Herbosa inquired whether the functions of IATF-ZH, as the steering committee lead, could be transferred to the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, which the DoH also chairs. He noted that the membership of the NNC is identical to that of IATF-ZH. Remulla informed Herbosa that “the government has recently recognized and strengthened IATF-ZH when it issued EO (Executive Order) 27, series of 2023.” Reorganized “Under EO 27, the IATF-ZH was reorganized with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary as its Chair and the Executive Director of the NNC as its Co-Chair, in lieu of the Cabinet Secretary,” Remulla stated. “Further, Section 2 of EO 27 expressly states that except as expressly modified, all other provisions of EO No. 101 shall remain in full force and effect.” EO 101, issued in 2020, established IATF-ZH and designated the OCS as its chair. Remulla emphasized, “Since the IATF-ZH still exists, its responsibilities, with respect to the PMNP, cannot be transferred to the NNC.” He clarified that although the loan agreement allows for a successor to IATF-ZH, the continued existence of the inter-agency task force means that it “remains the leader in the Project Steering Committee for the PMNP, as provided in Paragraph I0(A)(1), Schedule 2 of the Loan Agreement.” The post Remulla: Anti-hunger TF still existing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons
France's Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz, and Franco-Swede Anne L'Huillier won the Nobel prize in physics on Tuesday for research using ultra-quick light flashes that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Their technique employs pulses measured in attoseconds, a unit so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the universe's birth over 13 billion years ago, the jury said. The laureates' research has made it possible to examine moves or changes so rapidly that they were previously impossible to follow, with potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences likened the process to how the flapping wings of a hummingbird turn into a blur for the human eye but can be slowed and examined using high-speed photography. "We can now open the door to the world of electrons. Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons," Eva Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement. 'Not so many women' In 1987, L'Huillier "discovered that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas," the Nobel Committee noted, adding that her exploration of the phenomenon laid "the ground for subsequent breakthroughs". In the early 2000s, Agostini and Krausz worked on how to isolate light pulses that lasted only a few hundred attoseconds. Agostini is a professor at Ohio State University in the United States, while Krausz is a director at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. "It was just atomic physics interacting with lasers," Agostini said of his early work, in an interview released by his university. "We were not really aware it would go that far, but a lot of people were interested both in the method and the result." L'Huillier, only the fifth woman to be awarded the Physics Prize since 1901, is a professor at Lund University in Sweden. She told reporters she was in the middle of teaching a class when she received the call from the Academy, making it "difficult" to finish the class, to whom she did not reveal the news. "I am very touched ... There are not so many women that get this prize so it's very, very special," she said. Before L'Huillier, Marie Curie (1903), Maria Goeppert Mayer (1963), Donna Strickland (2018), and Andrea Ghez (2020) were the only women to have won the award. Speaking later at a press conference, she encouraged young women interested in science to "go for it" and said it was possible to combine a research career with an "ordinary life, with a family and children." French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the trio. "What a source of pride for our nation!" Macron said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. L'Huillier and Krausz had been seen as contenders for the honor, having been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year together with Canadian physicist Paul Corkum. Fellow Hungarian However, Krausz said he had not been expecting a call. "I was not sure whether I was dreaming or whether it was reality," he told the Nobel Foundation in an interview. The physics award is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday, awarded to messenger RNA researchers Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Krausz said he had actually been listening to an interview with Kariko when he received the call, adding he was especially impressed with her determination as she toiled away at her research despite struggling to achieve recognition and secure funding for it. "That's what I would like to convey to future generations," Krausz said. The Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, with the highly watched Literature and Peace Prizes to be announced on Thursday and Friday. The Economics Prize -- created in 1968 and the only Nobel not included in the 1895 will of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, which founded the awards -- closes out the 2023 Nobel season on Monday. The post Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Two dead in Bangkok mall shooting, 14-year-old boy arrested
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday after a shooting at a packed Bangkok mall that left two people dead and five wounded, and sent hundreds of panicked shoppers running in terror into the streets. Witnesses told AFP of chaotic scenes as shots rang out at the upmarket Siam Paragon mall in the heart of the Thai capital around 4:30 pm (0930 GMT). The shooting comes just days before the first anniversary of the deadliest massacre in modern Thai history, when an ex-policeman armed with a gun and knife attacked a nursery in the country's north, murdering 24 children and 12 adults. National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol told reporters that two women -- one Chinese, one from Myanmar -- were killed in the mall shooting, and five other people wounded. He said the 14-year-old suspect was in custody but was too confused to undergo questioning. "He is a mental patient at Rajavithi hospital and he has not been taking his medication," Torsak said. "He said it felt like someone told him to 'go shoot people'. It's like there's another him. This is what we got from the initial talk with him." Video footage showed a long-haired boy wearing a black shirt, glasses and a cap with a US flag motif being taken into custody by police. Yuthana Srettanan, director of the Erawan Emergency Centre, told reporters that all but one of those who were shot were women. