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Shabu dealer linked to Dawlah Islamiya busted in Marawi
Another drug trafficker identified with the Dawlah Islamiya was arrested after selling P102,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed policemen in a sting operation Thursday in Barangay Cabasaran in Marawi City......»»
[OPINION] The House strikes back
Without high-level intervention, relations between the two chambers may become inhospitable to consensus. And what would be the biggest casualty?.....»»
Two more fireworks casualties tallied as injury toll hits 600
In a statement on Friday, the health department said that a 44-year-old male died in the same blasting incident with the first casualty who lit a cigarette while drinking near stored fireworks......»»
P98.4-M quake damage in Hinatuan, Surigao Sur
Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, suffered an estimated P98.4 million in damages from the recent earthquake, according to Mayor Shem Garay. The damages include P10.46 million for infrastructure and P88 million for housing. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that a total of 57,893 families were affected across the province. One casualty was confirmed in Bislig City, while another was reported in Barobo. Local officials, along with government agencies and religious representatives, gathered for a briefing on the earthquake. Classes and work were suspended until December 6 to facilitate damage assessment. The Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis is still ongoing in the province. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 magnitude, occurred on December 2 at 10:37 p.m., originating 42 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan......»»
More protection for GCash users
Digital money transfers are now an integral part of daily transactions. However, scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals have devised various strategies to take advantage of users and exploit the cashless economy. In addition to utilizing topnotch cybersecurity systems, the Philippines’ number-one finance super app, GCash, has added another layer of protection with the introduction of “Send Money Protect” on its in-app feature, GInsure. SMP provides users confidence and peace of mind when sending money digitally for as little as P30 per month. SMP provides users comprehensive protection from the most common scams such as online shopping fraud, account takeovers and social engineering, for transactions done via “Express Send” in the app. SMP, offered in partnership with Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company, can easily be availed once every 30 days. Studies show that 45 percent of Filipino adults have been targeted by scams, with 11 percent falling victim to such activities. This has led to uncertainties toward digital payment methods among some users, hampering milestones already achieved in financial inclusion. “We at GCash believe in building partnerships that amplify the value we provide to our users. That's why we've teamed up with Chubb, a global insurance leader and our partner in consumer protection, to bring you an added layer of protection. This collaboration ensures that you have added financial protection from the unexpected when transacting online, giving you the confidence that your hard-earned money is in safe hands,” said GCash vice president for New Businesses Winsley Bangit. Chubb Philippines’ country president Mari Rachelle Canta also emphasized that, “Our partnership with GCash further strengthens our mission to serve millions of customers by providing a safety net through embedding insurance in everyday transactions. Now, GCash users have enhanced protection from cybercrimes with ‘Send Money Protect.’” The partnership between GCash and its consumer insurance partner Chubb was solidified through a memorandum of agreement signing on 13 September 2023. Signatories from Gcash included VP for New Businesses Winsley Bangit and GInsure head Joseph Nino Young, while those from Chubb in the Philippines included country president Mari Rachelle Canta and VP and head of Consumer Lines Maurice Hilario. While the feature is currently in its beta version and available exclusively to GCash and Chubb employees for now, GCash has announced that it will be fully rolled out by 13 November 2023, promising a safer, worry-free online transaction experience for all. The post More protection for GCash users appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ganapin eyes Asiad Para podium finish
A casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic was one-armed taekwondo jin Alain Ganapin, whose bid to compete in the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021 was derailed after he was struck down by the virus a few days before he was to go and see action in the Japanese capital......»»
DFA confirms third Filipino casualty in Israel-Hamas war
The DFA reported that the casualty is a 49-year-old caregiver from Negros Occidental......»»
