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Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) have shared their finest anti-trafficking strategies with Thailand's authorities. Representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, IACAT, Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section of the Bureau of Immigration (I-PROBES), and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFT) welcomed Thai delegates to the event, "Regional Knowledge Exchange between Thailand and the Philippines on Emerging Concerns in Trafficking in Persons", held from 25 to 28 September. The foreign delegation was led by Director General Jatuporn Saenghiran of the Thai Department of Trafficking in Persons Litigation, Office of the Attorney General. Representatives from the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking (ACT), the International Justice Mission, and the Thai Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime also attended the event. The event was held at the New Coast Hotel and NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Among the topics covered were techniques and difficulties in rescuing trafficking victims, particularly Thai and Filipinos, caught in internet frauds, as well as techniques in repatriating victims. Through persistent work, the Philippines has successfully maintained its Tier 1 position in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from the United States for eight years running. This accomplishment shows how dedicated the country is to stopping human trafficking and safeguarding its citizens from exploitation. Thai representatives looked over and observed the immigration processes at NAIA Terminal 3's BI arrival and departure area, taking note of its anti-human trafficking protocols. In an effort to combat human trafficking on their own soil, international governments are showing interest in studying the Philippine model, according to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Tansingco said that human trafficking is a borderless crime; hence, activities like this that discuss best practices allow countries to strengthen and combine their forces to eradicate this societal evil. The post Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri
The upper chamber will approve 17 bills that are set for the third and final reading, said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday. Zubiri noted that four of these bills are part of the priority legislation of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC while 12 are local bills for the improvement of state universities and colleges. “In fact, on Monday, we will approve four measures that are part of our LEDAC commitments. And so far, we are on track to meeting our deadlines because, by the end of this year, we hope to approve all 20 LEDAC priority measures pending in the Senate,” the Senate President said. Zubiri noted that the Senate has approved a total of five bills on second reading during the previous week which includes Senate Bill 2001 or the New Philippine Passport Act; SB 1846 or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023; SB 2224 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act; SB 2028 or An Act Recognizing the Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians; and SB 2233 or the Public Private Partnership Act. These bills, except for SB 2028, are LEDAC priority bills, he said. “These measures will be up for final reading on Monday. The deliberations on these bills have been exhaustive and I am confident that we did a good job of crafting these pieces of legislation, the efforts and expertise of the legislative staff in the Senate included,” he added. There are two bills pending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature including the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act and the Local Government Unit Income Classification Act. The Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, meanwhile, has been approved by the Senate on final reading and is on standby for bicameral committee action. Zubiri said there are 12 local bills involving SUCs that are also up for approval on final reading. After the approval of the four LEDAC measures on Monday, the Senate will set the schedule for the bicameral conference committee hearing with their counterparts in the lower house, bringing the measures closer to enactment into law. Undergoing amendments before their approval on the second reading is the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers while the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act—which has been certified as urgent and has a high possibility of being approved in its third reading. Further, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, Waste-to-Energy Bill, Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and National Service Training Program, as well as the National Disease Prevention Management Authority/Center for Disease Prevention Bill are all in the interpellation and are pending approval on second reading. Zubiri assured that the Senate will meet its commitment to approve on final reading the remaining 17 of the 20 LEDAC measures before the session adjourns in December of this year. The remaining LEDAC bills, he added, are all up for deliberations and discussions. ”With our pace in approving these LEDAC measures, I am confident that come December, all of our LEDAC commitments will have been met," Zubiri said. The post Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino activists accuse Marcos of ‘witch-hunt’
Filipino activists accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's government Thursday of carrying out a "witch-hunt" against rights defenders as they held rallies for the 51st anniversary of the imposition of martial law. Hundreds of people marched in Manila calling for the release of victims of forced disappearances and the abolishment of an anti-communist task force, set up by former president Rodrigo Duterte, that has been accused of targeting government critics. Rights group Karapatan said the Marcos Jr administration was using the task force to "witch-hunt activists, human rights defenders and other dissenters", while enabling the military and police to "perpetuate repression reminiscent of the martial law era". Marcos Jr's dictator father, Ferdinand Marcos, imposed martial law in 1972, unleashing his security forces on rivals, critics and dissidents. Amnesty International estimates thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands tortured and imprisoned in the brutal crackdown. Activists said rampant human rights