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Cops gear up for Barangay, SK polls
The Philippine National Police is making early preparations to assume election duties as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October 2023. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearm and Security Concerns convened it first meeting last 9 May 2023 presided by Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, CBFSC chairperson, with representatives from the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He said that all operational planning and preparatory activities of the PNP are guided by Comelec Resolution 10902 that approved the calendar of activities for the 2023 Barangay and SK polls. Pursuant to Comelec Resolution 10902, the 90-day election period for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election will commence on 28 August 2023 with the start of the period for filing of Certificates of Candidacy. Acorda said the PNP will strictly enforce all prohibited acts during the entire 90-day election period as enumerated under the Omnibus Election Code and Resolutions passed by the Comelec. “These prohibited acts include the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec and also prohibited during this period is the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates,” said Acorda. Upon the request of Commissioner Ferolino, Acorda said the PNP is making some adjustments on administrative procedures and technical requirements in the processing of Comelec authority for exemption. The joint Comelec-PNP-AFP committee is set to hold a media event on 22 May 2023 to formally launch the information campaign for the 2023 Barangay and SK elections. Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said they will beef up their efforts in ensuring the peaceful and orderly conduct of the barangay and SK polls. “As we speak, our Directorate for Operation is closely coordinating with Comelec, but as of now we don’t have yet the figures as to the number of election areas of concerns that will be included in the color category, the yellow, green, orange and red,” Fajardo said. “We also expect this coming barangay elections although we know it will be quite hot when it comes to the local election that’s why this early the PNP prepared including the other security forces to make sure all risk factors will be determined as early as now so that those who are best practices and other police strategies to ensure that we have safe and secure elections will be implemented even prior to the declaration of the election period,” she added. The post Cops gear up for Barangay, SK polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP
The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that it is not seeing any postponement of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October amid the reported 2,594 areas of concern. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the PNP has recorded 246 “areas of grave concern” or under the red category while 1,248 villages are under the orange category and 1,100 are under the yellow category. “So far, we are not seeing any areas that may postpone the polls. All areas will be simultaneously doing or conducting the BSKE as scheduled. There are some areas that we think that needs additional troops like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Acorda said. “We have to send additional forces there and our deputy chief for operations are also preparing in coordination with the other agencies. If some areas will be challenging, we will render the appropriate measures,” he added. Areas listed under the red category would be under the Commission on Elections’ control and the poll body has the authority to augment security forces in the said areas. “With regards to the preparations for the barangay elections to our assessment and after the presentation of all the regional directors and after their meeting with the different Regional Joint Security Control Center, provincial JSCCs and of course on the national level, it’s a go for all of us,” said Acorda. The PNP chief revealed that the 246 “areas of grave concern” for the BSKE are mostly from Bicol, Eastern visayas and BARMM. “In BARMM alone we have 151, in Region 8 we have 60 and in Region 5 we have 21 this list is fluid, it may change anytime depending on the political climate in the area and these are being constantly monitored through our coordination with the Comelec, Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acorda. He also said that the PNP keeping a close watch on 38 potential PAGs and four active PAGs ahead of the BSKE this year. The election period for the BSKE started on 28 August and will end on 29 November 2023. During this period, the Comelec mandates the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. The post BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suspected pushers yield P102K shabu, firearms
