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NBI seeks parallel probe on broadcaster’s slay
The National Bureau of Investigation has been ordered by Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to conduct a “parallel investigation” on the case of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro radio blocktimer Cresenciano Bunduquin who was killed last 31 May. Emerging from more than two hours of closed-door meeting with Remulla on Thursday, Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director Paul Gutierrez said the decision to let the NBI conduct a parallel probe was made to further hasten the resolution of the case. It also aims to clarify the involvement of other personalities in Mindoro potentially linked to the killing of Bunduquin and prevent a potential “whitewash” of the case. Although under the Office of the President, Gutierrez reports directly to Remulla and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Atty. Cheloy Garafil as both are co-chairs of the PTFoMS. The PTFoMS had earlier announced that aside from the gunman — identified as Isabelo Lopez Bautista — information gathered indicated that at least three personalities in Mindoro, one of them a police major assigned at the PRO4-B (Mimaropa) Police Office, may be involved in the attack on Bunduquin. Another is a provincial official belonging to a prominent political clan in Mindoro while the other is a long time, big time operator of a perya with close links to many local officials and has a close association with the police major. “From the stream of information, the PTFoMS is now getting from other reliable sources in the government that other persons may also be involved. Thus, Secretary Remulla deemed it best to order the NBI to conduct a parallel probe for us get a clear picture of what happened and who are the other persons or ‘mastermind’ behind the attack on Bunduquin,” Gutierrez said. “Let me emphasize that the government is determined to solve this incident and to render full justice to the victim’s family by unmasking and prosecuting all those involved. No one should take this determination lightly,” he added. He also reiterated his earlier statement that the filing of murder and attempted murder charges against Bautista by the SITG Bunduquin would not mean a closure to the case. “As Secretary Remulla directed, the motive for the killing of Bunduquin must not be limited to the ‘personal grudge’ of the suspects against him. All angles must be explored to the full. The emerging motive is the proliferation of illegal gambling in the province using perya as a cover and politics as both were severely criticized by Bunduquin in his radio program,” said Gutierrez. A radio blocktimer at the local Kalahi News FM, Bunduquin was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding armed men around 4:20 a.m. in front of his rented store in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Calapan City. The gunman was later identified as Bautista while his cohort, identified as Narciso Ignacio Guntan from Roxas town, died after their motorcycle crashed when it hit a metal road barrier during their escape. According to information, both suspects are workers in the local peryahan scene in Mindoro and Bautista had also worked as a driver and doing other odd jobs to some influential individuals in the province. The post NBI seeks parallel probe on broadcaster’s slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Amsterdam sex workers protest planned ‘erotic center’
Amsterdam's sex workers Thursday protested against the transfer of their famed red light district to an out-of-town "erotic center", in what is seen as part of a battle for the city's soul. Many wearing masks to shield their identity, dozens of sex workers marched through the streets towards City Hall, one carrying a banner saying: "If sex workers are not to blame, then why are we being punished?" Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the red light district and move it out of town to a purpose-built "erotic center", aiming to rid Amsterdam's image as a "sin city" while reducing the number of tourists and petty crime in the area. But she has found herself up against local residents who do not want the new center on their doorstep, as well as sex workers who feel they are scapegoats for the criminals and crowds surrounding their neon-lit booths. Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, known as De Wallen, with its neon-lined windows in canalside houses where sex workers stand waiting for customers. The city council has earmarked three possible sites for the erotic center, which would have 100 rooms for sex workers. One sex worker who identified herself only as Lucie dismissed the idea as "one big gentrification project". "It's mainly about combatting the crowds in De Wallen, but that is not the sex workers' fault so I don't see why we should be punished for it," said Lucie, who declined to give her last name. 'We just don't want it' Even the European Medicines Agency has been caught up in the controversy after it emerged one possible site for the erotic center was near its headquarters. The EMA voiced outrage, saying it could affect the safety of people working late at the office. More than 20,000 have signed a petition against the transfer of the booths, calling instead for better crowd control in the area and greater police surveillance, especially at night. Mariska Majoor, a former sex worker who now advocates for their rights, said the protests against moving the district had already been going for 16 years and that City Hall kept changing the goalposts. "The authorities had a plan to reduce part of the brothels already in 2007. Then it was because of the fight against people trafficking and abuse and now it's about the fight against mass tourism," she told AFP. Moving the red light district is Amsterdam's latest effort to transform its image as a party capital. It has also launched a "stay away" campaign to discourage stag nights and boozy tourists, which caused a stir in Britain after the council said it would start by targeting British men aged 18 to 35. The demonstration also attracted out-of-town locals who might suddenly find themselves living next to the new "erotic center." Cynthia Cournuejouls, a 42-year mother living to the south of the city, told AFP: "We don't want the biggest brothel in Europe in our neighborhood." "We just don't want it. We want to keep it here." The post Amsterdam sex workers protest planned ‘erotic center’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoJ seeks Antipolo prosecutors help on student’s death probe