abuses have continued under Marcos Jr, who has kept up Duterte's deadly war on drugs, as well as his National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Rights groups say eight activists have been "disappeared" since Marcos Jr became president in June 2022. There have been more than 400 drug-related killings during the same period, according to a monitoring group. "It's like we're still living in the shadows of 1972. This regime doesn't care about human rights," Renato Reyes, secretary general of the leftist alliance Bayan, told protesters. [caption id="attachment_186945" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] People hold placards as they join a protest commemorating the 51st anniversary of the imposition of Martial Law, at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on 21 September 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)[/caption] - 'Like martial law' - The rallies come after the release on Tuesday of two environmental activists who had accused the military of abducting them. Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22, had been working with coastal communities opposed to reclamation activities in Manila Bay when they disappeared on September 2 in Bataan province, near Manila. Authorities rejected the allegation, saying the women were part of a communist insurgency seeking to overthrow the government and had sought their help after voluntarily leaving the movement. Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde told AFP some aspects of the country's human rights situation had worsened under Marcos Jr. "What we're seeing is somebody... who likes to shove human rights as an issue aside," Conde said, adding one of the reasons could be "his family have a... nasty history as far as human rights is concerned." Veteran human rights campaigner Cristina Palabay of Karapatan said she felt "more scared now" as the number of missing activists increased. Palabay said she and other members of Karapatan faced "some sort of mortal danger far greater than before", citing increased threats, profiling and surveillance. "This is actually like martial law... when people are just being picked up in the streets and justified as being held by authorities because they are suspected of being somebody," Palabay said. pam/amj/dhw © Agence France-Presse The post Filipino activists accuse Marcos of ‘witch-hunt’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s BIDA program reaches South Cotabato
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday said its anti-illegal drugs advocacy program "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) has reached the Municipality of Polomolok in South Cotabato where around 4,000 runners and advocates joined the 4-kilometer “BIDA Run sa Bagong Polomolok 2023” early Saturday morning. DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who led the early morning run, urged all local government units (LGUs) to sustain the momentum initiated by the BIDA program “to ensure that the aspiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of having a drug-free Philippines will turn into reality in the nearest future.” “Umabot na ang ating kampanya [BIDA Program], at ang mensahe ng ating Pangulo kontra sa iligal na droga sa napakagandang bayan ng Polomolok dito sa South Cotabato. And I am very delighted by your resounding response to our call for unity,” she said. Gutierrez said that as the new face of the national government’s anti-illegal drugs program, BIDA seeks to incite the participation of various sectors of society to attain its goal. “As DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said, there are no shortcuts to victory over drugs. The only effective way is a comprehensive, long-term approach, which combines effective law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and social support,” she said. BIDA is a whole-of-nation, whole-of-government approach involving the national agencies, local government units, academe, faith-based sector, and the private sector that focuses more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation alongside law enforcement operations. Polomolok Mayor Bernie T. Palencia expressed his appreciation to DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos for leading the BIDA program and committed the full support of the municipality to the national government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign bannered by the BIDA Program. The post DILG’s BIDA program reaches South Cotabato appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Southeast Asian air force chiefs to snub Myanmar meeting
Several Southeast Asian air force commanders will shun an upcoming meeting chaired by Myanmar's military rulers, officials told AFP, deepening the junta's regional isolation as it struggles to crush resistance. The annual ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference gathers top air force leaders from the 10-nation bloc to discuss cooperation in defense, combating extremism, and disaster relief. Current chair Myanmar is set to host the meeting next week but at least three Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries told AFP they will not send their top officials. The junta has been accused of war crimes over air strikes carried out by its jets -- mostly Chinese and Russian-built -- in support of ground troops battling opponents of its 2021 coup. Its air force chief Htun Aung, who will chair the conference, has been sanctioned by the United States and Britain. The air force chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia will not attend the meeting, officials told AFP. Malaysia's air force chief will not attend, a spokesperson said, while the Philippine commander will send a video message to his counterpart rather than go in person. Indonesia's air force chief "will not be attending and won't be sending anyone to represent him either," air force spokesperson Agung Sasongkojati told AFP without giving a reason. At a summit this week, ASEAN accused the junta of targeting civilians in the grinding conflict sparked by its coup, and of ignoring a peace plan agreed with the bloc to end violence. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said there had been "no significant progress" in the five-point plan agreed with the junta more than two years ago. ASEAN has barred junta officials from high-level meetings over their refusal to engage with the plan and their opponents. Cambodian air force commander Soeng Samnang declined to comment on whether he would attend, and the defence ministry could not be reached for comment. The air forces of Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam did not respond to requests for comment. But Thailand's air force chief will make the trip to neighboring Myanmar, a defense ministry official told AFP. While ASEAN has halted high-level meetings with Myanmar's generals, Thailand has held its own bilateral talks with the junta and deposed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in recent months, further dividing the bloc. War crime claims Amnesty International said last year the junta was likely using air strikes as "collective punishment" against civilians supporting anti-coup fighters, and in March the United Nations said the military had carried out more than 300 air strikes in the past year. Also in March, the junta held a parade to mark Armed Forces Day, with flyovers by Russian-made Yak and Sukoi Su-30 jets. The military bombed a gathering in northern Sagaing region in April that media and locals said killed about 170 people, sparking renewed global condemnation of the isolated junta. Human Rights Watch said it had evidence the military had used a thermobaric "vacuum bomb" in the attack, saying it likely amounted to a war crime. Air strikes on a concert held by a major ethnic rebel group in northern Kachin state killed around 50 people last October. The junta has said reports civilians were among the dead were "rumors". AFP has contacted a Myanmar junta spokesman for comment. The post Southeast Asian air force chiefs to snub Myanmar meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops
Two carnappers and two hold-up men were arrested by the Manila Police District in separate operations on the same Saturday, one in Lawton and the other in Paco, Manila. In Lawton, police arrested two cousins engaged in hold-up activity who victimized three passengers at McArthur Bridge on Saturday morning. Police identified the suspects as Andy Ayuso y Bassig, 35, and June Braga y Ayuso, 29, both residents of 1652 Saturno St., Paco, Manila (Zobel Roxas, Barangay 783, San Andres). According to the complainants, Mark John Olito, 26, a restaurant server; Jerwin Riños, 21, a working student; and Maxine Opalic,18, they were inside a passenger jeepney going to Monumento. Upon reaching McArthur Bridge, the two suspects suddenly declared "hold up" and took their mobile phones. After the incident, the victims went to Lawton PCP where the police immediately conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of two cousins who robbed them of their belongings. The victims positively identified the two suspects whom they said held them up. Seized from the possession of the two suspects were two units of caliber .38 revolver and two cellular phones Charges for violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10591 were filed against the suspects at the Manila City Prosecutors Office, Meanwhile, operatives of the Manila Police District - Anti-Carnapping Unit arrested two suspected motorcycle nappers Saturday night on Quirino Highway corner Anak Bayan Street in Paco, Manila. P/Maj. Alfredo Padilla, chief of the MPD Anti-Carnapping Unit identified the two suspects as Mac Is Acebes, alias Dagul, 27, resident of 1225 Trece De Agosto, Paco; and Richard Hizon, alias Putol, 52, residing at 1696 Angel Linao Street, Paco, Manila. Based on the complainant Miguel Joseph Darjuan, 22, store owner of 1268 Interior at 18 Burgos St., Paco, Manila, he parked his motorcycle Yamaha Mio with plate number 959 PSQ in front of his store at Afacible Street corner Paz Street, in Barangay 677, Paco, Manila. At 3:58 early dawn, he discovered that his vehicle had been missing so he went directly to MPD ACT to report the incident. Operatives of the MPD ACU immediately responded and conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen vehicle. Carnapping charges will be filed against the two at the office of the Manila prosecutors. The post 2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Graft buster clears Cusi
Citing the presumption of regularity, the Office of the Ombudsman threw out the graft complaint of a New York-based billionaire against former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, other Department of Energy officials, Davao City-based executive Dennis Uy, and several others over the sale of 90 percent of the shares of the Malampaya natural gas consortium. On 18 October 2021, US-based geologist Balgamel Domingo and Filipino-American anti-Duterte leaders Rodel Rodis and Loida Nicolas-Lewis filed charges against Cusi, Uy, and the others involved in the sale of the Malampaya stake to the Udenna group of Uy. In a copy of the ruling obtained by the Daily Tribune, the Ombudsman said it could not delve into the complaint on the legality of the transaction since “the authority to make such a determination belongs to the court.” “Seemingly, this complaint is in actuality a collateral attack on the validity of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement,” it said. The decision declared that “matters of such tenor are not determinable in a preliminary investigation before the Ombudsman’s Office.” “Without any judicial determination decreeing the illegality of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, this Office is left with nothing but to acknowledge its validity,” the ruling said. The Ombudsman cited a precedent in the case of Teresita Buenaventura vs Metrobank, in a ruling that stated: “The burden of showing that a contract is simulated rests on the party impugning the contract.” “This is because of the presumed validity of the contract that has been duly executed,” the Ombudsman ruling read. “Wherefore, the criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) and of Republic Act 3019 against the respondents are dismissed for lack of probable cause.” The ruling was signed by members of a Special Panel of Investigators composed of Ronald Allan Ramos, Josephine Mae Rosapapan, Francisco Alan Molina and Bonifacio Mandrilla. Prime takes control The operation of the Malampaya project was recently assumed by the Razon group’s Prime Energy which bought a 45-percent stake from Malampaya Energy XP, or MEXP, of the Udenna group. MEXP had bought the shares of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., or SPEX, in the consortium. The Department of Energy had branded the complaint a political move since the two Fil-Am lawyers in the suit were prominent in the “Oust Duterte” movement in the United States. The complaint alleged that Cusi and other energy officials had granted “unwarranted benefits and advantage” to Uy’s UC Malampaya in the buyout of Chevron’s share in the