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the scene of the shooting as well as calling on the wounded in hospital. Srettha posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he had spoken to the Chinese ambassador and offered condolences. "From now on, the Thai government will implement the highest safety measures for the safety of all tourists," Srettha wrote. Thailand is keen to attract more Chinese visitors as it rebuilds its tourism industry after the pandemic, but numbers are lower than hoped, partly because of safety fears. A private school called The Essence, just metres from Siam Paragon, confirmed the suspect was one of their students and offered condolences to the victims' families. "We will collaborate with the authorities and investigators for the benefit of those involved," Wiwat Catithammanit, director of the $4,000-a-term school said in a statement. 'Multiple gunshots' Witnesses described scenes of panic as the attack unfolded at Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok's top shopping destinations, hugely popular with tourists and Thais alike. "At around 4:30 pm, I heard loud gun noises, continuously, about 10 times," Thanpawasit Singthongkham, 31, who works at a Japanese restaurant in the mall, told AFP. "Then the department store announced that there was a shooting. The emergency sign was turned on and everyone ran to get out." In footage shared with AFP, he recorded a scrum of terrified shoppers scrabbling under metal security gates blocking shop entrances, before they fled down emergency stairwells as sirens blared. In another video, shared on Facebook and verified by AFP, scores of people can be seen in the mall's basement car park being directed by loudspeakers. Dozens of police vehicles and a number of ambulances could be seen outside one of the shopping centre's main entrances in the wake of the shooting. "I heard multiple gunshots -- about three times -- and saw people running around towards the exits," Nattanon Dungsunenarn, who was shopping in a branch of Boots pharmacy, told AFP. "It was very chaotic and seemed like many people didn't know what exactly was going on." 'Terrified' "We didn't know what was happening, then staff from a shop asked us to go inside and said there was a shooter," Chinese tourist Xiong Ying, 41, told AFP. "Everyone was trying to find a place to hide. So many people were terrified, just like a scene in the zombie movies. "I now feel quite scared. It happened just like two minutes after we left by crossing the bridge. We even took photos there." Almost a year on from the October 6 nursery massacre, the mall shooting will raise fresh questions about gun control in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of firearm ownership in the region. In 2020, a former army officer went on a rampage in a shopping mall in Korat, murdering 29 people and wounding scores more. The post Two dead in Bangkok mall shooting, 14-year-old boy arrested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons
France's Pierre Agostini, Hungarian-Austrian Ferenc Krausz and Franco-Swede Anne L'Huillier won the Nobel prize in physics on Tuesday for research using ultra quick light flashes that enable the study of electrons inside atoms and molecules. Their technique employs pulses measured in attoseconds, a unit so short that there are as many in one second as there have been seconds since the universe's birth over 13 billion years ago, the jury said. The laureates' research has made it possible to examine moves or changes so rapid that they were previously impossible to follow, with potential applications in both electronics and medical diagnostics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences likened the process to how the flapping wings of a humming bird turn into a blur for the human eye, but can be slowed and examined using high-speed photography. "We can now open the door to the world of electrons. Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons," Eva Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said in a statement. 'Not so many women' In 1987, L'Huillier "discovered that many different overtones of light arose when she transmitted infrared laser light through a noble gas," the Nobel Committee noted, adding that she has continued to explore this phenomenon, "laying the ground for subsequent breakthroughs". In the early 2000s, Agostini and Krausz worked on experiments that made it possible to isolate light pulses that lasted only a few hundred attoseconds. Agostini is a professor at Ohio State University in the United States, while Krausz is a director at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. L'Huillier, only the fifth woman to be awarded the Physics Prize since 1901, is a professor at Lund University in Sweden. L'Huillier told reporters she was in the middle of teaching a class when she received the call from the Academy, making it "difficult" to finish the class, to whom she told nothing. "I am very touched ... There are not so many women that get this prize so it's very, very special," she said. Before L'Huillier, Marie Curie (1903), Maria Goeppert Mayer (1963), Donna Strickland (2018) and Andrea Ghez (2020) are the only women to have won the award. Speaking later at a press conference, she encouraged young women interested in a career in science to "go for it". The laureate, who is married and has two sons, stressed it was possible to combine a research career with an "ordinary life, with a family and children." French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the trio, noting that "two of our brilliant French researchers" had been honoured. "What a source of pride for our nation!" Macron said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. L'Huillier and Krausz had been seen as contenders for the honour, having been awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize last year together with Canadian physicist Paul Corkum. Fellow Hungarian However, Krausz said he had not been expecting a call. "I was not sure whether I was dreaming or whether it was reality," he told the Nobel Foundation in an interview. Speaking at a press conference a few hours later, he said: "There are signs that it could be reality". The physics award is the second Nobel of the season after the Medicine Prize on Monday, awarded to messenger RNA researchers Katalin Kariko, a Hungarian like Krausz, and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking technology that paved the way for mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. Krausz said he had actually been listening to an interview with his compatriot when he received the call, adding he was especially impressed with Kariko's determination as she toiled away at her research despite struggling to achieve recognition and even secure funding for it. "That's the most important lesson for me, that's what I would like to convey to future generations, that if you believe in something and are convinced it's the right thing to do ... the important thing is to keep believing in it," Krausz said. The Physics Prize will be followed by the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, with the highly watched Literature and Peace Prizes to be announced on Thursday and Friday. The Economics Prize -- created in 1968 and the only Nobel not included in the 1895 will of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, which founded the awards -- closes out the 2023 Nobel season on Monday. The post Trio wins physics Nobel for illuminating electrons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go to DSWD: Help uplift lives in the grassroots
