We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday advised all foreign travelers who are leaving the country during the upcoming Undas holiday break to comply with their immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport on the date of their departure. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded registered foreigners who are studying, working, or living permanently in the Philippines that they can obtain their special return certificate (SRC) or re-entry permit (RP) prior to departure at any of the various BI's district, field, satellite, or extension offices nationwide. While foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months may also secure their emigration clearance certificates (ECC) before departure, Tansingco said securing the required permits early will decrease queueing time by half, as they will not have to line up at the BI’s airport cashiers anymore. The BI chief added that with the complete elimination of all COVID-related travel restrictions, the bureau is anticipating a spike in passengers at all international airports in the country, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), this upcoming December, and this time they are also experiencing a big increase in the volume of New Year's Day travelers. During this peak season, the bureau reminded all travelers that other immigration services are also available online via the BI’s e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Tansingco shared that the bureau also has a one-stop shop (OSS) facility located at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also secure the said documents. He also reiterated previous reminders for passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight and go straight to immigration after check-in. The BI is confident that its operations will be smoother this holiday season as it has deployed additional immigration officers and assigned a rapid response team as well as mobile counters for immediate deployment as necessary. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 24 October, BI agents detained a South Korean wanted person who was allegedly part of a major narcotics ring that smuggled contraband into Korea from the Philippines. Commissioner Tansingco identified the suspect as Choi Sun Hyeok, a 56-year-old male who was arrested at his residence in Bgy. Lahug, Cebu City by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. The BI-FSU operatives were armed with a warrant of deportation, which Tansingco issued pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI Board of Commissioners issued against Choi in 2017. Tansingco said that Choi would be immediately deported to Seoul, South Korea after the bureau had secured the necessary clearances for his departure. According to the South Korean government, Choi was tagged as a high-profile fugitive, as he is believed to be a member of the so-called MS Alliance syndicate that facilitates the illicit transport of narcotics to Korea. A red notice for his capture was also issued by Interpol this year after an investigation confirmed that he was in the country. According to Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, Choi is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Changwon District Court in Korea, where he is charged with violating his country’s narcotics control act. Investigators have also established that this year alone, Choi’s accomplices in the syndicate managed to smuggle into Korea more than 265 grams of methamphetamine by concealing the drug in their underwear. It was gathered that the passport of Choi, who will be committed to the BI detention facility in Taguig City, was already revoked by the Korean government, thus making him an undocumented alien. Choi's name was also placed on the BI blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines. The post BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modern defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against external threats. Aside from modern weapons, Brawner cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges in fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP also envisions the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. Asked if the AFP is ready to meet any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we are number one because, for the longest time, we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most capable 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. He 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. Five-year program The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms to enhance the military organization’s external or territorial defense capability. The post Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Young stars shine at SM Little Stars 2023 Grand Finals
