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ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
Vice President Sara sees stepped up attacks vs OVP, DepEd
Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed alarm over the mounting “black propaganda” launched against her and the government agencies she heads, calling on the public to remain vigilant of the political interests of her detractors......»»
‘Save Santa Mesa Fire Station’: Gov’t urged to halt demolition of century-old Manila fire station
Manila heritage advocates are calling on the concerned cultural agencies and the Manila City government to take action on the impending demolition of one of the nation capital’s oldest fire stations, the Santa Mesa Fire Station......»»
First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war
The first aid trucks arrived in war-torn Gaza from Egypt on Saturday, bringing urgent humanitarian relief to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave suffering what the UN chief labelled a "godawful nightmare". Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza that has killed more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. An Israeli siege has cut food, water, electricity and fuel supplies to the densely populated and long-blockaded territory of 2.4 million people, sparking fears of a humanitarian catastrophe. AFP journalists on Saturday saw 20 trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent, which is responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza. The crossing -- the only one into Gaza not controlled by Israel -- closed again after the trucks passed. The lorries had been waiting for days on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to a request from its main ally the United States to allow aid to enter. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the relief supplies were "the difference between life and death" for many Gazans, more than one million of whom have been displaced. "Much more" aid needs to be sent, he told a peace summit in Egypt on Saturday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the aid and urged "all parties" to keep the Rafah crossing open. But a Hamas spokesman said "even dozens" of such convoys could not meet Gaza's needs, especially as no fuel was being allowed in to help distribute the supplies to those in need. 'Reeling in pain' Tens of thousands of Israeli troops have deployed to the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground offensive that officials have pledged will begin "soon". As international tensions soar, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was hosting a peace summit in Cairo on Saturday attended by regional and some Western leaders. "The time has come for action to end this godawful nightmare," Guterres told the summit, calling for a "humanitarian ceasefire". The region "is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice", he said. Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight". But he stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". "Those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he added. Egypt, historically a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has urged "restraint" and the relaunch of the long-frozen peace process. But diplomatic efforts to end the violence have made little headway, without the participation of Israel and its enemy Iran, a supporter of Hamas and other armed groups. 'Sliver of hope' A full-blown Israeli ground offensive carries many risks, including to the hostages Hamas took and whose fate is shrouded in uncertainty. So the release of two Americans among the hostages -- mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan -- offered a rare "sliver of hope", said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. US President Joe Biden thanked Qatar, which hosts Hamas's political bureau, for its mediation in securing the release. He said he was working "around the clock" to win the return of other Americans being held. Natalie Raanan's half-brother Ben told the BBC he felt an "overwhelming sense of joy" at the release after "the most horrible of ordeals". Hamas said Egypt and Qatar had negotiated the release and that it was "working with all mediators to implement the movement's decision to close the civilian (hostage) file if appropriate security conditions allow". Traumatised families with loved ones missing in Gaza demanded more action. "We ask humanity to interfere and bring back all those young boys, young girls, mothers, babies," Assaf Shem Tov, whose nephew was abducted from a music festival where Hamas killed hundreds, said Friday. Devastation Almost half of Gaza's residents have been displaced, and at least 30 percent of all housing in the territory has been destroyed or damaged, the United Nations says. Thousands have taken refuge in a camp set up in the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Fadwa al-Najjar said she and her seven children walked for 10 hours to reach the camp, at some points breaking into a run as missiles struck around them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she told AFP. In Al-Zahra in central Gaza, Rami Abu Wazna was struggling to take in the destruction wreaked by Israeli missile strikes. "Even in my worst nightmares, I never thought this could be possible," he said. Israel's operation will take not "a day, nor a week, nor a month" and will result in "the end of Israel's responsibilities in the Gaza Strip", Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Friday. Regional tensions flare In Gaza, retired general Omar Ashour said the destruction was "part of a clear plan for people to have no place left to live". "This will cause a second Nakba," he added, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who were expelled from or fled their homes when Israel was created in 1948. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, amid fears of a wider conflagration. Fire across Israel's border with Lebanon continued overnight, with one Israeli soldier killed, Israeli public radio said. The military said it hit Hezbollah targets after rocket and missile fire. Violence has also flared in the West Bank, where 84 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The post First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel urges evacuation of Gaza hospital, five schools: aid groups