Quezon City Police have arrested two drug pushers who yielded P102,000 worth of shabu and firearms in a buy-bust operations early morning yesterday. Quezon City Police District Director P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the suspects were collared by operatives of Novaliches Police Station 4 led by P/Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo, who identified the suspects as Reymarc Calceta, 27 years old and Maria Nicole Repollo, 24 years old, both residents of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. According to Castillo, PS 4 operatives, in coordination with PDEA-QC, conducted a buy-bust operation at 5 a.m. and arrested the duo in front of Novavets Animal Clinic and Grooming Center along Susano Road, Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City. The police officer said the arrest came after a concerned citizen reported the illegal drug activities of the suspects. A police officer acted as a poseur buyer and bought P7,500 worth of shabu from the suspects, and at the given pre-arranged signal, they were arrested. Seized from the suspects’ possessions were 15 grams of shabu worth P102,000; a black pouch; one identification card; a unit of motorcycle; a cellular phone; and the buy-bust money. Likewise, one caliber.38 revolver and four pieces of .38 full metal ammunition were confiscated from suspect Calceta. The suspects will be charged with violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charge for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violation of Omnibus Election Code in relation to Comelec gun ban will be filed against suspect Calceta before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Maranan commended the operatives for their prompt action which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of the pieces of evidence. The post Suspected pushers yield P102K shabu, firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders
Senator Francis Escudero challenged the Bureau of Customs to immediately file charges against traders susceptibly involved in smuggling and hoarding rice. Escudero said such illegal activities have caused an artificial shortage of food staples and rice price spikes in recent months. The senator then slammed the BOC for its failure to disclose to the public the “names of traders and operators whose warehouses were raided by government authorities for tons of suspected smuggled rice.” “Ang dami nang raids na ginawa nitong mga nakaraang linggo, bakit hanggang ngayon, wala pang kasong isinasampa sa mga taong sangkot? (You have done so many raid activities this past weeks, why is it until now you haven’t filed cases to anyone involved?),” he said. Escudero stressed the need to file charges and ‘bring these economic saboteurs to court” so it could “serve as a warning” that the Marcos administration is indeed serious in its campaign against smugglers and hoarders. He said the authorities should not stop by just conducting a series of raids, instead, the efforts should showcase strong results. The Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 considers large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as economic sabotage, with "at least P1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in their raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation and preservation for the market, or a minimum of P10 million worth of rice, as valued by Bureau of Customs." “Why haven't I heard anyone sued for economic sabotage or something? Who owns these warehouses? Who are the people involved?" Escudero asked, citing that the BoC-Port of Zamboanga seized some 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million in Barangay San Jose Gusu on 15 September. The local bureau inspected the warehouse on 19 May after receiving information that smuggled rice was being stored in the area. Two weeks prior, the BOC inspected three warehouses in Bulacan and found these stocked with suspected smuggled imported rice worth P505 million. It temporarily sealed and guarded these warehouses located inside the Intercity Industrial Complex in Balagtas, Bulacan. Aside from filing charges, Escudero said the government should also update the public on the development of these cases “in the spirit of transparency.” "Ito ang mga dapat nilang masagot ngayon (this what they should answer now): who oversees the disposition and how will it be disposed? Ano ang gagawin nila sa mga bigas na nakumpiska? (What will happen to confiscated rice?),“ Escudero said. In a news forum last Saturday, BOC Port of Zamboanga chief, Benito Lontok, said the agency is planning to donate the smuggled rice for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance programs. However, Lontok said the plan is still “subject to approval” of BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. 'DA should step up' Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged DA to take more proactive measures to address the price hike in rice. Cayetano lamented the prices of rice remain high despite the government’s implementation of a price cap on the product. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier blamed smugglers and hoarders for causing the increasing prices of rice in the country. Hence, issuing the executive Order No. 39 on 31 August, mandated price ceilings for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. The EO 39 will be implemented nationwide beginning 5 September. Marcos vowed the government would continue going after the rice smugglers and hoarders, including the imposition of penalties for those found guilty of violating the mandated price cap for rice. Cayetano lauded Marcos for this effort and for being a “sincere Agriculture Secretary” with a primary intent on the country’s food situation. However, he stressed that other DA officials should not rely on the Chief Executive for solutions. “The DA to seek long-term solutions to stabilize food prices, emphasizing that temporary measures may not address the root causes of the problem,” he said. The post Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Premature, unfair campaigning
As of Sept. 14, the Commission on Elections had ordered 626 candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls to explain activities that constitute premature campaigning. The campaign period for the BSKE starts only on Oct. 19. The 626 candidates have three days to explain their activities before they face disqualification proceedings, according to the Comelec......»»
PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps
The Police Security and Protection Group of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday announced it has launched a comprehensive recall of its protective security personnel stationed throughout the country as part of the preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for 30 October 2023, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, acting Director for Operations, led the presentation of recalled personnel at the PNP Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. Regional offices across the nation will also conduct their recall activities, which will be witnessed through online platforms. “This recall serves as a reminder of our duty to the people and the nation. As you return to your units, let your actions reflect the ideals of a just and democratic society”, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement on Tuesday. “Additionally, this recall serves as a proactive measure to prevent any undue influence, conflicts of interest, or perceptions of impropriety during the electoral process. Our priority is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every citizen's voice is heard,” he added. Of the total 920 protective security personnel stationed nationwide, 679 PSPG personnel are subject to recall. Among these, 495 are responsible for safeguarding 285 government officials, while 425 are entrusted with the security of 309 private individuals. Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period. The initiative is in accordance with Comelec Resolution 10918, which outlines the Rules and Regulations on the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons, as well as the Employment, Availment or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards during the Election Period. The election period starting on 28 August marks the period of prohibition that extends until 29 November 2023. During this time, Comelec regulations dictate the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail, eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website. The electronic filing system has been operational since 5 June 2023, and will remain open until 15 November 2023. As of 24 August 2023, a total of 295 applications have been received for CA-SD, with 49 having already received approval. The Comelec is expecting around 2 million aspiring candidates for the BSKE. In total, 672,432 positions need to be filled. These account for 42,027 positions for Punong Barangay and another 42,027 positions for SK Chairpersons. Around 294,189 seats should also be filled for each Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan group. The post PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts
Patronage of the arts and promotion of Philippine culture are two endeavors that have always been the domain of Philippine First Ladies. The approach, of course, varies, whether through the presentation of Filipino folk dances and fashion shows featuring Filipiniana designs during state dinners, showcasing the best of the Philippine arts on the walls of Malacañang Palace or highlighting Philippine crafts in during international expositions. When the presidential couple visits other countries, they bring with them gifts of Philippine crafts for the kingdom’s monarch and their escort or the republic’s president and his first lady. Presidential wives, too, have always been the foremost models of Philippine costume, which they wear during state visits abroad, formal functions at the presidential palace and when attending big events such as raising the Filipino flag in Rizal Park on Philippine Independence Day. Liza Araneta-Marcos, almost in all activities that she graces, whether right in the Palace or outside, wears a knee-length version of the terno, its butterfly sleeves defining its uniqueness and versatility. With her, terno has become an almost everyday get-up, which she accessorizes with heeled shoes, mostly Marikina-made. Cultural mapping The current First Lady’s support for arts and crafts and her involvement in cultural development manifested early on in her public life when her husband was the governor of Ilocos Norte in the early years of the millennium. Right in her husband Bongbong’s home province, she spearheaded efforts in the documentation of Ilocano culture. Under her auspices, a full-scale cultural mapping of Ilocos Norte took place. Then a new thing in the country, its aim was to list and document everything about the inherent culture of each barangay — songs, dances, oral and written literature, zarzuela and other dramatic forms, crafts using indigenous materials, historical sites, architectural marvels including ancestral houses, native delicacies and festive fare, musical instruments, gardens, parks, tourist spots and, of course, the people who make these things happen and exist — the weavers, painters, cooks, writers, local historians, harpists and so on in the vast field of arts, culture and heritage. It was trailblazing in that only years later would local government units be required to identify their cultural assets and provide the data needed for development, especially in education, tourism and creative industries. Eager to know more about her husband’s home