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N.Korea tells UN that satellite launch was self-defense
North Korea told the UN Security Council on Monday that its launch of a spy satellite was legitimate self-defense, rejecting denunciations led by the United States. Western powers, Japan and South Korea said North Korea violated Security Council resolutions by launching last week's satellite, which the totalitarian state said has already provided images of major US and South Korea military sites. In a rare appearance at the Security Council, North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, complained that other countries faced no restrictions on satellites. "No other nation in the world is in the security environment as critical as the DPRK," said Kim, using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," he said. "It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing." He mocked US charges that satellite technology also helped North Korea hone its missile capacity, questioning whether the United States put satellites into orbit "with a catapult." The US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, rejected North Korea's assertion it was acting in self-defense and said that joint US-South Korean exercises were "routine" and "defensive in nature." "We intentionally reduce risk and pursue transparency by announcing the exercises in advance including the dates and the activities, unlike the DPRK," she said, adding that the drills did not violate Security Council resolutions. South Korea's spy agency said that Russia, eager for assistance in Ukraine, helped North Korea on the satellite following a summit between Kim and President Vladimir Putin. The United States said last month that North Korea has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia. Russia and China, North Korea's main ally, have put forward a resolution, opposed by the United States, to ease sanctions on Pyongyang as part of an effort to encourage dialogue. Chinese envoy Geng Shuang accused the United States of "further aggravating tension and confrontation" through its military alliance with South Korea. "If the DPRK constantly feels threatened, and its legitimate security concerns remain unresolved, the peninsula will not be able to get out of the security dilemma and only be caught in a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat aggressive moves," he said......»»
Analysis: Young talents looming in new CBA season
by Sportswriter Su Bin BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With just one seventh of the regular season fixtures completed, some budding youngsters have already caught the eye in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, helping to boost confidence in the future of Chinese basketball. The retirement of Yi Jianlian in August has left many fans wondering where the next big player of Chinese basketball will em.....»»
Analysis: Young talents looming in new CBA season
by Sportswriter Su Bin BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With just one seventh of the regular season fixtures completed, some budding youngsters have already caught the eye in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, helping to boost confidence in the future of Chinese basketball. The retirement of Yi Jianlian in August has left many fans wondering where the next big player of Chinese basketball will em.....»»
BoC, PCG stop robbery of seized fake products
Elements of combined operatives of the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard stopped the theft of Customs-seized goods in a warehouse in Pasay City on Thursday night, resulting in the arrest of 67 Filipinos and 10 Chinese nationals. According to the BoC, the warehouse was previously sealed and padlocked during an operation against intellectual property rights infringing goods, specifically clothing apparel, footwear, and bags. BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso said the operation was augmented by the CIIS-Manila International Container Port. “We received information from a well-placed asset that there was an ongoing theft in a Pasay warehouse we have previously sealed and padlocked. This warehouse had been subjected previously to a Letter of Authority,” he furthered. Upon receiving information, a team from the BOC’s Intellectual Property Rights Division immediately proceeded to 112 M. Acosta St., Barangay 77, Pasay City to interdict the illegal activities. During the operation, more or less 67 Filipinos and 10 Chinese nationals were caught breaking the BOC seal and were seen carrying the forfeited illicit goods from the upper floors down to the ground floor. A close truck van (L300) with plate number TNP 882 was also spotted being loaded with the forfeited goods. Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy assured that all forfeited items were accounted for through a verification conducted on the spot. “The success of each operation, including seeing them through the legal proceedings, is crucial to the health of the Philippine industry. These operations show the seriousness of our work and send the right message to businesses that want to invest here,” he said. “It is not lost on us that what we do here has a direct impact on local businesses, local employment, and the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment destination,” Uy added. The post BoC, PCG stop robbery of seized fake products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 Chinese face gun raps
Criminal complaints were filed against two Chinese men who were caught with firearms in Pasig City......»»
