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Israel says at ‘war’ after rocket barrages, militant infiltration
Palestinian militants have begun a "war" against Israel, the country's defense minister said Saturday after a barrage of rockets were fired and fighters from the Palestinian enclave infiltrated Israel, a major escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Violence between Israel and the Palestinians has been surging for almost two years, with fatalities in the occupied West Bank hitting a scale not seen in years. At least two people were killed in Israel, officials said. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Palestinian militant group Hamas has "launched a war against the State of Israel." "Troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," he said in a statement. AFP journalists said Israel's military began air strikes on Gaza, following the rocket barrage from inside the territory which is sealed off from Israel by a militarized border barrier. "Dozens of IDF fighter jets are currently striking a number of targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip," the military said. Rockets had earlier streamed across the sky repeatedly after the first launches from multiple locations across the Palestinian territory from 6:30 am (0330 GMT), AFP journalists in Gaza City reported. The armed wing of Hamas, which controls Gaza, said it was behind the aerial assault, saying its militants had launched thousands of rockets and its fighters seized an Israeli tank. Israel's army did not immediately comment on the tank claim when contacted by AFP. Israeli security chiefs convened over the violence, which occurred on Shabbat and during a Jewish holiday. Air raid sirens wailed across southern and central Israel, and the army urged people to stay near bomb shelters. AFP journalists in Jerusalem heard multiple rockets being intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. Sirens blared across the city on more occasions than in any Gaza conflict in the past three years. "We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said. "We announce Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and we fired, in the first strike of 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets." Hundreds of Gazans flee Hundreds of residents fled their homes in eastern Gaza to move away from the border with Israel, an AFP correspondent said. Men, women and children carrying blankets and food left their homes, mostly in the northeastern part of the territory, the reporter said. Israel's military said Hamas launched "massive shooting of rockets", while at the same time "terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations". Hamas "will face the consequences and responsibility for these events", it said in a statement. In Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, some Palestinian residents cheered and blew their car horns as sirens blared. A regional council for Israeli communities northeast of Gaza said its president was killed in an exchange of fire with attackers from Gaza. Separately, a woman in her 60s was killed "due to a direct hit" in Israel, the Magen David Adom emergency services said. Fifteen others were wounded, two of them seriously, medics said. An AFP photographer in the coastal city of Tel Aviv saw a gaping hole in a building, with residents gathered outside. Hamas calls to 'join battle' Hamas called on "the resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as "our Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle, in a statement posted on Telegram. The United States condemned the Hamas fire and urged "all sides to refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks." "Terror and violence solve nothing," the US Office of Palestinian Affairs wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007 after Hamas took power. Palestinian militants and Israel have fought several devastating wars since. The latest violence follows heightened tensions in September, when Israel closed the border to Gazan workers for two weeks. The shutdown of the crossing came as Palestinian demonstrators along the border burned tires and threw rocks and petrol bombs at Israeli troops, who responded with tear gas and live bullets. Resuming workers' passage on 28 September had raised hopes of calming the situation in impoverished Gaza, home to 2.3 million people. In May, an exchange of Israeli air strikes and Gaza rocket fire killed 34 Palestinians and one Israeli. So far this year at least 247 Palestinians, 32 Israelis and two foreigners have been killed in the conflict, including combatants and civilians on both sides, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. The vast majority of fatalities have occurred in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. There has been a rise in army raids, Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis and Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property. The rising violence this year came against the backdrop of divisive judicial reforms introduced by the hard-right government of President Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges he denies. Several far-right ministers in Netanyahu's cabinet live in West Bank settlements deemed illegal under international law. The post Israel says at ‘war’ after rocket barrages, militant infiltration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman vindicates (3)
