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One more city in Philippines declares pertussis outbreak
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Iloilo, a city in central Philippines, on Monday declared an outbreak of pertussis after it confirmed seven out of 15 reported cases, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Iloilo is the third city to declare an outbreak of pertussis, or whopping cough, after Quezon and Pasig, two cities in the capital region, announced last week that they hav.....»»
S. Cotabato on the lookout for ‘walking pneumonia’
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 14 December)—Health personnel in South Cotabato have stepped up their surveillance against “walking pneumonia” amid the increase in cases of influenza-like illness, which already resulted to 13 deaths. A report from the epidemiology and surveillance unit of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said it recorded 20 confirmed cases of […].....»»
Lapu-Lapu City logs 69 HIV cases from Jan. to Aug. 2023
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Lapu-Lapu City Health Office (LLCHO) has recorded 69 cases of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) for the first eight months or from January to August this year. This was confirmed by Dr. Neil Victor Pajugot, medical officer III of LLCHO. However, Pajugot said they saw a drop in.....»»
Ongoing search efforts for suicide victim
Ongoing search efforts are underway for a suicide victim who jumped off the Governor Generoso, Bankerohan Bridge in Davao City. Despite the efforts of the 911 Urban Search and Rescue team, the body has not been recovered due to strong river currents. The police have discovered personal belongings belonging to the victim, but cannot confirm if it is the same person who jumped. The incident has been confirmed as a suicide, with the victim jumping off the bridge without any apparent reason. This incident highlights the rising cases of suicide in Davao City, with 23 recorded from January to April this year. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, along with factors like peer pressure, bullying, low economic standing, and a lack of social support, contribute to these cases. For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available through suicide hotlines......»»
165 new Covid cases detected
The Philippines confirmed on Monday 165 new Covid-19 cases, increasing the country’s total cases since the outbreak’s inception to 4,118,885. According to the Department of Health’s Covid-19 tracker, active cases declined by 54 to 2,970, while recoveries increased by 558 cases to 4,049,192. The death toll has remained at 66,723 for the second day in a row. Metro Manila had the most new cases in the previous 14 days with 860, followed by CALABARZON with 397, Central Luzon with 205, Davao Region with 120, and Central Visayas with 97. Quezon City had the most new Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days with 231, followed by Cavite province (132), Rizal province (121), Laguna province (101), and Bulacan province (97). The Covid bed occupancy rate stood at 16.0 percent, with 3,196 beds occupied (including 1,932 in the ICU) and 16,736 unoccupied. The post 165 new Covid cases detected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 Koreans wanted for telecom, wire fraud arrested
Two fugitives were captured by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after being sought by South Korea and the US for their involvement in fraud-related operations. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the arrests of the two South Korean fugitives, who were identified as Kwon Junyoung, 38, and Seok Jongmin, 48. The two were arrested last Saturday in Brgy. Cuayan, Angeles City, Pampanga, by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. Tansingco said that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the South Korean authorities, government intelligence groups, and the Angeles City Police Station. According to the South Korean authorities, Kwon is wanted for telecommunications fraud in South Korea, while Seok is wanted in Texas for engaging in wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. The BI chief said that as the BI board of commissioners has already issued summary deportation orders against them, soon they will be deported to face the crime they committed. Tansingco added that their names were also placed on the bureau’s blacklist of undesirable aliens, so they are now banned from re-entering the Philippines, the BI chief added. According to information obtained from Interpol's National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, the Suwon District Court in Korea issued an arrest order for Kwon on 12 December 2019. Authorities claimed that Kwon was part of a telecom fraud syndicate operating in Dalian, China, that used voice phishing to call random victims. Based on reports, the callers impersonated investigators from the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office in order to harass the victims and trick them into transferring money to the syndicate's accounts. In contrast, the NCB revealed that Seok is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the US district court in Western Texas. He is accused of conspiring to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, conspiring to commit money laundering, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Seok is accused of working with other suspects to gain access to the websites of the US Departments of Defence and Veterans Affairs using thousands of US military veterans' stolen personal identification information (PII), depriving the victims of their benefits. The BI-FSU also reported that Seok was arrested after posting bail at the Angeles City regional trial court, where he was charged with robbery and extortion, and will be transferred to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig. While Kwon will remain in the custody of the Angeles City police due to his ongoing local case, he will continue to be under the BI’s legal custody for deportation proceedings. The post 2 Koreans wanted for telecom, wire fraud arrested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No Nipah virus in PH, says health officials
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Officials from the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday, October 2, that there are no confirmed cases of Nipah virus in the Philippines. Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. and DOH Central Visayas Director Jaime Bernadas issued the clarification following reports that students and faculty members of a school in Cagayan.....»»