Doing right
Plucky 54-year-old Filipino fisherman Arnel Satam best characterizes where we should be following last week’s significant incidents at a disputed atoll variously called Scarborough Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal. Bucking a tense standoff between Filipino and Chinese government vessels at the shoal’s southeast last 22 September, Satam, aboard a tiny wooden light blue “bangka” (outrigger boat), sped towards the shallow, fish-rich waters of the atoll’s inner lagoon. He just wanted to fish. Responding speedboat-riding Chinese coast guardsmen hotly pursued Satam for several thrilling minutes before Satam willingly turned back. But Satam, whose daring act was caught on video, had already made his indelible mark in one of the tensest areas in the South China Sea. “Hindi ako natatakot (I wasn’t scared),” said Satam, who told reporters he often baits the Chinese to chase him. “Pinagtatawan-tawanan ko lang sila. Inaasar ko lang sila eh (I just laugh at them. I only pique them).” Earlier that same Friday, the China Coast Guard was caught in the act of installing a 300-meter floating barrier around Panatag’s inner lagoon by a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources boat on routine patrol. Like Satam, Filipino coast guard divers the following Monday afternoon did the unthinkable, vividly executing a first-ever underwater operation, also dramatically captured on video, against Chinese bullying in the West Philippine Sea. Using only knives, the divers cut the rope connecting the buoys that held up the barrier and hauled up an anchor holding the floating barrier in place. Filipino fishermen said the Chinese frequently put up barriers to keep them from Panatag, a traditional rich fishing ground of fishermen mostly sailing out of Zambales. Some 50 Filipino fishing boats, in fact, were near the shoal when the Chinese installed the floating barrier. Filipino fishermen could only fish outside the shoal because Chinese vessels had blocked the inner lagoon since the 2012 standoff between the Philippines and China over the shoal. After the successful “special operation,” authorized by President Marcos himself, the PCG reported that China Coast Guard vessels, probably awed by the Filipinos’ audacity, were seen calmly picking up pieces of the torn barrier. Still, that same calm demeanor could also mean the Chinese “might still return the floating barrier,” said PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, particularly since last Tuesday China tersely warned the Philippines not “to provoke and cause trouble.” But the PCG and the military establishment have vowed to make the Filipino presence felt at the shoal, even permanently, with Tarriela expressly saying, “We have shown the world the Filipino people will not back down, and we’re still going to consistently carry out whatever is necessary for us to maintain our presence.” Emphasizing our “presence” at Panatag is a crucial and careful distinction. The 2016 arbitral award ruled that Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino fishermen had traditional fishing rights at Panatag Shoal. Our maritime authorities, therefore, are in the right insofar as asserting that Filipino fishermen have the same rights as the Chinese to safely navigate around Panatag to fish, and that China has no right whatsoever to drive them away or bar them. Frustratingly, however, some imprudent Filipinos toe China’s self-interested and false sovereignty claims despite the due care with which Filipino maritime authorities qualify their actions. Oddly enough, too, these same imprudent Filipinos quickly blame the victims of China’s abusive actions. It is as if these imprudent Filipinos are so invested in their fear of China that they are now losing their willingness to defend Filipino fishermen and their livelihood bit by bit, without even noticing. We cannot be like them. We must all finally realize that to assert ourselves in the world; we must bravely stand up to any form of bullying against fellow Filipinos. We individually need to be an Arnel Satam. The post Doing right appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Removal of Chinese barrier in WPS necessary — PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday defended the removal of a Chinese floating barrier in the West Philippine Sea, saying that it was necessary to protect the country's fishermen and maritime territory. In an interview with reporters in Siargao, Marcos said that the barrier was inside Philippine territory, preventing fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds. "I don't see what else we could do because those fishermen, when the rope was cut, the fishermen who entered on that day caught 164 tons of fish, just in one day. That's what our fishermen are losing. So, it's not right to put up a barrier like that, and it's clearly inside the Philippines," Marcos said. "We're not looking for trouble. We're just going to continue to defend the Philippines, the maritime territory of the Philippines, and the rights of our fishermen who have been fishing in those areas for hundreds of years," Marcos added. He added that he did not understand why China had installed the barrier, but that the Philippines was "avoiding conflict" and "heated words." "We are steadfast in defending the territory of the Philippines," Marcos said. In recent months, China's actions in the West Philippine Sea have been marked by an increasing level of aggression, asserting control over nearly the entire South China Sea. China has also disregarded the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and rejected China's historical claims. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard ships placed a barrier made of ropes and nets, supported by buoys, when a Philippine government fisheries vessel was approaching, and over 50 Philippine fishing boats gathered around the shoal, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said earlier this week that the Philippines might submit a new protest to a tribunal after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) uncovered damaged coral reefs in a region of the West Philippine Sea frequently visited by Chinese militia vessels. In an interview with Anthony Taberna, Bersamin affirmed that China knew the Philippines' preference for a multilateral approach in its foreign relations. The executive secretary verified that the President issued the directive to eliminate the floating barriers. "When such orders are given, they come directly from the President after consulting with officials involved in the matter. We cannot disclose the details of how it was done. Still, a decision-making process was established, and they convened to decide to go there," Bersamin said. The post Removal of Chinese barrier in WPS necessary — PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports
The former Office for Transportation Security chief lambasted the cultural decay in the airport security teams that allows negligent screeners to continue working there, this before he could begin an internal purge. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, who resigned from his post over the airport screener caught on closed-circuit television swallowing $300 bills taken from an outbound Chinese national, said the problem with airport security is “more than systemic, it is cultural.” “There was the problem with ‘tanim-bala.’ Maybe the problems were not highlighted in the past because no one was caught. Based on our records, for the past several years, no one was dismissed in the OTS for violations of our disciplinary policies,” he said. Aplasca said when he was the director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, his initial task was to clear the country’s airports of the “tanim-bala” scheme, in which airport inspectors hid bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money. “That tanim-bala was the first marching order to me by former President Duterte, and that’s where I felt his 100-percent support; that’s why, in less than one month, we were able to solve the problem,” he said. Aplasca said that before his resignation Tuesday, the OTS had initiated 68 cases against erring personnel, with at least 11 people dismissed. Found guilty Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the female Security Screening Officer and three other OTS screeners involved in the cash swallowing incident last 8 September were “found guilty of stealing.” Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, which included the CCTV footage that showed the lady scanner stuffing the money into her mouth at Terminal 1’s final security checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The four SSO screeners face administrative and criminal cases. “The investigation showed that she was guilty and swallowed the money. However, what she said in an affidavit was that it was chocolates. But the investigators saw that she was guilty,” Bautista said in Filipino in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, a Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. After trying to promote the gateway to potential foreign investors who may want to operate the NAIA, Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident. He authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department of Transportation’s determined push to rid the NAIA and attached agencies of scalawags. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DoTr Secretary Bautista after House Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to resign or the Speaker would personally block the budgets of the DoTr and OTS. Not enough Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday the resignation of Aplasca would not be enough to stop the criminal activities at the country’s airports. “A resignation at the top does not clean up the ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she said. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she added. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she said. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. The post Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the female Security Screening Officer and three other members of the Office for Transportation Security who were caught on closed-circuit television were "found guilty of stealing" in the cash-swallowing incident that occurred on 8 September 2023 at Terminal 1's final security checkpoint at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, including the CCTV footage showing the lady scanner putting the money into her mouth and three other accomplices. The female SSO is facing administrative and criminal cases, as well as those who were involved in the 8 September incidents. “Ang sinasabi sa imbestigasyon ay guilty na pera ang sinubo. Although ang sinasabi nga ng babae ay chocolate daw, mayroon siyang affidavit. Pero ang nakita ng mga imbestigador na guilty siya,” Bautista said in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. “Ang result ay, although hindi pa lumalabas officially, parang lumalabas na talagang nakita na mayroon silang pagkakasala. Apat kasi yung nakita natin dito na may talagang ginawa sa CCTV. Siguro pag nagkaroon ng criminal investigation, may lalabas pa kung mayroon pang other people involved,” he added. CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, the Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. As Cai passed through the body scanner, the screener could be seen conducting a manual search of his bag on the inspection table. The screener “suspiciously turned away while apparently holding something in her left hand with her fist tightly closed. She then swiftly placed something in her waist area and went back to the inspection table.” Cai had returned to the screening area and complained after discovering that his wallet was open and some of his money was missing. The passenger confronted the screener, who turned her back on him. In footage taken by another CCTV camera, she was “clearly seen deliberately swallowing the dollar bills, folded into one small piece,” as she used a handkerchief to cover her mouth. The screener was seen having difficulty swallowing the bills despite drinking water from a bottle given to her by a colleague. The screener’s supervisor approached her, “seemingly communicating with her” as she was “almost choking in her effort to swallow the dollar bills” to “apparently ensure that the bills were properly disposed of (no evidence),” according to the report. Cai has refused to file charges against the screener. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca confirmed on Friday, 22 September, that they received the counter affidavit of the accused and even said that, as of today Friday, she continues to deny the allegations that she swallowed the dollar bills. An OTS source said that it is not the normal way to eat chocolate by pushing something into her throat with her finger and drinking bottled water afterward. Secretary Bautista has directed the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to immediately file the necessary charges against security screening personnel found involved in an 8 September incident of baggage theft at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident at NAIA that the Secretary was recently trying to promote among potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway. He even authorized imposing the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department's determined push to rid NAIA as well as other attached agencies of scalawags. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DOTr Secretary Bautista after Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez asked him to resign or the speaker would personally block the budget of OTS and DOTr due to the repeated stealing scandal. The post NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe: Resignation of OTS administrator not enough
The resignation of Office for Transportation Security Administrator Ma.O Aplasca would not be enough to stop criminal activities in the country’s airports, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday. “A resignation at the top does not clean up its ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she added. Aplasca on Tuesday night submitted his courtesy resignation to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, days after lawmakers pressured him to resign from his post. The OTS has been on the receiving end of criticisms after one of its personnel was caught in a viral video swallowing $300 that she allegedly stole from a Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 1. Poe noted that actions should not be taken after the incident. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she said. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she added. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent any further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system, and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. She also pointed out that the permanent solution to the problem is to give security of tenure and increase the salary of highly-skilled technical personnel in our airports. As of July 2023, more than half of the OTS manpower are still contractual personnel with only 475 with permanent status. The post Poe: Resignation of OTS administrator not enough appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino fisherman chased by China coast guard in disputed waters
Filipino fisherman Arnel Satam guns the motor of his tiny wooden boat as he makes a dash for the shallow waters of Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, with Chinese coast guard speedboats in hot pursuit. In a high-seas chase lasting several minutes, Satam tries in vain to outrun the faster boats in the hope of slipping inside the ring of reefs controlled by China, where fish are more abundant. Friday's pursuit was witnessed by AFP journalists on board the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship BRP Datu Bankaw, which was delivering food, water and fuel to Filipino fishermen plying the contested waters, sometimes for weeks on end. The fishermen complained that China's actions at Scarborough Shoal were robbing them of a key source of income and a place to shelter safely during a storm. "I want to fish in there," a defiant Satam, 54, told journalists as he stood barefoot on his light blue outrigger bearing a Superman "S" emblem. "I do this thing often. They already chased me earlier today," he said, adding the Chinese speedboats had bumped his vessel. "I just laughed at them." Scarborough Shoal is 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan. Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which China helped negotiate, countries have jurisdiction over the natural resources within about 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) of their shore. China, which claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, snatched control of Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012. Since then, it has deployed coast guard and other vessels to block or restrict access to the fishing ground that has been tapped by generations of Filipinos. Philippine officials also accused the Chinese coast guard of laying a 300-metre (-yard) long floating barrier across the entrance to the shoal shortly before the BRP Datu Bankaw arrived. The temporary barrier "prevents Filipino Fishing Boats from entering the shoal and depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities," the Philippine coast guard and fisheries bureau said in a joint statement condemning its installation. Resupply missions It took 18 hours for the BRP Datu Bankaw to make the more than 300 kilometre journey to Scarborough Shoal from a port in Manila Bay. More than 50 wooden outrigger fishing vessels, which Filipinos call "mother boats", were operating in the deep waters outside the shoal when the Philippine ship dropped anchor last Wednesday. Some of the fishing crews had been there for two weeks already using nets, lines and spears to catch tuna, grouper and red snapper. To enable them to stay at sea for longer and catch more fish, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources carries out regular resupply missions. Four Chinese coast guard boats patrolled the waters, keeping the BRP Datu Bankaw and Filipino fishermen away from the shoal. The voice of a Chinese coast guard radio operator crackled over the airwaves 15 times, ordering the BRP Datu Bankaw to "immediately" leave "Chinese territory". The instruction was repeated in English on a scrolling digital message board on one of the Chinese coast guard vessels. Unfazed by the warnings, the 12 crew members of the BRP Datu Bankaw distributed 60 tonnes of fuel in blue plastic jerry cans to the fishing boats, as well as food packs for those running low on provisions. The supplies were free for the fishermen, but some showed their gratitude by giving the BRP Datu Bankaw crew tubs of freshly caught fish. 