It was the incendiary Independent Auditor’s Report on the Department of Health’s accounts and financial operations, crafted by a state auditor, a colleague of Heidi Mendoza’s, and released prematurely that roused strife between former CoA chairpersons allied with the senators of the Republic against President Rodrigo Duterte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque. On CoA’s and the senators’ side were Grace Pulido Tan, Heidi Mendoza and Michael Aguinaldo allied with Senators Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan. Words and deeds are enough to establish culpability for conspiracy by the former CoA chiefs and the senators of the Republic to destabilize the Duterte administration, to say the least, and to incite the people to sedition, at most. Immediately, this column issued commentaries informing the people that the report released by CoA on the alleged irregularities in DoH funds for Covid-19 was not an annual audit report but mere Audit Observation Memorandums, or AOMs, that were released prematurely. Almost instantaneously, Mendoza came from nowhere to declare that the release of the CoA findings on the P67.32 billion in DoH funds was not premature. The writings and voices of the former CoA chairpersons were loud, clear and eloquent in defense of an annual audit report that never was. “Today I weep for my colleague, a CoA-UN auditor, who just died of a heart attack. He was the auditor behind the DoH report. Stress can kill. Please let us offer a minute of prayer,” Mendoza said. Mendoza was referring to lawyer Jake Cimafranca who wrote the Independent Auditor’s Report on DoH’s accounts. Both Mendoza and Grace Pulido Tan were quick to say that the CoA annual audit report on DoH’s accounts and financial operations was regular and went through the process of review and approval before its release. The release was not premature, both said. The premature release put CoA under fire from President Duterte and administration officials like DoH Secretary Francisco Duque and allies for the screaming headlines in local newspapers and internet news flashes in capital cities around the world that said P67.32 billion intended to protect the people from Covid-19 was being lost to corruption. During the House hearing on CoA’s audit of the DoH, then CoA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo announced that CoA would continue making and publishing audit reports on government agencies despite criticism from Duterte and Duque. Citing the huge misstatements and deficiencies contained in the Independent Auditor’s Report, Senator Leila M. De Lima submitted P.S. Res. No. 859 ( Resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the findings of the Commission on Audit report on the DoH on the reported unspent funds, misstatements, irregularities and deficiencies, with the end in view of addressing recurrent issues that plagued its services, as well as the persistent faults and lapses that gave rise to wastage even amid times of scarcity and shortages, and holding accountable, identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the same). The Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) headed by Senator Richard J. Gordon submitted its partial committee report to the Senate, preluded by a poem entitled “Pity the Nation” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (After Khalil Gibran) 2007. “Pity the nation whose people are sheep And whose shepherds mislead them Pity the nation whose leaders are liars Whose sages are silenced And whose bigots haunt the airwaves Pity the nation that raises not its voice Except to praise conquerors And acclaim the bully as hero.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PRO-4B top officials negative in surprise, on-the-spot drug test
Ranking officers of the Police Regional Office in MIMAROPA — including its regional director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria — tested negative for illegal drugs in a surprise on-the-spot drug test during the command conference at Camp Brig. Gen. Efigenio C. Navarro, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The surprise drug test was conducted during the command conference on Wednesday attended by 42 top officials from the PRO-MIMAROPA command group, regional staff and chiefs of Regional Support Units. In a statement on Thursday, Doria said unannounced on-the-spot drug tests aimed to demonstrate PNP’s stern commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within the organization. He stressed that the conduct of said surprise drug test strongly supports PNP’s internal cleansing program, cementing PRO-MIMAROPA’s firm stance against illegal drugs. “This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity within our organization,” Doria said. “The surprise drug testing is not only a demonstration of our dedication to maintaining a drug-free organization but also a symbol of our resolve to be at the forefront of ethical and moral conduct in all our activities.” The post PRO-4B top officials negative in surprise, on-the-spot drug test appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Surprise drug test nets Mandaluyong cop