The Department of Justice has asked the Antipolo City’s Office of the City Prosecutor to help in the investigation with law enforcers on the case of a 14-year-old boy who died days after he was allegedly slapped by his teacher. The DoJ said that the autopsy to determine the cause of death of the Grade 5 student identified as Francis Gumikib last 2 October is ongoing and being conducted by the Philippine National Police Forensic Laboratory. Earlier, the DoJ — through the Committee on the Special Protection of Children — has already directed the OCP of Antipolo City to coordinate with law enforcement agencies on the investigation and case build-up on any offenses that may have been committed in relation to the death of and/or abuse perpetuated against the student. It also declared that it “condemns any act of violence and abuse perpetuated against our children.” “Child abuse in any form is an abhorrent violation of children’s rights and a crime that should never be tolerated,” said the DoJ. “Children, especially learners, deserve a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive without fear of abuse.” Meantime, the Commission on Human Rights is conducting an independent investigation into the death of the student as it also urged the government to establish and strengthen the legislative, administrative and social measures that will secure the children’s safety. “The Commission deplores all acts which pose threats to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children,” said the CHR in a statement. With Lade jean Kabagani The post DoJ seeks Antipolo prosecutors help on student’s death probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 wanted suspects fall in Rizal sting
Three wanted persons were arrested in separate manhunt operations on Tuesday, the Rizal police provincial office said Wednesday. Rizal police provincial director P/Col. Rainerio de Chavez said the three individuals were nabbed for various cases in the towns of Rodriguez and Tanay, and Antipolo City. In Rodriguez, the 42-year-old accused, identified only as alias Zaldy, was arrested by operatives of the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder. It can be recalled that the accused was allegedly tagged behind the stabbing incident against alias Ryan who miraculously survived the attack after he was rushed to a nearby hospital. In Antipolo, rape suspect alias Junior was nabbed by the police by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Jose Bayani Usman of Puerto Princesa City Regional Trial Court Branch 50 (Family Court) for the crime of two counts of rape, acts of lasciviousness, and violation under Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law. The post 3 wanted suspects fall in Rizal sting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign shame
The government should recognize the possibility that Chinese workers in the country are committing espionage amid the escalating territorial friction in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro raised the alarm, saying employees of mainly Chinese state firms may be engaged in potential “covert economic and information activities,” including propaganda operations, to sway public opinion in favor of the mainland. Among the workers on the watchlist are “the ones hired by Beijing’s state-run enterprises involved in public infrastructure projects,” according to Teodoro. The Department of National Defense said it is looking into clandestine dealings “happening in the background.” “It’s the activities that we cannot see… that’s what alarms us,” the defense chief said. “The best way to weaken a country, rather than by an overt warlike function or disruption of [its] facilities, is really to take control of [its] internal economy, internal processes, and the like,” Teodoro pointed out. The records of Chinese migrants in the country are inadequate based on previous Senate hearings. No government agency was able to provide the Senate, for instance, with an accurate number of illegal Chinese workers, indicating that they are not being monitored. Labor agencies have also failed to keep track of how many foreign workers are in jobs that, by mandate of the Constitution, should be for Filipinos only. Under the law, foreigners are only allowed to work in jobs that require highly specialized skills and where no Filipinos are deemed competent to do them. During the Senate probe, it was also discovered that as many as 119,000 Chinese nationals who came to the country as tourists are now residents and have jobs in violation of labor regulations. Chinese tourists, through some “gainful” means, were able to obtain special work permits from the Bureau of Immigration. They now work in very diverse areas such as Metro Manila, Clark, Subic, Cagayan and Cagayan de Oro. In one of the inquiries, a Department of Labor and Employment official explained that the special permits were issued without the need for an Alien Employment Permit, or AEP, because the nature of the employment was temporary, lasting from three to six months. The loose process, thus, has allowed foreign workers to enter the country practically unbridled. Senators questioned the discrepancy between the AEPs issued and the number of Chinese workers in the country. Independent sources said that as many as 200,000 to 400,000 Chinese workers are in the country. Four different agencies issue different permits that make the situation worse. The biggest insult by China is that its propaganda work against the Philippines and other opponents in the territorial conflicts is done in this country. Facebook recently removed two networks of fake accounts that were spreading government propaganda, one originating in China and the other in the Philippines. Taken down were 155 Facebook accounts, 11 pages, nine groups and seven Instagram accounts traced to China, and 57 accounts, 31 pages and 20 Instagram accounts based in the Philippines. Such operations breach Facebook’s rules against “coordinated inauthentic behavior on behalf of a foreign or government entity.” The Chinese network used faces created through an AI technique known as GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks). Facebook was able to trace the origins of the accounts because of their visual signatures. “This form of AI is readily available online, and its use (or abuse) by covert operations has exploded in the last year,” according to a report on the social media platform. Identified were a dozen GAN-generated images from the Chinese propaganda operation. Teodoro, who has access to a wealth of information, in revealing the supposed operations being conducted by the Chinese in the country’s backyard, virtually confirmed the problem has reached alarming proportions. It would be easy for the government to keep track of foreign workers if only the appropriate agencies would resist the seduction of human smuggling. In accepting bribes to let the aliens skirt the law, these officials and functionaries have placed our national security at risk. The post Sovereign shame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK media investigate sex assault claims against comedian Brand