'This is ours' "We are very grateful for this assistance," said Johnny Arpon, 53, whose 10-metre boat "Janica" arrived at the shoal in time to stock up on extra diesel. Some of the Filipino fishermen crowding around the BRP Bankaw in small outriggers to receive provisions climbed aboard to eat snacks and drink fresh water. They told journalists they had been chased and water cannoned by Chinese vessels in the past and even had their anchors cut. "They should give it back to us because this is ours," said Nonoy de los Reyes, 40, referring to Scarborough Shoal. "They should leave this place." After decades of overfishing by countries surrounding the waters, the men have to spend longer at sea to catch enough fish to cover their costs and, hopefully, make a small profit. China's blocking of the shoal had made the situation even tougher and the fishermen said they hated them for it. "We barely have any catch so we'll probably need to stay two more weeks," said Alex del Campo, 41, who had already spent more than a week at sea. A day earlier, del Campo and two other fishermen had made a daring bid to enter the shoal in their small boats, but were chased away by Chinese coast guard personnel in rigid-hulled inflatable vessels. "We are defenceless because they are armed and there was just one fisherman in each of our three boats," del Campo said. "If they ram and sink our boats who will save us?" The post Filipino fisherman chased by China coast guard in disputed waters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators want probe over ‘never-ending gimmicks’ of airport officials at NAIA
Unscrupulous activities of airport officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport must be put to an end, senators said Thursday. In separate statements, Senators Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa demanded an investigation into the new scheme of airport screening officers to steal valuable items from passengers at the country’s main gateway. Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, condemned the incident which she described as “infuriating and embarrassing”. “It seems that they [airport officials] never run out of gimmicks to steal money at the airport,” she said referring to the viral video involving an Office for Transportation Security personnel who was seen swallowing $300 that she allegedly stole from a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. She noted that the CCTV footage of the incident may not be able to capture the whole story. “There are reports indicating that the OTS personnel was ordered to do that to avoid being caught. That means that she might have cohorts there,” she said. Poe expressed hope that the authorities would immediately identify those involved in the criminal activities in the airport. “We ask the airport security office to properly vet applicants and reinterview existing employees to determine their qualifications and evaluate their performance,” she said. “The airport leadership should immediately investigate, file cases and fire employees found involved in criminal activities. Those who violate the law must be punished at once,” she added. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva echoed the same sentiment, adding that the incident would drive tourists away from visiting the country. “How to ‘Love the Philippines’ if we are like this?” Villanueva said. “How can we convince tourists to love the Philippines if upon their arrival here their safety is already at risk?” “Let us give them a happy experience, not a horror story,” he added. Villanueva called on the Department of Transportation to look into the matter and file cases against those who are proven involved in the scheme. “We need to know if she has accomplices in committing crimes to end the mafia of erring officials in the airport,” he said. He also urged the department to conduct retraining and assessment programs for airport personnel. “They also need to be more careful in accepting applicants to ensure that the government is not employing thieves,” he added. For his part, Dela Rosa said the OTS and DoTr should work hand in hand to “get to the bottom of this newly discovered modus operandi at NAIA.” “We are hurting our own reputation before the international arena if this crime is not being addressed immediately,” he said. The post Senators want probe over ‘never-ending gimmicks’ of airport officials at NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maximum penalty urged vs NAIA officer who swallowed stolen $300
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista called for a strong action against a security officer who was caught on closed-circuit television footage swallowing $300 in $100 bills allegedly stolen from a departing Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport......»»
DOTr probes screener who swallowed stolen $300
The Department of Transportation is investigating an Office of Transportation Security screener who was caught on closed-circuit television footage swallowing $300 in $100 bills reportedly stolen from a departing Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport......»»
OTS on fire anew as passenger loses $300
As a video of two US-TSA screening officers taking things from bags in trays lined up at the x-ray machine went viral over the weekend, another episode of theft at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 has allegedly included the Office for Transportation Security. A press release from the OTS only came out on Monday afternoon, confirming the incident involving one of their Security Screening Officers at NAIA. But the issue began circulating in social media group chats as early as last week. Notably, the press release was also issued after a member of the Airport Press Club confirmed with the OTS public information office that such information was true. The said release did not contain vital details of the incident, referring to when, where, and how the alleged theft happened. Information revealed that the incident happened as early as 8 a.m., at Terminal 1 of NAIA. After going through the final security check, a departing passenger who is a foreign national, reportedly complained of having lost $300 in cash and was creating a commotion about the incident. The alleged theft was reportedly committed by one of the OTS SSO at that time, a female, while