Mandaluyong City’s chief of police has been relieved from his post after he tested positive for illegal drugs during a random drug test, together with top brass of the National Capital Region Police Office, along with other commanders and chiefs of different offices and support units. Based on the order dated 27 August, Col. Cesar Gerente, Mandaluyong Chief of Police has been terminated from his post while Col. Mary Grace Madayag will replace him as acting chief of police. Gerente has been assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section under the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division of NCRPO for further investigation on administrative charges. In the aftermath of the Gerente case, the NCRPO ordered all 497 PNP personnel in Mandaluyong to undergo random drug test but all the results were negative. After the conduct of the Command Conference, NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez who spearheaded the surprise conduct of random drug test of 61 personnel including the Regional Staff, District Directors from the five Police Districts of Metro Manila, Chiefs of Police, and Station Commanders last 24 August. He said random drug testing seeks to weed out drug-using police officers within their ranks and there would be no letup in the crackdown against erring cops especially those involved in illegal drugs. “I will not tolerate scalawags in NCRPO especially those who are involved in illegal drug activities,” Nartatez stressed. He reiterated that the surprise drug test reflects one of the five-focused agenda of the PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda jr. which is the Integrity Enhancement wherein we aim to strengthen our internal disciplinary mechanism to prevent and address corruption and other negativities among ranks. A command conference was also held to further evaluate the performances of the officers and identify areas to be improved and to be fortified. The post Surprise drug test nets Mandaluyong cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Irony of corruption
Corruption has become so pervasive and brazen. Masusuka ka na (you would puke),” moaned the mayor of Dumaguete City, Felipe Remollo, at the convening Thursday of a coalition of over a hundred chiefs of local government units calling for good governance and an end to corruption at all levels of government starting within their own turfs. The coalition was sparked by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former Philippine National Police official who, in a virtual speech delivered during a PNP flag-raising ceremony last July, said he was “shocked” by the gargantuan increase in the country’s national debt to nearly P14 trillion. Said Magalong: “When President Duterte started his administration, our national debt was at P5.7 trillion, accumulated over the past decades. In just seven years, our national debt increased by 142 percent; we’re now at P13.86 trillion (actually P14.10 trillion, as reported by the Bureau of the Treasury in May 2023).” He quoted then-NEDA Secretary Karl Chua as saying that the country’s ability to pay the national debt is dependent on “‘our ability to manage financial leakages.’ And so I ask, ano ba yung financial leakages (what are financial leakages)? And Sec. Chua replied, ‘ang financial leakage na sinasabi ko (that I’m telling you), a big chunk of that is attributed to corruption.’” Beyond shock, he said he was also alarmed that none of the members of Congress then and now seemed to be concerned enough to “raise hell” about the country’s tremendously rising national debt. Interviewed over local television, he said he had spoken with contractors whom he asked, “Assuming I take cuts from infrastructure projects, how much will my take be? Their answer? From 10 percent to as much as 20, 25 percent — it’s up to the mayors and lawmakers to decide how much.” Bids and awards committee members, among others, also receive commissions, thus only about 45-50 percent is left for the contractor to do the project, he learned. If the project is worth, say P100, they’ll settle for from P42.50 to P55, including their profit, so they’ll have no choice but to make sub-standard projects. Having spent 38 years of exemplary service in the Philippine National Police, retired in 2016 as Deputy Chief of Operations with a total of 166 medals to his name, including the Distinguished Conduct Star, Distinguished Service Star, and PNP Gold Cross for combat and law enforcement achievements, he said: “We in the uniformed service are willing to give up a reasonable percentage of our pension to help the national government address