province and absorb its culture, she even joined the team in its fieldwork in the seashore towns like the Pagudpud coastline and the highland town of Adams which they reached by riding a dump truck. Among the highlights of her undertakings for heritage tourism was her support for the Museo Ilocos Norte, which housed artifacts and the local textile, inabel. Most significantly was her commitment to the revival of the local weaving industry that produces the exquisite inabel. In an interview, the young and smart wife of the governor said, “I was looking for a viable project that would help boost the livelihood of the Ilocano, one that was low-key, which was not difficult to fund and uniquely Ilocano.” According to Liza, “Ilocano women love multi-tasking.” She explained that in the past, each home would have a loom, “so the mothers could weave while doing their home chores, including taking care of the baby.” Indeed, well spoken by a career woman who, while lawyering, made sure she was at the top of her family home and the care of her children. What she was telling them was it was possible to earn one’s livelihood while fulfilling one’s duties as a homemaker and parent. She thus advocated for the putting up of weaving centers where the young Ilocano may learn the craft. Embroiderers, woodcarvers and basket makers Fast forward to 2016, Liza joined the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council which fosters cultural exchange and unity by widening the exposure, knowledge and expertise of individual artists, scholars and art professionals. All her years spent on supporting Ilocano crafts had not only been beneficial to the local weavers. It also became a model, a small-scale version of what she would eventually achieve from her day one as First Lady. This time, she would widen the scope of her advocacy by supporting as well the other crafts in the regions. In Feburary 2023, the Office of the First Lady, in cooperation with the Office of the Social Secretary of Malacañang, other government agencies and private creative industry practitioners put together an exhibition that introduced the talented weavers of the country. It was a success as it showcased the best of Philippine weave from the Ilocos region to Laguna, Aklan and Zamboanga. A few months later, she expanded the project to “Likha” to showcase not only talented weavers — but also our skilled embroiderers, basket makers, woodcarvers, pottery makers and shell craftsmen,” among other Filipino artisans in cities, shores and hinterlands of our beautiful country. Community of artisans Hers was a most welcome support to the local artisans and craftsmen, anthropology scholars, tourism workers and educators. Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac, an associate professor of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, who accompanied her father, Paete master sculptor Luis Ac-Ac, shared her thoughts about the First Lady, who spoke at the opening ceremonies of the three-day exhibit. [caption id="attachment_163255" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with master sculptor Luis Ac-ac and his daughter Marygrace.[/caption] Marygrace said, “What impacted me the most about the First Lady’s speech is her promise to support talented Filipinos and the traditional crafts, which is in keeping with the words of President Bongbong Marcos in his first State of the Nation address. It was, to me, giving hope to the industry and to Filipino artists and artisans. I am happy that she herself said she is looking forward to “Likha” 3, 4, 5 and so on. “Beyond the First Lady’s support for livelihood among the local communities, just as important is that, through the “Likha” exhibitions, she is fostering a national community of artisans, which cultivates a sense of cultural identity among our people. Moreover, this gives us national pride as through the First Lady’s initiatives we are able to show to the world what we are capable of creating.” Of her father, the master craftsman Luis Ac-ac, she said, “he is grateful to the First Lady for her initiative and for spearheading the advocacy to uplift the traditional crafts of all the artists and artisans.” Goldenberg fashion series On her new home grounds, the Malacañang compound, the First Lady has imprinted her passion for heritage through the renovation of three iconic structures, long out of use and run-down Teus Mansion, which is now the presidential museum containing memorabilia of past presidents; Bahay Ugnayan, which houses memento of President BBM; and the Goldenberg Mansion, which the First Lady has designated as a venue for cultural and artistic events. All three are now open to the public for free. Last May, the Goldenberg Fashion series started with a fashion show featuring the creations of Puey Quiñones, who collaborated with weavers, embroiders and artisans, thus elevating Filipino style as he used them in his interpretation of the modern terno, suits and barong for men. [caption id="attachment_163256" align="aligncenter" width="928"] With designer Puey Quiñones at the Goldenberg Mansion fashion show.