Israel warned humanitarian groups in the Gaza Strip on Friday to evacuate a major hospital and five schools ahead of a potential strike, aid agencies said. The Al-Quds Hospital is in northern Gaza, which has borne the brunt of Israeli air raids since Hamas staged their biggest ever attacks on Israel on October 7. The Palestine Red Crescent launched an "urgent appeal" saying it had "received a threat from the occupying authorities to bombard Al-Quds Hospital". The Israeli warning "demanded" the hospital's evacuation, which would affect more than 400 patients and 12,000 displaced people who have sought "safe haven", the group said. "We call upon the international community to take immediate and urgent action to prevent another massacre similar to what occurred at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital," the statement added. A rocket attack on the Al-Ahli hospital killed hundreds of people, Gaza's Hamas authorities said. Hamas blamed Israeli jets, while Israel blamed misdirected fire by militants inside Gaza. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said in parallel that Israel had told it to evacuate five schools "as fast as possible". All of the schools are in Gaza City, close to the hospital. "We did what we could to protest and reject this decision, but this means that from now these facilities are no longer safe," said an UNRWA statement, calling on thousands of people in and around the hospitals to flee. The Red Crescent said last Saturday that it had received a similar evacuation order for Al-Quds Hospital. Palestinian media said a rocket attack hit near the hospital on Wednesday. Gaza authorities say more than 4,100 people have been killed in Israeli raids since the Hamas attacks that left 1,400 people dead. The attacks were the worst suffered by Israel since its creation 75 years ago. The post Israel urges evacuation of Gaza hospital, five schools: aid groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The importance of cyber security
Cyberattacks are on the rise! In the past, we associated this terrifying incident with online banks and payment platforms. However, even government websites, not known as financial institutions, from which money may be stolen, or unauthorized payments are also targets. Last Sunday, 15 October, the website of the House of Representatives was vandalized before noon by a group calling itself “3MUSKETEERZ.” A face with a mocking meme with the phrases “You’ve been hacked” and “Have a nice day” appeared on the website. Below the face was the message, “Happy April Fullz Kahit October palang (even if it’s still)! Fix your website.” A few minutes later, the website went down and became inaccessible. Shortly after, the House of Representatives issued a statement assuring the public that the House had already taken action and coordinated with the government agencies concerned to deal with the matter. “While we work to restore the website fully, we ask for patience and understanding. We are committed to ensure the security and integrity of our digital platforms, and we will implement additional measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the statement said. Relatedly, also recall that on 22 September, a system of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was similarly attacked, preventing access for a week. Reports stated the data breach affected employees’ workstations, application servers, and users’ data, including names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone numbers and PhilHealth identification numbers. On 31 August, the Department of Science and Technology’s OneExpert portal was also subjected to a cyberattack. In a statement on 13 October, the DoST assured the general public that the virtual assault compromised no personal data. In all the above instances, whether personal data or sensitive information were stolen, it causes alarm to us Filipinos. The call to government agencies and ordinary Filipinos to be vigilant and careful with our online information and accounts has become louder than ever. The same holds true for institutions and businesses, which, by the nature of their activities, are entrusted with and tasked to safeguard large amounts of personal information and are responsible for keeping this trust by whatever means appropriate. I now want to stress the importance of cyber security not just for individuals and juridical entities but for the entire nation holistically. Protection against cyber threats: In today’s digital age, cyber threats like hacking, data breaches, and identity theft are becoming more prevalent. Implementing robust cyber security measures helps protect us from these threats. Safeguarding sensitive information: Cyber security also helps protect sensitive information such as personal data, financial details and intellectual property. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized access or misuse of information. Maintaining trust, reputation, and credibility: Cyber security is essential for building trust with customers, clients, and partners. Organizations can maintain a positive reputation and avoid potential legal and financial consequences by committing to protecting their data and privacy. Compliance with regulations: Many industries have specific regulations and standards regarding data protection and privacy. Compliance with these regulations is not only important for avoiding penalties but also for ensuring ethical practices and responsible handling of data. Business continuity: Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even business closure. Implementing effective cyber security measures helps minimize these risks and ensures business continuity. Finally, I want to end by being deliberately redundant in stating that cyber security is crucial for protecting individuals, organizations, and society from the growing threat landscape in the digital world. Cyber attackers are on the prowl; we must be alert to the possibility of attack, ready even now to implement measures to effectively counter-act or prevent the same. The post The importance of cyber security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1)
I beg my readers’ kind indulgence for using this column as a platform to air our grievances. This is something personal to us, and it is my moral obligation to add my voice to the public indignation sweeping a part of Morolandia. For transparency and disclosure, my family was a victim of the war and is seeking compensation for the damage to our precious possessions. Having said that, as the national budget deliberations for 2024 draw to a near conclusion, the public discourse in Morolandia on the compensation for the 2017 Marawi Siege victims heightened. It’s the issue much discussed in public fora, coffee shops, and social media platforms of Muslims. The Moro attention is largely riveted to the budget deliberations in the House of Representatives, where the budget bill originates by provision of the Constitution. Social media likewise reported the hearing conducted by the Oversight Committee for the Marawi Compensation Law jointly chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. According to reports, P1 billion is proposed in the 2024 budget for compensation, which is the same amount appropriated in the current budget, alarmed resident victims. They have reason to fear that P1 billion is becoming the appropriation template for the ensuing years. The Marawi Compensation Board or MCB, created to process, approve