this huge deficit, to address this big national debt; but we have yet to hear from our legislators that they too are willing to give up their pork barrel. Let’s wait and see what our brave legislators have to say.” In the interest of objectivity, it should be said here that Baguio, in two instances, was the subject of a Commission on Audit flag-down. One instance involved Magalong’s admission that rules were eased by City Hall in the purchase of food for city residents and disinfectant at the height of the Luzon lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. He said, however, that all the lockdown expenses were properly accounted for. CoA likewise flagged the city government on allegations that it had diversified funds to complete an infrastructure project. City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña maintained that the local government used the DPWH fund for its intended purpose, explaining that city hall only had a P341-million budget for a Convergence Center and it needed P50 million more to complete the project. “The word ‘misuse’ is not true. The fund was well-audited and it went to where it was allotted,” said Dela Peña. It is heartening to see that a cry in the wilderness sparks action among mayors. Theirs is a cause worthy of support by all sectors, including business and the citizenry, and we wish them all the luck in what is certain to be “an uphill climb” of sincerity and political will. The post Irony of corruption appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl ‘exposes’ China’s actions at Indo-Pacific defense chiefs meeting
The Philippines "exposed" China’s activities in the West Philippines Sea during the recent Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. bared Monday. In a radio interview, Brawner said some 23 defense chiefs across the Indo-Pacific, along with China’s deputy chief of defense, were present during the discussions. “Of course, binanggit natin doon sa ating discussions 'yung ginagawa ng China. In-expose natin doon sa iba't ibang bansa (We mentioned China’s activities in our discussion. We exposed them to different countries)," he said. Brawner said China responded by insisting that they still follow international rules, that the South China Sea is theirs and that the 2016 arbitration ruling that favored the Philippines over the nine-dash line “is invalid and unacceptable.” The AFP chief added that China asserted that they will continue their activities in the SCS. In 2016, The Hague Tribunal invalidated Beijing’s "nine-dash line doctrine" over the entire SCS region following an arbitration case filed by the Philippine government on 22 January 2013. The Tribunal also ruled that China’s nine-dash line unilaterally encroached on territories of other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Philippines has been urging China and other claimants to honor the ruling. Despite this, China rejected the Philippines' call to comply with the ruling. China also claimed that Ayungin or Ren'ai Reef is part of its Nansha Island. Recently, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and directed water cannons at Philippine vessels en route to BRP Sierra Madre for a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. China accused the Philippines of violating their laws by “intruding” into the Ayungin Shoal. Brawner said the Philippines has been upholding a “diplomatic course of action” amid China’s untoward treatment against Filipino ships within parts of the WPS. “Our Department of Foreign Affairs has been talking with their Chinese counterparts to convince them not to block our resupply mission. While at the level of the Department of National Defense, they have been talking with counterparts, including with China’s defense attaché,” Brawner said partly in Filipino. Amid the ongoing tensions, Brawner said the AFP will continue to conduct its mission within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “Because that is our obligation, that is our right to provide our troops with supply and that the BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy with our flag hoisted in there. [It is] very visible, so it is our right and an obligation to bring supplies to our soldiers,” he stressed. Brawner also emphasized that the country is strictly following rules of engagement and international laws. The Philippine Navy, he said, is directed to execute maximum tolerance amid China’s aggressive actions. The post Phl ‘exposes’ China’s actions at Indo-Pacific defense chiefs meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, US jets undergo combat, maritime drills over Visayas and Mindanao