[/caption] Next was Avel Bacudio’s “Avel,” which, in turn, was a spectacle in black and white as the designer paid tribute to the handiwork of Filipino artisans all over the country, his creations manifesting virtuosity even as he downplayed extravagance and over-the-top ornamentation by focusing on well-defined structure, casual elegance, comfortability and versatility, the last allowing the wearers to mix and match to suit the occasion. In a way, the whole collection resonates with the overall style of the First Lady who has insisted on simplicity, function and comfort in her wardrobe, while now and then showcasing the innate artistry of the Filipino through indigenous textiles. Finally, when we celebrated the nation's Independence Day, with the President and the First Lady hosting a vin d’honneur in Malacañang Palace, the various lady ambassadors assigned to the Philippines attended in their most beautiful and exquisite Filipiniana, thanks to the First Lady who made the collaboration between top Filipino designers and the ladies possible. It was an evening that did not only enhance the beauty and charm of the lady ambassadors, but also made our designers proud. Indeed, our artisans and fashion designers, as well as performing artists, are fortunate to have a friend, ally and benefactor in a First Lady whose sense of nationalism combined with her heartfelt admiration for Filipino ingenuity has made her the best ambassador for Filipino craftsmanship and artistry. The post First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARBO value-chain strategy offers solid ground for MASAGANA rice program
The value chain strategy for agricultural products, which the Department of Agrarian Reform piloted in 2013, particularly on farm clustering, marketing, and linking smallholders to providers of inputs and credit, would be a solid ground for the four strategies of the Department of Agriculture’s MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). The DAR’s ARBO (Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization) clustering program, in partnership with Caritas’ Catholic Relief Service, was piloted in 2013 in Bukidnon (in three sites) and Misamis Oriental (two sites). Phase 1 involved linking ARBs with the corporate supply chain, which lasted until 2015, said Assistant Director Lita Rosales of DAR’s Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development. Then Phase 2—from 2015 to 2017—involved linking farmer smallholders to markets with microfinance. The sites involved in this phase expanded to 98. Phase 3 after 2017 (which was disrupted a bit by the pandemic) already covered 150 sites of clustered farms in practically the entire country, she explained. DAR’s mandate was always to work with ARBOs and clusters formed by them, which DAR linked with suppliers of farm inputs, corporate markets, and providers of farm machinery and post-harvest technologies. The DAR’s ARBO program covered farm clusters producing coconut, corn, sugar, cacao, coffee, livestock, poultry and fisheries, and even rice. With the MIRDP set to be fully adopted, the wealth of experience of ARBOs can hasten the learning curve of newly-organized clusters to be formed by the different attached agencies of the DA. These include the irrigators associations (both national and communal irrigation systems) of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the SWISAs (or small water irrigation systems associations) of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), and rice farm cooperatives registered with the Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA). Farmer-members of these groups must be registered with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to avail of government interventions. The DA met with DAR and BSWM last 12 July to discuss how the clustering of farmers would be expedited and a follow-up meeting for this purpose has been set for 16 August. Since ARBOs are covered by the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) jointly implemented by the DA, DAR, and the Land Bank of the Philippines, they can avail of loans under the program and in turn, re-lend to eligible ARBs to finance their agri-production projects and activities. The APCP aims to achieve sustainable crop production and increase the incomes of ARBs and their households through the provision of credit and capacity-building assistance. The other DAR programs for ARBOs that could jibe with the thrusts and strategies of MIRDP are stocks and market liberalization, land reform (including the development of land markets), agro-processing and input supply channels, urban finance, and market institutions. MRIDP's MASAGANA stands for MAtatag (climate change adaptation or resiliency), SAma-sama (clustering and consolidation of farms), GAnado (motivated farmers in the rice value chain), and NApapanahon (digital transformation to improve farming practices and program implementation). "MAtatag" aims to boost farmers' climate change resiliency by adjusting the planting calendar during the wet season, shifting main production to the dry season, and promoting crop diversification and crop-livestock-fisheries integration using balanced fertilization, proper irrigation, and other climate-smart practices. "SAma-sama" seeks to create economies of scale by clustering farmers and consolidating farms at the barangay and municipal levels and converging interventions. They will