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‘Film director’s arrest meant to cover up jeepney phase out’ – jeepney drivers
Castro’s arrest, which was based on a social media post, shows a dangerous precedent for vocal critics of anti-citizen government policies. By DANIEL ASIDO Bulatlat.com MANILA – Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) condemned the arrest of film director Jade Castro and his companions, noting that this is only… The post ‘Film director’s arrest meant to cover up jeepney phase out’ – jeepney drivers appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
India embassy reopens visa services
India will reopen visa services for Canadians, its embassy in Ottawa announced Wednesday, a move that could ease tensions between the two countries triggered by the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. “After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some of the recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement Wednesday. Canadian Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan welcomed the resumption, saying the two countries had “strong people to people ties” and that it was important for people to be able to go back and forth, for example, for weddings or funerals. Canada’s population features 1.4 million people of Indian origin. Relations between India and Canada plunged after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month publicly linked Indian intelligence to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. New Delhi dismissed the allegation as “absurd.” Nijjar, who advocated the creation of a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was wanted by Indian authorities on charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. Canada has called for India to cooperate in the investigation into his death and expelled an Indian diplomat. New Delhi expressed outrage, and reacted by taking countermeasures that included shutting down visa services for Canadians. The Indian government had also advised its nationals not to travel to parts of Canada “given the increase in anti-Indian activities.” The post India embassy reopens visa services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India resumes issuing visas to Canadians after spat
India will reopen visa services for Canadians, its embassy in Ottawa announced Wednesday, a move that could ease tensions in a high-profile dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. Relations between India and Canada plunged after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month publicly linked Indian intelligence to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. New Delhi dismissed the allegation as "absurd." Nijjar, who advocated the creation of a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was wanted by Indian authorities on charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. Canada has called for India to cooperate in the investigation into his death and expelled an Indian diplomat. New Delhi expressed outrage, and reacted by taking countermeasures that included shutting down visa services for Canadians. "After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some of the recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services," the Indian High Commission said in a statement. India's foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on Sunday had insisted on increased security for India's missions in Canada. He was quoted by the Times of India as saying security had been a concern and that "if we see progress there, I would like very much to resume visa services." Canadian Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan welcomed the resumption, calling it "good news for Canadians." He said the two countries had "strong people to people ties" and that it was important for people to be able to go back and forth, for example, for weddings or funerals. Canada's population features 1.4 million people of Indian origin. Sajjan recalled that "a Canadian was killed on Canadian soil" and he said India has yet to cooperate in the criminal investigation. Canada announced last week it had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India as a result of the row. New Delhi was about to revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 of Canada's diplomats and their families, forcing Ottawa to pull out the others. The Indian government had also advised its nationals not to travel to parts of Canada "given the increase in anti-Indian activities." Nijjar, who emigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a Canadian citizen in 2015, was shot and killed by two masked assailants in the parking lot of a Sikh temple near Vancouver in June. Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two percent of the overall population, with a vocal minority calling for creating a separate Indian state called Khalistan. The Sikh separatist movement is largely finished within India, where security forces used deadly force to put down an insurgency in the state of Punjab in the 1980s. Hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada last month, burning flags and trampling on pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The post India resumes issuing visas to Canadians after spat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ to combatting external threats
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modernized defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against any external threat. Aside from modernized weapons, Brawner also cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges of fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP is also envisioning the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. “‘Yung taong bayan ay kailangang ihanda natin, tingnan nyo po yung nangyari sa Israel nung umatake yung Hamas, ang mga unang dumepensa sa bansa nila ay yung mga citizen warriors, yung mga reservists, yun din po ang gusto nating mangyari dito,” he said in an interview over the DZRH. “Gusto po natin talagang ihanda yung ating mga kababayan mga mamamayan for any eventuality whether it is man made or even natural,” he added. Asked if the AFP is ready for any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we number one, because for the longest time—we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most fighters in the world so we just need modern equipment, modern weapons and that’s what we are doing in our modernization effort.” Brawner said an allocation of huge funds is needed to acquire more modern defense equipment and weapons. “Because really mahal po kasi yung mga kagamitan na kailangan natin but we have to invest in our defense kasi kung hindi po natin gagawin yan, kahit na anong gastos natin sa ibang mga bagay pero kung may mangyari man, kung may umatake sa atin mawawala lahat ito,” he added. Brawner earlier said the AFP is targeting to acquire “multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like” under the third Horizon of the AFP modernization program. The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022 and the Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms geared at enhancing the external or territorial defense capability of the military organization. Among the platforms procured in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program include the S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air support aircraft, air defense surveillance radars, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, corvettes, anti-submarine helicopters, light tanks, tactical radios, amphibious assault vehicles, civil engineering equipment, and modern pistols......»»
Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India in row over separatist killing
Canada said Thursday it had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India as a result of the fallout from a bitter dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. New Delhi planned to revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 of Canada's diplomats and their families by Friday, forcing Ottawa to pull out the others, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said. "We have facilitated their safe departure from India," Joly added. "This means that our diplomats and their families have now left." Relations between India and Canada have plunged since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month publicly linked Indian intelligence to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegations New Delhi has called "absurd". Nijjar, who advocated for a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. "Revoking the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats is not only unprecedented, but also contrary to international law," Joly said Wednesday, but added Canada did not plan to retaliate in kind, so as to not "aggravate the situation." "Canada will continue to defend international law, which applies to all nations and will continue to engage with India," she said. India's foreign ministry said in a statement that the government's pressing for a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence was within "international norms". "The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence," it added. Canada has called for India to cooperate in the investigation but New Delhi has rejected the allegations and taken countermeasures, such as shutting down visa services for Canadians. Ottawa also expelled an Indian diplomat over the affair. 'Badgering the Canadians' Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said last month in New York that his country would be willing to examine any evidence presented by Canada. "We have actually been badgering the Canadians. We've given them loads of information about organized crime leadership which operates out of Canada," Jaishankar said, referring to Sikh separatists. "We have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked," he added. The Indian government has called the accusations over the killing "absurd" and advised its nationals not to travel to parts of Canada "given the increase in anti-Indian activities." New Delhi also temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. Nijjar, who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a Canadian citizen in 2015, was shot dead by two masked assailants in the parking lot of a Sikh temple near Vancouver in June. Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two percent of the country's population, with a vocal minority calling for creating a separate state of Khalistan. The Sikh separatist movement is largely finished within India, where security forces used deadly force to put down an insurgency in the state of Punjab in the 1980s. Hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada last month, burning flags and trampling on pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi have created a delicate situation for close Canadian ally Washington, which is seeking closer ties with India in a bid to limit Chinese influence in the region. The post Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India in row over separatist killing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India in row over separatist killing
Canada said Thursday it had withdrawn 41 diplomats from India as a result of the fallout from a bitter dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. New Delhi planned to revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 of Canada's diplomats and their families by Friday, forcing Ottawa to pull out the others, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said. "We have facilitated their safe departure from India," Joly added. "This means that our diplomats and their families have now left." Relations between India and Canada have plunged since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month publicly linked Indian intelligence to the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, allegations New Delhi has called "absurd". Nijjar, who advocated for a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. "Revoking the diplomatic immunity of 41 diplomats is not only unprecedented, but also contrary to international law," Joly said Wednesday, but added Canada did not plan to retaliate in kind, so as to not "aggravate the situation." "Canada will continue to defend international law, which applies to all nations and will continue to engage with India," she said. India's foreign ministry said in a statement that the government's pressing for a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence was within "international norms". "The state of our bilateral relations, the much higher number of Canadian diplomats in India, and their continued interference in our internal affairs warrant a parity in mutual diplomatic presence," it added. Canada has called for India to cooperate in the investigation but New Delhi has rejected the allegations and taken countermeasures, such as shutting down visa services for Canadians. Ottawa also expelled an Indian diplomat over the affair. 