Eastern Visayas alarmed over rising HIV cases
PALO, Leyte — At least two cases of human immunodeficiency virus or HIV infection were recorded in Eastern Visayas in June, the highest number in a single month since the first HIV case hit the country in 1984. However, local health officials said they anticipated the spike in confirmed HIV cases since the region acquired its own testing laboratory last May 2023. Medical technologist Antonietta Diloy, manager of National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program at the Department of Health in Region 8 said that 76 cases of new HIV infection were recorded in June, surpassing the previous high of 60 cases recorded in April this year. “We have strengthened our advocacy campaign resulting in more people being tested,” Diloy said, adding that rural health units in different municipalities are now equipped with enough allocation of testing kits which are readily accessible and available for those who want to be tested. Among the provinces and independent cities in Eastern Visayas, Leyte recorded the highest number with 39 new cases spread in 18 municipalities; Ormoc City with 12 cases; Tacloban City with nine; Samar and Southern Leyte with eight new cases each; seven in Eastern Samar with seven and two in Biliran. Diloy disclosed that the 76 new cases in June were 230 percent higher than the cases of the previous month of May that recorded 23 cases. She said reporting of HIV cases normally gets late due to the rigorous validation of data. Data from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of DoH-8 shows that 68 of the 76 new cases were male and eight were female. It also revealed that the majority of the cases were transmitted mainly through sexual contact with 59 percent between males, 23 percent by males having sex with both males and females, and 16 percent through heterosexual contact. Two infants contracted HIV through mother-to-child transmission. DoH-8 regional information officer Jelyn Malibago, meantime, said that with the new equipment to conduct confirmatory testing for HIV, the agency is conducting trainings to expand the pool of individuals who can do pre and post counselling for those who undergo testing. She added that the agency targets to test one percent of the population for HIV as the new testing equipment shortened the turnaround time from two to three weeks when specimens were still sent to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila to only one to three days with the test being conducted at Eastern Visayas Medical Center. The post Eastern Visayas alarmed over rising HIV cases appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eastern Visayas cholera cases rise
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas reported on Tuesday that cholera cases in the region continue to rise as it already surpassed the number of logged cases of the disease last year. Data from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit disclosed that contaminated water sources of many households sent thousands of residents to hospitals due to suspected cholera. It also revealed that a total of 3,563 cases of cholera have been reported in the region from January to 9 September — five percent higher compared to 3,398 cases recorded over the same period of 2022. Of the total number of cases, 2,882 were sent to hospitals for treatment, 31 were confirmed cholera cases after undergoing laboratory testing, 40 were considered probable at 3,515 were suspected cholera cases. “Water contamination remains the primary reason for the cholera cases,” said DoH-Eastern Visayas RESU manager Boyd Roderick Cerro. “Many of our water sources do not undergo treatment thus they are prone to contamination.” However, despite the higher number of cases, DoH-8 data show less casualties this year with only nine deaths compared to 23 deaths last year. Among the provinces in the region, Eastern Samar recorded the highest number of cases with 1,390; Samar with 1,227; Leyte with 470; Northern Samar with 236; Southern Leyte with 229 and Biliran with 11 cases. The agency is urging the public to boil water for at least three minutes or do water chlorination; keep food away from insects and rats; wash and cook food properly; dispose human waste properly; wash hands with soap and water after using toilet and before eating; keep surroundings clean to prevent flies, other insects and rodents from breeding. The post Eastern Visayas cholera cases rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang was recently commended by his hometown Mexico, Pampanga for his dedication to public service and exemplary leadership, enabling him to rise from the ranks. The Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico on 11 September 2023 presented Bingcang a copy of Municipal Resolution No. 138-2023, which expresses the municipality’s “pride and honor” on the recent appointment of Bingcang to the top management position of BCDA. This comes on the heels of the Angeles City Council’s resolution last month commending Bingcang for bringing pride to the province of Pampanga. “Engr. Bingcang has performed vital tasks that prove his commitment and love for Pampanga and the Metro Clark areas through his roles in the planning and implementation of key projects,” a resolution issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico read. Bingcang led the completion of some of BCDA’s biggest projects, which serve as major social and economic growth drivers in Northern and Central Luzon. These are the completion of the Philippines’ longest toll road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway; the development of Clark Freeport Zone and the first phase of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; as well as the expansion and modernization of Clark