Representatives from SM City San Pablo and SM City Dasmarinas were hailed as boy and girl Grand Prize winners of the recently concluded SM Little Stars 2023 Grand Finals held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on 14 October 2023. [caption id="attachment_202093" align="aligncenter" width="935"] Grand Prize winners Aljon Christoff Banaira from SM City San Pablo (2nd from left) and Jourdanne Baldonido from SM City Dasmarinas (center) with, from left to right, 1st runner-up Eduardo Joson II from SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, 3rd runner-up Joachim Gale Olpindo from SM Center Muntinlupa, and 2nd runner-up Mara Hestia Caballero from SM City Cebu. Back row, left to right: National University Senior Director for Admissions Dr. Christina Corpuz, Goldilocks Bakeshop Head of Corporate Communications Ley Laksamana, Goldilocks Bakeshop Public Relations and Partnerships Associate Kyleth Paralejas, GMA Consulting Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Lawrence Tan, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna Sy, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202094" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Grand Prize winners Aljon Christoff Banaira from SM City San Pablo (2nd from left) and Jourdanne Baldonido from SM City Dasmarinas (center) with, from left to right, 1st runner-up Eduardo Joson II from SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, 3rd runner-up Joachim Gale Olpindo from SM Center Muntinlupa, and 2nd runner-up Mara Hestia Caballero from SM City Cebu. Back row, left to right: Hosts Xian Lim and 2017 Girl Grand Winner Gaea Mischa, judges Teacher Georcelle Dapat-Sy of G-Force, Direk Joey Reyes, Sam Concepcion, 2013 3rd runner-up Esang de Torres, and 2013 Boy Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma[/caption] It was a night to remember for seven-year-olds Aljon Christoff Banaira and Jourdanne Baldonido, who emerged as winners among the 28 grand finalists in the competition. It was a fierce battle of talent, confidence, and personality, with every participant showcasing their skills in dancing, singing, acting, declaiming and playing instruments. With over P9 Million worth of prizes up for grabs, the two Grand Winners went home with a brand-new Suzuki S-presso Special Edition MT MC worth over P600,000, a one-year talent contract at Sparkle GMA Artist Center, a full college scholarship at National University, and a five-day and four-night trip for two to Hong Kong. Additional prizes include a total of P100,000 in cash and SM gift certificates (P50,000 in cash and P50,000 worth of SM gift certificates), P30,000 worth of Toy Kingdom gift cards, an annual pass certificate for unlimited bowling and skating valid for one year, 30 regular ride tickets at SM by the Bay Amusement Park / Sky Ranch, and gift vouchers for a two-night stay with breakfast for two at Radisson Blu Cebu. Completing the list of winners were SM Megacenter Cabanatuan's Eduardo Joson II (1st runner-up), SM City Cebu's Mara Hestia Caballero (2nd runner-up), SM Center Muntinlupa's Joachim Gale Olpindo (3rd runner-up), SM City Clark's Hayley Cairee Miclat (Top 6), SM City Masinag's Jayson De Paz, Jr. (Top 7), SM City Bicutan's Graciella Zahzih Flojo (Top 8), SM City Cebu's Karlyle Miguel Corbeta (Top 9), and SM City Batangas' Marrem Angel Martinez (Top 10). [caption id="attachment_202095" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] 2013 Boy Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202096" align="aligncenter" width="400"] 2013 3rd runner-up Esang de Torres[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202097" align="aligncenter" width="394"] SM City Clark’s Hayley Cairee Miclat[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202098" align="aligncenter" width="342"] SM City Masinag’s Jayson De Paz Jr.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202099" align="aligncenter" width="377"] SM City Bicutan’s Graciella Zahzih Flojo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202100" align="aligncenter" width="367"] SM City Cebu's Karlyle Miguel Corbeta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_202101" align="aligncenter" width="633"] SM City Batangas’ Marrem Angel Martinez[/caption] Now on its 14th year, the SM Little Stars is a celebration of young talent and a testament to the outstanding platform that SM provides for these budding stars. This year alone, the competition saw over 33,000 young individuals who shared their talents from 70 SM malls nationwide. [caption id="attachment_202102" align="aligncenter" width="1430"] The 28 grand finalists showcase their skills and talents.[/caption] To know more about SM Little Stars 2023, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on social media. .....»»
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......»»