'Badgering the Canadians' Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said last month in New York that his country would be willing to examine any evidence presented by Canada. "We have actually been badgering the Canadians. We've given them loads of information about organized crime leadership which operates out of Canada," Jaishankar said, referring to Sikh separatists. "We have a situation where actually our diplomats are threatened, our consulates have been attacked," he added. The Indian government has called the accusations over the killing "absurd" and advised its nationals not to travel to parts of Canada "given the increase in anti-Indian activities." New Delhi also temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. Nijjar, who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a Canadian citizen in 2015, was shot dead by two masked assailants in the parking lot of a Sikh temple near Vancouver in June. Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two percent of the country's population, with a vocal minority calling for creating a separate state of Khalistan. The Sikh separatist movement is largely finished within India, where security forces used deadly force to put down an insurgency in the state of Punjab in the 1980s. Hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada last month, burning flags and trampling on pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi have created a delicate situation for close Canadian ally Washington, which is seeking closer ties with India in a bid to limit Chinese influence in the region. The post Canada withdraws 41 diplomats from India in row over separatist killing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sikhs protest outside India consulates in Canada
Indian flags were burned and pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trampled on at protest rallies by Canadian Sikhs outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday. “The Indians, they are terrorists, they killed our brother in Vancouver, so that’s why we are protesting here,” Harpar Gosal of Toronto said outside of the Indian consulate in Toronto, referring to the murder in June of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. “We are not safe back home in Punjab, we are not safe in Canada,” another protesting Canadian Sikh, Joe Hotha, said. Several hundred people gathered in Toronto as well as in Ottawa and Vancouver to denounce Modi’s government. The protests were stirred by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau statements before parliament that New Delhi was possibly involved in the assassination of the Sikh leader, triggering a major diplomatic crisis between the two nations. Nijjar, who was wanted in India for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder, was shot dead by two masked assailants. The Indian government called the Canadian accusations “absurd” and vehemently denied them. It also advised its nationals not to travel to certain Canadian regions “given the increase in anti-Indian activities” and temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. Jagmett Singh, the leader of the left-wing New Democratic Party and a Trudeau ally, said Trudeau's announcement confirms suspicions that India was interfering in the democratic rights of Canadians. Canada must also put an end to intelligence sharing with New Delhi, Sikh officials said. Since 2018, the two countries have established cooperation on counter-terrorism activities which commits them to financial, judicial and police cooperation, an agreement eyed warily by 770,000 Canadian Sikhs today. WITH AFP The post Sikhs protest outside India consulates in Canada appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Son of a gun
What is it about carrying around a firearm that transforms a Dr. Jekyll into a Mr. Hyde? Lately, the public has been treated (if that is the right word) to a slew of spectacles showing ordinary citizens involved in gun-toting road rage incidents. There would be a traffic altercation, it would turn confrontational, one person would alight from his vehicle, pull out a gun and point it at his adversary to intimidate him. Unfortunately for these “kawawang” cowboys (to borrow the song lyrics of the late Fred Panopio), they forget that the entire population these days is armed with phone cameras. Their gung-ho attitude is caught on camera and posted online, going viral among a population looking for sensational footage. Worse for the bully, since there are a lot of reelectionist senators, such videos invariably trigger a Senate inquiry supposedly in aid of legislation, never mind if our country already has strict gun laws. This would inevitably give the anti-gun advocates another chance to restate their mantra of “guns are evil,” disregarding the fact that firearms are inanimate objects that do not spontaneously pull their own triggers without human intervention. Those like us who are in favor of the right to carry arms — under the proper legal regulations, of course — would then counter with our own mantra: “Guns don’t kill; people do.” The debate is monotonously repeated every time there are morons such as that bald Gonzales character, who unlawfully use guns. The call for a total gun ban to address the issue is a knee-jerk reaction by jerks. For every a-hole who pulls out his gun out of pique, there are tens of thousands like me who have never used their firearm even under pressure. I believe that the safeguards now in place for applicants for gun licenses have been effective in filtering out the vast majority of psychos who cannot handle the perceived “power” born out of carrying a gun. To call for a firearms ban just because some weirdos out there abuse their privilege to carry guns is like calling for a total ban on cars simply because there are a few drivers who get into accidents due to their lack of driving skills. In this connection, I have been wondering why my proposal to test drivers’ IQs, and if it is low, to put a notice on their cars saying “Warning: Stupid Driver” (much like the notice on beginners’ cars, “Warning: Student Driver”) has fallen on deaf official ears. My best friend, Dr. Francis Aquino, a psychology major before becoming an anesthesiologist, once told me that those who swagger around, gun in hand, are covering up for something. The psychoanalytic term he used was “compensation.” It may be for lack of parental affection when an infant, lack of wealth or power, a timid nature, or even — seriously — a small penis. Doc Francis added that sometimes those who drive the biggest cars or pack a gun with the longest barrel are those with the smallest dicks. Well, I drive a compact car and have a snub-nose revolver, so draw your own conclusions. Reminds me of that famous quote from Mae West: “Is that a gun in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?” Levity aside, a legal gun-carrying citizen should always possess the proper mindset when lugging around his weapon for protection. He should be aware of the multitude not only of the online hatred that he will be getting when he unlawfully unholsters his firearm and uses it to threaten someone but of the legal problems he will face afterward. And then there is the possibility of encountering someone who also has a gun, or who has armed bodyguards, in which case the resulting shootout will definitely result in casualties, both on the part of the combatants and, worse, of innocent bystanders. In this case, one might end up being a dead son of a gun. The post Son of a gun appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Boredom made this PDL escape Munti
The escaped person deprived of liberty who was re-arrested recently yesterday told a Senate panel that he escaped the New Bilibid Prison maximum security compound in July out of boredom due mainly to a lack of visitors. Michael Cataroja admitted this during the hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino, who asked the inmate why he escaped. Cataroja said he was so bored because no one was visiting him at the NBP. Cataroja, 25, who had been detained at the NBP for less than two years due to violation of the Anti-Fencing Law, said he evaded authorities on the morning of 7 July via a garbage truck. After the garbage truck reached C-6 Road, he took off and then walked to Antipolo City. Cataroja said at that time he was helping carry the garbage to the truck and when an L300 van passed by he went under the truck and hid. His disappearance was announced by BuCor on 17 August and was rearrested by Angono police in Sitio Minahan Bato, Barangay San Isidro after a tip from a concerned citizen. The Senate committee held Tuesday’s hearing at the BuCor where Cataroja is expected to demonstrate in front of the lawmakers and other authorities how he was able to get out of the state penitentiary in Muntinlupa City. On Sunday, BuCor released a video of Cataroja reenacting how he clung under a garbage truck to escape NBP. Senator Robin Padilla, who claimed that he was a representative of PDLs, said that it was “unfair” to have thousands of PDLs suffer the consequences of the mistake made by one. The post Boredom made this PDL escape Munti appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC barangay chair suspended anew
Two 30-day suspension was again slapped against Quezon City Barangay Pasong Tamo chairperson Mae Tagle by the City Council’s Special Investigation Committee Friday. Tagle who was supposed to be back next month as barangay chairperson (village chief) from a 90-day suspension over abuse of power charges was meted another two months’ suspension over three cases filed against her by concerned citizen and the Sangguniang Kabataan officials at City Council’s SIC. The SIC Administrative Order 449-23 was issued for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Grave Misconduct, when Tagle allowed the space used as the Barangay Pharmacy to be rented by a private individual. The Botika ng Barangay located at Barangay Pasong Tamo Annex along Luzon Avenue has been turned into a fish and meat store. Such act, the SIC noted, required the concurrence of the Barangay Council documented by a resolution. The second charges for Acts Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service was due to Tagle’s appointment of Diosdado Velasco as the Barangay Administrator. Velasco ran and lost during the May 2022 polls but Tagle after the polls appointed him, violating the one-year prohibition ban for those who ran and lost in the last national and local elections. The case of nepotism for appointing her daughter as Barangay clerk was dismissed, leaving the two cases to impose a 30-day suspension each, thereby prohibiting Tagle to assume as the Barangay Pasong Tamo Chairman. The SIC resolution order was concurred by the City Council to be implemented for the month of September and October where the next barangay election slated on the 30th. The Special Investigation Committee was an offshoot of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Quezon City Council’s 38 members, led by Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto as the presiding officer, granting the council authority to hear cases against barangay officials to lessen the Ombudsman office of loads of this kind of cases. The post QC barangay chair suspended anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC barangay chairwoman meted another 7 months suspension