During a public hearing on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) budget, Senator Christopher "Bong Go" expressed his strong support for the department's financial allocation and took the opportunity to seek crucial updates on two major welfare programs: the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Go acknowledged the difficult situation many provincial migrants face in Metro Manila, especially during the pandemic. “Alam n'yo naman po nitong panahon po ng pandemya ay marami pong mga kababayan natin na mga probinsyano na natutulog na lang po diyan sa sidewalk dahil wala silang kamag-anak, wala silang tirahan, gusto nilang bumalik ng probinsya,” said Go. Go underscored the significance of the BP2 Program, and said that it was established through an executive order by former president Rodrigo Duterte. The Senate adopted a resolution in 2020, principally sponsored by Sen. Go, urging the executive department to formulate and implement a “Balik Probinsya” program. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian affirmed the program's effectiveness and the government's commitment to continue the program. “This is a very good program that we inherited, that we planned to keep and, in fact, use all the time. For the record, ang na-serve natin ho for 2023 is 2,426 out of the target na 4,572 families. Ang financial allocation n'ya is P3.5 billion thereabouts, at ang nagamit ho is P1 billion or 29 percent,” Gatchalian said. In 2020, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114 which institutionalized the said program. As one of the main proponents of the BP2 Program, Go has earlier said that promoting employment and livelihood opportunities in the countryside will boost regional development consistent with the long-term goals of the program that is set to be fully implemented after the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, DSWD plans to expand the program to include other types of interventions for families living in the streets. Gatchalian said, "'Yung BP2 is something that we want to expand, to include other types of intervention na magagamit sa mga pamilya na nakatira sa lansangan." Gatchalian also acknowledged that while local government units have responsibilities, DSWD has launched a mainstay program to assist families and individuals living on the streets. He said when these families return to their provinces, they receive community livelihood grants, which are monitored by the local government units. Go then inquired if street dwellers and beggars are also included in the program. Gatchalian confirmed their inclusion, saying, "Kasama po because we found out that a lot of them are actually stuck in Metro Manila na gustong umuwi rin, kasama na po sila." When asked where these individuals are temporarily housed, Gatchalian explained that the goal is not to keep them in housing facilities but to help them return to their provinces. Shifting attention to the 4Ps, Go highlighted that former president Duterte enhanced the standard benefits for beneficiaries. While the former president initially considered distributing rice, the decision was ultimately made to offer cash assistance instead. Gatchalian confirmed that an extra P600 has been added to the benefits under Duterte's term. He also elaborated that the amount given to beneficiaries depends on the family's circumstances. The maximum amount ranges from P3500 to P3800, depending on the number of school-aged children in the family. When Go asked about the number of 4Ps members, Gatchalian pointed out that the number is capped at 4.4 million families due to budget constraints. “Just to point out, nakasaad po sa GAA (General Appropriations Act) na lagi pong 4.4 million ang numero nila. So, hindi po sila dumadami; hanggang doon lang ang budget allocation. Sana mas lumaki pa dahil maraming waitlisted, pero ang allowed lang sa amin is 4.4 million families,” the Secretary said. Gatchalian also discussed the conditions under which families "graduate" from the program. Families may leave the program if they reach the seven-year limit, no longer meet the conditions, or fail to attend development sessions. At the height of the pandemic, Go appealed to the government to provide cash incentives to vaccinated 4Ps members to encourage more of them to get their COVID-19 vaccines instead of making vaccination mandatory. Such incentives will be on top of what 4Ps beneficiaries receive in accordance with the law. The post Bong Go to DSWD: Help uplift lives in the grassroots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties
Subic Bay Freeport — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority revealed on Tuesday that it has seized three more properties in line with the agency’s thrust to reclaim lost assets. SBMA chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan said that the agency took over two buildings from Parabion Inc. at the Cubi Triboa District of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that the area has a size of 1,176 square meters. “The company has made contractual defaults that prompted the SBMA to take over their properties. One is failure to comply with development commitments, and two for non-payment of lease rentals and common use service area fees,” he said. The company has amassed a debt in CUSA fees totaling P7,165,788.08 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a final notice of default with demand to pay on 22 November last year, then we sent them a notice of pre-termination and repossession on 28 July that was served on 10 August. This is pursuant to the SBMA Board Resolution 23-07-0173 that was approved on 4 July,” Tan said. He also disclosed that the agency took over Building 8321 at the Zambales Highway, Cubi Triboa District, and Building 8359 at the Bataan Road, also in the Cubi Triboa District. Meantime, the third property that was taken over by the agency was owned by Ramphos Corporation, a company that manufactures and sells the unique amphibious ultralight aircraft. The property is a 966-square-meter portion of Bldg. 8045-C at the Subic Bay International Airport. “The company has already expired their lease agreement with the SBMA on 11 September 2020 and we already took over the area on 5 September,” Tan said. The chairman confirmed that the company has contractual defaults such as non-payment of lease rentals (building spaces), CUSA fees, ACC and SOA fees amounting P9,706,611.40 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a notice of re-entry into, repossession and take-over of leased premises with demand to pay dated 22 August 2023,” Tan said. The post SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dutch ‘Indiana Jones’ art sleuth recovers stolen Van Gogh