consortium. Udenna, through spokesperson Raymond Zorilla, said there is “no law requiring approval of the transfer of shares of companies that have an interest in Malampaya.” Zorilla said the transfer of Chevron and Shell shares underwent strict bidding processes and due diligence by both multinational oil and gas players. “The share sales were above board and legal and had to pass scrutiny by Philippine regulators, international lenders, and the said private multinationals involved,” Zorilla added. Cusi, in an interview with Daily Tribune, had said the DoE was not involved in choosing the buyer of the shares of Shell and Chevron in the Malampaya project. “The DoE did not get involved in the sale (of shares). We don’t know that they are selling. Our question was what their standards are for choosing Udenna. Why didn’t you choose the big companies, and why Udenna?” he said. Industry experts said the sale of shares was a private transaction that the accusers, who are US lawyers, should have been very familiar with. Cusi said the DoE, during his watch, went beyond its mandate by reviewing the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the transactions, the results of which were provided to the public. Political agenda The complaint, he said, had an underlying political agenda connected to his being the head of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban. “It is not only political propaganda against me, but it also has a destabilization background… because I’m the president of the PDP.” The complaints, in turn, stemmed from the unending Senate inquiries on the Malampaya deals. The DoE said the Senate probes and the controversies that resulted from them had caused costly delays in the review process that would ultimately affect the country’s energy security. To refute a recent remark by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the DoE, in a statement said: “The inquiries of Senator Gatchalian are causing undue delay to the timeline of the consortium corporations, and this may eventually take its toll and put our energy security at risk.” The DoE’s approval of the sale of shares of stock of Chevron Malampaya LLC, one of the three corporations in the Malampaya Gas Field Project Consortium, had been dubbed by Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, as “lutong Macau.” It also backed the Udenna assessment that the deals were above-board. “When the sales were made, both Chevron Philippines, which owned Chevron Malampaya, and Shell Petroleum NV, owner of SPEX, followed rigorous global standards,” the DoE said. Nicolas-Lewis was part of a 25-person delegation from the US-Philippines Society, a private group comprising business executives and diplomats, who met with Duterte a week before his inauguration as president in 2016. Nicolas-Lewis was then accompanied by former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, retired American diplomats, and executives of Coca-Cola, SGV, JP Morgan, and other top corporations. Nicolas-Lewis is the sister of former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Imelda Nicolas, who was one of the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members who turned against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. Imelda and most of the Hyatt 10 members ended up getting key posts in the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Imelda was made head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Nicolas-Lewis plot bared In February 2018, former President Duterte bared intercepted conversations that indicated Nicolas-Lewis was behind efforts to push the International Criminal Court, or ICC, to probe his war on drugs. Duterte revealed a recorded conversation between Lewis and another political opponent whom he did not name. “I was listening to the tapes of their conversation. It was provided to me by another country, but the conversation was somewhere in the Philippines and New York,” Duterte said. He said that among the recordings was one in which Lewis allegedly told another person: “See you in the headquarters when the case is filed.” Duterte then said in a public address that he was aware of developments on the ICC case and that lawyer Jude Sabio, the main complainant in the case, was a paid hack of Magdalo Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Gary Alejano, both failed putschists. Sabio withdrew his complaint before the ICC and revealed that the case was the handiwork of the dirty tricks factory of Trillanes. In 2016, Duterte pointed to Lewis as the financier of an alleged destabilization plot against his administration. Nicolas-Lewis invested heavily in the failed presidential campaigns of Liberal Party bets Mar Roxas in 2016 and Vice President Leni Robredo in 2022. The post Graft buster clears Cusi appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EPD Task Force activated for Palaro
The Eastern Police District has created a task force to ensure the safety of athletes, delegates, and the general public during the whole duration of this year’s Palarong Pambansa from 26 July to 5 August in Marikina City. Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has ordered the Marikina police to ensure that safety and security arrangements are in place. “We have met with our local police authorities to review their comprehensive security plan for a safe, peaceful, and orderly Palaro for the protection of athletes, delegates, and the general public,” Teodoro said. According to Marikina police chief P/Col. Earl Castillo, a total of 1,088 security personnel will be deployed to secure the delegations during the event. “We are 100 percent ready. As of now, there is no direct eminent threat in the staging of this year’s Palaro Pambansa,” Castillo said. The task force consists of 695 police officers, 138 barangay peace-keeping action teams, 155 bantay-bayan, and 100 Office of Public Safety and Security personnel. They are tasked to ensure the security and safety of the VIPs, student-athletes, sports officials and other guests, including sports venues, billeting quarters and other areas throughout the whole duration of the event. Castillo said the police deployment is not only intended for the Palaro as there will also be anti-criminality operations. An advance command post will be put in place in Marikina Sports Center. Some 60 police assistance desks will be assigned in 31 billeting areas and 29 playing venues The post EPD Task Force activated for Palaro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP anti-trafficking efforts hailed