Solons want probe on boat ramming incident off Pangasinan
Senators are eyeing to investigate the fatal ramming incident off the waters of Agno, Pangasinan, which resulted in the deaths of three Filipino fishermen last 2 October. In a radio interview, Senator Francis Tolentino pressed the need to conduct a Senate special investigation on the ramming incident to help establish the country's “archipelagic sea lane” and further prevent a repeat of the incident in the future. “Ang pakay dito ay ang pagbubuo ng archipelagic sea lanes. Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay iyong talagang daanan—dito dadaan yong mga barkong domestic, foreign at international vessels na malalaki, nang sa ganun alam ng ating mangingisda kung saan dadaan at makakaiwas sa isa’t isa (The intention here is to establish archipelagic sea lanes. That means, thiw Ould really determine where the domestic ships or huge foreign and international vessels should pass through so that Filipino fishermen would know and they could avoid the vessels),” Tolentino, who chairs the Senate committee on justice and human rights, told reporters on Saturday. Tolentino said he is weighing the idea of whether to start the investigation while still waiting for reports from concerned entities required by international rules. He then stressed that the “incident could have been avoided if the archipelagic sea lane in the Philippines had already been determined.” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa earlier said he is planning to file a resolution to investigate the recent ramming incident between a Filipino boat and a foreign vessel off Pangasinan. “We will file a resolution to investigate who is really responsible for this. It’s a very unfortunate incident because you know fishermen went there for a living right and they ended up dying. It has to be investigated thoroughly by our authorities,” he said. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo told reporters on Friday that they have sent personnel to Singapore and reached out to the local Port State Control authority there “to inspect: the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, MV Pacific Anna. “The inspection should be targeted in the vessel compliance with the regulations of SOLAS Chapter V (safety of navigation); the result of their inspection could be used in our investigation,” Balilo said. He added that the PCG has also sent a formal request for the Marshall Islands Flag State to launch its own investigation into the incident. “We expect with this formal request the Flag State of Marshall Island will conduct a safety investigation in compliance with the IMO’s Casualty Investigation Code Chapter 6 that the state of the ship involved in a very serious maritime casualty is responsible for ensuring that a marine safety investigation be conducted and completed,” said Balilo. He said that the result of these investigations will be used to pursue claims and damages for the victims, survivors, and owner of FFB Dearyn, the Filipino boat that capsized in the incident. The PCG earlier said that the fatal sea collision was likely an accident. Dela Rosa, however, said all possibilities should be looked into “to determine everything.” “We have to leave no stone unturned sa pag-conduct ng investigation. So, kailangan talagang ma-determine ‘yan baka mamaya nga di natin alam (so we really need to determine the facts surrounding the incident),” he said. “I hope it was a plain accident. So that walang ibang (there’s no other) political or geopolitical implications. I hope, really,” he added. The post Solons want probe on boat ramming incident off Pangasinan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dark side of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has undeniably revolutionized various aspects of our lives, from enhancing industry efficiency to providing personalized recommendations. However, as AI continues to evolve, it brings with it a set of challenges and ethical concerns. One of the alarming trends is the use of AI-generated impostors in advertisements, creating a ripple effect that negatively impacts individuals, public trust, and the very fabric of authenticity in our society. The use of AI-generated impostors in advertising has become a growing concern, exemplified by the case of award-winning Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, who complained about a video advertisement he said he had nothing to do with. In this digital age, where AI algorithms can seamlessly replicate the appearance and even the voice of well-known figures, the lines between reality and simulation blur. Advertisements featuring these AI-generated impostors can mislead the audience, leading to unintended consequences. When AI-generated impostors are used in advertisements, the first casualty is the reputation of the individuals being impersonated. In the case of Tom Hanks, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, the use of his likeness in deceptive advertisements not only damages his personal brand but also creates confusion and mistrust among his fanbase. Fans may find it challenging to distinguish between genuine endorsements and those featuring AI-generated impostors, eroding the authenticity that defines a celebrity’s connection with their audience. The broader consequence of AI-generated impostors in advertising is the erosion of public trust. As consumers become increasingly skeptical of the content they encounter, distinguishing between real and simulated information becomes daunting. This erosion of trust extends beyond the realm of advertising, impacting how people perceive information in general. The pervasive use of AI-generated content contributes to a culture of suspicion and skepticism, hindering meaningful communication and undermining the foundation of a trustworthy society. The use, therefore, of AI-generated impostors raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding consent. Celebrities and public figures have a right to control the use of their likeness, and AI-generated content often circumvents these rights. The creation and deployment of AI-generated advertisements featuring