be linked to millers and the NFA, enabling cooperation between farmers, millers, and government institutions to achieve better prices, better quality rice, and appropriate seed distribution. This, too, is the essence of "GAnado", or the value chain approach. "NApapanahon" supports the first three approaches by providing timely and accurate information for decision-making, making interventions digitally based, location-specific, and efficient. The MIRDP will support rice clusters with seeds, fertilizers, and soil ameliorants; training-related activities; credit programs and loan facilities; crop insurance; market assistance; irrigation projects (NIS, CIS, and Small Water Impounding Projects), production and post-harvest machinery and equipment and facilities. The post ARBO value-chain strategy offers solid ground for MASAGANA rice program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former UP student leader killed after clash
CATBALOGAN CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed the death of a former student leader of the University of the Philippines-Tacloban in an encounter with the military in of Barangay Mabini, Catarman, Northern Samar last 28 May. In a statement, the AFP said Joshua Sagdullas, known in the underground movement as Ka Miyong and Ka Martin, was among the four casualties when troops from the 43rd Infantry Battalion clashed with members of the communist New People’s Army. Sagdullas was the secretary general of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Eastern Visayas up until he joined the New People’s Army in 2020. He was elected chair of the Student Council at UP Tacloban in 2016 when he was also elected as chairperson of the Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Magaaral sa UP, the alliance of student councils in the UP system until 2017. The body of Sagdullas was identified by alias Kurati, a former rebel who operated in the area. Alias Kurati also identified Sagdullas’ companions who also died in the clash as Geraldine Teopinto alias Luz, the Finance Officer; Abigail Padula Baselga alias Moana, Medical Officer; and Vicente Termo. Sensing the arrival of the patrolling troops, the NPAs fired upon the soldiers resulting in a 15-minute exchange of gunfire and another five-minute encounter during pursuit operations. Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the AFP’s Joint Task Force Storm, said the death of Sagdullas in the encounter is proof of how the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front has deeply infiltrated the student sector at UP Tacloban. “He is a proof of how the youth and students are being deceived into joining the armed struggle,” Mariano said. Mariano added that the death of Sagdullas is a big setback for the CPP-NPA-NDF in Eastern Visayas as he is a known personality of Bayan, which is suspected to be a legal front of the communist movement. According to the military report, the encounter happened when the soldiers responded to reports from civilians that a group of armed people were conducting extortion activities asking for food and materials from the residents in the outskirt community of said barangay. The group was found to be remnants of the of Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee led by a certain Mario Sevillano alias “Durok”, a notorious guerilla leader who, allegedly, had figured in numerous atrocities in the areas of Northern Samar. Sensing the arrival of the patrolling troops, the NPAs fired upon the soldiers resulting in a 15-minute exchange of gunfire and another five-minute encounter during pursuit operations. The troops seized two high-powered firearms and two low-powered firearms, several magazines with live ammunition for a 5.56mm rifle and cal.45 pistol, voluminous subversive documents, electronic gadgets and two backpacks filled with personal belongings. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council, conveyed his sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased especially to the Sagdullas family, who is a native of the city. Romualdez had coordinated with the 803rd Infantry Brigade, where the cadavers were brought to, for the transfer of Sagdullas’ body to his family for mourning. “I feel sad for the families, kaya kayong ibang nandiyan pa sa movement, isipin niyo ang mga naiiwanan ninyo. Feeling ninyo itong ginagawa ninyo ay talagang may ipinaglalaban kayo. Pero sa bandang huli ang mas nakakaawa dito ang mga iniiwanan ninyo. ‘Yong parents pinagpawisan para mabigyan ka ng edukasyon, maraming talent and all tapos, what happened? It is really sad, I hope this will stop, and this will end very soon,” Romualdez said. (That is why, those of you still in the movement, think about your loved ones. You may feel you have something to fight for but the truth is you will only be leaving your loved ones grieving. Your parents, who have sacrificed a lot to give you poper education are the real victims here.) The post Former UP student leader killed after clash appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec to monitor voter registration
The Commission on Elections is deploying five teams to closely monitor voter registration activities for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls set in October 2023......»»