The BBC and Channel 4, former employers of British actor and comedian Russell Brand, said Sunday they were investigating claims of rape, sexual assaults and emotional abuse over a seven-year period, which the 48-year-old has denied. Four women have alleged sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013 when Brand was at the height of his fame working as a presenter for BBC Radio 2, Channel 4 and acting in Hollywood movies, a joint media investigation said Saturday. The broadcasters BBC and Channel 4, along with the production company Banijay UK, said Sunday that they would open internal inquiries into the claims. "We are urgently looking into the issues raised," a BBC spokesperson told AFP. The allegations were made in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches. "Banijay UK has launched an urgent internal investigation and will cooperate with any requests for information from broadcast partners and external agencies," the production firm said. According to the Times investigation, several women have made a range of accusations about Brand's alleged controlling, abusive and predatory behavior. In a video released Friday, Brand denied the "very serious criminal allegations". He said he had received letters from a TV company and a newspaper listing "a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks". "Amidst this litany of astonishing rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute," he said in the video clip posted online. According to the media reports, one woman alleged that Brand raped her in his Los Angeles home, while another claims he assaulted her during a three-month relationship while she was 16 and still at school. Known internationally as the former husband of pop star Katy Perry, Brand began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 2000s. He was the host of the chat show Big Brother's Big Mouth, a spin-off of the popular reality series, for three years from 2004. He also played rock star Aldous Snow in the 2008 film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and its 2010 sequel "Get Him To The Greek". London's Metropolitan Police told AFP that while it was aware of the allegations, "At this time, we have not received any reports in relation to this". "If anyone believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we would encourage them to contact police," it said. The post UK media investigate sex assault claims against comedian Brand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Probe on PNP abuse, rights violation sought
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Friday filed a resolution urging the Senate to probe alleged abuse, killings and human rights violations by the members of the Philippine National Police due to their “persistent failure” to follow police operational procedures. Senate Resolution 767 is urging an appropriate committee in the upper chamber to undertake an inquiry against police officers engaged in abuse of power, criminal acts and violation of human rights. Tulfo lamented that cops must enforce the law accordingly, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security in the country. However, he lashed out about several reports indicating that police operations have failed due to their negligence in operational procedures. He cited the 12 August incident wherein Pandi police officers entered the property of Rodelio Vicente claiming they were just conducting a “manhunt” for an alias “Elmer” without any warrant of arrest or justification. The cops eventually arrested Vicente for allegedly committing direct assault and disobedience to a person in authority and was taken into custody for no valid reason. Tulfo slammed the arresting cops for not wearing their uniforms and using ski masks during the supposed manhunt operations. Vicente’s daughter was also physically assaulted by these police officers. Also, Tulfo cited the case of John Francis Ompad who was killed by Police Corporal Arnulfo Sabillo from the PNP Rodriguez, Rizal last 20 August while conducting an “Oplan Sita” — a police checkpoint. Ompad allegedly refused to show driving documents and ran away from the checkpoint, prompting Sabillo to chase the rider and shoot him. “The aforementioned two incidents happened within the same month; and just weeks after the death of Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar who was killed by PNP Police Operatives from Navotas under a claim of mistaken identity,” Tulfo wrote in his resolution. “The operation was found to have had several irregularities and non-compliance with the PNP Police Operations Procedure,” he added. Tulfo stressed that the protection of human rights remains a “fundamental principle” enshrined in the Constitution. He further pressed the need for the police officers to strictly observe their Police Operations Procedure and to ensure strict application of the internal discipline of the PNP. The post Probe on PNP abuse, rights violation sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Task force formed on Albay village chief slay
LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Police in Bicol Region disclosed that it has created a special investigation task group to probe the killing of a barangay official in Libon town last Monday. The PNP — through its Albay Provincial Police Office — said that the task force is set to dig deeper on the death of San Jose Barangay Captain Alex Enriquez Repato after filing his certificate of candidacy. APPO spokesperson Capt. Kharren Formales said that the “SITG Repato” has already conducted two meetings and that the investigation is already ongoing, adding that closed-circuit television footage of the incident is now being included in the investigation. “Based on the CCTV footage, two persons were seen riding a motorcycle which matches the testimony of the witness who was with barangay captain Repato before the incident,” Formales said. She added that a continuous probe is being conducted to establish the identity of the suspects. “We are still looking for possible witnesses who can point out who those people are. We are not ruling out that those two people may not be the only ones behind the shooting of barangay Captain Repato,” Formales said. She also stressed that the creation of SITG Repato was in line with the directive of Police Regional Office-Bicol director Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators. “The SITG Repato is under the supervision of the deputy regional director for operation Col. Jesus A. Rebua and the lead and chairman is our provincial