International Airport. “We at BCDA will not be able to achieve all these accomplishments without the help of our public and private sector partners, like the Municipality Government of Mexico. A lot still needs to be done. We would like to get your continued support as we move forward with our One Clark vision, which will further put Pampanga and the rest of Northern and Central Luzon into the center of investment and development,” Bingcang said. Climbing the career ladder, Bingcang started working at BCDA as Project Development Officer III in 1996. He then held various positions on development and project management through the years until his promotion as Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group in 2019. In March 2023, he was appointed as President and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation, a subsidiary of the BCDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. then appointed Bingcang as BCDA President and CEO, taking his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 6 June in Malacañang Palace. Born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, Bingcang is a licensed electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He also attended an Urban Policy and Governance program at the Nanyang Technological University, and trained at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure. -end- The post Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SMDC’s Now Residences breaks ground in Angeles City, Pampanga
SM Development Corporation marked an important milestone in its mission of creating modern living spaces with the groundbreaking ceremony for Now Residences that took place last August in Angeles City, Pampanga. The ceremony, graced by key SMDC executives and partners, signified a step forward for both SMDC and Pampanga's booming real estate landscape. Now Residences, boasting of proximity to the Clark International Airport and North Luzon Expressway Angeles Exit, offers maximum accessibility, whether residents are travelling by land or air. This gated garden community is also conveniently located near vital commercial hubs like SM City Clark as well as educational and recreational hubs, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of convenience and accessibility. With its enviable accessibility and proximity to essential amenities, Now Residences stands as a testament to SMDC’s commitment to elevating the living experiences of urban dwellers and catering to their evolving needs. Follow SMDC on its official Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok accounts, or visit the SMDC website. The post SMDC’s Now Residences breaks ground in Angeles City, Pampanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month
The Rolling Stones will release their first album of new music in 18 years next month, lead singer Mick Jagger, fellow founding bandmate Keith Richards and bass guitarist Ronnie Wood announced Wednesday in London. The album, "Hackney Diamonds", is the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2019, and the first containing original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang". "We didn't want to make just any record and put it out," Jagger, 80, told a launch event at the Hackney Empire theatre in east London, hosted by US talk show host Jimmy Fallon and livestreamed on YouTube. "I'm not saying we're big-headed about it but we're pleased with it and we hope you all like it," the octogenarian rocker said. The Stones' 24th studio album, set for release on October 20, has 12 tracks, with the single "Angry" the first to come out. Wood, 76, confirmed during the launch that superstar Lady Gaga features on another, "Sweet Sound of Heaven", adding she "sings really sweet" on it. Two of the tracks were recorded with Watts in 2019. The others feature Steve Jordan, whom Watts recommended to replace him. "Ever since Charlie's gone it's different," said 79-year-old guitarist Keith Richards of recording the new album without one of the band's founders. "He's number four, he's missing, he's up there. Of course he's missed incredibly." Already acclaimed "Hackney diamonds" is English slang for the shards of glass left scattered on the ground after smash-and-grab robberies, and refers to the historically working class east London neighbourhood. "It's like when you get your windscreen broken on a Saturday night in Hackney," Jagger joked. Throngs of people crowded outside the event venue, including those without tickets who came out of curiosity and hoping to spot the band. "I've been following the Stones since I was four years old and I'm from round here -- it's my backyard," said musician and fan Rory McGlinchey. "It's crazy that they're here!" Wearing a Rolling Stones t-shirt, he said the new release was "great news". "Can't wait," he told AFP. Critics have already hailed the release as the band's best work in many decades. Will Hodgkinson, rock and pop critic for Britain's The Times newspaper, said it is "unquestionably the best Stones album since 1978's 'Some Girls'". "Variously poignant, irreverent, anarchic and, in one gospel-tinged moment, quite spiritual, it touches on all the aspects we love about the band, glued together by the rambunctious energy they have made their own since the early Sixties," he wrote. The Daily Telegraph's music reviewer Neil McCormick said "Angry" was "their best single in four decades". The Stones also unveiled the single's typically rock'n'roll video. It sees the band playing from Los Angeles' billboards as scantily-dressed, leather-clad "Euphoria" actress Sydney Sweeney writhes to the soundtrack in the back of a convertible red Mercedes driving through the city. Teaser The Rolling Stones' last studio album was 2016's "Blue & Lonesome", which was made up of blues covers. "We've been