Two suspensions were slapped against Quezon City Barangay Pasong Tamo chairwoman Mae Tagle by the City Council’s Special Investigation Committee, Daily Tribune found Friday. Tagle who was supposed be back next month as the barangay chairwoman (village chief) from 90-day suspension over abuse of power charges was meted with seven months suspension over two cases filed against her by a concerned citizen and the Sangguniang Kabataan officials at City Council's SIC. The SIC Administrative Order 449-23 was issued for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Grave Misconduct when Tagle allowed the space used as the Barangay Pharmacy to be rented by a private individual. The Botika ng Barangay located at Barangay Pasong Tamo Annex along Luzon Avenue has been turned into a fish and meat store. Such an act the SIC noted, required the concurrence of the Barangay Council documented by a resolution. Tagle was meted for six months because of this. The suspension order would be served to Tagle on Monday. The second charge for acts prejudicial to the best interest of service was due to Tagle's appointment of Diosdado Velasco as barangay administrator. Velasco ran and lost during the May 2022 polls but Tagle after the polls appointed him, violating the one-year prohibition ban for those who were candidates and lost the last national and local elections. The SIC order on this case was served to Tagle on Friday, 18 August 2023. The seven-month new suspension order, thereby, prohibits Tagle to assume the Barangay Pasong Tamo chairwoman and to even run in the coming elections. The two SIC resolution orders were both concurred by the City Council. The Special Investigation Committee was an offshoot of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Quezon City Council’s 38 members, led by Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto as the presiding officer, granting the council authority to hear cases against barangay officials to lessen the Ombudsman office of loads of these kind of cases. The post QC barangay chairwoman meted another 7 months suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vote-buyers’ arrest sans warrant soon
Persons engaged in vote-buying or vote-selling may soon be arrested sans a warrant. This as the Commission on Elections is set to come out this month with new rules on vote-buying and vote-selling including citizen’s arrest of violators. Atty. John Rex Laudiangco, Comelec spokesperson, during Wednesday’s Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, said a temporary committee was revitalized into Committee on Anti-Kontra Bigay headed by Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. The guidelines, Laudiangco said, will aid law enforcement and prosecution officials in pinning down those who would engage in vote-buying or vote-selling, during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October. “The resolution on this is coming out in the coming week and it will be a deterrent to those planning to violate Section 261-A of the Omnibus Election Code,” he said. Comelec chairperson George Garcia, during the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard, said the rules may include warrantless arrest. Comelec, PNP and PCG committed to doing their best for fair and peaceful elections on 30 October. He issued a warning to stop the practice of vote-buying as a warrantless arrest will be implemented starting the campaign of the BSK elections. “In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with the full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution a warrantless arrest is allowed,” he said. Garcia said these revisions are needed because of the changing times and stop the long-time practice of vote-buying. The post Vote-buyers’ arrest sans warrant soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Colombians in spotlight over Ecuador, Haiti assassinations
Two years after a Colombian squad allegedly shot dead the president of Haiti, authorities in Ecuador have accused a group of Colombians of being behind the assassination of a top presidential candidate, pointing to the export of a culture of political hit jobs. Colombia has a long history of politicians being assassinated by opponents, drug traffickers, or paramilitaries, and even its president, Gustavo Petro, campaigned before his election from behind a wall of bulletproof shields. After the shock assassination of Ecuador journalist and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio on Wednesday, authorities released pictures of six Columbian suspects, one of them splattered with blood. A seventh suspect was killed in a shootout at the scene of the crime. The country's main newspaper, El Universo, reported Villavicencio was assassinated "hitman-style and with three shots to the head." Police said the suspects were arrested in a series of raids in which they also found a rifle, a machine gun, grenades, and ammunition. In a message of support to Ecuador, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro drew a direct link to the murder of Haitian president Jovenel Moise in his home in July 2021 by a group of 17 Colombian mercenaries. "A gang of Colombian hitmen, mercenaries, went to Haiti to assassinate a president," he said during an official event. "These criminal gangs of hitmen are unfortunately taking this Colombian model of political assassinations outside of its borders." Jorge Mantilla, a Colombian investigator into organized crime, said that the arrests showed the "specialization among Colombian criminals in the use of violence" after six decades of armed conflict between the state and guerrillas, paramilitaries, and drug gangs. He said the two assassinations "show the capacity that these violence professionals have of connecting with transnational crime networks." Cross-border ties Villavicencio said last week he had received several threats from Los Choneros, one of Ecuador's most powerful criminal groups which the Insight Crime thinktank said became the armed wing of a Colombian drug cartel. It also has ties to Mexico's Sinaloa cartel. Late Friday Villavicencio was buried in Quito during a private