A Dutch art detective has recovered a precious Vincent van Gogh painting that was stolen from a museum in a daring midnight heist during the coronavirus lockdown three-and-a-half years ago, police said Tuesday. Arthur Brand took possession of the missing painting, the 1884 "Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring", worth between three and six million euros ($3.2 and $6.4 million), at his Amsterdam home on Monday, stuffed in a blue IKEA bag. Brand, dubbed the "Indiana Jones of the Art World" for tracing a series of high-profile lost artworks, told AFP that confirming the painting was the stolen Van Gogh was "one of the greatest moments of my life." "Arthur Brand, in cooperation with the Dutch police, has solved this matter," Richard Bronswijk of the Dutch police arts crime unit confirmed to AFP. "This is definitely the real one, there's no doubt about it." Brand told AFP that frequent calls by him and the Dutch police to hand back the stolen artwork finally paid off when a man, whose identity was not revealed for his own safety, handed Brand the painting in a blue IKEA bag, covered with bubble-wrap and stuffed in a pillow casing. A video clip supplied by Brand showed him unpacking the painting in his lounge and gasping in astonishment when he realized what it was. "I couldn't believe it," he said. 'Massive headache' The painting was burgled from the Singer Laren Museum near Amsterdam on 30 March 2020 in a heist that made headlines around the world. Dutch police released video images shortly after the burglary showing a thief smashing through a glass door in the middle of the night, before running out with the painting tucked under his right arm. In April 2021, police arrested a man named in Dutch media as Nils M. for the theft. He was later convicted and sentenced to eight years behind bars. M. was also convicted for stealing another masterpiece by Frans Hals called "Two Laughing Boys" in a separate heist. "After a few months I heard from a source in the criminal world who had bought the Van Gogh," from Nils M, said Brand, who has gained fame for his remarkable recoveries of stolen art, including the "Hitler's Horses" bronze statues, a Picasso painting and a ring that once belonged to Oscar Wilde. This man, identified by Dutch media as Peter Roy K., was currently behind bars for a separate case involving the large-scale import and export of cocaine, Brand said. K. wanted to use the painting as collateral to negotiate a reduction in his sentence. Brand confirmed Peter Roy K.'s identity, stressing he had said before that "no deal for a reduced sentence would be made." The whereabouts of the Van Gogh however remained unknown until two weeks ago when a mysterious man contacted Brand saying he wanted to return it. After some negotiation, Brand persuaded the man -- who had "nothing to do with the theft", according to the art detective -- to hand back the artwork. "The man told me 'I want to return the Van Gogh. It has caused a massive headache'" because it could not be used as a bargaining chip, Brand said. "In an operation done in close coordination with the Dutch police, we got the painting back," he said. The painting, which comes from relatively early on in Van Gogh's career, before the prolific artist embarked on his trademark post-impressionist paintings such as "Sunflowers" and his vivid self-portraits, has already been handed back to the director of the Groninger Museum, from where it was on loan to the Singer Laren Museum. "At first there was disbelief. Staff were asking themselves 'can this be true'?" said Karina Smrkovsky, head of communications at the Groninger museum. "Then, when it was confirmed, our disbelief turned into delight. We are incredibly happy that it has been been returned," Smrkovsky told AFP. "We are incredibly thankful to Arthur Brand for getting it back." Smrkovsky said however that the painting would not be on public display immediately, most probably only next year. "We are delighted that art lovers from all over the world once again will be able to see this wonderful painting," said Evert van Os, museum director at Singer Laren. Meanwhile Frans Hals' "Two Laughing Boys" remains missing -- but Brand said he hoped it would also be returned soon. The post Dutch ‘Indiana Jones’ art sleuth recovers stolen Van Gogh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Hawaii wildfire
Another Filipino was confirmed dead in the catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday. According to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega, the second Filipino killed in the wildfires was Rodolfo Rocutan, 76 years old resident of Lahaina, Hawaiii. De Vega said Rocutan was one of the five additional fatalities reported by Maui County officials on the 8 August wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii. “Rocutan renewed his Philippine passport at the Consulate in Honolulu last year,” he said. “The Consulate has reached out to a relative of the late Mr. Rocutan to convey its deepest sympathies and offer the Philippine government’s support and assistance, including cremation and repatriation of remains as requested,” he added. Likewise, the DFA said the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu is currently verifying reports that there are two more Filipino nationals killed in the wildfires. Last week, the agency confirmed the death of Alfredo Galinato, a 79-year-old Filipino victim of wildfires in Maui, the ground zero of the catastrophic wildfires. Citing data from the United States Census 2020, the DFA said there are a total of 388,000 individuals who identified themselves as Filipino in Hawaii, of which 25,000 are still holding Philippine passports. The post DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Hawaii wildfire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
French ex-army chief in charge of Notre-Dame rebuild dies