very lazy," said Jagger. "We've been on the road most of the time." The band teased the release of the new album through a spoof advert in the local Hackney Gazette newspaper. The cryptic ad, which also appeared in sister title the Islington Gazette, referenced several of the band's best-known songs including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Gimme Shelter" and "Shattered". The ad went on: "Opening our new store on Mare Street, September 2023. Our friendly team promises you satisfaction when you say gimme shelter we'll fix your shattered windows." Clues that the ad was not for a bona fide east London glass repair business included a miniature version of the band's famed lips logo to dot the letter i. The ad -- in the same font as the "Some Girls" album -- also says the firm was established in 1962, the same year the band was formed. Last year the Stones travelled through Europe for their 60th anniversary tour which featured stops in cities including Madrid, Milan and Munich, and also a performance at British Summer Time (BST) festival in London. Asked for the secret to their decades-spanning musical marriage, Jagger quipped: "not speaking too often". "How to say shut up politely," added Richards. The post Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila court issued arrest warrant against Teves et al in Degamo killing
The Manila Regional Trial Court yesterday approved the release of an arrest warrant for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and several others in relation to the death of provincial governor Roel Degamo. The decision followed the admission of amended criminal information by Presiding Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek of Branch 51, based on the Department of Justice’s resolution finding probable cause against the respondents. The court found probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Arnolfo Teves Jr., also known as “Arnie,” “Big Boss,” “Big Boss Idol,” “Boss Idol,” “Idol,” “Kalbo,” Angelo Palagtiw, alias “Angelou,” “Angelo Valiente,” “Gelo,” “Gelou,” one alias sister of Angelo Palagtiw, and Capt. Lloyd Cruz Garcia II. The court also issued a commitment order for accused Nigel Electona, alias “Najel” and “Naijel,” to be taken to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The court granted the motions filed by the State Prosecutors, admitting the Amended Information for various criminal cases. The arraignment and pre-trial conference have been rescheduled to 4 October 2023, at 1:30 p. m. Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano recently confirmed that charges were filed against Teves with the Manila RTC. The Supreme Court had approved the transfer of jurisdiction to the Manila RTC, with the charges officially lodged on 18 August. Teves Jr., who is currently abroad and has not returned, has been implicated as the mastermind behind the high-profile killing of Degamo and other victims. Heavily armed men wearing camouflage uniforms attacked the governor’s residence in Pamplona on 4 March while Governor Degamo was meeting with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The post Manila court issued arrest warrant against Teves et al in Degamo killing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense
Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales, the dismissed police officer in the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, has apologized for pulling out and cocking his gun at an unarmed cyclist. During Tuesday’s investigation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the viral road rage incident, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted cyclist Allan Bandiola during their altercation near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City last month. “I apologize for that part – for hitting him in his head and for pulling out and cocking my gun at him. I apologize to everyone, not just [to Bandiola], but to all of you. It was my fault. I was shocked,” Gonzales told lawmakers. The dismissed police officer, who has yet to return his separation pay despite being ordered to do so, claimed that he did such an act to defend himself from Bandiola. “In my mind, I must defend myself because I have yet to recover from my spine operation. He admitted that he attacked me. For me, it was solely to shock him so could not hit me,” he said. “If he catches me, he might kill me because I am still weak. I am yet to cover from my operation,” he added. For his part, Bandiola confirmed that he planned to retaliate after being hit by Gonzales. “It was my normal reaction because he hit me in the head. That is why I got off my bike,” he said. “He could have just talked to me.” ‘Gloves with hard knuckles’ Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito asked Gonzales about his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves with hard knuckles during their altercation last month, which the latter allegedly used to cause a dent in his car. “Mr. Gonzales claimed that Mr. Bandiola was wearing gloves for motorcycles that had knuckles. Is that correct?” Ejercito asked. Gonzales replied, “Yes.” Ejercito then asked Bandiola whether he was wearing gloves, which the latter denied. Bandiola’s claim was validated by a screencap from the now-deleted viral incident, shown during the Senate panel’s investigation. This prompted Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who presides the hearing, to interrogate Gonzales. “Mr. Gonzales, this picture won’t lie. He was not wearing any gloves. Now, you are making stories that he was wearing gloves with hard knuckles. Look at it,” Dela Rosa said. Gonzales stood by his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves, stressing that police who responded to the incident could prove his claim. “The police who