The Philippines and the United States utilized their respective military jets for the conduct of combat and maritime interdiction tactics over the skies of Visayas and Mindanao as part of the aerial exercises in this year’s Cope Thunder Exercise. The participating aircraft from the Philippine Air Force consisted of four FA-50PH light jet fighters and two A-28B "Super Tucanos” including five A-10 "Warthogs" from the Pacific Air Forces. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said these aircraft departed Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga last July 11 for Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in preparation for the air drills over Mactan and General Santos City, from 12 to 15 July, which showcased a simulation of the 5th Fighter Wing’s deployment for next year’s "Pitch Black" exercises in Australia. Castillo underscored that the flight exercises included air interdiction and maritime target for the enhancement of the pilots’ skills on tactical air-to-surface or ground operations against enemy objectives and air combat maneuvers, also known as ‘dogfighting' which aims to enhance skills of participants’ air-to-air combat. PAF did not give further details on these exercises due to security reasons. Meanwhile, PAF’s 960th Air and Missile Defense Group participated in a three-day subject matter expert exchange on Integrated Air and Missile Defense which was held from 10 to 12 July at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. This served as a forum for the 960th AMDG and the United States Air Force Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center to share their best practices and the latest information pertaining to IAMD. Moreover, Castillo said the PAF and PACAF experts provided a series of presentations covering topics in air domain awareness, mission planning considerations, rules of engagement, ID matrix, and passive defenses. “The presentations provided valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in the field of IAMD," she stressed. Castillo added that both air forces participated in workshops on criticality vulnerability and threat; focusing on critical assets list; and defended asset lists. "This workshop allowed participants from both teams to actively engage in hands-on exercises, simulations, and scenario-based discussions. The collaborative environment fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and facilitated a deeper understanding of the intricacies of conducting air and missile defense operations effectively," she said. The Cope Thunder 2023-2 started on 2 July 2 and will run until 21 July. Participating air forces utilized a total of 15 USAF aircraft including three C130 Hercules, six A-10 Warthog, and six F22 Raptors while PAF used its C130 Hercules, HUEY II, two of its A29B Super Tucano, two of its T129 ATAK Helicopter and three FA-50PH. The first-ever Cope Thunder exercise was held in 1976 that provided regular flight training for US pilots and their counterparts from allied nations. The US-Philippines cope thunder training was continued annually until 1990. It was halted in 1991 after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June of that year, which led to the closure of US military bases in Clark and Subic Bay. The post Phl, US jets undergo combat, maritime drills over Visayas and Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rescuers resume search for migrant boats off Canary Isles
Spain's coastguard resumed the search for three migrant boats reported lost off the Canary Islands after suspending an aerial search earlier in the day due to bad weather. In recent days, rescuers have been looking for hundreds of migrants on board three boats that left Senegal in late June and were reported lost at sea by Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish NGO that helps migrant vessels in distress. "The plane left about half an hour ago but so far we have no further information," a coastguard spokeswoman told AFP around 1600 GMT. Earlier she said bad weather conditions meant it was not possible "to conduct a search by plane". Caminando Fronteras founder Helena Maleno said the biggest boat left the southern Senegalese fishing town of Kafountine on June 27 carrying some 200 people, "among them many minors". Kafountine lies at least 1,700 kilometres (more than 1,000 miles) south of the Canaries. The other two boats, one carrying 50-60 people and the other 65 people, had left from Mbour, a town some 75 kilometres (50 miles) south of the capital Dakar, she said. During their searches on Monday, the coastguard rescued 78 sub-Saharan migrants from another boat in distress but it was not one of the three that had departed from Senegal, the NGO said. Senegal denies migrant lost In a statement late on Tuesday, Senegal's foreign ministry denied "reports on social media about at least 300 Senegalese (migrants) had gone missing at sea". "Checks that were carried out show that this information is totally unfounded," it said. It also said that "between 28 June and 9 July, 260 Senegalese in distress were rescued in Moroccan territorial waters", without saying if there was any connection with the boats reported missing by Caminando Fronteras. In a statement on Wednesday, the NGO said it had been able to confirm that the rescues mentioned by Dakar corresponded "to boats that had also left the Senegalese coast but were not those carrying the 300 missing people". The Spanish islands have long been a draw for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, with