ceremony after hundreds of people paid tribute at an exhibition center, where his coffin was draped with the flag and a symbolic presidential sash with the words "My power is in the constitution." While there has been no clear claim of responsibility, the murder has highlighted the once-peaceful nation's decline into a violent hotbed of drug trafficking and organized crime. Wedged between the major cocaine producers Colombia and Peru, Ecuador -- seen as having laxer controls -- has in recent years attracted foreign drug cartels that have linked up with local gangs to move drugs through the country to the United States and Europe. Mantilla explains that Ecuador's drug gangs "acquired their power from working with Colombian organizations and later became independent" and grew stronger. On Thursday, Ecuador's Interior Minister Juan Zapata referred to the detainees simply as "foreigners," saying they were "members of a criminal group" that assassinated Villavicencio in an "attempt to sabotage" snap presidential elections due on August 20. Colombian media said the suspects had criminal records in their home country, including for arms manufacturing and trafficking, drug trafficking, murder, or domestic violence. Colombia partly 'responsible' After the Haiti assassination, a US investigation revealed that two men at the head of a Miami security firm had devised a plan to kidnap Moise and replace him with a Haitian-American citizen. In March this year, dual Haitian-Chilean citizen Rodolphe Jaar pled guilty in the United States to housing the Colombian commando team and giving them weapons. That same month Colombia's president Petro said his country was partly responsible for Moise's assassination. "Colombia has a co-responsibility... it was Colombian mercenaries who went to kill the president of Haiti, unleashing a crisis even worse than the one they were already going through," he said. Petro has not commented on the Ecuador assassination. The post Colombians in spotlight over Ecuador, Haiti assassinations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crackdown seen over China spy law
A revised law dramatically expanding China’s definition of espionage came into force on Saturday, giving Beijing more power than ever to punish what it deems threats to national security. The United States government, analysts, and lawyers say that the revisions to Beijing’s anti-espionage law are vague and will give authorities more leeway in implementing already opaque national security legislation. Originally released for public comment in December 2022, the revisions were formally approved by China’s top legislative body in April. Chinese law already meted out harsh punishment for those involved in alleged espionage, from life in prison to execution in extreme cases. In May, a 78-year-old US citizen was sentenced to life in prison on spying charges. The post Crackdown seen over China spy law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds mayors as he attends 2023 Mindanao LMP convention
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention on Saturday, 10 June, at Acacia Hotel, Davao City. Accompanied by Senator Robinhood Padilla, Go underscored the crucial role of public service in nation-building and highlighted his and Padilla's commitment to grassroots governance and their dedication to empowering local communities by bringing government services closer to those in need the most. “This gathering brings together the voices of municipal mayors from all regions throughout Mindanao to collectively address the pressing issues and seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our beloved region,” expressed Go. “Your dedication to your constituents, your steadfast resolve to address the unique challenges facing your communities, and your unwavering belief in the potential of Mindanao are truly inspiring,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be among the dedicated local leaders who are at the forefront of driving progress in Mindanao. He emphasized the importance of effective governance and the tireless efforts required to address the needs of the people. “Galing ako sa mababa. Alam ko kung ano ang pinakaproblema sa pinakamababa. So salamat sa inyong pagserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Magkakasama tayo. Sino ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang, mga kapwa ko Pilipino,” he continued. Go then highlighted the need for strong collaboration between national and local governments, emphasizing the importance of a harmonious relationship to achieve sustainable development. He likewise stressed the significance of responsive and accountable governance, encouraging the local leaders to be proactive in addressing the challenges faced by their respective communities. “I understand the challenges you face—the need for sustainable infrastructure, the importance of peace and security, the quest for economic growth, and the pursuit of social progress. These are not easy tasks, but I firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for Mindanao,” Go remarked. “Let me assure you that you are not alone in this journey. As your senator, I am committed to working hand in hand with you to champion the interests of Mindanao at the national level. I will continue to advocate for the necessary legislation and policies that will enable you to better serve your constituents and empower your local government units,” he asserted. Go then reiterated the urgent need to harness the potential of e-governance as he continues to push for Senate Bill No. 194, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the way government services are delivered to the people. According to the senator, by implementing digital platforms