impostors may occur without the knowledge or consent of the individuals being impersonated. This not only violates their privacy but also challenges the ethical boundaries of technological advancements. Beyond the immediate impact on individuals and public trust, the prevalence of AI-generated impostors in advertising has cultural and social ramifications. As our interactions with AI become more commonplace, the blurring of authenticity in media content challenges our perception of reality. This distortion can influence societal values and norms, making it imperative to address the ethical implications of AI in advertising to safeguard the integrity of our cultural landscape. To mitigate the adverse effects of AI-generated impostors in advertising, there must first be increased awareness and education about AI-generated content’s existence and potential consequences. This includes educating consumers about the technology and its potential misuse in the advertising landscape. There is a need for stricter regulations governing the use of AI in advertising, especially when it involves the likeness of public figures. Clear guidelines on obtaining consent, disclosing the use of AI-generated content, and enforcing penalties for violations can help protect individuals and maintain the public’s trust. While, indeed, AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of our lives positively, its misuse, as seen in the case of AI-generated impostors in advertising, poses serious challenges. The negative effects extend beyond individual reputations, impacting public trust, ethical standards, and cultural values. As we navigate this digital era, it is crucial to address these issues proactively through a combination of education, regulation, and ethical considerations. Only through a concerted effort can we ensure that the power of AI is harnessed responsibly, preserving the authenticity and trust that underpins a healthy and vibrant society. The post Dark side of Artificial Intelligence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Street kid sets impounded car on fire
TACLOBAN CITY — Frustrated after failing to get his coin that got stuck in a pile of sheets, a nine-year-old boy set ablaze an impounded car last 23 September. Initial reports from the Tacloban City Police Office disclosed that the minor intentionally caused the fire using a lighter and documents found inside the vehicle. The vehicle, a Chevrolet Captiva, has been under the custody of Highway Patrol Group 8 for a long period of time and was temporarily parked near at the HPG office located at Magsaysay Boulevard here. The highway patrol unit has been using the vehicle storage for their office documents and other light materials. The investigators reported no injuries and casualty and set the damage to property at P50,000. The news about the burning of vehicle came out on Monday after unblurred videos and photos of the boy being accosted and interviewed by police personnel came out in social media that clearly showed his face. The videos and photos caught the attention of netizens here, some of them narrating previous unpleasant experiences with the boy including forcibly snatching valuable items from them. One video shows the same boy smoking in a public place with people passing by. The boy is now under the custody of the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office where he is placed in a residential facility in the city and an intervention plan is already in place for the rehabilitation and recovery of the minor. The post Street kid sets impounded car on fire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati Subway affected by Makati-Taguig dispute
The landmark $3.5 billion Makati Subway project is the latest casualty of the Supreme Court’s ruling that some areas in Makati are under the jurisdiction of neighboring Taguig City......»»
Myanmar hub bomb attack kills 5
Yangon, Myanmar (AFP) — A bomb attack on a government compound in the Myanmar border hub of Myawady killed five government and security officials and wounded 11 policemen, sources told AFP on Monday. The town on the border with Thailand has seen sporadic clashes between the military and anti-junta fighters since a coup in 2021 plunged the country into turmoil. Early Sunday evening two “drop bombs” fell into a compound containing the district police office and general administration office, a military source told AFP. As officials took “security measures” after the blasts, another two bombs were dropped, killing five and wounding 11, they said, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media. The dead included a military officer, two police officers and two officials from the administration department, they said. Eleven “junior and senior” police officers were wounded, five critically, they added. A local police source who also requested anonymity confirmed the incident and casualty figures. Neither source said who was responsible for the attack. The junta said “some security members and government staff” were wounded in the attack, without giving a figure. It blamed anti-coup “People’s Defense Forces” and the Karen National Liberation Army, an established ethnic rebel group that has fought the military for decades. Anti-junta fighters battling to overturn the coup that deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s government have used commercial drones for surveillance and also as crude bomb-dropping devices. A Myawady resident who did not want to be named told AFP they heard two blasts in the town, which abuts the Thai province of Tak, on Sunday evening. Since the coup, the KNLA and PDF groups have clashed sporadically with the military in Myawady town and its surrounds in Karen state, sending tens of thousands fleeing into Thailand. The post Myanmar hub bomb attack kills 5 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fourth Pinoy fatality in Maui wildfires identified
Rogelio Mabalot, 68, a resident of Lahaina, Maui and native of Laoag City, is the fourth Filipino casualty in the devastating wildfires that blazed in Maui, Hawaii, according to the Philippine consulate general in Honolulu on Aug. 8......»»