Pampered passengers
Adult diapers are getting a “bum” rap and not for the use they are intended. In 2017, morning rush hour passengers on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 were inconvenienced when the train’s southbound service was halted for more than an hour. Commuters could only take the MRT 3 between the North Avenue and Buendia stations. Trains could not run through to the Ayala Avenue Station as power there had been cut following the discovery of an adult diaper hanging from the power line. After the diaper was removed, train safety was restored, and service went back to normal at 7:46 a.m., according to news reports. On 13 October, a Copa Airlines flight from Panama to the United States turned back due to a supposed bomb threat. On the tarmac at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, 144 passengers were evacuated from the plane and it was searched by an anti-explosives team. The bomb squad discovered a suspicious package inside the plane’s toilet. Bomb-sniffing dogs were brought in and special forces officers gingerly handled the package — only to find a harmless adult diaper, recalled José Castro, head of the airport’s security team. Thereafter, the Copa flight resumed, landing in Tampa, Florida at 6:54 p.m. WITH AFP The post Pampered passengers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles, called out lawmakers on Monday to toughen the law against Illegal lottery firms. Robles personally led the filing of charges at Mandaluyong Prosecutors Office against individuals behind the four firms engaged in unauthorized online lottery operations. “I am calling out the attention of the lawmakers to toughen the law. Maybe others see that they can handle the penalty but we’ll see. Even if it’s light, we will still pursue the cases against them,” Robles said. Robles added that PCSO is losing billions of pesos in revenue because of illegal operations perpetrated by the suspects. “We are serious about this. We will prosecute and imprison everyone associated with this illegal operation to stop them,” he said. The PCSO stated that PayMaya reportedly remitted billions to a company operating an illegal online lottery. “A payment platform, like PayMaya, reported that they were able to remit about P4.7 billion to a company that was operating the Illegal lotto. It is also included in the complaint affidavit,” he said. The criminal complaints were filed against four companies, Eplayment Corporation, Paymero Technologies Limited, GlobalComRCI International, and Blockchain Smart-Tech Co. I.T. Consultancy. The complaints were prompted by an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, which revealed that the mentioned companies were responsible for the ownership, operation, and administration of Pakilotto and Surelotto. The companies reportedly misused the PCSO’s name, logo, and various lottery games, soliciting and accepting bets from the public through their unauthorized mobile application and websites. Robles said that based on their investigation, they have found out that the alleged suspects for Illegal online lottery are operating in the cities of Quezon and Cebu. “We found out one in NCR, in Quezon City, the other is in Cebu,” he said. PCSO reported that Eplayment, which operated under the now-defunct website ‘Pakilotto’, was soliciting and accepting bets from the public at an inflated price of P30 per ticket, a 50% markup compared to the standard P20 lotto ticket. Meanwhile, Surelotto, a similar mobile app, sold tickets online for P25, a 25% increase from the regular lotto price. Prizes of smaller denominations are allegedly directly deposited into the winner’s registered bank account, while jackpot prizes require winners to visit the Surelotto office in person. The complaint-affidavit states that the owners, directors, and/or officers of Paymero, Eplayment, GlobalComRMCI, and Blockchain, as owners, operators, and/or administrators of Pakilotto and Sukilotto, have committed Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, a violation of R.A. No. 1169, as amended, and a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in connection with Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2017. Robles emphasized that PCSO remains fully committed to preserving the integrity and legitimacy of its lottery games, ensuring fair treatment and protection for the public. The post PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Record 9 vehicles, CoA orders PNR
The Commission on Audit has admonished the Philippine National Railways, or PNR, for omitting nine serviceable motor vehicles valued at P6.622 million from its books or financial records. According to state auditors, the issue was brought to the PNR’s attention as early as 2016, but the organization has taken no measures so far. The nine motor vehicles were from the completed projects of PNR from 2010 to 2015. The 2022 audit showed that the PNR failed to provide documentation to substantiate the transfer of ownership of the nine vehicles from the contractor despite the PNR making annual registration payments for the said vehicles. “Further investigation revealed that the certificate of registration of the said nine motor vehicles are registered under the name of the previous contractors,” the CoA report said. CoA Circular 2017-004 stipulates that as long as the agency controls the PPE, or property, plant and equipment, the same shall be recognized as part of the PPE of the agency. PPE is subject to agency control but not ownership. The agency under audit, CoA said, is still responsible for acknowledging the expenses and corresponding accumulated depreciation and impairment losses of existing PPE, which were not previously recognized due to lack of ownership or title based on contracts, memoranda of agreement, and other pertinent factors. Understatement “The non-recognition of the cost of motor vehicles and corresponding depreciation and accumulated depreciation understated the Transportation Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation, and Accumulated Deficit as of December 31, 2022,” CoA said. PNR in 2022 incurred an understatement of Depreciation Expenses and Accumulated Deficit, amounting to P50.546 million and P253.729 million, respectively. Moreover, audit findings revealed that several PNR offices assign and use the motor vehicles, necessitating their inclusion in the books or official records. Citing the reason of PNR, the CoA disclosed that the motor vehicles remained unrecorded due to a lack of proof of ownership. It then directed the PNR to mandate its Controllership Division to officially acknowledge the nine motor vehicles in their books. PNR said it would comply with the CoA order. The post Record 9 vehicles, CoA orders PNR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan junks ex-BoC exec’s plea