The Philippine National Police’s efforts to curb human trafficking in the country was recently lauded by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs especially the PNP’s recent rescue operations on certain Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations or POGOs in Metro Manila. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. expressed his gratitude to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their expression of appreciation towards the country. “This acknowledgment comes in response to the recent successful police operation conducted by the PNP, which resulted in the rescue of four Singaporean nationals among the 2,000 alleged victims of human trafficking discovered in a POGO establishment that was raided last week,” Acorda said. The PNP chief stressed that they are grateful to Singapore’s Ministry Foreign Affairs of Singapore for its unwavering support and recognition of the Philippine efforts in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity against transnational and cross-border crime. Both the Philippines and Singapore are founding members of the ASEAN Chiefs of National Police, now comprising all national police forces of 10 ASEAN member states. “This operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety of individuals affected by this heinous crime. The successful rescue of the four Singaporean nationals is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the PNP,” Acorda said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore has officially verified the identities of the four rescued Singaporeans, confirming their status as POGO workers who became victims. “Understanding the importance of providing immediate assistance, consular services were promptly extended to these individuals through the Singaporean embassy in Manila, ensuring their welfare and offering comprehensive support during this challenging time,” said the PNP chief. He added that collaboration between the PNP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore signifies the commitment of both nations in combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of individuals affected by such crimes. The joint effort demonstrates the collective determination to address transnational criminal activities through international cooperation and mutual support as the PNP reiterates its unyielding resolve to eradicate human trafficking and dismantle illegal operations like the one uncovered in this case. Upholding the principles of the rule of law, Acorda said the PNP is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, regardless of their nationality, and seeks justice for the victims involved. The post PNP anti-trafficking efforts hailed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO-NCR conducts Road Safety Seminar for PA and PCG
The Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) on Sunday reported that it recently conducted Road Safety seminars for the personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the aim of promoting and enhancing road safety awareness within these organizations. A total of ninety-seven (97) personnel, comprising 24 from the Philippine Army and 73 from the Philippine Coast Guard attended the Road Safety seminars. Joey F. Yap, the Training Facilitator from LTO-NCR, stated that the Army personnel who attended the Road Safety seminar were from the Philippine Army's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Civil Military Operations Regiment (CMOR), and the seminar took place at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City. Meanwhile, the PCG personnel took part in a seminar co-organized by the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and held at F. Ortigas St., Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. Yap explained that the training served as a refresher for government personnel, emphasizing the significance of road safety, including traffic rules, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, it aimed to raise awareness about potential road hazards and equip the attendees with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions while driving or walking. "Importante para sa mga personnel ng Philippine Army at Philippine Coast Guard na hindi sila malagay sa panganib sa tuwing sila ay bumabiyahe para sa kanilang mga assignments o operations," he said. "Bilang kapwa lingkod bayan, ibibigay natin ang lahat para patuloy tayong maaasahan ng mga Pilipino," he added. The LTO-NCR took the initiative to organize and conduct the aforementioned seminars under the guidance of Transportation Secretary Jaime "Jimmy" J. Bautista, LTO OIC-Assistant Secretary Atty. Hector A. Villacorta and LTO-NCR Regional Director Roque "Rox" I. Verzosa III. According to Yap, the Road Safety seminars covers a wide range of topics, including Road and Traffic Rules, Defensive Driving, and Handling Emergencies and Breakdowns. "Hindi lang ginagawa ang mga Road Safety Seminars para sa mga mismong uma-attend ngunit para rin talaga ito sa kanilang mga makakasama sa biyahe o kalsada," Yap explained. Yap also emphasized that LTO-NCR, led by RD Verzosa, is open to collaborations and is willing to conduct Road Safety seminars for those interested in availing of the office's seminars and expertise. In addition to the Road Safety seminars, the LTO-NCR Driver's Education Centers (DECs) offer various trainings and seminars, including the Conductor's Theoretical Course seminar, the Theoretical Driving Course seminar, and Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving trainings, among others. The post LTO-NCR conducts Road Safety Seminar for PA and PCG appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASG member nabbed in QC