Some job orders being used as ‘legal’ vote-buying – Lente
Poll watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) disclosed on Wednesday, Oct. 26 that some job orders as a form of “legal” vote-buying by functioning as coordinators for purposes of electoral campaigns. Indelible ink is applied to a voter’s finger (MB FIle Photo) This finding was part of Lente’s 12-week monitoring effort on the Abuse of State Resources (ASR) which according to the poll watchdog, is an overlooked form of political corruption in the Philippines. Lente said that candidates or political parties “unduly” utilize official powers and government resources to gain electoral advantage. ASR involves different types of abuse which include abuse of financial resources, institutional resources, regulatory/legal resources, and coercive/enforcement resources. Lente explained that over the course of their research, it learned the use of some job orders as a form of “legal” vote-buying. It added that under the Local Government Code, the local chief executives have the power to engage and hire job order personnel as early as a year prior to elections. Due to this, part of the proposed recommendations of Lente in relation with this issue is the amendment of Section 261 (j) of the Omnibus Election Code to establish a mechanism for command responsibility in so far as the local chief executive /mayor is concerned, in the event that the perpetrator of ASR is a local government employee, or under a job order contract. It also seeks the amendment of Comelec-CSC Joint Circular No. 1 S. 2016 or the Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities to include job orders under the prohibition on engaging with Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities. It also proposes a further study be conducted regarding the practice of some local government units using the provisions in Local Economic Enterprise to justify mass hiring of job order casuals. “The abuse of institutional resources pertains to the misuse of a state’s physical resources such as infrastructures and vehicles,” Lente said in a statement. “Among the 127 voter respondents interviewed, only 25 percent observed ASR in their respective areas and their observation involved incumbent candidates who utilized government vehicles to transport supporters to campaign sorties and to distribute campaign materials within the locality. Likewise, the community leaders made a similar observation,” it added. On the other hand, Lente bared that abuse of financial resources usually takes the form of campaigns veiled as a distribution of social services. it mentioned that this is a more challenging proposition with respect to ASR, pertaining to the practice of muddling social services and campaigns. “A number of respondents revealed that the most common observations in relation to this type of abuse is the presence of politicians during distribution of ayuda by DSWD and other government programs such as DOLE-TUPAd,” the poll watchdog said. Unfortunately, Lente stated that the general public had a hard time differentiating between legitimate social services and ASR by incumbent officials......»»
Comelec sets October 1 to 8 filing of COCs
With its sights set on the May 9, 2022 national and local polls, the Commission on Elections announced yesterday the calendar of activities and periods of prohibited acts related to the electoral exercise......»»
Comelec says systems can thwart foreign interference
The Commission on Elections is preparing to defend its servers from attempts to hack it in the 2025 midterm polls, its chairperson announced on Wednesday......»»
Comelec: 3 million overseas voters eyed in 2025 polls
With internet voting, the Commission on Elections is looking to have up to three million Filipinos abroad participate in the May 2025 midterm elections......»»
Barangay Guinhalinan created in Barobo, Surigao del Sur
The Commission on Elections will hold a plebiscite in Barangay Guinhalinan within 90 days from the effectivity of the law creating the barangay.....»»
Cha-cha plebiscite and midterm polls in one event: A test of Comelec s independence
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are now leading charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the conduct of the plebiscite had Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Garcia describe the logistical preparations required for it. He argued that it should be held as a separate event from the 2025 midterm electi.....»»
Cha-cha plebiscite during mid-year elections: No media question on Comelec s apparent uncertainty
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are on the forefront of ongoing charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Com.....»»
AIADMK releases first list of 16 candidates for Lok Sabha polls
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 20 (ANI): AIADMK on Wednesday released its first list of 16 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The list was released by the party general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami. While releasing the list, he said that five constituencies have been allocated to the DMDK; and one each to Puthiya Tamilagam and SDPI. "In the AIADMK alliance, DMDMK is to contest in 5 seats, SDPI.....»»
PEF decries continued illegal hunting of Philippine Eagles
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) expressed alarm over the persistence of illegal hunting activities in the mountains after juvenile Philippine Eagle Kalatungan was rescued, and after examination, was found wounded with two air gun pellets. The raptor was rescued in Sitio Balmar, Barangay Nabaliwa in Pangantucan, Bukidnon last February […].....»»
Council, envi group act on barangay proposal on Davao watershed
An environmental group urges the Davao City local government to make the Panigan-Tamugan watershed a “no touch” area for recreational activities to ensure that it remains a clean water source for the city......»»