director Col. Fernando Cunanan Jr.,” she said. Formales added that Albay PPO, PRO-5 and other units are helping in the investigation by pursuing leads and gathering testimonies from possible witnesses who might shed light on the killing. “PNP-PRO5 strongly condemns the heinous incident. The attack against an innocent individual who only wants to serve the public is unacceptable and despicable. Through the coordination of the relevant agencies and the dedication of the partners in the law, it is expected that the circumstances will be clarified and justice will be achieved for the victims of this violence,” the PRO-5 said in a statement. The post Task force formed on Albay village chief slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is eyeing amendments to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of calls or text messages by individuals who are subjects of case investigations. This suggestion came during Monday’s public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February, where Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley cited restrictions provided in RA 10175 as among the hurdles hampering the probe into the ambush of Alameda and five others. "We applied for a warrant to disclose computer data doon sa number ni Mayor Chan based sa affidavit ni Mrs. Alameda. However, noong una, sinagot ng (telecommunications firm) Globe na they don't have the equipment to save ‘yung traffic data. Pero nung inamend ‘yung warrant, nag-reapply kami Sir, nag-submit naman ‘yung Globe pero walang content" (At first, Globe responded saying they didn't have the equipment to save traffic data. But when we amended the warrant and reapplied, Globe submitted but there was no content), Luyun told the committee chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. Aparri Mayor Bryan Chan was among the persons of interest in the attack on Alameda and his five companions in Purok 5, Sitio Kinakao, Baretbet, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. Under Section 14 of RA 10175, “law enforcement authorities, upon securing a court warrant, shall issue an order requiring any person or service provider to disclose or submit, within 72 hours from receipt of such order, subscriber’s information, traffic data or relevant data in his/its possession or control, in relation to a valid complaint officially docketed and assigned for investigation by law enforcement authorities, and the disclosure of which is necessary and relevant for the purpose of investigation.” Traffic data or non-content data refer to any computer data other than the content of the communication, including, but not limited to the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration or type of underlying service. "So maybe i-amend natin ‘yang batas na ‘yan na pagdating sa investigation ng isang krimen ay dapat obligado ang service provider like Globe to disclose to the investigating agencies ‘yung contents ng kanilang cellphone" (Maybe we should amend that law when it comes to the investigation of a crime, so service providers like Globe should be required to disclose to the investigating agencies the contents of their cellphone), Dela Rosa said. The committee also tackled several measures requiring the installation of closed-circuit television, the proposed Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act and the Checkpoint Regularization Act. The post Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG recognizes town mayor’s suspension
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday recognized the suspension order on Bonifacio town mayor Samson Dumanjug in Misamis Occidental. In a statement, the DILG commented on the suspension of Dumanjug which was discussed during the Senate Committee on Public Order hearing last 1 August 2023. Under Administrative Order 22 s. 2011, the suspension order of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should be appealed to the Office of the President within 15 days from notice of the order., the DILG said. “However, Mayor Dumanjug did not file an appeal. The 2023 Suspension Order against Mayor Dumanjug thus became final and executory. Further, there was no stay of execution issued by any proper office or court. In recognizing the Suspension Order, the DILG complied with and followed the law,” read the statement. Last Tuesday, Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs for the hearing called by chairman Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Dela Rosa, in calling for the probe, has cited the letter complaint of the Dumanjug couple that local police officers and local government executives subjected them to alleged inhumane and violent treatment when they were evicted from the municipal hall building last 16 June. Oaminal said law enforcement agents were pressed to use force in enforcing the suspension order on Dumanjug and his wife, Vice Mayor Evelyn Dumajug to resume the delivery of basic services to their constituents. Oaminal told senators that the Dumanjugs have locked themselves in the mayor’s office since 30 May after he directed the service of the preventive suspension order issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental in relation to Administrative Case 01-23 or a case of betrayal of public trust against the couple. On 7 June, Oaminal said the DILG Region 10 issued a memorandum recognizing Ricky Bulahan as the acting municipal mayor of Bonifacio town. This was supported with a letter dated 9 June 2023 coming from the DILG Central Office in Quezon City. The case stemmed from an administrative complaint filed against the Dumanjug couple last September 2022 for abuse of authority, dishonesty, and grave misconduct for the procurement of excavators and garbage compactor trucks which were allegedly overpriced. The post DILG recognizes town mayor’s suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos says Philippines is ‘done talking’ with ICC