were there can prove that he was wearing gloves. I’m telling you the truth, I’m not lying,” he said. The dismissed police officer’s response angered Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “This picture can prove that he was not wearing gloves. Mr. Gonzales, whatever you say, people who watch us will say that you are a former cop,” he said. “It will be a shame that people will always call police liars. You’re a police, I am a police. We don’t want our organization to be branded as liars,” he said. Unfazed, Gonzales insisted that Bandiola was wearing gloves in his right hand, which Bandiola denied. Ejercito supported Bandiola’s claim by showing another screencap which proved that the cyclist was not wearing any gloves. Dela Rosa, who identified himself as a cyclist, echoed Ejercito’s observation. “I am also a biker, wearing gloves with hard knuckles would make you look like a fool.” He then urged Gonzales not to manufacture stories in the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he chairs. After the hearing, Bandiola maintained that he would not file cases against Gonzales. “People who know me know what kind of person I am. They know the truth. I will let God take care of him,” he said. The post Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates
If you can’t pass the planning stage of your dream vacation because you’re having difficulty finding a window of availability in your schedule or a common travel period with your companion/s while you’re all trying to find the best deals, then you shouldn’t miss this year’s September Online Sale put together by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association. SOS is basically a travel fair, but done virtually for utmost convenience. As explained by HSMA vice president Amie Villena at the recent launch of SOS 2023, which she heads, all you have to do is visit their website and choose among the various deals their 87 property-members offer. You can buy one or more vouchers now and, since they don’t have expiry dates, you use any or all of them when needed. Just take note of the terms and conditions, including the blocked dates. [caption id="attachment_178857" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] STONE massage in Club Paradise Palawan.[/caption] The deals offered are in line with SOS 2023’s theme: ‘Eat. Stay. Love.’ So aside from discounted room stays, there are also weekend getaways, rejuvenation spa experiences and other recreational activities. Additionally, there are deals on restaurants, meetings and conferences packages and banquet occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. You can even mix and match your chosen deals, according to Villena, who’s also the director of sales and marketing at the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. For instance, you can combine Cebu-Bohol deals, “therefore creating a unique itinerary for you and your friends or your family.” After purchasing the vouchers, you can then contact the hotel or resort when you’re ready to use them. “Domestic travelers can now start planning their vacations early as this allows them to catch seat sales, too,” said Loleth So, HSMA’s president who’s also area director of Sales and Marketing of Savoy and Belmont Hotel Manila Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “That’s why SOS is very timely.” SOS participating hotels and resorts include: Acacia Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Newport City, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila, Okada Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila, Solaire Resort, The Bellevue Manila, and The Heritage Hotel Manila in the Alabang/Pasay/Parañaque area; [caption id="attachment_178856" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] STAYCATION at Clark Marriott Hotel.[/caption] Alta Vista de Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Feliz Hotel Boracay, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Patio Pacific Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, and The Lind Boracay in Boracay; Armada Hotel Manila, Bayview Park Hotel, Dusit Thani Manila, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, I’M Hotel, New World Makati Hotel, One Pacific Place Serviced Residences, Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central, Seda Residences Makati, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, and Winford Resort and Casino Manila in the cities of Manila and Makati; Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Grand Sierra Pines Baguio, and Quest Plus Conference Center in Central Clark, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, AC Luxe Angeles City, and Swissotel Clark in North Luzon; Bai Hotel Cebu, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Fili Hotel Cebu - Nustar, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, Mithi Resort and Spa, Modala Beach Resort, Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu, The Bellevue Resort, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Cebu and Bohol; Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Club Paradise Palawan, Dusit Thani Hotels and Resorts Davao, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Seda Lio, Huni Lio, Lihim Resort, Miniloc Island Resort, The Oriental Leyte, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in Palawan, Leyte, and Davao; Ace Hotel & Suites, B Hotel Quezon City, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, F1 Hotel Manila, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda BGC, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites in Quezon City and Ortigas; Acuatico Beach Resort, Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Club Balai Isabel, Hotel Casiana Tagaytay, Pico Sands Hotel, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Seda Nuvali, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel, and Twin Lakes Hotel in South Luzon. SOS 2023 is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Atlantis and Isentia. It runs until 30 September. Visit www.HSMA.org.ph/SOS. The post Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 foreign nationals arrested at NAIA