the passenger was passing through the final security check on the said terminal. It can be recalled that six months ago (22 February 2023), five personnel of the OTS assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 were suspended after two videos of them went viral on social media, taking money from a transiting Thai tourist identified as Kitja Thabthim. The amount involved was 40,000 yen. A few days later, another screening officer was caught on CCTV stealing a watch of a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. Passenger Sun Yuhong complained that his watch was missing in his bag after he was screened by Valeriano Ricaplaza Jr., 31. Ricaplaza was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. Closed-circuit television footage at NAIA Terminal 1 reveals a female personnel from the OTS swallowing the $300 taken from a departing Chinese passenger in what appears to be an effort to get rid of the evidence after the passenger complained about losing his money shortly after his bag had passed through at the final security checkpoint. Records from the airport authorities, which identified the involved OTS personnel as a female SSO and stated that an x-ray operator and her supervisor also had a part to play in the incident, provided evidence to support this. The post OTS on fire anew as passenger loses $300 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OTS on fire anew as another theft incident uncovered at NAIA-1
As a video of two US-TSA screening officers taking things from bags in trays lined up at the x-ray machine went viral over the weekend, another theft incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 has been uncovered. A press release from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) came out on Monday afternoon, confirming the incident involving one of their security screening officers (SSO) at NAIA. But the issue began circulating in social media group chats as early as last week. Notably, the press release was also issued after a member of the Airport Press Club (APC) confirmed with the OTS public information office that such information was true. The said release did not contain vital details of the incident, referring to when, where, and how the alleged theft happened. Information revealed that the incident happened as early as 8 September 2023 at the NAIA Terminal 1. After going through the final security check, a departing passenger who is a foreign national reportedly complained of having lost US$300 in cash and was creating a commotion about the incident. The alleged theft was reportedly committed by one of the OTS security screening officers at that time, a female, while the passenger was passing through the final security check at the said terminal. It can be recalled that six months ago 22 February 2023), five personnel of the OTS assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 were suspended after two videos of them went viral on social media, as they were shown taking money from a transiting Thai tourist identified as Kitja Thabthim. The amount involved was 40,000 yen. A few days later, another screening officer was caught on CCTV stealing a watch of a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. Passenger Sun Yuhong complained that his watch was missing from his bag after he was screened by Valeriano Ricaplaza Jr., age 31. Ricaplaza was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. The post OTS on fire anew as another theft incident uncovered at NAIA-1 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mediatrix controversy
Author’s note: In the last column, I wrote that the 1951 Pius XII decree that said the Mediatrix apparitions had “no supernatural character or origin” is not binding because it was never promulgated officially. Pope Francis recently appointed a new Prefect of the Dicastery, Cardinal-to-be Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, SJ. Like his predecessor, Fernandez is a Jesuit and an Argentinian. He is the “theological alter ego” of Pope Francis. How will controversial Archbishop Fernandez handle the 70-year-old Mediatrix issue? Will the current Dicastery, which is vehemently anti-Mediatrix, under the helm of Archbishop Fernandez tone down its stance? As a background, there was a decree of the Dicastery but not of Pope Pius XII. The Dicastery of 1951, whose members have died, claimed Pope Pius XII directly approved its decision (not to recognize the Mediatrix apparitions), but it was never formally entered into the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, the official Vatican publication, a requirement of Canon Law for it to take effect. What are the implications if the 1951 Pius XII decree is in truth non-existent? Under the domino principle, this implies that technically all subsequent declarations and orders of the Dicastery for 70 long years are also not binding, including the latest, wherein Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera was ordered by the Dicastery to ban all celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Mediatrix apparitions. However, the Dicastery never authenticated the Mediatrix apparitions, so the apparition celebrations are rightfully banned. But there is a contradiction that must be resolved — since the original 1951 Pius XII decree is in question. The members of the Dicastery in 1951 were caught in a lie because then apostolic administrator Bishop Rufino Santos stated in his decree of 12 April 1951 that he was still awaiting the Vatican decision regarding Lipa — when the Dicastery reported in its Protocol 226/1949 that a decision had been made, contradicting Bishop Santos. Archbishop Fernandez has to resolve this issue because the evangelization of Asia, which is the focus of Pope Francis, is at stake. Pope Francis looks to the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia, as the launch pad for the evangelization of Asia and the “conversion” of China. Conversion means stopping the persecution and massacre of Christians in China, permitting churches there to open, reuniting the Underground Church (who are the target of assassinations) and the Vatican-led Church, and finally, changing China’s belligerence to benevolence in the South China Sea to prevent a full-blown US-China confrontation. The Virgin can bring peace to Asia better than any military