and pay legitimate claims, will fold the tent and become a functus oficio in 2028 because the law provides for a five-year life span. Let’s do the math. If the budget is not increased, the aggregate appropriation for Marawi victims will only be P5 billion, which is ridiculously insufficient vis-a-vis the number of victims and the magnitude of their claims. From an unofficial report, we gathered that “as of 18 September 2023, there were 75 death claims, 74 structural claims, 1,858 other properties claims, and 4,041 multiple claims. Hence, there were 6,048 claims as of the latest report by the in-take team from July to September. (And) 362 claims have been evaluated or are ready for final deliberation.” The claims statistics are increasing exponentially by the day, with the list of claimants getting longer. The MCB asks for something like P10 billion or more as an aggregate ballpark figure to compensate all the victims. The sparse appropriation has triggered unkind comments from citizens calling the proposed amount outrageously deficient, cruel jokes and insulting the victims. While the public is amused by the stories in tri- and social media on funding for projects that are less urgent — like the millions needed for the confidential and intelligence funds of agencies to address “kuno” (allegedly) the threat of terrorism — here we have a situation where the threat of terrorism is real. Our security and intelligence authorities will tell you that the remnants of the ISIS-affiliated Maute Dawliyah Islamia group are just around the corner, engaged in sporadic hit-and-run guerrilla ambushes to make their presence known. Terrorist cells are confirmed to be existing in the hinterlands of Morolandia. The disgruntled victims of the Marawi war are easy prey for recruitment by the dissidents. There is no denying the depth and scale of the damage sustained by the Marawi victims of the war. The whole world was watching on their television sets for months the daily telenovela-like bombing of the city in what Confucious described as “burning the house to catch a rat.” We have written numerous published articles pleading for cessation of the bombing, but the thrashing by state authorities continued. We note with gratitude the public expression of support by Senator De la Rosa, chair of the Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, who spent years studying at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, along with Muslim Senator Robinhood Padilla. Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her recent trip to Marawi, saw for herself the progress of the claims processing and has likewise committed support. The list of senators and House representatives joining the chorus of support is getting longer. (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada warns India to treat Sikh slaying allegation seriously
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday demanded that India treat with "utmost seriousness" Canada's allegations of New Delhi's possible involvement in the slaying of a Sikh exile, a concern echoed by Washington. Canada's assertion led to reciprocal expulsions of an Indian intelligence official from Canada and a senior Canadian diplomat from New Delhi. "India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate," Trudeau told reporters. Canada said Monday that there were "credible allegations" that agents linked to New Delhi were responsible for the murder June 18 of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in front of a Sikh cultural center in a Vancouver suburb. The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leader had "completely rejected" Canada's assertions in the unsolved slaying. "Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Washington, however, joined Ottawa in calling for India to reveal what it knows about the slaying. "We are deeply concerned about the allegations referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement. "We remain in regular contact with our Canadian partners. It is critical that Canada’s investigation proceed and the perpetrators be brought to justice." Sikh nationalism An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organization that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs. Relations between Canada and India have been strained in recent months since the assassination of the Sikh leader and demonstrations that followed in Canada. The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of northern India. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who was at the United Nations, said his nation wants India's "full cooperation" with Canada in the probe. Trudeau said the case is "extremely serious" and "has far reaching consequences... for Canada." Trudeau said his government did not rush to judgment in the case and had worked closely with its intelligence agencies. "We wanted to make sure that we had a solid grounding in understanding what was going on and analysis and indeed in facts," he said, adding that Ottawa had "fully shared with the government of India the seriousness... of our preoccupations and indeed conclusions." 'No surprise to Sikhs' A representative of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, Mukhbir Singh, said his countrymen may have been "shocked" by Trudeau's assertion "but it was no surprise to the Sikh community." "For decades, India has targeted Sikhs in Canada with espionage, disinformation and now murder," he alleged. A Sikh lawyer in the Toronto area, Harkirt Singh Dhadda, said Sikhs want to see "those who pulled the trigger and the ones who plotted this assassination" brought to justice. In a sign of the simmering crisis, Ottawa recently suspended negotiations for a free-trade agreement with India, and last week the minister of trade canceled a trip to the country planned for October. In contrast, the US government's relations with India have steadily been upgraded as Washington views New Delhi as a key ally in countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet in June for Modi, hosting him in only the third state visit of his presidency. The post Canada warns India to treat Sikh slaying allegation seriously appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SUC group laments P4-B budget cut