A former French army chief in charge of restoring Paris's emblematic Notre-Dame cathedral following a devastating 2019 fire has died during a mountain hike, prosecutors told AFP on Saturday. General Jean-Louis Georgelin, 74, died on Friday in the Pyrenees mountain range straddling the France-Spain border, said the prosecutor's office in the southern French city of Foix. A mountain rescue team deployed to the Mont-Valier peak "discovered the body of a man who has been formally identified as General Georgelin", a spokesman said, adding that an accident was the likely cause. Notre-Dame has lost "the overseer of its rebirth" and France "one of its great servants", President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter, now rebranded as "X". Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed Georgelin on the same social media platform for creating "the human and organizational conditions for completing the reconstruction of Notre-Dame". A five-star general who was the French army's chief-of-staff between 2006 and 2010, Georgelin supervised operations in Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Lebanon. In 2020, Macron chose him to lead the complex and expensive reconstruction work on Notre-Dame. The cathedral, one of the French capital's most famous landmarks, was gutted by a blaze that shocked the world the previous year. Georgelin, a practicing Catholic whose motto was "move forward without procrastinating", said Notre-Dame's new spire would be completed by the end of the year. The post French ex-army chief in charge of Notre-Dame rebuild dies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino septuagenarian among fatalities in Hawaii wildfires — DFA
A 79-year-old Filipino national was among the hundreds of casualties of wildfires in Hawaii, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Friday. According to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo De Vega, the lone Filipino victim of wildfires in Maui was Alfredo Galinato. “He was a naturalized US (United States) citizen originally from Ilocos,” De Vega told reporters in a Viber message. The DFA said the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu is assisting the family of the victim who are all based in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Emil Fernandez said a four-person team from the post went to Maui Island — the ground zero of the catastrophic wildfires — from 15 to 16 August to render emergency consular services to affected Filipinos. Fernandez said at least 66 people applied for the replacement of their lost Philippine passports. Likewise, he noted that the three newly-arrived Filipino teachers who were based in Lahaina, whom he met with, were all safe and accounted for. The three Filipino teachers are part of a group of 30 assigned to the island of Maui under the exchange visitor’s program with the US. Citing data from the United States Census 2020, the DFA earlier said there is a total of 388,000 individuals who identified themselves as Filipino in Hawaii, of which 25,000 are still holding Philippine passports. In a related development, the head of Maui's emergency management agency -- who said this week he did not regret the decision to not sound powerful warning sirens as a deadly wildfire ripped through the Hawaiian town of Lahaina — had resigned. Herman Andaya had come under criticism for not activating the island-wide network as fast-moving flames bore down on the city, with survivors saying they had no warning of the blaze. Many of those who were killed are believed to have been trapped in their homes or caught in their cars as they made a desperate last-minute bid to escape. At least 111 people are known to have died in what was the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. The final toll is expected to be considerably higher. "Today, Mayor Richard Bissen accepted the resignation of Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Herman Andaya," a Maui County release said. "Citing health reasons, Andaya submitted his resignation effective immediately." Andaya's decision not to activate the sirens is one of a number of perceived missteps by local officials before, during, and after the blaze which has angered survivors, who say more lives could have been saved. "The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded," Andaya had told a news conference on Wednesday. The post Filipino septuagenarian among fatalities in Hawaii wildfires — DFA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go pushes for increased salaries for public sector workers
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his support for the proposed implementation of salary increases for public sector employees during the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)'s presentation of the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, August 15. While the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 6 is still pending legislation, Go lauded the finance managers of the current administration for preparing already the availability of fund sources for this endeavor. Meanwhile, Go highlighted the importance of SSL 5, which was passed during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, as a response to the rising cost of living. The law was authored and co-sponsored by Go in 2019. "This year is the last year of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11466 or the Salary Standardization 5. Ito po ‘yung pinasa natin nung Duterte Administration dahil na rin po sa pagtaas ng mga presyo ng bilihin, isinusulong natin na magkaroon po ng SSL 6 para tuluy-tuloy ang pag-increase ng sweldo ng ating mga civil servants,” said Go. He emphasized the need for a seamless transition to SSL 6, asking Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, "Kung sakaling ma-aprubahan po ito, ang SSL 6 ngayong taon, may sapat na budget po ba tayo para sa 2024? I heard na meron po kayong na-earmark na P16 billion for this." Pangandaman confirmed that there is an earmarked fund of P16.25 billion, but acknowledged the necessity of passing SSL 6 Law. Go further inquired about the coverage of SSL 6 and the amount allocated for SSL 5 in 2020. Undersecretary Janet Abuel clarified, "About P33 billion po sa first tranche, but for the entire four tranches po, about P133 billion but that was allocated four years." Concerned if the P16 billion would be sufficient, Go asked, "So, ito pong P16 billion, is it enough?" Pangandaman responded that it was still lacking but mentioned the possibility of accessing other compensation and lump sum funds. "Kulang pa po. But we have po dun sa MPBF (Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund). Meron po kasing other compensation na lumpsum fund, pwede pa po s’yang gamitin. Pwede pong i-access ‘yung lumpsum fund na ‘yun if magkulang po yung P16.95 billion na yun,” she said. Go then expressed readiness to work on the necessary legislation for the next salary increase for government employees. Pangandaman assured Go that the Government Commission for GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation) study will have results by October. Go expressed his gratitude on behalf of government workers, saying, "Maraming salamat po at inaabangan ito ng ating mga government workers." Go authored and co-sponsored SSL5 in 2019, which enabled the fifth round of salary increases for civilian government employees. He is now focusing on the future, actively exploring new opportunities to enhance support for the nation's civil servants. The post Bong Go pushes for increased salaries for public sector workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trump seeks judge change, trial outside Washington