and tools, citizens can more easily access information, track government processes, and monitor the progress of projects. E-governance, also known as electronic governance, is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government operations and services. The utilization of digital platforms and online systems streamlines administrative processes, simplifies public service delivery, and improves citizen engagement. The proposed E-Governance Act aims to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network that spans national and local governments. It shall mandate the creation of an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. “Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act. Una ko na po itong nai-file noong panahon pa ng pandemya during the 18th Congress. Marami tayong natutunan noon kung paano mag-adapt sa panahon,” Go previously said. Earlier on the same day, Go, together with Padilla, personally extended support to impoverished residents of Pili, Camarines Sur, and attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, where they also offered aid to indigents. They also conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte. The post Bong Go lauds mayors as he attends 2023 Mindanao LMP convention appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC cracks down on bribe-takers, givers
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday warned Quezon City Hall employees predisposed to asking or accepting bribes that they would be removed from office and charged criminally. The mayor issued the admonition following the arrest of two city hall employees in an entrapment operation by the Quezon City Police District on Thursday. A revenue examiner and an administrative aide at the city treasurer’s office were nabbed after a complaint was filed against them by a person who sought a certificate attesting that taxes had been paid for a business being retired. The two assessed the complainant P77,632 in back taxes but later asked for a discounted payment of P50,000 to expedite the release of the document without an accompanying official receipt. Belmonte vowed to go after corrupt city hall officials and employees who circumvent the processes and regulations in exchange for grease money. “Here in QC, we will never condone the palakasan system. No one should dangle money or gifts in exchange for special favors or a shortcut to our processes,” she said. “We have embraced digitalization so that everything is done expeditiously, eliminating red tape,” she added. The suspects were charged with violating Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday. QCPD chief P/Brig. Gen. Nicholas Torre III urged the public to immediately report via hotline 122 any government official or employee who would demand money or ask favors in exchange for processing documents. Based on the Citizen’s Charter of the City Treasurer’s Office, the cost for Business Retirement Application depends on the line of business, gross sales, and area of business delinquency or deficiency taxes. Discounts are not available unless mandated by applicable laws such as an ordinance granting tax relief. Quezon City Human Resource and Management Department head Atty. Noel del Prado said the suspects may also be held administratively liable. An internal investigation will also be conducted on them, he added. “Corruption has no place in the city government. We have a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. We will not take this issue lightly,” Belmonte said. “We will take appropriate measures to ensure that our public servants have integrity and are transparent because the constituents deserve the best services from us,” the mayor said. She warned that private persons involved in questionable transactions will also be prosecuted side by side with government employees they are in cahoots with. The post QC cracks down on bribe-takers, givers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP sees end of Abu Sayyaf’s ‘reign of terror’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said the annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu province is imminent. AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar made the remarks following reports that ASG leader Radullan Sahiron alias "Commander Putol" allegedly recently died in Sulu. "There is a better news than the alleged death of Radullan Sahiron, a.k.a. Putol, leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group that was designated by the Anti-Terrorism Council as a terrorist organization. It is the end of the ASG's reign of terror in the province of Sulu," Aguilar told reporters. Aguilar said one of the ASG leaders, Amah Patit, along with 20 other members of the core group of Sahiron, surrendered to the government on the instruction of Sahiron himself on 8 January. At that time, Sahiron was already old and reportedly sick, he added. “Since then, no word was heard from the wanted ASG leader except for unverified information from several sources that he is already dead,” Aguilar said. Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu, said they received intelligence information that Sahiron died two months ago in Patikul town. However, Patrimonio aid the military has yet to see Sahiron’s physical body as “concrete evidence” of his demise. The United Nations Security Council had previously tagged Sahiron as the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings and bombing incidents in Sulu. Among these were the abduction of 21 Filipino, Finnish, French, German, Malaysian and South African nationals in April 2000; the kidnapping of four passengers from the MT Singtec Marine 88 in June 2002; the kidnapping of four Filipino women in Jolo in August 2002; and the abduction of ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and her crew in July 2008. Also, Sahiron was included in the most wanted list by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation with a $1 million bounty on his head due to the kidnapping of a male US citizen on 14 November 1993 in Sulu. The victim was transported to a jungle camp in Jolo before being released on 7 December 1993. The country’s Anti-Terrorism Council designated ASG a terrorist organization in June last year. The post AFP sees end of Abu Sayyaf’s ‘reign of terror’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China jails US citizen for life on espionage charges