Two members of the House of Representatives yesterday joined the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges in calling for an increase in the P21.69-billion budget it was allotted after the Department of Budget and Management recommended a cut in its original request. PASUC originally asked for a P25.8-billion budget but this was slashed by the DBM by over P4 billion in the P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program it submitted to Congress for fiscal year 2024. Representatives Raoul Manuel and Mark Go joined PASUC officials in calling for an increase in the budget for state universities and colleges during the hearing on the group’s budget at the House. PASUC president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo told lawmakers the DBM trimmed their projected budget to P21.69 billion even as they expect to enroll 1,803,359 student-beneficiaries under the government’s free higher education program. “Our projection is based on our projected enrollment and the current tuition at each SUC. We factored in an increase in enrollment [as a] rule of thumb,” Ronquillo said. Manuel noted that as the government allots a big chunk of the national budget for infrastructure projects, the funding for state universities and colleges always takes a back seat. “They were not as blessed compared to other agencies,” he said. He said that while the government needs to fund infrastructure projects for their “long-term multiplier effects,” it should not be at the expense of education which has enduring benefits for future generations. Stand on own feet Manuel urged PASUC to provide greater assistance to students to alleviate the financial strain on them arising from supplementary expenses, including campus services, dorm fees and food. While universities can devise policies and guidelines to prioritize those students who could be accommodated in their dormitories, Ronquilo said that students must also learn to stand on their own feet. “While it’s really good to support the education of our students, I think we also have to teach our students social responsibility,” Manuel emphasized. Go, however, asked PASUC not to see the P4.16-billion deficit as a budget cut, but rather as an alternative means to align with the government’s allotted expenditure for the provisions of free education to students. “I would like to suggest to all SUCs to look at your income and see how you can fill the gap if there is any after the budget is approved,” Go said. The post SUC group laments P4-B budget cut appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin vows justice for Alzate
Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that law enforcement agencies would relentlessly work to solve the killing of lawyer Maria Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate in Abra. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement, condemned the “heinous act” by two still-unidentified men riding a motorcycle against Alzate while she was inside her parked car outside her house last 15 September. “We join our brothers and sisters in the legal profession in condemning the killing of Attorney Alzate, who was mercilessly gunned down in front of her home,” Bersamin said. Alzate was taken to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Bersamin vowed that Alzate’s killers would be brought to justice. “We will ensure that our law enforcement agencies will work relentlessly to bring to justice those behind this heinous act,” Bersamin said. “Hot pursuit operations are already ongoing, and we call upon our citizens to remain vigilant,” he added, as he urged the public to “remain vigilant.” Bersamin described Alzate as a “fearless and steadfast” lawyer, describing her death as a “tragedy.” “She worked tirelessly both as a public interest lawyer and as a commissioner of bar discipline. Her death is a tragedy as well for the good province of Abra and for the legal profession,” he said. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines earlier described Alzate’s death as a “huge loss to the organization” where she served as chapter president for Abra. Abra Governor Dominic B. Valera condemned the killing of Alzate, calling for a “speedy and swift investigation and the immediate resolution” of the case. “Let us bring these perpetrators to justice. Let us make a strong stand against this violence that threatens our goal of a peace-loving Abra,” the governor added. With Mar Supnad The post Bersamin vows justice for Alzate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
APT cyber attacks rising
Global cybersecurity leader Fortinet has released its 2023 Global Threat Landscape Report, revealing that while ransomware attacks have declined, advanced persistent threat, or APT, groups have increased their activities. The report found that the number of ransomware attacks fell to 13 percent in the first half of 2023, from 22 percent in the same period five years ago. However, the report also found that the attacks that did occur were more sophisticated and targeted. “Ransomware attackers are becoming more selective about their targets,” said John Maddison, Fortinet’s chief security officer. “They are going after organizations that they believe are more likely to pay the ransom.” The report also found that APT groups were active in the first half of 2023. APT groups are often state-sponsored and are known for launching targeted attacks against government agencies, businesses and other organizations. “APT groups are constantly evolving their tactics, techniques, and procedures,” said Maddison. “This makes it difficult for organizations to defend themselves.” The report also found that botnets have become more persistent. Botnets are networks of infected computers that are controlled by a single attacker. They can be used to launch a variety of attacks, including distributed denial-of-service or DDoS attacks and spam campaigns. “Botnets are a major threat to organizations,” Maddison said. “They can be used to disrupt businesses and steal sensitive data.” The report also found that the number of unique exploits has increased. An exploit is a piece of code that takes advantage of a vulnerability in software. When an exploit is used, it can allow an attacker to gain control of a computer system. “The increase in the number of unique exploits is a worrying trend,” Maddison said. “It means that organizations need to be constantly vigilant about patching their software.” The report concludes by calling for a “whole-of-society” approach to combating cybercrime. This means that governments, businesses, and individuals all need to work together to protect themselves from attack. “Cybercrime is a global problem,” said Maddison. “It requires a global solution.” The report also recommended that organizations adopt a number of security measures, including: Patching software vulnerabilities promptly. Using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Educating employees about cyber threats. Implementing a layered security approach. The report also recommended that organizations use a security solution that can provide visibility into their entire attack surface and help them identify and respond to threats quickly. The post APT cyber attacks rising appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Oral arguments on Manila Bay pollution case set
The Supreme Court will conduct oral arguments nearly two decades after ruling in favor of residents living near Manila Bay who filed a case against 13 government agencies, calling for the cleanup and rehabilitation of the harbor......»»