The Southern Police District on Thursday reported that its operatives arrested an individual believed to be a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group and listed as one of the most wanted in Zamboanga. SPD director P/Brig. Gen. Kirby John Brion Kraft narrated that the suspect — identified as Janhar Abdulhari alias Janjan or Julpikar Pendiwata — was arrested on 21 June at about 6:30 p.m. at Tierra Pura Homes in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Kraft said that the suspect — listed as No. 7 Most Wanted Person (Municipal Level) and No. 5 (Provincial Level) of Zamboanga — was being hunted for a murder case and has been evading arrest for years. Operating teams composed of joint personnel of District Special Operations Unit of the SPD along with other units including the District Mobile Force Battalion, National Intelligence Support Group-NCR, Quezon City Police District-DSOU, 3rd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission joined forces to nab the suspect. The operation was conducted based on intelligence reports about the lair of the suspect in Quezon City. Initial reports showed that the suspect is operating under Kumander Wanning Abdusallam, who was killed in a joint military and police operation in 2016. The arrest warrant, issued by Judge Anthony dela Torre Isaw of the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, was in connection with a murder case with Criminal Case number 1-8776. Meantime, National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Edgar Ala Okubo lauded the efforts of the operating units for their professionalism and dedication to eradicating terrorism in the National Capital Region, as he stated that they will further intensify manhunt operations against wanted persons. In other developments, a total of 111 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army have surrendered to different police units in the Mimaropa region since January this year, according to Police Regional Office 4B director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria. Records showed that of 111, eight are listed in the periodic status report and the rest are alleged members, supporters and militiamen. Further, 53 of the surrenderers have turned themselves in since the assumption of Doria on 21 March this year. Among the latest surrenderers is “Ka Carlo,” a former member of Milisyang Bayan of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Ignacio Calabria Magadia, SRMA 4D, ISLACOM, Lucio De Guzman Command, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, who surrendered to the personnel of 1st Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company at 1st PMFC Headquarters in Brgy. San Isidro, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro on 19 June 2023. The surrender of “Ka Carlo” was through the relentless efforts of the intelligence unit of Oriental Mindoro PPO, in collaboration with the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, and other partner agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The post ASG member nabbed in QC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rody okay with PDP-Laban merger
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday revealed that he has no qualms over the looming merger of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan party to other political parties in the country. The former President also stressed that he is “slowly” removing himself from politics. “I leave it to the entire membership of the PDP-Laban, whatever they want. I may be the chairman but there’s a different President. I’d like to remove myself slowly from the politics,” Duterte said. He also gave assurance that he would “simply agree” if the entire membership of the Party will opt to merge with a stronger political Party as approved by the majority. “If that the majority wants. So it’s always a numbers game. Whatever is the prevailing sentiment in the Party,” Duterte said. Earlier this week, the PDP-Laban along with the National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Partido Navoteño, Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines, and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. signed an agreement to reaffirm their political alliance with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD. But for former Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo, he sees that Duterte — as the chairperson of the Party — has no idea about the merging issues. “It’s seems like PDP-Laban’s dedication to Lakas, it looks like he didn’t know about it or he just let it go. It’s like what I heard from him -- if that’s what the majority wants, the fine,” Panelo said. Meantime, the former President also cited the “uncontrollable character” of her daughter, incumbent Vice President, and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, saying she only has a straightforward commitment to public service. “Among my children, only this one [Sara] has a character… You can’t really control Inday… She will just do what is right,” Duterte said, referring to young Duterte’s strong personality and passion in terms of public service. In other developments, Panelo has backed the former President’s decision to reject the call for him to become the country’s anti-drug czar under this administration, saying it would be a demotion on the part of the previous President. “Knowing the former President, he will not accept that. First of all, it would be a demotion for him. He put the country in order for six years,” Panelo said, adding that “it is out of character” of Duterte. Panelo said the anti-illegal drug campaign can be continued by the current administration. “We need in this one, will be like Duterte. That’s how simple things are,” said Panelo. The post Rody okay with PDP-Laban merger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe data center readies PHL as regional technology hub
With the flood of data across the globe from the ever-growing demands of a thriving digital landscape, data has become the new gold. The more data you have, the more gold you will get, according to Ivan Uy, the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. At the launch of the ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines), a joint venture between Globe, Ayala Corporation, and Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, Uy underscored the significance of harnessing the potential of data centers to catapult the Philippines’ hypergrowth and position the country as regional hub for information technology and digital innovations. “The Philippines is in a good position to take the front seat in the digital space,” Uy said, “we have the talent, the skillset, and the right motivation. Digitalization is one of the primary thrusts of the Marcos administration.” He added, “Traditional areas like Singapore and Japan are getting crowded. So the Philippines is an open field where they can see almost unlimited growth not just because of the untouched potential of our land but even our human resources.” Carlo Malana, STT GDC Philippines president, added the Philippines benefited from the geopolitical tensions in Europe and parts of the Indo-Pacific being at the heart of the ASEAN region. “Singapore has no available land and there is tension in the Taiwan Straits. But the Philippines has real estate space and power requirements to host data centers,” Malana said. The new data center campus, STT Fairview, will comprise over 83,000 square meters of gross floor area across four buildings. Once fully built, it offers