The Sandiganbayan has junked the appeal of an ex-official of the Bureau of Correction and a private defendant convicted of graft over an anomalous sugar deal worth over P10 million in 2000. In a seven-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division turned down the appeal filed by ex-BoC official Benjamin Bongon and Roger Ang, who were found guilty of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and were sentenced to up to seven years behind bars by the Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in December 2017. The lower court, likewise, ordered the accused to pay a P10,859,063 fine. The graft case involved the 28,000 bags of unmanifested imported sugar carried by M/V Affy that the BoC seized in 1999 and was later auctioned in 2000. Ang, the proprietor of Consumer Enterprises, won the bidding and deposited P21 million, equivalent to the price of 28,000 bags. However, a composite team reported to Bongon, the erstwhile chief of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the BoC-Port of Cebu, that only 13,753 bags of sugar were offloaded from the vessel and subsequently acquired by Ang. This prompted Ang to refund P10,859,063, corresponding to the surplus of his initial payment of P21,341,600. The post Sandiganbayan junks ex-BoC exec’s plea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
March 2024: Ed Sheeran for the third time in Manila
Global music sensation Ed Sheeran is set to enthrall Manila once again by bringing his record-breaking Mathematics Tour to the Philippines, and to Europe and Asia, in 2024. The British singer-songwriter’s Manila concert is scheduled for 9 March 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. Adding to the excitement, the event will also feature another talented singer-songwriter, Callum Scott, as a special guest. Sheeran last serenaded his Filipino fans in April 2018, following a brief setback in his personal life due to a cycling accident. Originally scheduled for November 2017, the concert was rescheduled and finally pushed through. His very first Manila performance was at the Mall of Asia Arena in 2015, marking the beginning of a profound connection between the massively popular singer and his Filipino admirers, among the most ardent fans of his hits such as “Perfect,” “Photograph,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Lego House” and many others. Ticket sales for the Mathematics Tour will commence on 26 October 2023, 12 noon, at ovationtickets.com and smtickets.com. The post March 2024: Ed Sheeran for the third time in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CdO fire victims get Go aid
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assisted 283 recovering fire victims at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Ground Quadrangle last Thursday, 19 October. Go’s team provided the beneficiaries with shirts, masks, vitamins, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball. There is also a select recipient of a pair of shoes from the senator. In coordination with the National Housing Authority, through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program which Go advocated for and continues to support, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance for housing materials. Go cited his filed Senate Bill 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing basic medical services closer to the grassroots. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these will be constructed. On Wednesday, 18 October, Cebu City held a groundbreaking for the city’s new Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon as part of the local and national government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to its residents. For his part, Go emphasized the importance of providing vital healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged communities, and underscored the suitability of Super Health Centers in addressing their basic healthcare needs. Go lauded how the Malasakit Center stood as a pillar of support as it paved the way for life-saving heart surgery for 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu. Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. The heart ailment was not a mere medical diagnosis but a life-changer. Also Wednesday, Go’s outreach team conducted a relief operation for various sectoral groups at the Brgy. Mintal Gymnasium in Davao City. Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 beneficiaries. They also gave away shoes, watch, and mobile phone to select recipients. The post CdO fire victims get Go aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCO corrects blunder
The Presidential Communications Office, or PCO, on Saturday, retracted a false claim that it had been four decades “since the last time a sitting President of the Philippines” visited Saudi Arabia. “Forty years since former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (Sr.) visited Saudi Arabia, the last time a sitting President of the Philippines traveled to the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Filipino community in Riyadh to personally express his gratitude for their significant contributions,” part of the PCO’s deleted Facebook claimed. A few hours later, Malacañang issued an erratum in a new Facebook post. “In a previous version of this caption, we erroneously stated that President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 1982 was the last visit by a sitting Philippine president,” PCO said in another post. “We wish to clarify that both President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President Rodrigo Duterte in [sic] also visited Saudi Arabia in 2009 and 2017 respectively.” Noticeable was the misplaced “in” in the erratum of the PCO, an office tasked with combating fake news on matters about the government, particularly the Office of the President. The post PCO corrects blunder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tunnel warfare