Hong Kong to curb some Japan food imports over Fukushima water release
Hong Kong will ban "aquatic products" from 10 Japanese prefectures, a government minister said Tuesday, after city leader John Lee condemned Tokyo's plans to release water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Japan has said the gradual release into the sea of more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water -- 12 years after the Fukushima disaster -- is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency. But the decision has incited massive pushback from neighboring South Korea and China, as well as finance hub Hong Kong -- the second-largest receiver of food products from Japan after mainland China. "The (Hong Kong) government will ban the imports of all aquatic products from 10 prefectures of Japan from the 24th of August," Tse Chin-wan, Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment and Ecology, said during a press conference. The products include "all live, frozen, chilled, dried or otherwise preserved aquatic products, sea salt and raw or processed seaweeds". Tse also said there was no timeline for how long the ban would be in place, as it would depend on "how well the Japanese government's supervising system works". Japanese food is extremely popular in Hong Kong, home to groceries specializing in imported seafood products as well as upscale omakase restaurants. Tuesday's decision came the same day the Japanese government announced it would start discharging the water, with city leader John Lee taking Tokyo to task for deciding "on its own". "It disregards the risks to food safety and the irreversible pollution and damage to the ocean ecology, and is an irresponsible way of pushing one's problems onto others," Lee said in a Facebook post earlier on Tuesday. "I express my strong objections," he added, calling on relevant agencies to "immediately activate" import control measures. The 10 prefectures named were Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama. Last month, China's General Administration of Customs threatened a blanket ban on all foodstuffs from the same 10 prefectures. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin renewed Beijing's objections on Tuesday, saying it would take "necessary measures to safeguard the marine environment, food safety and public health". In releasing the water, Wang said, Japan "is openly... putting its own self-interest over the long-term well-being of all humankind". Japan's diplomatic representatives in Hong Kong have opposed the import curbs and have met with Lee and senior government officials in recent weeks. The post Hong Kong to curb some Japan food imports over Fukushima water release appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds holistic approach against illegal drugs
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go echoed the importance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ initiative to combat illegal drugs, which was highlighted during the second State of the Nation Address on Monday, 24 July at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. The senator, in an interview, praised the President's commitment to continuing the war on drugs campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. This move comes as the nation continues to face challenges in tackling the drug menace and maintaining the strides made by the previous administration. “I'm hopeful na ‘yung kanyang mga binitawang salita, mga pangako ay maisakatuparan… yung kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, though different approach nga po ito, ang importante po’y labanan natin ang iligal na droga at ayaw natin na masayang ‘yung inumpisahan ni dating Pangulong Duterte na labanan po ang iligal na droga. Dahil ‘pag bumalik po ang iligal na droga babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno, babalik po ang kriminalidad,” said Go. The senator expressed confidence that with the continued commitment to the war on drugs, the nation can provide a safer and more secure environment for its citizens. Go highlighted the need for a collective effort in addressing the drug issue, calling for unity among government agencies, local communities, and citizens. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reporting drug-related activities and assisting law enforcement in their operations. Marcos highlighted the revamped campaign against illegal drugs, the progress made toward peace and development, and the importance of unity and diplomacy in pursuing the country's interests. The President introduced the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program, which has led to the establishment of 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers across the country. These centers are aimed at providing holistic support to drug dependents, helping them reintegrate into society as productive members, and breaking the cycle of addiction. “The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence amongst our affected citizenry… We will (also) relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates, shutting down their illegal activities and dismantle their network of operations,” Marcos said. “Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” the President shared. The post Bong Go lauds holistic approach against illegal drugs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla zeroes in on gov’t ‘smugglers’
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday revealed that the agency is looking into the possible involvement of some government officials over the smuggling of onion and other agricultural products in the country. The DoJ chief stressed that they are suspecting that some involved in response to query if there are individuals in “high positions” or “officials” involved. “We want to look into names from different agencies that are involved in the entry and giving of permits to import the said commodities,” said Remulla. However, the DoJ chief said the agency still needs to validate the information. “We are still, we will still validate a few more facts and we will be calling on the government agencies involved in the regulatory process to give us the necessary documents so that our database would be complete when we go all out,” Remulla said. He added they are looking into the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Agriculture. “The BOC which passes everything that enter our ports; the BPI where our import permits originate and the DA that gives out different permits for these products,” said Remulla, adding that billions of cash could be involved in the smuggling of onions. “We must remember it’s in the billions, we’re talking about the supply of commodities to a population of 100 million people. So these runs in the billions,” he added. The DoJ will also hold former officials accountable if there is evidence pointing to them as they were first notified about the smuggling in 2018 and Remulla stressed that if there is evidence pointing at them, and it will not spare anyone. To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. early in July ordered the DoJ and the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the smuggling activities involving onions and other agricultural products. The DoJ and the NBI has been given instructions by Marcos to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling, and price fixing of agricultural commodities. In his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos gave a stern warning against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, saying that their days are already numbered. “One of the reasons of rising prices is the presence of smugglers, hoarders and manipulators of agricultural products. We will look for them and file complaints against them,” said the President. “What they are doing is not right, they are committing fraud. Not only farmers are affected, but consumers as well, that’s why we won’t allow such practice. The days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered,” he added. The post Remulla zeroes in on gov’t ‘smugglers’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’