solutions. A well-publicized message of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace was a warning about China: “Pray hard for China’s dream is to invade the whole world. The Philippines is one of its favorites.” (17 October 1949). There is a Mediatrix shrine in a chapel in a small village near Nanjing that was built by Metropolitan Bank when it was commissioned by the Chinese government to develop two villages. This “foothold” in China is evidence the Virgin Mediatrix is fulfilling her mission of evangelization and conversion. Archbishop Fernandez and Pope Francis must be informed of the history of the Mediatrix to sharpen their perspectives on its geopolitical ramifications. The continued suppression of Mediatrix devotion and of the entire Philippine Church may hamper the Church’s efforts to evangelize Asia. In truth, Satan is scared of the Mediatrix, that is why, in his panic, he tortured Mediatrix visionary Sr. Teresing Castillo, as she wrote in her second diary that the Vatican failed to destroy but which is now available on the Internet. Is Satan behind the suppression of the Mediatrix by using Cardinals in the Vatican without them knowing it? For centuries, Satan has been penetrating the sacred halls of the Vatican and using the Cardinals without their being aware of it. That Satan works in the Vatican is nothing new. Historically, the Spanish Inquisition in the Middle Ages beheaded on mere suspicion about a thousand “heretics.” The ongoing “apostasy” (civil war) within the Vatican, which Fatima prophesied, is another sign of Satan’s works. It is thus in the interest of the Vatican to consider the Marian evangelization that it is suppressing — to have a change of heart. In the end, the Virgin will triumph over the Vatican, if need be, as revealed in the Bible. The Lord said, “I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the Woman (Mary), and between your offspring (demons) and hers (Jesus). Her offspring will crush your head and you will bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15. “A huge red dragon stood before the Woman about to give birth, to devour her Child. She gave birth to a Son destined to rule all nations. In utter rage, the serpent waged war against the rest of her offspring, those bearing witness to the Son born of Her womb.” Revelation 11:1-17 (excerpts). *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Mediatrix controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Apple expected to bow to EU and unveil iPhone with USB-C charger
Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday, with its Lightning charger ports likely to be replaced on the newest models by a universal charger after a tussle with the European Union. The bloc is insisting that all phones and other small devices must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables from the end of next year, a move it says will reduce waste and save money for consumers. The firm had long argued that its cable was more secure than USB-C chargers, which are already deployed by Apple on other devices and widely used by rivals including the world's biggest smartphone maker Samsung. Apple, still the world's biggest company by market capitalization, has not revealed what it plans to announce at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event but usually unveils new iPhones at this time of year. It comes as Apple faces declining sales of iPhones, with higher prices pushing customers to delay switching to newer models. The firm is also caught up in diplomatic turbulence between the United States and China, with reports saying the Communist government is banning civil servants from using its phones. - 'Tepid' sales - Like any other company, Apple would prefer to boast about shiny new features rather than new charging ports. But analysts agree that the switch to USB-C is going to be the main headline. Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser said the iPhone needed "a big cycle" after "tepid" recent sales. He said Tuesday's event would probably see new Apple Watch and AirPod models, "but it's the iPhone 15 that will really determine how the next year will look for Apple". EU policymakers said the rule would simplify the lives of Europeans and do away with a mountain of obsolete chargers. "With the common charger, we are slashing consumer costs, and it's good for the environment too," said EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton in a statement, adding that the move would save consumers 250 million euros ($270 million) each year. Apple had long resisted the change, arguing that it would stifle innovation and make the phones less secure. "The cable change may give consumers pause, but within a generation they will get over it: they won't have a choice," said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart. - Price bump? - Along with rolling improvements to iPhone cameras and chips, Apple is expected to raise prices on its Pro models, according to Wurmser. Sales of iPhones in the recently ended quarter lagged analyst estimates. Apple suffered a 2.4 percent drop in iPhone sales, which account for nearly half of total revenues. Apple shares were battered last week following reports of significant Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities. "China is a very important market for Apple, so any negative sentiment by the Chinese government toward Apple is concerning," analyst Greengart told AFP. Apple reported $15.8 billion in revenues from China in the most recent quarter, nearly 20 percent of total revenues. Executives pointed to the uptick in China sales in a period when overall sales fell. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimated that a Chinese government ban would affect less than 500,000 iPhones of roughly 45 million projected to be sold in the country in the next year. "We believe despite the loud noise Apple has seen massive share gains in China smartphone market," Ives said. gc/arp/jxb/lth © Agence France-Presse The post Apple expected to bow to EU and unveil iPhone with USB-C charger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan PM eats ‘safe and delicious’ Fukushima fish