The Philippines will no longer deal with the International Criminal Court, President Ferdinand Marcos said Friday, after The Hague-based tribunal rejected Manila's appeal to stop a probe into a deadly drug war. Thousands of people have been killed in the anti-narcotics campaign started by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 and continued under Marcos. "We're done talking with the ICC," Marcos told reporters during a visit to the southern island of Mindanao, according to an official transcript. "The alleged crimes are here in the Philippines, the victims are Filipino, so why go to The Hague? It should be here," he said. The ICC launched a formal inquiry into Duterte's crackdown in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen and vigilantes. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan later asked to reopen the inquiry in June 2022, and pre-trial judges at the court gave the green light in late January -- a decision that Manila appealed shortly afterwards. A five-judge bench on Tuesday dismissed Manila's objection that the court had no jurisdiction because the Philippines pulled out of the ICC in 2019, some three years before the inquiry was resumed. Marcos said Friday the government would take "no more actions" regarding the ICC ruling, but would "continue to defend the sovereignty of the Philippines and continue to question the jurisdiction of the ICC in their investigations". Thousands killed More than 6,000 people were killed in police anti-drug operations during Duterte's term, official government figures show, but ICC prosecutors estimate the death toll at between 12,000 and 30,000. The drug war has continued under Marcos even though he has pushed for more focus on prevention and rehabilitation. More than 350 drug-related killings have been recorded since Marcos took office last June, according to figures compiled by Dahas, a University of the Philippines-backed research project that keeps count of such killings. Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world's only permanent court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling. Manila argues it has a fully functioning judicial system, and as such, its courts and law enforcement should handle the investigation into alleged rights abuses during the drug war -- not the ICC. Only four police officers have been convicted for killing drug suspects in two separate cases since the start of the crackdown in 2016. Rights groups allege the killings were carried out as part of a state policy, and that Duterte had publicly encouraged them with incendiary rhetoric during his public comments. During his presidency, Duterte openly encouraged law enforcers to shoot suspects in anti-drug operations if the lawmen felt their own lives were in danger. The post Marcos says Philippines is ‘done talking’ with ICC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thai reformist Pita’s PM bid crashes on establishment opposition
Thai reformist leader Pita Limjaroenrat's bid to become prime minister ended Wednesday, despite his party winning the most votes in May elections, after the military and pro-royalist establishment blocked his bid for power. Pita's Move Forward Party (MFP) has ridden high on the support of young and urban Thais frustrated by nearly a decade of army-backed rule, but its efforts to form a government have stumbled. The 42-year-old was dramatically suspended from parliament while seated in the chamber for discussions on his candidacy, which came to an end when lawmakers voted to refuse considering him for a second ballot. "I would like to say goodbye until we meet again," he said, raising his fist as he left the assembly floor to the cheers of party allies. Pita's suspension came when Thailand's Constitutional Court said it would proceed with a case that could see the leader disqualified from parliament altogether for owning shares in a media company. Lawmakers are forbidden from doing so under Thailand's constitution, though the television station in question has not broadcast since 2007. Pita, Harvard-educated and wealthy from a family-run agrifood business, has said the shares were inherited from his father. He has 15 days to respond to the case. After he left the parliament, lawmakers voted by a large margin to rule that he could not be considered for the post a second time. "Pita can't be nominated twice in this parliamentary session," speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said, over howls of protest from within the chamber, immediately before the day's proceedings were called to an end. Dozens of supporters cried and shouted abuse at a large riot police cordon guarding the gates of parliament after news of Pita's suspension broke. "Why even ask people to go to the polls?" one protester, who did not give his name, told AFP. Protesters began gathering in the evening for a public rally near Bangkok's Democracy Monument and police said they were prepared for any unrest. "No matter what their opinions are, they need to follow rules and orders set by the police," said Archayon Kraithong, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police. Roadblocks Pita's first tilt at the premiership failed when he fell dozens of votes short of the required support in a joint parliamentary sitting. Thailand's senate is stacked with military appointees, with only 13 of 249 serving senators voting for Pita last week. Other roadblocks have been thrown in front of his Pita's candidacy. The court has also agreed to hear a case alleging that MFP's campaign promise to amend Thailand's royal defamation law is tantamount to a plan to "overthrow" the constitutional monarchy. Pita's party has refused to compromise on its pledge to revise the law, which can allow convicted critics of the monarchy to be jailed for up to 15 years. The MFP's reformist platform also poses a threat to family-owned business monopolies that play an outsized role in the kingdom's economy. The Constitutional Court has intervened in Thai politics before. The billionaire leader of MFP's predecessor party, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, was disqualified as an MP in 2019 after falling afoul of the same shareholding rule. Compromise candidate Pita has vowed to step aside to make way for another party to form a government if his second attempt fails. The coalition backing him is expected to fall in line behind property tycoon Srettha Thavisin, potentially relegating MFP to serve in opposition. Srettha's Pheu Thai party is seen as a vehicle for the Shinawatra political clan, whose members include two former prime ministers ousted by military coups in 2006 and 2014. But as a successful entrepreneur liked by fellow business leaders, the 60-year-old is seen as a potential compromise acceptable to the Thai elite. Prawit Wongsuwan, 77, a former Thai army chief who served as number two in the junta that took power in 2014, has also been floated as a candidate by parliament's military bloc. Thai voters roundly rejected army-backed parties in May's election. Political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak told AFP the prospect of a military presence in the next government could spark a backlash in a country that is no stranger to political unrest. The post Thai reformist Pita’s PM bid crashes on establishment opposition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Media TF: Probe cops who ‘harassed’ journalists