many boats setting off from the coastline of Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. But the Atlantic route to the Canaries is particularly dangerous due to the strong currents, with migrants travelling in overloaded wooden boats known as pirogues that are often unseaworthy, and without enough drinking water. Atlantic crossings began surging in late 2019 after increased patrols along Europe's southern coast dramatically reduced Mediterranean crossings. In the first six months of 2023, 7,213 migrants reached the Canary Islands by boat, interior ministry figures show. The post Rescuers resume search for migrant boats off Canary Isles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP pivots to external security, increases maritime presence
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is shifting its efforts to external security operations after "substantial gains" in internal security initiatives against the communist New People’s Army and other local terrorist groups. In a press conference on Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the shift from internal to external security operations will include more aerial and maritime patrols over the West Philippine Sea with an increased presence to 90 percent. "With our substantial gains on ISO, a shift to external security operations is on the horizon as we strengthen our security posture with the increased conduct of aerial and surface maritime patrols through our naval and air force air assets and ground forces,” he said. Aguilar did not give further details on the frequency of these patrols, but added that “The deployment of additional surface patrol ships increased the AFP’s presence in the KIG to about 90 percent of the time. This is a dramatic increase from the baseline of 30 percent in 2022.” The AFP has improved its capabilities and presence in the country’s strategic locations and maritime detachments in the Batanes group of islands, Kalayaan Island Group, and Tawi-Tawi and facilitated the completion of personnel barracks in Likas, Parola and Kota Stations in the Kalayaan Island Group, said Aguilar. “These are complemented by partnering with our ally and strategic partner armed forces from our global and regional allied countries that enables leveraging of capabilities through information sharing, subject matter expert exchange, and joint and combined maritime exercises,” he added, noting that the efforts “are with the help of an interagency-wholistic effort” through the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea. Aguilar said the AFP’s efforts to address internal security threats have resulted in a significant reduction in rebel and terrorist numbers and firearms and the clearing of areas where rebels used to maintain a presence. “It is noteworthy that from five active Communist terrorist group guerilla fronts from year-end 2022, two were dismantled; two were weakened, leaving only one active,” Aguilar said. In total, he added, 20 are on a weakened status and one is active. “With these, we have safeguarded the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens. Thanks to the tireless efforts, support and cooperation of government agencies and different sectors of society,” said Aguilar. The AFP declared the NPA “tremendously reduced” to around 1,800 members—from a peak of 24,000 rebels, of which around 400 have already been identified and are now facing criminal charges. The post AFP pivots to external security, increases maritime presence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ukraine downs 36 drones, Russian rebels bare mission
Ukraine’s leader and military said Thursday it shot down 36 drones before the unmanned aerial vehicles could drop bombs on Kyiv. “The enemy continued to terrorize Ukraine by launching 36 Shaheds. None reached their target,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a social media post. “I’m grateful to our air defense forces for the 100 percent result,” he added. Ukraine’s military chiefs said the three-hour air attack of the capital was the twelfth this month. The attack followed the reported incursion of Russia by anti-Kremlin rebels who crossed the border from Ukraine on Tuesday. Moscow said Wednesday the incursion was repulsed with 70 of the attackers killed by air strikes and artillery fire. The Russian Volunteer Corps and Freedom of Russia Legion, which claimed responsibility for the cross-border attacks, denied suffering mass casualties and said they returned to Ukraine as their operations continue. In a press conference in northern Ukraine not far from the Russian border, RVC leader Denis Kapustin hailed their mission as a success and said only two of his fighters were lightly wounded. Kapustin was flanked by around 30 fighters in camouflage and their faces concealed by scarves. He said they were fighting against “injustice” and “torture” under President Vladimir Putin, spurring other Russians to act. “I want to prove to them (Russians) that you can fight against tyrants and that Putin’s power is not boundless,” he said, according