Former US president Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will petition for a new judge to preside over his historic criminal trial and for the case to be moved outside of Washington. The twice-impeached Republican, who is seeking reelection to the White House in 2024, has unleashed a torrent of vitriol against those prosecuting him or running the case in which he faces charges of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and defraud the United States. His latest target is US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was randomly assigned to the case in Washington and was appointed by former Democratic president Barack Obama. “There is no way I can get a fair trial with the judge ‘assigned’ to the ridiculous freedom of speech/fair elections case. Everybody knows this, and so does she,” Trump, using all capital letters, posted on his Truth Social platform. “We will be immediately asking for recusal of this judge on very powerful grounds, and likewise for venue change,” out of Washington — a majority Black city that leans heavily Democratic, Trump continued. Trump’s lawyer John Lauro, however, denied later Sunday that any final decision had been made. Lauro confirmed that they would be seeking a change of venue, but only after “some polling” and “quantitative analysis in terms of how people are reacting to the indictment.” Chutkan, 61, is one of a dozen judges on the Washington federal district court bench. Her nomination to her post in 2014 was approved unanimously by the Senate. She has a legal history with Trump, having ruled against him in a November 2021 case in which she notably declared that “presidents are not kings.” And she has handed down lengthy sentences to Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 of that year. She has rebuffed the Trump legal team’s recent demands. On Saturday, she denied their motion to extend a deadline for responding to the US government’s protective order request that could limit what Trump and his lawyers can share publicly about his case. Team Trump wanted to push the deadline to Thursday, but the judge said they must abide by the current deadline of 5:00 p.m. (2100 GMT) Monday. Former vice president Mike Pence, a key figure in the case, said Sunday that he would not object to testifying in Trump’s trial. “I have no plans to testify,” Pence told CNN. “But look... we’ll always comply with the law,” said the 64-year-old, who is now competing against his former boss for the Republican presidential nomination. With AFP The post Trump seeks judge change, trial outside Washington appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM: P2T in loans to prop up ‘24 budget
The Department of Budget and Management yesterday confirmed the government will borrow over P2 trillion to fund part of the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024. The fresh borrowing would increase the national debt to above P16 trillion, which equates to P145,339 in debt for each of the 110 million Filipinos, up from P129,798 at the current level of the nation’s overall debt of P14.1 trillion. According to DBM, the borrowing program for 2024 is valued at P2.46 trillion, or 11.46 percent more than the borrowing program for 2023, which stood at P2.207 trillion. The borrowing plan for next year is made up of gross domestic borrowing of P1.853 trillion and gross foreign borrowing of P606.85 billion. In a Palace press briefing, DBM Undersecretary Joselito Basilio said the planned borrowing is “consistent with the medium-term fiscal framework.” The Marcos government has borrowed P1.327 trillion as of the end of June this year. This brought the country’s total sovereign debt to a new record high of P14.15 trillion as of the end of June 2023, up 0.4 percent from the end of May, when it was P14.10 trillion. The Duterte administration also embarked on an aggressive borrowing spree to fund its response and recovery efforts as the pandemic-induced lockdown triggered economic contractions in 2020 throughout the middle of 2021. Debt-GDP ratio Basilio said the government’s borrowing program will gradually decline as the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. “From now until 2025 and 2026, (the government’s borrowing) will peak… by 2027 and 2028, it will go down,” he said. He said the government also aims to reduce the debt-to-gross domestic product or GDP ratio to less than 60 percent by 2025, then further down to 51.1 percent in 2028, and reduce the budget deficit to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2028. The debt-to-GDP ratio represents the amount of the government’s debt stock relative to the size of the economy. As of the first quarter of 2023, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 61 percent, down from 63.5 percent in the first quarter of 2022. The Philippines ended 2022 with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60.9 percent, down from 63.7 percent as of the third quarter of last year — a 17-year high or the highest since 2005. This is the highest debt-to-GDP ratio since 2005 when it hit 65.7 percent, well over the internationally recommended threshold of 60 percent. The post DBM: P2T in loans to prop up ‘24 budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Confidential and intelligence funds increase P120M in 2024, UP budget cut P2.93B