By Elmer Recuerdo and Edjen Oliquino TACLOBAN CITY — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has called on the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas to investigate the alleged harassment by local policemen of three Tacloban journalists. “The actions made by elements of the Pastrana Municipal Police Office in confronting members of the press who are merely doing their job of conducting an interview is totally uncalled for, unnecessary and amounted to abuse of authority and power,” PTFoMS Executive Director Paul M. Gutierrez said. Gutierrez said the officers allegedly threatened and harassed Noel Tampil Sianosa Jr., Ted Allen Tomas, and Lito A. Bagunas of San Juanico TV, an online news outfit based here, while they were interviewing farmers on Friday morning. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reported that the local reporters were interviewing farmers over a land dispute in Barangay Jones when Staff Sergeant Rhea Mae Baleos reportedly grabbed Sianosa’s cell phone while he was taking videos and pushed him away. A video now going viral online shows Baleos attacking Sianosa and several gunshots were heard in the background. Gutierrez said the Philippine National Police should investigate Baleos and the policemen whom she called for help during her confrontation with the SJTV staff. Tomas said they were assigned to interview a couple who were beneficiaries of the government’s land reform program. It turned out, however, that the land had been pawned to Baleos and her police husband. Tomas said the husband, whom he failed to identify, even pointed his M-16 rifle at them. The NUJP reported the incident to the PTFoMS which then took statements from the SJTV journalists. “Rest assured that the PTFoMS shall continue to monitor this incident. May I also remind our law enforcers that the Marcos administration and the PNP leadership would not tolerate any abuse committed against any of our citizens, particularly the members of the press,” Gutierrez said. PTFoMS, an agency under the Office of the President, was established in 2016 by former President Rodrigo Duterte to safeguard the fundamental rights to life, liberty and security of members of the Philippine media. A leftist group also called for government action to protect journalists and punish those who assaulted the media. Meanwhile, the PMPS denied that its officers fired their guns, calling it disinformation. The post Media TF: Probe cops who ‘harassed’ journalists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR steps into juvenile’s hazing
The Commission on Human Rights announced on Saturday that it has conducted an investigation into the alleged hazing of a juvenile by multiple fraternity members, which resulted in the victim’s hospitalization. The CHR said that the hazing was allegedly committed by the president of the Magic 5 fraternity, an Alpha Kappa Rho International Fraternity member, and the president of the SPB fraternity. According to a preliminary investigation by the Quezon City Police District, the victim passed out due to “unbearable” agony and physical injuries. According to reports, the victim was a member of the Scout Royale Brotherhood Nu-Theta Chapter Fraternity. However, he transferred to Magic 5, which insulted his former “brothers.” The victim was allegedly taken to San Roque in Barangay Pagasa to be “disciplined” and then transferred to a shop along Road 10 where his erstwhile fraternity brothers conducted the hazing. “Despite the existence of the Anti-Hazing Law and the Anti-Child Abuse Law, violent acts, particularly those that violate the dignity of minors, should be condemned,” the CHR stated. The human rights organization commended the QCPD’s efforts to apprehend one of the suspects while pursuing the others. The post CHR steps into juvenile’s hazing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family attack TikTok amateur sleuths after UK woman’s ‘accidental’ death
A British woman whose mystery disappearance earlier this year sparked a social media frenzy by online sleuths and conspiracy theorists fell into a river and drowned accidentally, a coroner concluded at an inquest on Tuesday. Nicola Bulley went missing in January, apparently vanishing "into thin air". After dropping her two young daughters at school she was seen walking her dog along a river in the rural village of St Michael's on Wyre in northwestern England. The 45-year-old mortgage adviser's phone was later found on a bench still dialed into a work conference call. Her unexplained disappearance saw the online true crime world become awash with speculation about what might have happened to her. One TikTok user even had himself filmed digging up potential burial sites and then captured the moment Bulley's body was pulled from reeds in the river over three weeks later. But ruling that her death had been accidental, coroner James Adeley said she had suffered "cold water shock" after going into the river. He said the exact circumstances of how she fell in could not be known, but evidence showed there had been a steep grassy slope around the bench with an "almost vertical drop" to the water. The river bank itself had no footholds that would have allowed someone in trouble to climb out, he added at the hearing in Preston, northwestern England. In addition, the flow of the river on the day she disappeared would have made it almost impossible to swim against the current, he said. After the hearing, Bulley's family hit out at the social media speculation over her case. "It's upsetting that we've continued to receive negative targeted messages and still witness wildly inaccurate speculation being shared over numerous platforms," the family's lawyer Terry Wilcox said in a statement on their behalf. "We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions, and be mindful of the impact words bring." Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables of Lancashire Police said she hoped the coroner's finding would "put an end to ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories which have been so damaging to Nikki's family". Lancashire Police were criticized over their handling of Bulley's disappearance, including sharing personal information such as her struggles with alcohol and perimenopause. But the police watchdog said in May that they would face no further action. Coroners' inquests are held in England and Wales to try to establish the causes and circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths based on the balance of probability. They do not determine criminal or civil liability but set out facts in the public interest. The post Family attack TikTok amateur sleuths after UK woman’s ‘accidental’ death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR launches probe into alleged police abuse, teenager tortured with chili on private parts
The Commission on Human Rights on Saturday launched an investigation into a case involving the torture of a 16-year-old teenager in Davao Occidental......»»