Japan's prime minister ate what he called "safe and delicious" fish from Fukushima on Wednesday, days after wastewater was released from the area's crippled nuclear plant into the Pacific. A video clip showing Fumio Kishida eating Fukushima fish, published on social media by his office, comes after China banned all seafood imports from its neighbor following the discharge that began on 24 August. "This is very good," Kishida said as he chewed on a slice of flounder sashimi, calling on viewers to enjoy "safe and delicious" Japanese seafood to support the northeastern region. The clip, overlaid by cheery music, showed the conservative leader joined by three other ministers at his office for sashimi, boiled pork, fruits, rice and vegetables from the Fukushima region. It was designed to promote products from the area 12 years after Fukushima was devastated by a huge earthquake and tsunami that triggered one of the world's worst nuclear disasters. Even before the wastewater release, many in Japan's fishing industry were worried about what it would do to the reputation of the country's seafood domestically and abroad. The discharge, equivalent to more than 500 Olympic swimming pools, is expected to take decades and will allow engineers to start removing highly dangerous radioactive fuel from three wrecked reactors. Bricks and eggs have been thrown at Japanese schools and consulates in China and Tokyo has advised its nationals there to keep a low profile. Businesses in Japan have also been swamped with nuisance calls from Chinese numbers. Kishida was expected to visit Tokyo's main Toyosu fish market on Thursday to sample more Fukushima fish. Japan has demanded that China -- its biggest market for fish -- drop its ban on seafood imports while warning it will complain to the World Trade Organization. Kishida's government is also reportedly planning a package of financial aid for the fishing industry while also helping it find new export markets. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reiterated on Wednesday that the water being released was safe according to the UN watchdog. In a show of support for Japan, the US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, was due to visit the Fukushima area on Thursday and eat locally caught seafood. The post Japan PM eats ‘safe and delicious’ Fukushima fish appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan PM condemns China over stone throwing at embassy, schools
Japan's prime minister urged China to ensure its people "act in a calm and responsible manner" after instances of stones being thrown at diplomatic missions and schools, following the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Last week, China banned all seafood imports from its neighbor as Japan began releasing cooling water from the Fukushima plant in an operation that Tokyo and the United Nation's nuclear watchdog have said is safe. Since then, Japan has urged its citizens in China to keep a low profile and has increased security around schools and diplomatic missions. Businesses in Japan have meanwhile been swamped with nuisance calls from Chinese numbers. "There have been numerous harassment calls believed to originate from China and instances of stones being thrown at the Japanese embassy and Japanese schools. It must be said these are regrettable," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday. "We summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan today and strongly urged him to call on Chinese people to act in a calm and responsible manner," Kishida told reporters. Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano told the ambassador, Wu Jianghao, that China should properly inform the public "rather than unnecessarily raising people's concerns by providing information that is not based on scientific evidence", the foreign ministry said in a statement. Low profile Asked what action Beijing would take over the stone throwing, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday that China "always protects the safety and legitimate rights and interests of foreigners in China, in accordance with law". "We strongly urge the Japanese side to face up to the legitimate concerns of all parties, immediately stop the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, fully consult with its neighbors and other stakeholders, and earnestly dispose of nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner," Wang told a regular briefing. On Sunday, Japan's foreign ministry urged its citizens in to China to be "cautious in your speech and behavior. Do not speak Japanese unnecessarily or too loudly". "If you need to visit a Japanese embassy, consulate general, or Japanese school, pay close attention to your surroundings," it added. "If you happen to come across a protest or other such activities, do not approach them and do not take pictures of them with your smartphones." A range of businesses in Japan, from bakeries to an aquarium, have reportedly been subjected to thousands of crank calls that have included abusive and racist language. Social media users in China have posted recordings and videos of the calls, some of which have attracted tens of thousands of likes. 'Scientifically justified process' Japan began releasing more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of diluted wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific on Thursday, 12 years after a tsunami knocked out three reactors in one of the world's worst atomic accidents. All radioactive elements have been filtered out except for tritium, levels of which are within safe limits and below that released by nuclear power stations in their normal operations -- including in China, plant operator TEPCO says. Test results from seawater and fish samples near the plant since the start of the discharge -- which will take decades to complete -- have confirmed this, according to Japanese authorities. "Even after the ocean release, the United States, for example, expressed its position that it is satisfied with Japan's safe, highly transparent and scientifically justified process," Kishida said Monday. "We would like to convey these voices from the international community to the Chinese government." US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel plans to visit Fukushima this week and publicly eat locally caught fish in a show of support to Japan, according to media reports. The post Japan PM condemns China over stone throwing at embassy, schools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»