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Thursday confirmed that there will be a P120-million increase in confidential and intelligence funds for the fiscal year 2024. In a Malacañang press briefing, Pangandaman said the increase is due to additional confidential funds allocated to three government agencies. These agencies include the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Presidential Security Group (PSG). A 2015 joint circular released by five government agencies defines confidential expenses as those of surveillance activities in civilian government agencies. According to the same 2015 joint circular, intelligence funds are those related to intel information-gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel that directly impact national security. Pangandaman justified the increase in the CIF, saying it is necessary to support the government's efforts to protect national security and ensure the safety of the President and other government officials. "The additional funds were allocated for specific purposes. For example, in the case of DICT, the increase is for cybersecurity, which is essential as we push for digitalization," Pangandaman said. "Cybersecurity investment is parallel to our digitalization efforts. Why does it need to be confidential? It's because of the procurement process. You cannot disclose the technical specifications of your cybersecurity projects in the Terms of Reference (TOR) because hackers might see it. If they have access to the specs, our cybersecurity projects and programs won't be effective," she added. Pangandaman said the administration is confident that the proposed allocations for intelligence funds are well-justified. "The additional funds were allocated for specific purposes. We can assure the public that these intelligence and confidential funds will be beneficial to the country," Pangandaman said. In a separate statement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said there also an increase in the CIF in the Armed Forces of the Philippines; National Security Council; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and; the Office of the Ombudsman. Meanwhile, there has been a decrease in the CIF allocated for the Philippine Competition Commission, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of Justice. On the other hand, the confidential funds of the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President remain at the same level as the 2023 General Appropriations Act. DBM likewise emphasized the declining percentage contribution of CIF in the national budget in recent years, decreasing from 0.215 percent in 2018, 0.192 percent in 2019, 0.235 percent in 2020, 0.212 percent in 2021, 0.183 percent in 2022, 0.190 percent in 2023, to 0.176 percent in 2024. "With these, the public can remain confident that the disbursement and utilization of the CIF will be done by government agencies with utmost transparency and accountability, in strict adherence to existing guidelines set forth by the Commission on Audit (COA) on the appropriate allocation and use of these funds," DBM said. Budget Cuts Meanwhile, DBM said the budget cut for the University of the Philippines (UP) under the proposed 2024 expenditure plan will not affect student admissions. In the Palace briefing, Pangandaman said the P2.93 billion reduction in the UP budget for 2024 resulted from the removal of budgetary requirements for several infrastructure projects scheduled for completion this year. “So if it's for completion in 2023, we don’t need the funding for 2024,” Pangandaman said. Asked if the budget cut will translate to a reduction in the number of students admitted to UP, Pangandaman said none. The DBM added it also took into account how much of UP's budget was used the year previously when determining the proposed NEP's budget allocation. “Hence, in our review and evaluation of UP’s budget proposals, we considered its absorptive capacity, which is 69.48% as of end-2022,” it said. The post Confidential and intelligence funds increase P120M in 2024, UP budget cut P2.93B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Julie Anne San Jose is confident Rayver Cruz will not cheat on her
When Rayver Cruz moved to GMA-7 in 2018 after 18 years of being under contract with ABS-CBN, he made many new friends in the Kapuso network, including its homegrown star Julie Anne San Jose. They worked together on the musical programs Studio 7 and when it folded in 2020, on All-Out Sundays, as well as in the reality competition show "The Clash". Rayver and Julie Anne also started working on a movie but filming halted when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Meantime, their friendship grew and developed into a romantic relationship. They made their status publicly known by exchanging “I love yous” during the singer-actress’ Julieverse concert in November 2022.The couple eventually resumed filming their first movie together, now titled "The Cheating Game", and is now showing in cinemas. “Ang surreal pa rin kasi napakabilis talaga ng panahon,” Julie Anne said in a recent online presser for the first film venture of GMA Public Affairs, in cooperation with GMA Pictures. It is directed by Rod Marmol, who also wrote the script with Sharon Masula and Jessie Villabrille. “We’re very, very excited and grateful kasi panibagong family, may new set of characters, new set of people to work with, a great production team. Everyone’s been so nice and accommodating, and sobrang maalaga sila. We had a healthy working environment.” “Mas na-excite ako kasi si Ray ulit ang katrabaho ko,” she added, referring to her on-and-offscreen leading man. “But this time, sa acting naman. Kasi usually nakikita kami sa The Clash, AOS, sa mga performances, hosting.” She went on mentioning their costars Winwyn Marquez and Martin del Rosario. “It’s such a delight kasi parang breath of fresh air. Very, very excited to show to everyone what we did.” Rayver expressed the same sentiments during media conference. “Sobrang excited, halo-halo ang nararamdaman ko, pero lamang ang excitement. Pinaganda naman ito nang husto. Siyempre first movie project namin. Excited and happy na mapabilang sa first movie project ng GMA Public Affairs.” He also declared being “very, very proud” of how his leading lady and girlfriend showed a “different Julie Anne” in the movie tackling the touchy topic of cheating in relationships. She plays Hope, an idealistic young professional who thinks she can change the world through the nongovernmental organization she’s set up with her fiancé. She then discovers her fiancé’s infidelity through a sex video that has gone viral. Her world crumbles until she meets Rayver’s character, Miguel,a self-made businessman who seems to be the Mr. Right that Hope is looking for. But is he really? Julie Anne agreed she’s showing a different side of her in the movie, especially since she just essayed the role of Maria Clara in the hit drama series "Maria Clara at Ibarra". “So ibang Julie naman ang makikita n’yo dito. I guess mas daring, bolder, stronger. I feel I had to take a leap of faith din, or I had to take risks din, like everyone din sa movie — si Ray, si Martin, si Win. It’s a team effort.” On cheating “May iba-iba kasing klase ng cheating,” Julie Anne pointed out. “If you watch 'The Cheating Game', lahat ng kinds ng cheating parang ando’n, lahat ng elements. I think it will also explain kasi may kanya-kanya tayong definition. “Pero for me, non-nego siya. Once it’s done, it’s done. But, most importantly, forgive yourself. ’Yun ang major takeaway ko sa film na ito as a viewer. But as someone who’s part of the cast, madami siyempre akong natutunan sa buong production, sa story.” Rayver put in his two cents, too. “Kahit