Phl, US air forces wrap up 5-day Pacific airlift exercise
The Philippine Air Force and United States Air Force, along with 12 other participating countries from the Indo-Pacific Region, wrapped up this year’s five-day Pacific Airlift Rally or PAR-23. This year’s reiteration airlift capability-building exercise, which ran on 14 August until 18 August, saw the participation of 14 countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Singapore and Mongolia. PAF Commanding General LtGen. Stephen Parreño and Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach graced the closing ceremony at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. “This rally is a symbol of commitment to international collaboration, a demonstration of combined expertise and a testament to ensuring a safer and more secure Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” Parreño noted in his speech. Wilscach, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the Philippines for co-hosting this year’s Pacific airlift rally exercise. PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said the country’s air force remains committed to working with its international counterparts to acquire necessary learning in interoperability operations that can be useful during the occurrence of disasters or any emergencies. “The PAF is confident that the skills and knowledge gained from PAR 2023 will equip the participating air forces to better respond to their future Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions,” he added. The Philippine Air Force co-hosted the airlift rally for the first time since it began in 1997. PAR is a biennial military airlift symposium for nations within the Indo-Asia-Pacifi region. In a previous interview, PAF Air Mobility Command chief, MGen. Joannis Leonardi said the PAR-23 primarily aims “to bolster operational readiness, cultivate interoperability, and foster international cooperation among the participating countries.” Edward Khim, the civil servant of the Pacific Air Forces' Command headquarters, said the United States usually invites at least 25 multinational allies to participate in the airlift exercises that can be replicated in real-world scenarios such as HADR efforts in areas affected by the natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. “We try to learn from each other. All the different countries have different capabilities and different experiences in different kinds of situations. So we bring countries together in these types of scenarios and exercises to be able to learn from each other and to be able to apply those lessons learned,” Khim said. The PAR-23 activities include Flying Training and Table Top Exercises, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. Among the drills conducted are the mass casualty evacuation tabletop airlift and airdrop exercises. The post Phl, US air forces wrap up 5-day Pacific airlift exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
1 dead, 4 injured after wall collapses in QC City Hall
A construction worker was killed while three others were injured when a wall at a construction site at the Quezon City Hall compound collapsed Thursday night. The casualty was identified as Russel Guezo, 20, who was trapped under the collapsed wall. Rescuers from the Bureau of Fire Protection said the incident happened at the Civic Center B Building of the Quezon City Hall at around 10:14 p.m Guezo's body was retrieved at around 11:51 p.m. The three injured were Russel Erezo, 22, from Siargao Del Norte; Erwin Ramos, 32, and Joshua Garcia, 23, both from Novaliches, Quezon City; and Christian Mamposte, 20, of Barangay Krus Na Ligas, Quezon City. The local government immediately issued a statement that it has already instructed the City Engineering Department to investigate the collapsed part of the wall. "Based on the initial report, a part of the wall of the building collapsed where the private contractor was supposed to place a scenic elevator," it added. The city government said that among the factors it will investigate is the system implemented by the contractor at the construction site and whether it gave importance to the aspect of occupational safety. "The local government's priority is to provide medical attention to the affected workers," it said. Quezon City Police District Director P/Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said that a joint investigation with the local government will look into possible violations of the building code. "Definitely someone will be held responsible for this, be it criminal or civil, we'll find out in the course of the investigation in the next few days," Torre said. The post 1 dead, 4 injured after wall collapses in QC City Hall appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAF enhances HADR capabilities through Pacific Airlift Rally
The promising Pacific Airlift Rally 2023 is beneficial to the Philippine Air Force to further enhance its capabilities in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. The Philippine Air Force co-host the airlift rally for the first time after 12 reiteration since it began in 1997. PAR is a biennial military airlift symposium for nations within the Indo-Asia-Pacifi region. This year’s reiteration airlift capability-building exercise, which was started on 14 August and will run until 18 August, is being participated by 14 countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, United States, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Singapore, and Mongolia. PAF Air Mobility Command chief, MGen. Joannis Leonardi said the PAR-23 primarily aims “to bolster operational readiness, cultivate interoperability, and foster international cooperation among the participating countries.” Edward Khim, the civil servant of the Pacific Air Forces' Command headquarters, said the United States usually invites at least 25 multi-national allies to participate in the airlift exercises that can be replicated in real-world scenarios such as HADR efforts in areas affected by the natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. “We try to learn from each other. All the different countries have different capabilities and different experiences in different kinds of situations. So we bring countries together