to Agence France-Presse. RVC leader Denis Kapustin hailed their mission as a success. Ukraine “did encourage us” and did not provide weapons or equipment or instructions for this mission, Kapustin added. Meanwhile, Russia’s FSB security service said on Thursday it has arrested two Ukrainians who had allegedly tried to blow up some 30 power lines of nuclear power plants in Leningrad and Kalinin in early May. The FSB also arrested two Russians who helped the saboteurs and is looking for a third suspect who remains at large. The post Ukraine downs 36 drones, Russian rebels bare mission appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is keen on the revival of the death penalty against politicians utilizing private armed groups as well as slapping heavy punishment on highly skilled uniformed personnel dismissed from the service working as private armies. This comes following the conduct of five hearings by the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee on Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and spate of killings in the province. “I think they should be because these politicians are the main masterminds of it. They should be included in death penalty. That’s correct, good suggestion,” said Dela Rosa when asked if the political warlords should get capital punishment. “Former members of security forces should also get heavier penalties especially when they use the training skills they acquired from the government, or particularly, from the Armed Forces, from the Philippine National Police — to victimize civilians. That must be a death penalty for them, we must not talk only about reclusion perpetua,” he added. The senator — who was a former Philippine National Police chief — stressed that he will immediately include these proposals in the soon-to-be-submitted committee report for possible adoption. “I will write the report and include these. I’m just waiting for the remaining affidavits from other resource persons,” said the lawmaker, adding that he will include in the committee report death that penalty recommendation will cover active and former AFP or PNP personnel engaged in private army activities. “You see, these people are very deadly. They will continue doing illegalities if they think they will not get the death punishment. They will accept money from politician x and carry out even criminalities. But if they know they will face the death penalty, then, they will slow down,” said Dela Rosa. The committee chair is also considering amending the Omnibus Election Code, specifically, the provision that will totally prohibit the entry of “nuisance candidates” in every electoral exercise -- which he cited as the root cause of the Degamo murder case. Dela Rosa is also eyeing the removal of authority by the local executives to choose or name the police provincial director and police regional director to be deployed within their jurisdiction as stated under the Local Government Code. He stressed that police provincial directors must be appointed by the PNP’s National Headquarters while choosing chiefs of police must be given to either the provincial or regional director of the PNP. The removal of authority from LCEs, he emphasized, will limit police officials being in debt of any politician so they can fulfill the PNP mandates “more independently.” “They can now snob bordering to illegal requests or illegal orders coming from these politicians. In that case, they can also enforce the law without fear to anyone,” Dela Rosa said. “PNP is a huge organization so they should be the ones to know the merit of the officers so they must call the deployment not politicians in the provinces.” Dela Rosa said it will also contribute to the professionalism among the PNP ranks as he disclosed the drafting of a PNP Reformation Bill giving additional powers to disciplining authorities such as the PNP chief or police regional and provincial directors to punish police personnel doing illegalities. “This is more likely a military law wherein commanders have the power to jail the violators among their ranks. I want to like that for the PNP,” said the senator. Dela Rosa said that the five hearings have initially established that neither the camps of Degamo nor Teves group came innocent in perpetrating violence in Negros Oriental as many testimonies were supported by evidence. However, he assessed that some narratives of resource persons were just character assassination. “Nobody can claim from both camps that they are absolutely clean. They are telling the truth, but sometimes, some testimonies are resulting in character assassination, there are two camps here trying to destroy each other,” said Dela Rosa. The post ‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN navies ratify guidelines for safety protocols, communication line
The ANCM (ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting) Guidelines for Maritime Interaction is an entirely a different document from the South China Sea Code of Conduct that diplomats from ASEAN nations and China are in the middle of negotiating. .....»»