Unveiling the shabu bust scandal
On 13 June, Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced that criminal charges have been filed against 50 police officers, including Gen. Benjamin Santos, former PNP-Drug Enforcement Group chief, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo. The investigation leading to the charges was conducted jointly by the National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police’s Special Investigation Task Group which uncovered the officers’ alleged involvement in a coverup in the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth around P6.7 billion in October 2022. They were charged with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Revised Penal Code (specifically, falsification, perjury, false testimony, and malversation of public property), and Presidential Decree 1829, which deals with obstruction of justice. Much of the evidence was obtained from closed-circuit television camera footage which captured the alleged involvement of police officers in the attempt to pilfer 42 kilograms from the total 990 kilograms of shabu seized at WPD Lending, a finance company owned by Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo. The CCTV footage taken on 8 October 2022 corresponded to the day Mayo was apprehended during a drug operation at WPD Lending which resulted in the seizure of the 990 kilograms of shabu. What appeared to be a momentous victory for the PNP, however, quickly turned into a massive scandal seemingly straight out of the big screen. On 10 April, Secretary Abalos stepped forward to unveil a complex syndicated coverup surrounding the shabu bust. For the first time in public, he presented the CCTV footage that revealed a stark disparity between the reports filed by the PNP regarding the arrest of Mayo. This revelation, coupled with multiple reports, prompted Abalos to issue a statement exposing the “massive attempt to cover up” Mayo’s arrest and implicating certain PNP officials in the process. Subsequently, the House of Representatives Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs initiated separate inquiries into the anomalies surrounding the drug bust. Mayo and several PNP officials were summoned to shed light on the matter during these investigations. During the congressional hearings, Congressmen Barbers and Acop were able to spot several conflicting details from the PNP officials ranging from the date, time, and place of the arrests of Mayo and his alleged accomplice, Ney Atadero. Among those questioned about the conflicting details were Brig. Gen. Narcisco Domingo Jr., Lt. Col. Julius Olonan, and Capt. Jonathan Sosongco. The three officers were among the 10 ranking officers who were placed on leave after an alleged attempt to cover up Mayo’s arrest was uncovered by the National Police Commission’s fact-finding board. Olonan claimed that only Atadero was arrested at 1 p.m. at WPD Lending in Tondo, while Mayo was arrested in Bambang. Sosongco said both Mayo and Atadero were captured at around 4 p.m. at the Western Police District. The CCTV footage, however, showed that on or about 1:40 p.m. at WPD Lending, Mayo appeared in handcuffs as he alighted from a grey SUV while being escorted by the team of Sosongco who were followed by a black sedan from which Sosongco alighted. This was in stark contrast to what was reported by the PNP that Mayo was arrested by a Captain Piñon. The CCTV footage further showed several PNP officers entering and exiting WPD Lending, carrying suitcases that were loaded into vehicles and on a motorcycle. These vehicles and the motorcycle were then driven to a nearby establishment suspected to belong to another PNP official named Jimenez, where the suitcases were believed unloaded. This Jimenez was a subordinate of Colonel Ibañez of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 4A, who was also listed in the Drug Watch list along with Mayo and Jimenez, whom Ibañez specifically asked to be part of his team. Domingo denied a coverup and said that the senior officers seen in the CCTV footage were discussing their next moves. He said efforts were being made to identify other cohorts of Mayo, recover the pilfered drugs, and cooperate with the Department of Justice in building a case against the suspects. The ramifications of these revelations led former president Rodrigo Duterte to accuse the PNP of being the “gatekeeper” of the illegal drug trade and challenged its personnel to resign. He expressed concern about the significant volume of drugs allegedly passing through the hands of the police, even reaching the level of the generals. Secretary Abalos assured Duterte and the public that they were taking action on the issue of alleged drug ties among police officers and that they were actively carrying out their responsibilities and conducting investigations into the matter. As we delve further into the shabu bust scandal, it is crucial that we remain focused on our ultimate objectives: purging the PNP of corruption, rebuilding public trust, and upholding the rule of law. He should be applauded for his courage in exposing the complicity of senior PNP officials, despite the potential risk to his personal safety from both internal and external syndicates. His unwavering resolve to root out drug connections in the PNP and restore its damaged reputation is truly commendable and deserving of our admiration. The post Unveiling the shabu bust scandal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P12-M marijuana destroyed in Sulu