By: Ann JEnireene Gomez and Alvin Murcia With GLEN JACOB JOSE, Tiziana Celine Piatos AND JOM GARNER, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned of “big trouble” if the International Criminal Court comes to the Philippines to arrest him or anyone else. “I already expected that, their insistence on meddling in our domestic affairs. Let them, let them do what they want,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an interview with Frontline Tonight. “I’ll be here, I am not hiding. If they have a warrant of arrest, let them serve the warrant,” Dela Rosa said, with one caveat — that he’ll only allow himself to be arrested by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner ordered to do so by the ICC. Dela Rosa was responding to a statement of Senate President Miguel Zubiri that the government will have no choice but to turn over anyone to the ICC if the arrest warrant will be coursed through local courts and will be served by local authorities. “We are still a sovereign country, and they (accused) are still citizens of this country. They do that with many other countries. However, the danger there is if Senator Bato dela Rosa goes to a country that is friendly to the ICC, then they will arrest him. Here in the Philippines, the process is they must coordinate with the local courts,” Zubiri said. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber voted 3-2 on Tuesday to deny the Philippines’ appeal to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from resuming its investigation. “There’s no problem if the Philippine government would be the one to arrest me, but not the foreigners,” he said. “If it’s the government of the Philippines that would decide to arrest me, what can I do? But if they (ICC) would come here to take me, our government would have none of that.” “There’s going to be big trouble if they would insist on coming here against our government’s expressed will. That would be too blatant an interference and they would be treating us like fools,” he added. Chill Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who offered to stand as legal counsel for a fellow lawmaker in the ICC probe, advised Dela Rosa to “Just chill”. “I accept the proposal of Sen. Dela Rosa to a lawyer for him. I am now speaking as the counsel for Senator Dela Rosa,” said Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in an online press conference yesterday. He said nothing has changed in the Philippines’ position on the dismissal of the ICC Pre-Chamber in the country’s appeal regarding the probe of the “war on drugs.” The ICC, he added, has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday advised former president Rodrigo Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay away from countries where the ICC has influence. Dela Rosa is accused of implementing the alleged iron-fist policy of Duterte as a Davao regional police official and later as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief in 2016. “They are citizens of the republic who also need our protection,” Remulla said, adding that Duterte and Dela Rosa should refrain from going to countries in Europe. Why Sara? But even before Remulla came out with his advice, Dela Rosa had already said he would not deliver himself to the ICC. “I will make sure not to go to those countries that are friendly with the ICC,” he said. He also brushed aside efforts to involve Vice President Sara Duterte in the ICC probe, calling the move politically motivated against one who could become the country’s next president. He reiterated that the Vice President’s name was never mentioned in proceedings that looked into the alleged activities of the so-called Davao Death Squad. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs. The DoJ expressed deep disappointment and strong disagreement with the denial by the ICC of the Office of the Solicitor General’s appeal to stop the probe on account of the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC, and its having a fully functioning justice system. It said the rejection of the appeal was based on the ICC’s flawed interpretation of its jurisdiction as a court of last resort — that it could only assume jurisdiction when a member country showed it was not capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes within its borders. The DoJ pointed out that the principle of complementarity, enshrined in the Rome Statute that created the ICC, recognizes the jurisdiction of local courts to try crimes within their respective countries. “The dissenting opinions of two esteemed justices out of the five-judge panel highlight the grave errors in the majority decision,” the DoJ said in a statement. “These dissenting justices rightly recognized the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent and effective legal system.” “Their dissenting opinions underscore the existence of a legitimate difference of legal interpretation, casting doubt on the majority’s ruling,” it added. Remulla had lambasted the ICC for meddling in Philippine affairs and said the government would not honor any arrest warrant issued by the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Duterte, had been firm in saying the ICC had no jurisdiction over events that transpired in the Philippines. PNP no ICC lackey Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would not be dictated to by the ICC as it recognizes the stance of the government that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the drug war probe. “The PNP is under the executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” PNP spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo said. Duterte, as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016 and as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022, is seen as the ICC prosecutor’s primary target, along with his former police chief, Dela Rosa. Government data showed that about 6,200 people died in “legitimate” anti-drug operations during the Duterte presidency, including law enforcement officers killed in action. Government critics claim as many as 15,000 to 30,000 were killed. Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte appeared to have been included in the complaints filed with the ICC prosecutor, along with her father’s long-time aide, the now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. “No comment,” was the terse reply of the Vice President’s camp on her alleged inclusion in the ICC complaints. Go, on the other hand, said the ICC had no “business meddling in our internal affairs, where our courts remain fully functional and free from political interference.” “Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by the competent authorities. Filipinos should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws,” Go said. With the ICC ruling, the DoJ vowed to continue to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the nation’s legal system and strongly urged the ICC to reconsider its decision and recognize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the well-being and support of all victims affected by the drug war,” Remulla’s department said. “The DoJ, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is willing and able to assist those who had suffered harm or loss during this challenging period. We encourage all individuals with evidence and witnesses to come forward and share their testimonies with us,” it added. Former president Duterte, through his former spokesperson Harry Roque, shrugged off the ICC decision. In a Facebook post, Roque said Duterte has always maintained that as an independent and sovereign state, only Philippine courts can try any crime committed in Philippine territory. “He has time and again said that because of this, he will face all his accusers anytime but before Philippine courts and before Filipino judges only,” Roque said. In a television interview, Zubiri said the upper chamber would “not give up” Dela Rosa should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the latter. “Without the local warrant of arrest issued by the courts, then as far as I’m concerned, he is still a working member of the Senate and accorded of course that respect, similar to Senator De Lima and Senator [Antonio] Trillanes,” he said. “Only when the warrant of arrest was issued, then we allowed or we agreed that he may be taken in custody,” he added. The post BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lawyers told: Observe ethical public service
Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan urged lawyers to prioritize public service over profit and lead morally upright lives. This was his message to the officers and members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–La Union Chapter during their recent induction of board of officers and welcome rites for new members of the bench and bar at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union. Gaerlan stressed that the legal profession should not be viewed merely as a means of livelihood, urging them to strive to become a new generation of legal professionals who place importance on ethical conduct and moral integrity, with public service taking precedence over financial considerations. The significance of lawyering is a lifelong calling that defines their core as human beings, said Gaerlan, who reminded lawyers about the importance of the Code of Responsibility for Responsibility and Accountability, which has replaced the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility. The CPRA serves as a more comprehensive and responsive guide for lawyers in their interactions with clients, colleagues, courts, agencies and society at large. It aligns with the Court’s initiative to promote ethical responsibility as an essential element in achieving efficiency, as outlined in the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022 to 2027. Gaerlan, as the Vice Chairperson of the SC Sub-Committee for the Revision of the Code of Professional Responsibility, reiterated the court’s commitment to promoting ethical responsibility. He called on the cooperation of the IBP in upholding the integrity of the legal profession. Gaerlan also reminded newly appointed judges that they are held to higher standards of conduct both in their professional duties and personal lives. Regardless of the roles they assume, Gaerlan emphasized that they are first and foremost lawyers, entrusted with safeguarding the law and serving the people. The post Lawyers told: Observe ethical public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russian reporter ‘savagely’ beaten in Chechnya
An award-winning Russian investigative journalist is in hospital after being badly beaten by armed assailants during a trip to Chechnya, her newspaper and a rights group said. The attack happened early on Tuesday as well-known journalist Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov, a lawyer, were traveling from the airport. Her newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, published a video of Milashina in hospital with her head shaven and covered in a green-colored dye -- used to target Kremlin critics -- and her hands bandaged. She said the attack, which included having a gun held to her head, was linked to her "professional activity in Chechnya." Milashina has covered rights abuses in Chechnya, the Caucasus republic ruled by former warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, for years. She came to Grozny on Tuesday to attend the sentencing of Zarema Musayeva, whose husband and sons have fallen foul of the Kadyrov regime but did not make it there. "It's a sensitive case," she said, calling Musayeva a "hostage." Musayeva later was handed 5-and-a-half years on fraud charges widely seen as political revenge against her family. Milashina recounted the attack in a video shared by Novaya Gazeta: "They came, they threw out the driver, the taxi driver from the car. They jumped in, pushed our heads down, they tied my hands, put us on our knees with a gun to the head," she said. "They did everything nervously. They didn't manage to tie my hands properly." The Memorial human rights group said the pair were "savagely" beaten. She said she was taken to neighboring Ossetia for safety and the newspaper said she will go back to Moscow once a medical team examines her. Not welcome Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a briefing that President Vladimir Putin had been informed. "We are talking about a very serious attack that requires vigorous measures," Peskov said. Kadyrov, who has been accused of persistent rights abuses in his restive region, said in a statement online he had instructed officials to determine who was behind the attack. "The authorities began to work immediately after the announcement of the incident," the statement read. But his rights ombudsman Mansur Soltayev said Milashina was "not welcome by a large part of the public" in Chechnya. He said this was especially true during Moscow's Ukraine offensive, during which "the Chechen nation supports the efforts of the president of Russia." The media rights group Reporters Without Borders said it was "horrified by the savage attack" on Milashina. And the rights group Amnesty International urged Russia to investigate the "vicious" beating. Milashina's paper Novaya Gazeta, Russia's top independent publication, said she and Nemov were in a hospital in the Chechen capital Grozny. Novaya Gazeta in February last year said that Milashina had to leave Russia temporarily after receiving death threats from the Chechen leadership. The paper, whose chief editor Dmitry Muratov won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, has since 2000 seen six journalists and contributors killed, including investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya. By focusing on rights abuses in Chechnya, Milashina has followed in the footsteps of Politkovskaya, a fierce critic of the Kremlin's policies in Chechnya, who was shot dead in 2006. Russian human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the incident "should be carefully investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice". The post Russian reporter ‘savagely’ beaten in Chechnya appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bright future for PEZA and ecozone industry
I never dreamed of being at the forefront of an agency that contributed much to nation-building and has had a huge impact on the lives of many Filipinos, simply because job opportunities were created for them and their families. A probinsyano and son of a public servant, I grew up in the Bicol Region, in the capital town of Pili in Camarines Sur. My Father was a judge, hence a disciplinarian. My siblings and I were raised in an atmosphere of seeking excellence for that was what he demanded. It was my mother, a public school teacher, who tempered the strictness with love, understanding, and compassion – traits that I inherited and honed the person that I am today. Having been educated in Catholic schools in Naga City for elementary and high school, and at the premiere state university for college and graduate studies, had likewise molded my character into being a man for others and striving for integrity and excellence as core values. Coming from a family of public servants strengthened my resolve as well to pursue a career in government service. One day in January 1998, as I was walking along Roxas Boulevard after coming from a meeting, my curiosity was piqued by a