Kerr backs ‘ultimate competitor’ Green after playoff ban
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr defended Draymond Green as the "ultimate competitor" on Wednesday following the veteran's one-game ban for stomping on Sacramento Kings player Domantas Sabonis. Green was suspended after an explosive incident in the NBA champions' game two defeat to the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. Green was ejected from Monday's clash with Sacramento after stomping on Sabonis after the players tangled following a rebound. It means the Warriors will be without the four-time All-Star for Thursday's crucial game three as Golden State aim to haul themselves back into the best-of-seven series that the Kings currently lead 2-0. Green's suspension was the latest controversy to embroil the 33-year-old, who was famously suspended during the 2016 NBA Finals for a low blow against LeBron James. The Warriors, however, circled the wagons in defense of Green on Wednesday, with Kerr saying the latest flashpoint reflected the veteran's competitive nature. "He's the ultimate competitor, the ultimate warrior, winner, champion however you want to call it," Kerr said of Green. "Everybody knows he's going to occasionally tip over the edge and his emotions get the best of him. That's part of it. "But there's no stopping Draymond. You're not going to be able to put your arm around him and calm him down and say 'OK, let's move forward from here.' It doesn't work that way. And that’s OK. "We accept Draymond for who he is and what he stands for -- his competitiveness, his fire. Because frankly we feed on that and it helps us win." Crossing the line NBA disciplinary chiefs said Green's checkered history had been a factor in the decision to issue a one-game suspension. Kerr said the flipside of Green's temperament, however, were the four championships he had helped deliver to the franchise. "Draymond is incredibly competitive, and passionate and fiery, and he's helped us win four championships," Kerr said. "I've said it many times. We don't have a single championship here without Draymond Green and that's the truth. "So he's crossed the line over the years and that's part of it. But we will go to bat for Draymond and go to battle with him every day of the week." Warriors general manager Bob Myers meanwhile said Green had made mistakes in the past but echoed Kerr's stance that he had been integral to the team's success. "He's a force, he's unique and he's a leader," Myers said. "But he will tell you that he's made mistakes. You can't hide from them, they're out there for everybody to see. "He's got a good heart. But that doesn't mean he's mistake free. I'm not, nobody is..." "But if you want to talk about what he's done for this organization – that's not in dispute. Without him we probably don't have any of the championships." The NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars meanwhile told ESPN on Wednesday that Green's record of past transgressions in conjunction with Monday's incident had led to the suspension. "Here's what it came down to: excessive and over-the-top actions, conduct detrimental and a repeat offender," Dumars told ESPN. "That's what separates this where you end up with a suspension." The post Kerr backs ‘ultimate competitor’ Green after playoff ban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New York parking garage collapses, at least 1 dead, 4 injured
At least one person died and four were rushed to hospital after a multi-story parking garage in New York City collapsed on Tuesday, emergency responders said. Aerial video footage circulating on social media showed cars piled on top of one another in a jumble of cracked concrete in the financial district of Lower Manhattan. The building on Ann Street "pancaked, collapsed, all the way to the cellar floor," the acting head of New York's buildings department, Kazimir Vilenchik, told a press conference at the scene. Its exterior remained standing, but officials said they feared further collapse. The fire department's chief of operations John Esposito said they had ordered all their initial responders out of the building -- but that a robotics unit had been able to deploy a robot dog and fly drones inside to conduct searches. He said they believed there had been six workers in the building when it collapsed. "Four of them have been transported to the hospital in stable condition. We have one patient that has died," he told the news conference. The sixth person refused medical treatment, he said. Esposito said the fire department believed everyone had been accounted for. Officials were calling for New Yorkers to avoid the area. The post New York parking garage collapses, at least 1 dead, 4 injured appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 barangay chiefs slain as Barangay and SK polls near
Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia yesterday expressed fear over the killing of two village officials in the past two days, a few months before the conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October......»»
Coast Guard reports peaceful aerial surveillance of Panatag waters
The PCG aims to intensify its presence in the area and "encourage more Filipino fishermen to conduct fishing activities in the area.".....»»
CPPO chief: Gov. Gwen satisfied with provincial checkpoints
MEDELLIN, Cebu — Cebu’s top police official said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has expressed satisfaction over how checkpoints in the different towns of the province are being managed. The governor’s statement came just two days after she issued a directive to the chiefs of police (COPs) in the province to strictly conduct checkpoints in their […] The post CPPO chief: Gov. Gwen satisfied with provincial checkpoints appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Police chiefs ordered: Guard access points of NCR Plus bubble
"We have already mobilized the necessary police forces to restrict the movement of the people coming in and going out of the NCR+ Bubble and at the same time, in the conduct of community enforcement of the quarantine measures inside the bubble,” said Eleazar......»»
PRRD conducts aerial inspection of flooded areas
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte cut short his attendance to the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to conduct an aerial inspection of several are.....»»
PRRD conducts aerial inspection of flooded areas
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte cut short his attendance to the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to conduct an aerial inspection of several are.....»»