in these types of scenarios and exercises to be able to learn from each other and to be able to apply those lessons learned,” Khim said. The PAR-23 activities include Flying Training and Table Top Exercises, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. Among the drills conducted are the mass casualty evacuation tabletop airlift and airdrop exercises. PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said over 100 jumpers from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and United States Air Force performed personnel airdrop drills over the skies of Brgy. Liwayway, Sta Rosa, Nueva Ecija on 16 August. The jumpers along with several jump masters and aircrew from PAF, USAF, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force boarded the two USAF C-130 Medium Lift Aircraft and one C-130 of RMAF at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The jumpers exited the aircraft to perform military free-fall at an altitude of 6000 feet while the static fall paratroopers jumped from 1500 feet. Consuelo said the airdrop exercise exhibited interoperability among the participating air forces and enhanced troop capabilities in precise and accurate para-drop which can be used during various missions such as troop infiltration, and insertion of Para-rescuers during HADR. Last Tuesday, participants performed a "low-cost, low-altitude” airdrop, a method of delivering necessary supplies from the aircraft, in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. "The LCLA serves as an opportunity for the PAF and other international counterparts to share knowledge and expertise on critical airdrop techniques," Castillo said. PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing C130 pilot, Maj. Virgilio Villanueva, cited the importance of continuous improvement of the country’s airlift and airdrop capabilities, especially in medical missions and relief operations during emergencies. “We are acquiring different knowledge, techniques, and procedures from our counterparts so we can apply it in our own setting,” Argillas said. He recalled that PAF was able to perform airlifting of wounded during the infamous Marawi siege and Zamboanga siege. Hence, improving their airlifting capabilities remains essential for future similar scenarios. The post PAF enhances HADR capabilities through Pacific Airlift Rally appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fake news on the rise — BBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday advised Filipinos to identify credible sources of information and to be critical of what they read online, as the internet has made it easier for people to spread misinformation and disinformation. During the official launch of the Media Information Literacy, or MIL, project in a ceremony in Pasay City, Marcos urged Filipinos to learn how to tell the difference between factual and fake news. “The first casualty of all of these sometimes sinister, sometimes just mistaken, misguided activities is the truth,” Marcos said. “And we must allow everyone to discern for themselves; we will help them.” “But people have to learn to discern for themselves what is real and what is not, what is propaganda, what is fact, what is data, and what is speculation,” he added. The President warned that anyone can now create and share content, even dubious ones, online. While he said that the internet has become the “great equalizer,” he acknowledged that it has also become a great enabler of disinformation. Marcos described the MIL campaign as urgent, as the spread of misinformation and disinformation is a growing problem in the country. The post Fake news on the rise — BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: Fight fake news, propaganda
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged Filipinos to identify credible sources of information and to be critical of what they read online as the internet has made it easier for people to spread misinformation and disinformation. During the official launch of the Media Information Literacy Project in a ceremony in Pasay City, Marcos said Filipinos should learn how to tell the difference between truth and propaganda. "The first casualty of all of these sometimes sinister, sometimes just mistaken, misguided activities is the truth," Marcos said. "And we must allow everyone to discern for themselves; we will help them. But people have to learn to discern for themselves what is real and what is not, what is propaganda, what is fact, what is data, and what is speculation," Marcos added. The Chief Executive said that the digital world has made spreading misinformation easier, as anyone can now create and share content online. While Marcos said that the internet has become a "great equalizer," he acknowledged that it has also become a great enabler of disinformation. "Anyone can now create and share content online, regardless of their expertise or credibility," the President said. Marcos said that the MIL campaign is urgent, as the spread of misinformation and disinformation is a growing problem in the Philippines. He urged everyone to get involved in the campaign and help fight for the truth. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil, who was present during the launch, said the MIL Project aims to ensure that every Filipino student is equipped to fight fake news. "We will enable them to navigate the digital world with discernment and responsibility. In doing so, we hope to raise a society of synthesizers, those who are able to use the right information at the right time for the right purpose to make the right choices," Garafil said. The post PBBM: Fight fake news, propaganda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
1 dead in Romblon pump boat mishap