When Marawi residents were finally allowed to check on their houses about seven months after the dust of battle had settled, they saw holes in the walls and tunnels underneath. This was in the so-called “most affected areas” or ground zero, which experienced the heaviest and most devastating bombardment in the 2017 Marawi siege. Initially, the residents did not know the significance of the holes and tunnels. Later, they learned that it was to facilitate the movement of the rebels from one building to another without being exposed on the roads that were being monitored using satellites and drones, courtesy of foreign countries. They could evade the modern penetrating binoculars and sophisticated war weapons that honed in on body heat. Tunnel or subterranean warfare is a feature of modern urban wars that we saw in the Vietnam war, the Syrian civil war, and the campaigns against the terrorist ISIS and similar groups. We are seeing it now in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the Marawi war, the Maute-Abu Sayyaf Group took advantage of the labyrinth of sewers and canals that crisscrossed buildings underground. This could have been the reason for the protracted fighting, which brought government forces aided by modern technology and intelligence provided by countries like the United States five months to quell even if the rebels were clearly outnumbered and outgunned. In the basement of the Bato Ali Mosque, which was used as a temporary shelter cum headquarters of the rebels, there was a covered canal going down towards the Dansalan area where the wet market or padian was situated and where the other rebel forces were holding out. It was in this area that sniper bullets killed rebel leaders Omar Maute and Istilon Hapilon before dawn on 16 October 2017. The current war in the Middle East will not be a walk in the park for the Israeli forces. How do we deal with the network of tunnels that were dug before the wars between Israel and the Arabs that are now being used by Hamas? There are more than a thousand subterranean tunnels in Gaza alone. They connect to the countries surrounding Gaza. They were initially used by smugglers of illegal drugs and by human traffickers. They are now referred to as “terror tunnels.” They were dug so deep that even the most destructive bombs of Israel cannot destroy them. The Palestinians built tunnels beneath hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, which are not likely to be bombed. They were used to pull off the surprise attack on Israel on 7 October. The Middle East is full of these ancient tunnels and underground cavities because they were easy to construct under the desert sand and served as shelters from the sun’s scorching heat. The hostages taken by Hamas are likely being held in these tunnels, making it doubly hard for Israeli forces to find them. The other thing going for Hamas is its familiarity with the terrain. They could plant bombs and mines in the strategic entrances and exits to Gaza, or they could hide in the remaining buildings and rain down Molotov bombs on the invading tanks (Are Molotov bombs still effective against modern tanks? We saw unexploded Molotov bombs in our house in Marawi when we visited it for the first time). The siege of Gaza will not be a blitzkrieg — it will be protracted and hard-fought because of these mines. Meanwhile, world pressure is on Israel and the US to respect the United Nations’ rules of engagement and avoid hitting non-combatants, women, and children. NATO, in fact, has called for “proportionality” when Israel attacks Gaza. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com. The post Tunnel warfare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA
The Philippine Ports Authority on Friday said the rehabilitation of the PPA-regulated Marawi Port in Lanao Del Sur is almost complete, in time for the Marawi Liberation Anniversary next year. According to PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte, the reconstruction of Marawi Port to date is at 70 percent. The port was totally devastated during the Marawi siege in September 2017. “Regarding the improvements and developments in Marawi port, Phase I of the project is expected to be completed by February 2024, hence, it will be fully operational by October 2024,” Samonted said. On the other hand, she said the ongoing MRRP-Port Facilities (civil works) Project at Port of Marawi (MAA-Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur is a new port construction developed through the Task Force Bangon Marawi initiative by the Office of the President for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the city of Marawi affected by the fighting between government forces and the Islamic State. “The project covers the construction of facilities such as a backup area of about 8,000 square meters, a one-story Passenger Terminal Building (with 132 seating capacity) of about 265 sq.m., a one-story fish port, and a berthing facility for Fastcraft and a RoRo ramp,” she said. In addition, prior to the implementation of the project, the only existing facility in the Port of Marawi is a causeway that is being used by the fish folks, Samonte said. In 2021, the PPA, through the General Appropriations Act for 2021, received P242,750,191.04 approved budget for the contract payments under the contract for the civil works (of) the Port of Marawi (Most Affected Area — Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The post Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hamas masterminds top Israel’s ‘dead man walking’ hit list