Authorities have destroyed some P12.9 million worth of marijuana plants in Sulu province, according to Philippine National Police Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Thursday. Based on the report, Acorda said the marijuana plants in some 15,000 square meters parcel of land were destroyed Tuesday in Sitio Tubig Baba, Barangay Pitogo in Kalingalan Caluang town. The operation resulted in the successful eradication of a massive marijuana plantation cultivated by a certain Maddi Khan alias “Maddi,” along with his cohorts. The marijuana farm, spanning approximately 15,000 square meters and containing fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of P12,900,000, was jointly uprooted and destroyed. Three samples of the uprooted plants were turned over to the Sulu Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for further examination. “The successful execution of this operation marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade in the region. It highlights the unwavering commitment of the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” Acorda said. By eliminating a major marijuana production site, Acorda stressed the PNP have disrupted the illicit drug supply chain and struck a blow against criminal activities that fuel social instability and harm our society. “The PNP, PDEA, and AFP remain steadfast in their commitment to intensify the fight against illegal drugs and dismantle criminal networks in the region. Collaborative efforts and continued intelligence sharing among these agencies are crucial in eradicating drug production, distribution, and abuse. This is how we give Serbisyong Nagkakaisa to the people,” said Acorda. Meanwhile, Acorda extended his appreciation to the residents of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu, for their support and cooperation throughout this operation. Cases for violation of Section 16, Article II of R.A. 9165 are now being prepared for filling in the arrested suspects. The post P12-M marijuana destroyed in Sulu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhunt vs broadcaster slay suspect ongoing — PNP chief
Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. today said an intensified manhunt is ongoing against the remaining suspect in the killing of a radio broadcaster in Calapan, Mindoro on Wednesday. Acorda said a special investigation task group "Bunduquin" has been formed by Police Brigadier General Joel Doria, Regional Director of Police Regional Office IV-B, to probe the killing of Cresenciano Aldovino Bunduquin, 50 years old, a radio host at DWXR101.7 Kalahi FM. "Police investigators in Calapan, Mindoro are looking into various angles to identify the suspects and the possible motives behind the killing," he said. At around 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Bunduquin was gunned down by two unidentified assailants along C5 road in Barangay Sta. Isabel. Initial investigation showed that one of the gunmen was killed during a hot pursuit operation by the police. Acorda said the capture of the remaining assailant is the top priority of the SITG headed by Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Col. Samuel Delorino. "Pieces of evidence gathered at the crime scene are now being carefully studied along with the testimonies of witnesses, which we hope will give our investigators solid leads moving forward," Acorda said. Meanwhile, the police chief urged everyone with vital and verifiable information to come forward and help in the ongoing probe in order to immediately bring Bunduquin’s killers to justice. "We will work round-the-clock to catch the perpetrators of this dastardly act, which we condemn in the strongest possible terms," Acorda said. While describing the incident as "isolated", Acorda assured members of the working press of extra police protection while practicing their profession. "If needed, the PNP is more than willing to provide security protection to our friends in the media who are under threat, if only to prevent a similar incident from happening again," he added. The post Manhunt vs broadcaster slay suspect ongoing — PNP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
French supermarket CEO detained in stock manipulation probe
The head of a top French supermarket chain was briefly taken into custody for questioning Thursday in an inquiry over stock price manipulation, insider trading, and corruption suspicions, a source close to the case said. Jean-Charles Naouri -- already under pressure to reduce debt at retailer Casino -- was held in Paris by judges probing links between the CEO and a populist financial journalist who has made several attempts at the French presidency. The alleged acts date to 2018 and 2019, the source told AFP, with judges investigating since 2020. Lawyers for Naouri did not respond to requests for comment. Sources familiar with the matter told AFP later Thursday that Naouri had been released without charges being brought against him at this stage. Investigators searched Casino's headquarters as well as Naouri's home in May 2022. According to the French daily Le Parisien, Casino paid more than 800,000 euros ($857,000) to several companies controlled by Nicolas Miguet, editor of financial newsletters who has sought the French presidency on an anti-tax platform. The French financial markets regulator AMF, which lodged the complaint, suspects that in exchange Miguet made "buy" recommendations on Casino shares in his various publications and statements. In a recent financial filing, Casino said the legal inquiry was based only on "an encounter with a former consultant to Casino" and denied the allegations. Naouri's detention comes after a Paris court ordered last week that Casino, whose debt mountain stood at 6.4 billion euros at the end of 2022, be placed in conciliatory proceedings with creditors ahead of a potential debt restructuring. The share price of the group -- which employs more than 200,000 people worldwide under several brands -- hit a record low in Paris at the end of trading on Thursday. The post French supermarket CEO detained in stock manipulation probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»