A female barangay treasurer was confirmed dead after a pump boat bound for Calatrava, Romblon sank in the waters of Tablas Strait. The lone casualty died due to cardiac arrest, based on the assessment of the coast guard station in Romblon. According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog District Commander Geronimo Tuvilla, 95 passengers, including five crew members of the MB King Sto. Niño, have been rescued. Most of the passengers of the ill-fated boat came from the Summer Youth Camp of the Four Square Gospel Church, according to Mayor Elmer Fruelda of Corcuera, Romblon. In an interview with DZBB, Ret. Col. Roseller Muros, the head of Romblon PDRRMO (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) said that the MB King Sto. Niño encountered a hole, leading to its capsize. "Medyo mataas ang alon lalo na sa kalagitnaan ng open sea at malakas din ang habagat, wala ding gale warning." Muros added. The Romblon mishap has been the third maritime incident in the country this year, following the Binangonan tragedy last 27 July that claimed 27 lives. The post 1 dead in Romblon pump boat mishap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA demonstrates NAIA’s emergency response preparedness at CREX 2023
PASAY CITY — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showcased its emergency response capability and preparedness during the Crash and Rescue Exercise (CREX) 2023 at the airside premises of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday, 4 August. The successful demonstration of this year’s full-scale simulated emergency CREX allows MIAA to ensure that the prescribed plans, guidelines, and organizational setup of the 8th edition of the NAIA Airport Emergency Plan 2023 adequately and effectively address emergencies occurring at or within the immediate vicinity of the country’s main gateway. “A dependable communication and coordination system is essential for a responsive Airport Emergency Plan (AEP). This exercise puts our communication and coordination system to the test, not only among MIAA offices but also with our external partner agencies,” said MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co. “We want to assess primary and secondary responders’ ability to respond to an aircraft crash and the resulting mass casualty event, including rescue and fire suppression, treatment and transport of survivors, and crash site security. The exercise also validates the methods for shifting from an emergency situation to normal airport operations following a potential major incident,” Co added. The scenario for CREX 2023 involved a commercial aircraft bound for Subic, CREX flight #0000, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, that suffered a left engine malfunction during the take-off run after a flock of domestic pigeons crossing the runway was ingested into the aircraft's number one (left) engine, causing the aircraft to crash. The aircraft lost thrust on its number one engine during take-off. The pilot attempted to abort the take-off, but the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the western portion. A fire broke out on the left wing. In this mock incident, there were 80 casualties, with 72 survivors and eight deceased. In addition to the standard fire suppression, medical, emergency response, and search and rescue activities, this year's CREX edition featured the activation of Cebu Pacific's Accident Site Go Team, marking the first time MIAA partnered with an airline. “Cebu Pacific prioritizes safety and has established processes when it comes to emergency response. We thank the MIAA for the opportunity for us to train together to help ensure that communication systems are in place in the event of a multi-agency response,” Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said as the airline demonstrated its emergency response, particularly in providing support to victims as well as processing and cross-matching victims and family members. The CREX is held to continuously meet security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In compliance with ICAO’s Suggested and Recommended Practices, the CREX is held every two years, but the full-scale exercise may not be conducted if the airport’s emergency plan was activated. The last full-scale CREX was on 19 October 2017. Several actual aircraft incidents in the succeeding years then brought to the fore MIAA’s emergency response capabilities. In August 2018, a Plan 1 emergency under its Airport Emergency Plan was activated when a Xiamen Air aircraft veered off the main runway while attempting to land during a heavy downpour. Barely two years after, another Plan 1 emergency occurred in March 2020, when a Lion Air medivac flight caught fire while it was rolling for take-off. The most recent involved a Saudia Airlines flight that went off the taxiway onto the grassy portion when its six right landing gears malfunctioned in June 2022. All passengers and crew were immediately evacuated and brought to NAIA Terminal 1. No one was hurt as a result of the incident. NAIA is rated as a Category IX airport, while MIAA’s current rescue and firefighting capability is Category X compliant, making it ready to respond to an airport emergency involving an Airbus A380. With the support of highly skilled fire and rescue personnel, a medical team well trained and experienced in aviation medicine, a fleet of modern firefighting and medical vehicles, pneumatic aircraft lifting systems, and various other rescue equipment, the MIAA Emergency Services department is on par with its counterparts in the region. “As this is a multi-agency response to a simulated emergency, assessment activities will be done after the exercise, where stakeholders are welcome to share their observations and raise comments and suggestions to improve our airport emergency plan and coordination system. The response is a community effort, and we appreciate everyone’s contribution in our quest to maintain the global standards of safety and security in NAIA,” Co said. “We would also like to thank our secondary responders for their support: Pasay City General Hospital, Ospital ng Parañaque, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Philippine Airforce, Las Piñas General Hospital, Philippine Coast Guard, Taguig City Fire Station, Manila Medical Center, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Makati, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, Las Piñas City Fire Station, BFP Parañaque, Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Red Cross – Pasay City Chapter, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,” Co added. See more photos here: The post MIAA demonstrates NAIA’s emergency response preparedness at CREX 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»