Israel has threatened that every Hamas member faces death when it invades Gaza but two accused masterminds of the October 7 attacks are at the top of its hit list. Military strategist Mohammed Deif and political leader Yahya Sinwar have already spent time in Israeli or Palestinian jails and been the targets of multiple attempts to kill them. The hunt for the two most senior Hamas leaders in the besieged Gaza Strip will be fierce this time. In the war of words leading up to the impending ground offensive, Israel has said that Sinwar is "a dead man walking" after Hamas fighters killed about 1,400 people and abducted more than 200 in the worst attacks suffered by Israel since its creation 75 years ago. Israel has responded with a withering bombardment of Gaza that has killed more than 3,700 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and with a volley of deadly warnings. "Hamas terrorists have two options: Be killed or surrender unconditionally. There is no third option," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said. Hamas spokesmen have responded that the Palestinian Islamist group is "not scared". Security sources outside Gaza say Deif and Sinwar are now embedded in a network of tunnels built to resist the bombing campaign launched after the brutal attacks on communities and military bases near the border shook Israel to its core. But the pair have spent years operating in the shadows. Israel has singled out the 61-year-old Sinwar, who was elected Hamas leader in Gaza in 2017 after Ismail Haniyeh became the movement's supreme leader. Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht called Sinwar the "face of evil" and declared him a "dead man walking". Sinwar was a founding member of Hamas in 1987 during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising and rose through the ranks as a fierce advocate of armed struggle. A graduate of the Islamic University in Gaza, he learned Hebrew during 23 years in Israeli jails. Sinwar was serving four life terms for the killing of two Israeli soldiers when in 2011 he became the most senior of 1,100 Palestinians released in exchange for French-Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. In the shadows Sinwar and Deif were both born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza and added to the United States' list of most wanted "international terrorists" in 2015. Hamas is blacklisted as a "terrorist organisation" by the European Union as well as the United States. Much less is known about Deif, Israel's number one public enemy for the past two decades during which he has been accused of organising suicide attacks, kidnappings and other raids. There is only one known full-face photo of the commander of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing. It is at least 20 years old. The others show him either in a mask or standing in the shadows to avoid identification. An audio message from Deif was transmitted by Hamas media on the morning of the attacks dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. "The rage of our people and our nation is exploding," he said. Deif was born Mohammed Diab al-Masri in 1965. His assumed name means "Guest" in Arabic and he reportedly never spends more than one night in the same place. Enemies have dubbed him the "cat with nine lives" as he has survived at least six attempts to kill him. Deif's wife and at least one child were killed in an Israeli air strike during the 2014 Gaza war. Deif has reportedly lost one eye and been left disabled by the attempts on his life but it has not weakened his influence. He has been involved with Hamas since the 1980s and was arrested at the start of the second intifada but escaped, or was released, from a Palestinian Authority prison in 2000. He became head of the Hamas military wing in 2002 and has been Israel's bete noire ever since. Israel has sent repeated warnings to the Hamas leadership since October 7. "Every member of Hamas is a dead man," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But experts say that eliminating Sinwar and Deif would severely weaken but not crush Hamas, which is Israel's declared aim. "Sinwar and Deif are clearly first priority leadership, the loss of which would damage Hamas, but one presumes that the group has contingencies about their loss," said H.A. Hellyer, an international security specialist at the Royal United Services Institute in London. The post Hamas masterminds top Israel’s ‘dead man walking’ hit list appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys
Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite. A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis. Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened. As Wally’s medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation. Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here.” “My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged.” The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally’s words, “Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances.” As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country. Meanwhile, Go’s outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October. Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The post Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared
Public health advocates in the Philippines expressed growing concern on Thursday over the escalation of influence by the tobacco industry, which they say threatens the health and welfare of young Filipinos. At the launch of the 2022 and 2023 Tobacco Industry Interference Index Country Reports, the advocates warned that the downward trend of smoking in the country could be reversed, and more young people could become addicted to nicotine products if the situation is not addressed. “The tobacco industry has proven just how relentless they are in using their political and marketing machinery to assert their interests via interactions with the government,” said Rom Dongeto, convenor of the Child Rights Network and executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development. “We need to stop tobacco companies from targeting children and youth, especially through online platforms, in the propagation of their deadly vapes and cigarettes,” he added. The 2022 and 2023 TII Index Reports found that the Philippines’ score has consistently increased over the years, indicating the increasing influence of the tobacco industry and the government’s failure to combat interference. The country’s score rose from 45 in 2017 to 54 in 2018 and 57 in 2019. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, scores rose to 54 in 2020 and 58 in 2021. By 2022, the country’s score was up another notch at 59 and moved up further to 60 in 2023. The post Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Government confirms improved quota system to support dairy exports
Following a review of the dairy quota allocation system, the Government will progress changes to the system in order to maximise opportunities for our dairy exporters, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor announced today. "Having signed seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements since 2017, New Zealand has several new dairy quotas - inc.....»»
Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund warned on Thursday that weather disasters brought on by climate change caused 43.1 million child displacements between 2016 and 2021 and criticized the lack of attention given to the victims. Co-Author Laura Healy told American for Prosperity, or AFP, that the data only indicated the “tip of the iceberg,” with many more possibly affected, in comprehensive research on the subject that included the heartbreaking stories of some children affected. Khalid Abdul Azim, a child from Sudan, recalls his terrible experience in a flooded village that can only be reached by boat. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," he said. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia said. Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the victim’s age. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, a non-governmental organization, and UNICEF collaborated to analyze the data and uncover the hidden toll for children. Four types of climate disaster (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfire) has led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries in which frequency of the said disasters has increased during global warming, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. “It’s equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day,” Healy lamented on AFP highlighting how the afflicted children are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being torn away from their parents or being the prey of child traffickers. As one child may be uprooted more than once, the numbers reflect the number of displacements rather than the number of children affected. The number of displaced people as a result of drought is “radically underreported,” according to Healy because they are less abrupt and hence harder to measure. This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." Healy added. UNICEF Report Reveals Alarming Predictions for Child Displacements Due to Climate Events In a recently released UNICEF report, startling forecasts have been unveiled for specific climate-related events. According to the report, the next three decades could witness a staggering 96 million child displacements due to flooding caused by overflowing rivers. Additionally, cyclonic winds are projected to force 10.3 million child displacements, while storm surges may result in 7.2 million displacements. It's worth noting that these estimates do not factor in preventive evacuation measures, raising concerns about the potential scale of displacement. UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the profound impact on those compelled to flee, including the fear of an uncertain return, disruptions to education, and the possibility of further relocations. Russell stressed that while migration may save lives, it also brings significant upheaval and challenges. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." She added. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December, UNICEF urged world leaders to take up the climate issue. According to Healy, children, particularly those who have already been compelled to move must be prepared “to live in a climate change world”. While the effects of climate change are spreading across large portions of the planet, the UNICEF report highlights some of the most susceptible nations. The biggest number of displaced people (almost 23 million in six years) occurred in China, India, and the Philippines because of their massive populations, strategic positions, and precautionary evacuation measures. However, in proportional terms, Africa and small island states are most at risk; in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were uprooted between 2016 and 2021. More than 30 percent of the said amount went to Saint Martin and Cuba. The post Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tens of millions of children uprooted by climate disasters — UNICEF
Weather disasters fueled by climate change -- from floods to droughts, storms to wildfires -- sparked 43.1 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021, the UN Children's Fund warned Thursday, slamming the lack of attention paid to victims. In a sweeping report on the issue, the United Nations agency detailed the heart-wrenching stories of some of the children affected, and co-author Laura Healy told AFP the data only revealed the "tip of the iceberg," with many more likely affected. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," recounts Sudanese child Khalid Abdul Azim, whose flooded village was only accessible by boat. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia says in the report. "I would stay up all night." Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the age of the victims. However, UNICEF worked with the non-governmental Internal Displacement Monitoring Center to unpick the data and reveal the hidden toll on children. From 2016 to 2021, four types of climate disasters (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires) -- the frequency of which has increased due to global warming -- led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. "It's the equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day," Healy told AFP, underscoring how the children affected are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being separated from their parents or falling victim to child traffickers. The data reflect the number of displacements and not the number of children affected, as the same child could be uprooted more than once. The figures do not allow for a distinction between those evacuated before a weather event, and those forced to leave in the wake of a disaster. And, according to Healy, the number of displacements due to drought is "radically underreported," because they are less sudden and thus more difficult to quantify. "This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." 