government office that had a “For Hire” sign. I walked in, applied, and was admitted by the same agency in February 1998. This is how my journey in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or PEZA began. Since my first day in office, I knew that the PEZA was the ideal agency for me given its exemplary performance as a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Trade and Industry. Rising through the ranks and having been immersed in various facets of the agency’s operations had encouraged me to excel in my work and aspire for Career Executive Service Officer eligibility and various foreign training for my career advancement. Beyond these personal gains, the long years of training and working with PEZA provided me the unique opportunity to contribute to propelling the nation’s growth by helping our agency achieve its mandate of attracting investments in the ecozones to be able to generate jobs, exports, and other economic opportunities for the country. As I am now at the helm of PEZA after having been appointed as its Director General by the President last 23 March, I realized that my real calling as a public servant is to continue embracing transformational leadership as I motivate and inspire my fellow PEZAns to give their best for PEZA and the country. In the short period when I assumed office, we have accomplished so much already as I employed a high-involvement and teamwork approach in mobilizing the support of the management and employees, valued ecozone investors, and industry partners as we collectively promote and facilitate investments through the ecozone program. We have doubled our investments in 2002 vs. 2021, where much of the investment pledges came in when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office. We have sustained the growth momentum for the first five months of 2023, with PEZA’s approved investments reaching P48.03 billion which is 2.5 times higher compared to the same period last year. Ecozone manufactured goods/commodities and IT services account for 53% share of the total country’s annual exports. With 20 new ecozones awaiting Presidential Proclamation, PEZA can help accelerate countryside development to increase further the current 422 operating ecozones hosting 4,372 locator companies and providing 1.8 million direct jobs for our “kababayans.” We laid down some key policy reforms and other initiatives to further ease doing business and enhance our competitiveness as an investment destination. PEZA is among the first few agencies in government that have rolled out a cashless and paperless system for facilitating locators’ permits and other transactions. Moreover, we will automate this year our visa, building permit, letter of authority, financial management, and EPAMs, and launch our digital marketplace for the integration of local producers and suppliers into the ecozone value chain. Together with the DTI, Board of Investments, and Fiscal Incentives Review Board, we have restored the fiscal incentives of our RBEs under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Law. We have partnered initially with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in promoting new frontiers in ecozone development and got the Commission on Elections to exempt the locators from the long-standing clearance requirement for the movement of regulated commodities during an election period. We have also been actively involved in investment missions abroad and where we have been reaping the benefits from realized new investment sources and a mix of product sectors, with no less than the President taking the lead in promoting the Philippines as the smart destination in the region. We commit to advancing industry development as we pursue the creation of industry excellence centers for enhanced local value and global value chains and engage with higher educational and vocational and technical training institutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies. We will work on the amendment of the PEZA law to make our agency more responsive and agile to keep up with the demands of our valued ecozone investors. These proactive measures we will undertake, including the improvement of our public ecozones to be more resilient and smarter, while maintaining our agency’s minimum of one billion pesos in annual tax payments and dividends to the national coffers. In forging a promising future for PEZA and the ecozone industry, we will continue to be agents of change and push for continual improvement with our delivery of services and the creation of ecozones in rural and new growth areas. Foremost in our strategic plan is to anchor the ecozone program on inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability. We will strengthen our strategic alliances with public and private sectors to amplify ease of doing business and adherence to sustainable development goals across all ecozones nationwide and their linkages with the host LGUs and communities. Having spent 25 years in PEZA, I can only thank my fellow PEZAns first for being steadfast in performing their duties. Second, much credit should go to the Industry Leaders who have always been committed to the success of PEZA. My appointment into Office is a testament to the excellence that the civil service and its members uphold as stalwarts and front liners in achieving national progress for our Nation. In all these, I owe PEZA my career advancement and to the ecozone industry for our huge contributions to the country’s local and national development all these years. As we look to the future, we envision PEZA to be the nation’s primary catalyst for sound and balanced development by promoting viable and sustainable economic zones and by bringing in targeted investments to generate jobs, exports, and economic opportunities, especially in the countryside. The post Bright future for PEZA and ecozone industry appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: Protect the environment
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday called for increased environmental consciousness among Filipinos, citing the importance of protecting the country's natural resources in the face of climate change. In a speech delivered during the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service at the Department of Environment and Natural Resouces office in Quezon City, the President said the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries affected by climate change, and that Filipinos must do their part to address the problem. "The world that we have today and that we face is a very different world from what we came into," Marcos said. "And the importance of the environment, the importance of biodiversity has become clearer and clearer." "We must be very, very conscious," he added. "I must say that I think that Filipinos in general are more aware about the importance of preserving our natural resources, about preserving our forests, about preserving our biodiversity." The President also spoke about the economic benefits of environmental protection. He said that the Philippines can now put a peso value on its forest land, and that this can be used to offset carbon emissions in other parts of the world. “I know that Filipinos will do everything that they can to preserve our ecology, to preserve our forest land, to preserve our biodiversity,” he added. The President concluded his speech by calling on the DENR, other agencies, the private sector and the public to work together to protect the environment. He said that the future of the Philippines depends on it. "I am certain that if we take care of it, Mother Nature will take care of us in return and give us the capacity to grow and flourish in a brighter and more prosperous future that we all dream about," Marcos said. The post PBBM: Protect the environment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»