saang side ka mapunta, iba-iba ang atake ng tao. Gano’n din ang mangyayari sa character namin ditong apat. Iba-ibang circumstances, reaction sa betrayal or sa cheating. Doon kami magtatagpo. Maganda ang lumabas kasi gina-guide kami.” When asked if she’s experienced being cheated on, Julie Anne gave this response: “Parang lahat naman tayo nakaka-experience ng ganitong mga sitwasyon. Not just in relationships, but in general, in life. Iba-iba talaga tayo ng coping mechanism. For me, it’s a non-nego. “Paano ako naka-move on? Sa akin kasi sobrang bigat na reason ang cheating. Mabilis akong maka-move on. Of course, surround yourself with people na sumusuporta sa ’yo kasi importante na may support system ka parati. Always be with your friends, your loved ones, family. Sila talaga ang talagang dadamay sa ’yo. “Importante rin na patawarin mo hindi lang ang taong nagkasala sa ’yo, pero patawarin mo rin ang sarili mo. Eventually, matututunan mong makabangon ulit. Iwasan mo — halimbawa naloko ka na — kasalanan ng iba. Sana huwag mong hayaan na mangyari ulit. At least you’ll know how to handle and deal with it.” Rayver offered a different perspective: “Siguro minsan okay na (ma-experience), ’yun kasi ang mga paraan na binibigyan ka ng lesson in life. Doon ka matututo, sa experience. Para sa future relationships, or pagsubok na ganyan, medyo aware ka na. Alam mo na how to handle. Lahat naman tayo nabubulag pag nagmahal tayo dahil grabe tayo magmahal. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Kailangan mo ’yun, experience in life. “Kung sa kabilang side ka naman, na nag-cheater. Siguro mas okay na i-own mo na lang, and eventually maging mas honest. Para iwas sa super sakitan na mangyari. Naniniwala naman ako na lahat ng tao, nagbabago. Mas okay na maging happy lang tayo in life. Pampatibay, pampa-texture in life.” Julie Anne confidently declared that her current relationship would not end up as a casualty of cheating. “Kasi matagal na kaming magkaibigan. Naniniwala ako na ang friendship ang best foundation ng isang relationship. Hindi ko na kailangang mag-pretend. Hindi na rin niya kailangang mag-pretend. Kilala na namin ang bawat isa. Importante rin ang comfortability. And honesty.” Rayver plays Miguel, who seems to be the Mr. Right that Julie Anne’s character Hope is longing for (still from "The Cheating Game). The post Julie Anne San Jose is confident Rayver Cruz will not cheat on her appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP holding variable rate repo auction
MALAYSIA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to hold a variable rate reverse repurchase auction sometime in the upcoming quarter, with September being the latest possible date. In an economic briefing earlier this week, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said this move aims to enhance monetary operations and adopt a more adaptable strategy to manage liquidity in the financial system. Dakila said the BSP will introduce the variable rate repo auction shortly, and he has confirmed that it could occur either in August or September. “It will be similar to the BSP bills auction,” he said. 2 tenors for debt papers The central bank conducts its Securities Facility every week, specifically every Friday. This facility offers two types of tenors: the 28-day and the recently introduced 56-day options. The Central Bank initially introduced the BSP bills in September 2020. Dakila mentioned that the BSP had initiated its transition by moving from accepting fixed-rate fixed-volume bids for the RRP to adopting a fixed-rate full-allotment auction. The final step in this process is to switch to a variable rate auction, expected to occur by the end of the third quarter. These enhancements aim to bring about a variable rate for the overnight RRP, which is known for being more adaptable to fluctuations in market conditions. The post BSP holding variable rate repo auction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP to hold variable rate repo auction in August or September
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to hold a variable rate reverse repurchase auction sometime in the upcoming quarter, with September being the latest possible date. In an economic briefing earlier this week, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said this move aims to enhance monetary operations and adopt a more adaptable strategy to manage liquidity in the financial system. Dakila added that the Central Bank will introduce the variable rate repo auction shortly, and he has confirmed that it could occur either in August or September. “It will be similar to the BSP bills auction,” he said. The central bank conducts its Securities Facility every week, specifically every Friday. This facility offers two types of tenors: the 28-day and the recently introduced 56-day options. The Central Bank initially introduced the BSP bills in September 2020. Dakila mentioned that the BSP had initiated its transition by moving from accepting fixed-rate fixed-volume bids for the RRP to adopting a fixed-rate full-allotment auction. The final step in this process is to switch to a variable rate auction, expected to occur by the end of the third quarter. These enhancements aim to bring about a variable rate for the overnight RRP, which is known for being more adaptable to fluctuations in market conditions. The post BSP to hold variable rate repo auction in August or September appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NK marks armistice anniv with missile launches
North Koreans are celebrating the anniversary of the Korean War literally with a bang as its military test-fired two ballistic missiles late Monday. Its neighbors’ defense ministry detected the launches near Pyongyang and monitored the trajectories of the projectiles. The missile flew 400 kilometers into the East Sea at 11:55 p.m., Yonhap quoted South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, and come as Seoul and Washington ramp up defence cooperation in the face of soaring tensions with the North. Meanwhile, the planned “grand” Korean War armistice anniversary celebration on Thursday will be attended by Chinese diplomats, the first known foreign visitors since Pyongyang’s 2020 pandemic border closure. State media said that Pyongyang will mark 70 years since the signing of the armistice, known as Victory Day in the North, in a “grand manner that will go down in history.” The official Korean Central News Agency reported, and Beijing confirmed, that a Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong would travel to the North for the event. “A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will pay a congratulatory visit to the DPRK,” the KCNA said Tuesday. WITH AFP The post NK marks armistice anniv with missile launches appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»