China has sentenced a 78-year-old US citizen to life in prison for espionage, a court said Monday, but revealed few details about the previously unreported case. Such heavy terms are relatively rare for foreign citizens in China, and the jailing of American passport holder John Shing-wan Leung is likely to further strain already-damaged ties between Beijing and Washington. Leung, who is also a Hong Kong permanent resident, "was found guilty of espionage, sentenced to life imprisonment, deprived of political rights for life", said a statement from the Intermediate People's Court in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou. Suzhou authorities "took compulsory measures according to the law" against Leung in April 2021, it said, without specifying when he had been taken into custody. It was unclear where Leung had been living at the time of his arrest. A spokesperson for the US embassy in Beijing said they were aware of reports that a US citizen had been recently convicted and sentenced in Suzhou. "The Department of State has no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas," the spokesperson said. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment." The court statement provided no further details on the charges, and closed-door trials are routine in China for sensitive cases. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to comment further on the case at a regular press briefing on Monday. In Hong Kong, security minister Chris Tang told a news conference Monday the city's authorities were notified of Leung's arrest in 2021. "The Hong Kong police have carried out follow-up action according to the notification," Tang said, refusing to elaborate further. Rights activist jailed The jailing is likely to further damage relations with Washington, which are already severely strained over issues such as trade, human rights and Taiwan. Washington and Beijing have just ended an unofficial pause in high-level contacts over the United States' shooting down in February of a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi held eight hours of talks in Vienna in an apparent breakthrough last week, with both sides describing the meeting as "candid, substantive and constructive". On Friday, Washington issued a statement condemning the reported sentencing of a Chinese human rights activist for "inciting subversion of state power". Guo Feixiong, also known as Yang Maodong, was jailed for eight years, according to rights groups. There has been no official confirmation of the sentencing from China. The US State Department said in its statement its diplomats had been barred from attending the trial in southern China. "We urge the PRC to live up to its international commitments, give its citizens due process, respect their human rights and fundamental freedoms including freedom of speech, and end the use of arbitrary detentions and exit bans," said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday the country's "judicial authorities act in accordance with the law, and their actions brook no interference". US President Joe Biden is due to head to Hiroshima for a meeting of leaders of the G7 group of major developed economies. The G7's relationship with China is expected to be high on the agenda at the May 19-21 summit. Other high-profile espionage cases in recent years include the arrest in 2019 of Chinese-born Australian writer Yang Jun. Australia called last week for another of its nationals, jailed journalist Cheng Lei, to be reunited with her family after 1,000 days in detention over "supplying state secrets overseas". In April, authorities formally charged a prominent Chinese journalist with spying, more than a year after he was detained while having lunch at a Beijing restaurant with a Japanese diplomat, a media rights group said. Revised anti-espionage law Also in April, China approved an amendment to its anti-espionage law, broadening its scope by widening the definition of spying and banning the transfer of any data related to what the authorities define as national security. The changes to the law will come into force on July 1. "Chinese authorities have long had an essentially free hand in addressing national security concerns," Chinese law expert Jeremy Daum wrote. "The laws involved are sometimes amorphous and vague, leading to selective, or even arbitrary, enforcement," he said, adding that the definition of "espionage" was already so broad "it isn't immediately clear what the impact of the expanded definition will be". The post China jails US citizen for life on espionage charges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senior citizen nabbed in Malabon drug sting
Two persons, including a senior citizen, were arrested during an anti-narcotics operation in Barangay Longos, Malabon City on Friday night......»»
P10 million ketamine seized in Pasig
Anti-narcotics agents arrested a Malaysian-Chinese citizen after he allegedly received a parcel containing two kilos of ketamine valued at P10 million during a controlled-delivery operation in Pasig on Tuesday......»»