a development potential of 124 megawatts of IT load capacity. It is strategically positioned within Quezon City with access to nearby substations and critical telecommunications, transportation links, and logistics, business, and industrial hubs. This data center is expected to store and manage various digital data of customers of nearly all types of businesses now operating in the digital age. Connected Filipinos with faster internet and high-technology smartphones, people now consume as much as they share data — texts, photos, audio, and videos online. According to a 2021 report by social media management firms Hootsuite and We Are Social, Filipinos have been the heaviest internet users in Southeast Asia and the world, surfing the web for an average of 10 hours each day, longer than that of Colombia, Thailand, and Indonesia. “Data is the fuel that will drive everything we do, from social to e-commerce. Data centers are growing at a phenomenal pace in the region. Still, the Philippines will be the center of growth in Southeast Asia,” Bruno Lopez, president and CEO of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres-International, said. In addition, Uy said the Philippines has the labor force, land area, and regulations to build the country as an efficient data center location. Uy said the government had launched programs to upskill Filipinos in data management, tapping the youth’s higher interest and knowledge absorption in technology. “Other countries’ aging population cannot cope with the future demand.” Half of the Philippine population is aged 25, while that of Japan is 48. Level of expertise Manala added, “There’s a different level required for running a critical facility. For example, a mechanic fixing your car and the other a Formula One are different mechanics.” For data protection and cybersecurity regulations, Uy said authorities would strictly implement data privacy laws and anti-cybercrime measures. “The DICT will provide companies guidelines for compliance and training to build their capacities. We will put these as our priorities for reliable data interoperability.” With these critical elements for operating an efficient data center, Lopez believes there will be at least 28,000 jobs for Filipinos and $5 billion more in national income for every 20-megawatt data center. “Data now is the new gold, and the data center is your vault. The bigger the data center, the more gold you have,” Manala explained. In the next three years, Lopez said there could be ten other data center providers in the Philippines as the digitalization of activities is accelerated by hyper scalers, which are companies engaged in various businesses like e-commerce, entertainment, and research. “I’ve worked with Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Before, each of them wanted just five megawatts. With data centers and mobile applications growing phenomenally, 124 megawatts is a drop in the bucket.” Aside from a significant land area, hyper scalers are looking for high power capacity to run their data-centric computers 24/7. Uy said the demand for more data centers and the interest in electric vehicles or EVs would rise. “I’m also initiating programs to retool our mechanics to become EV mechanics because our automobile industry will have a profound transformation in the next ten years because computers will power these EVs.” Located along Regalado Avenue in West Fairview, Quezon City, the data center’s first phase is expected to rise in 2025, while the rest in eight years or less. “We’ll scale the growth of the rest of the facility as the demand comes in. As the customers come in, we’re prepared to give them a strategic highway for their development and growth in their countries,” Manala said. The post Globe data center readies PHL as regional technology hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IDAHOBIT observation highlights diversity and unity
On 17 May, the LGBTQ+ community, their allies and many agencies observed International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia or IDAHOBIT, which is meant to raise awareness on the discrimination, marginalization and violence experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s commemoration carried the worldwide theme “Together Always: United in Diversity.” For the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the theme “reminds us of the importance of solidarity towards battling discrimination.” “[W]e encourage business owners, leaders and influential individuals to raise our flag with pride, in their respective businesses and communities, in signaling allyship and respect for the LGBTQIA+ people. Let us promote an environment where people come together against stereotyping and discrimination, and where they are introduced to organizational values that effectively advocate a diverse workspace that includes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics,” they said. For the Southeast Asian network ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, the day “aims to celebrate and appreciate the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ community, but the day is also the commemoration of our collective struggles.” IDAHOBIT “marks one of the most momentous turning points in the struggle for gender equality — the declassification of homosexuality as a disorder by the World Health Organization. A breakthrough in the recognition of the natural diversity in society and a step forward to materializing a just and equal world,” according to UP (University of the Philippines) Babaylan. “However, in this modern reality, it cannot be denied that our systems are plagued with the constant threats of impunity, indifference and violence. In the Philippines alone, many names have been victims to the rampant narratives of discrimination... the need to hold the line and ensure rights for all remains an arduous endeavor. From the margins to the center, every identity is met with oppression and challenged by circumstances,” the campus-based LGBTQ+ explained. “To this day, we remember each story and utter every name as a promise that the struggle lives on so that nobody might be next and that justice be served to those that came before us.” They further said: “As such, the movement finds itself emboldened with the pride and power of the collective. We recognize that there is no greater system than that of the people in pursuit of a shared goal: respect for human rights, reclamation of identities and acceptance of diversity.” UP Babaylan held a week-long celebration for IDAHOBIT called Here for Queers. From 17 to 19 May, the group organized the Intergalactic Expo Bazaar at the Rainbow Crosswalk, in front of the West Wing of Palma Hall, featuring queer-owned businesses. Aside from booths selling food and clothes, there is also a booth offering free HIV testing in partnership with HASH. [caption id="attachment_137956" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UP BABAYLAN | UP Babaylan’s Intergalactic Expo Bazaar at the UP Diliman campus.