'Far too slowly' The UNICEF report offers some partial predictions, for specific events. Floods linked to overflowing rivers could spark 96 million child displacements in the next 30 years, while cyclonic winds could force 10.3 million displacements, it says. Storm surges could lead to 7.2 million displacements. None of those estimates include preventive evacuations. "For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "Moving may have saved their lives, but it's also very disruptive," Russell said. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." UNICEF called on world leaders to take up the issue at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December. Healy says children, including those already forced to move, must be prepared "to live in a climate change world." Even if the intensifying effects of climate change are affecting wide swathes of the planet, the UNICEF report shines the light on particularly vulnerable countries. China, India, and the Philippines are the countries with the largest number of displacements (nearly 23 million in six years) because of their huge populations and geographic locations -- but also because of their preventive evacuation plans. But in proportional terms, Africa and small island nations are most at risk -- in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were displaced from 2016 to 2021. For Cuba and Saint-Martin, that figure was more than 30 percent. The post Tens of millions of children uprooted by climate disasters — UNICEF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Travel eases as unified toll sticker, wallet rolls out next year
Motorists traversing the country's major expressways may start using a unified RFID sticker and wallet for more efficient toll payments within the second quarter of 2024 as both regulators and operators push to advance the long-delayed toll road interoperability project. During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Tuesday, Toll Regulatory Board spokesperson Julius Corpuz said the planned Phase 3, or the last stage of the toll road interoperability project is on track to roll out anytime from April to June next year. Corpuz conveyed that his optimism stemmed from the constant and conclusive coordination among the government and toll operators San Miguel Corp. or SMC and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC. "We are looking forward to the Phase 3 dry run this coming December and that phase of our interoperability project will be fully implemented by the second quarter of next year," Corpuz said. "We continue to communicate and coordinate with the operators to identify areas that need improvement so that the planned rollout will be smooth. So far, it looks like we are on track," he added. Once in place, for instance, motorists may easily pass through North Luzon Expressway, a toll road operated by MPTC, using their Autosweep RFID sticker, which is normally used across SMC-operated expressways. In turn, those with EasyTrip RFID stickers will then be allowed to use them in MPTC-controlled expressways. The Toll Interoperability Project was launched in 2017, requiring toll road companies to make system adjustments for integrated toll collection. The first stage of the project involves implementing a completely cashless and contactless system for toll payments. The second stage, on the other hand, includes the use of two RFID wallets to hold payment loads for specific toll plazas, but there will also be a single RFID sticker that can be read by sensors at various toll roads. Finally, the third stage involves implementing an RFID sticker for all toll expressways and consolidating all toll payments into one wallet. The TRB is currently in the second month of the two-month dry run it is enforcing for contactless transactions in select toll plazas, which seeks to determine the program's viability. It also aims to identify and resolve any roadblocks that will hinder the operators from fully implementing the project. As perceived, Corpuz said many motorists still do not have their RFID installed during the initial run. "One of the biggest challenges is encouraging and motivating our motorists to switch from cash to RFID. But we noticed that since we implemented this dry run, many people have started to install RFID and they are now enjoying faster transactions at our toll plazas," Corpuz said. "After October, if our 2-month dry run ends, we will have an assessment on whether to extend it or not. It will also guide us in determining if we need to do something else to improve and repair our electronic toll-collecting systems," he added. The post Travel eases as unified toll sticker, wallet rolls out next year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»