[/caption] On 19 May, the Multidimensional FSL Workshop was held, where speakers Erika Allosa and Abraham Bagasin from Pinoy Deaf Rainbow taught the basics of Filipino Sign Language as well as sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics or SOGIESC. Here for Queers culminated with Benefit Concert: An Interstellar Night on 20 May at the Sky Bistro Ever with drag queens Mrs. Tan, Myx Chanel, Maria Christina, Inah Demons, Aries Night and Korona Dvil, and other performers Stef Aranas, Pixie Lanrador, Pointyyy, Lance Reblando taking center stage. Profits will be donated to Pinoy Deaf Rainbow. On IDAHOBIT, Pride PH intensified its call on schools to recognize and accept transgender at non-binary students. The group continues to help students with their schools that refuses to be inclusive. Aside from LGBTQ+ groups, foreign embassies also joined in celebrating IDAHOBIT. The German Embassy Manila has partnered with Zamboanga City-based Mujer LGBT Organization for the Human Rights Caravan to engage with local government units in Mindanao by providing gender and sexual orientation sensitivity training and teaching the importance of anti-discrimination policies especially when providing services to their LGBTQ+ constituents. The Caravan has been to Dipolog City, Isabela, Pagadian City, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City. According to the embassy, “As co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition, Germany is working to promote respect, acceptance and equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities. We encourage societies to reflect on the impact of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and take action to combat these forms of discrimination.” The United States Embassy in the Philippines said that “the United States reaffirms our commitment to end discrimination and violence so that all of our LGBTQI+ friends, colleagues, neighbors and family may live freely with dignity and equal respect for their human rights.” “Countries are stronger when the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons are protected and respected,” they emphasized. The post IDAHOBIT observation highlights diversity and unity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Widodo appeals for Myanmar truce
Indonesian President Joko Widodo appealed for the immediate cessation of violence and dialogue in Myanmar on Tuesday ahead of the 42nd ASEAN Summit. “People will become victims because this condition will not make any party a winner. I invite all of us to come together and create a space for dialogue to find solutions together,” Widodo said in a press conference in Jakarta. The President urged all parties to engage in dialogue to find solutions together and confirmed that Indonesia’s chairmanship in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year will continue to push for implementing the “Five-Point Consensus.” The consensus includes a focus on humanitarian assistance. Indonesia has made such efforts with the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management facilitating it. Meanwhile, Widodo reported that the joint needs assessment has been completed after a significant delay caused by access issues. “The issue was access. The AHA Centre, accompanied by the ASEAN monitoring team, was on its way to deliver humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately, a shootout broke out along the way,” he said. On Sunday a convoy of several vehicles traveling in Taunggyi township in eastern Myanmar’s Shan State was attacked by an unknown armed group, a foreign diplomat based in Yangon told Agence France-Presse on Monday on condition of anonymity. The convoy was carrying diplomats from the embassies of Indonesia and Singapore and officials coordinating humanitarian relief from the ASEAN, the source added, noting that no casualties were reported. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration in February 2021. The ASEAN has led diplomatic attempts to resolve the bloody crisis, but its efforts have stalled as the junta ignores international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents, which include ousted lawmakers, anti-coup “People’s Defense Forces” and ethnic minority armed groups. WITH AFP The post Widodo appeals for Myanmar truce appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Group fears looming train fare hikes amid crisis
"Private companies always come after big profit margins. Under LRMC's contract, the government will pay once the corporation is not able to charge a fare hike. This is unclear and anti-people," said Bayan. The post Group fears looming train fare hikes amid crisis appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Eleazar backs Duterte’s call to arm anti-crime volunteers ‘for their protection’
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday backed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to arm anti-crime volunteers, stressing the move is for “ensuring their own protection.” Duterte floated the idea during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers in Camp Crame […] The post Eleazar backs Duterte’s call to arm anti-crime volunteers ‘for their protection’ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Anti-Terror Council’s designation is arbitrary, sweeping accusation – Bayan
Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the designation "is arbitrary, no clear standards, no specific terrorist acts cited, just a sweeping accusation." The post Anti-Terror Council’s designation is arbitrary, sweeping accusation – Bayan appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
9 killed in anti-activist raids in Calabarzon
Nine persons were reportedly killed including a leader of militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan following simultaneous crackdowns against activists in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal early yesterday morning......»»
The game changer
Despite being the slowest in the ten-nation ASEAN, the rollout by the Philippines of its anti-COVID-19 vaccination program is the game changer businessmen and investors have been waiting for, as early as December last year......»»