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Saturday, 2 September, the arrest of three foreign nationals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for violation of immigration laws. On 31 August, the Bureau arrested a Thai national identified as Teerasade Phutthichotiruksa, a 43-year-old male, who attempted to depart via a Thai Airways flight to Bangkok, Thailand, but the Bureau intercepted him during a primary inspection. Phutthichotiruksa, according to the BI-NAIA, showed up for his immigration procedures at NAIA Terminal 3 for departure, but the immigration officer found anomalies and irregularities in the stamps placed on his passport. This prompted the BI officer to submit his document for further inspection through the BI’s Forensic Documents Laboratory. The BI forensic team inspected his travel documents and confirmed that the stamps shown on his passport were counterfeit. As a result, Phutthichotiruksa was arrested, read his rights, and immediately transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while awaiting deportation. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that this case underscores the importance of the immigration officers' vigilance and expertise in detecting fake documents. Their officers are trained to spot irregularities and will arrest foreign nationals who attempt to use fraud to be able to travel. Meanwhile, on 1 September, the BI also arrested of two Chinese fugitives in separate incidents. At the NAIA Terminal 3, the Bureau arrested Chen Changdian, 32, after he attempted to depart the country via Scoot Airlines bound for Singapore. Upon primary inspection, the immigration officer found out that Chen’s name was in the BI’s database of derogatory records. Chen is the subject of an Interpol red notice after being wanted for prosecution in the United Arab Emirates for the crime of murder in 2022. Based on the BI database, Chen arrived in the country in May 2022, but his name was only tagged as a fugitive by Interpol in November 2022. While at the NAIA Terminal 1, the Bureau arrested a Chinese woman who was identified as Lyu Yani, 30 years old, after trying to depart the country via a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Bangkok. According to the BI-NAIA, Lyu's name was also found on Interpol's list of wanted criminals. Lyu was tagged by Interpol as a fugitive wanted for the crime of running a gambling house. Both Chinese nationals were transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. All three fugitives are currently facing deportation cases, and their names will be included on the BI blacklist, which will bar them from entering the Philippines in the future. The post 3 foreign nationals arrested at NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves, cohorts facing charges for Degamo slay; warrants out soon
Criminal charges have been filed against suspended Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. and four of his cohorts for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in an ambush attack in March. This was confirmed by Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday. Clavano said murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder cases were filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court on 18 August while the warrant of arrest against Teves is expected to be out “in the next few days.” Teves was tagged as the mastermind of the crime against Degamo. “‘Yung Degamo case po ay na-i-file na rin po sa Manila. ‘Yun po ay nasa korte na rin at hinihintay na lang po natin ang (The Degamo case has already been filed in Manila. It’s in the court already and we are awaiting the issuance of a) warrant of arrest,” Clavano said, noting that similar criminal cases were already filed against eleven other suspects last July. In 2019, criminal charges were also filed before the Bayawan City RTC Branch against Teves and others due to the number of social injustices and killing incidents in Negros Oriental. Following the investigation of the brutal attack against Degamo and nine others in his residence in Pamplona town as well as other political killings in the province, the Anti-Terrorism Council recently designated Teves and 12 others as “terrorists.” Clavano said the DoJ is requesting the transfer of the trial venue in Manila. “Gusto natin na neutral ground ang magiging venue para sa kaso (We want the venue for the case to be in a neutral ground),” he said. The post Teves, cohorts facing charges for Degamo slay; warrants out soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Southern Leyte swine fever infection confirmed
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas has confirmed the viral spread of African Swine Fever in Southern Leyte after laboratory tests found blood samples randomly taken from hogs in Padre Burgos town positive for the infection. The DA regional field office said reports of unusual deaths of hogs exhibiting ASF-like symptoms started the last week of June, prompting the Municipal Agriculture Office of Padre Burgos and Southern Leyte Provincial Veterinary Office to investigate. The DA regional office said the new ASF infection is an isolated case, as the overall trend of ASF cases in the region shows the infection is on the decline. The DA regional office is continuing to investigate the case to determine the extent of the viral spread, although initial information shows the infection seems limited to Barangay Tangkaan of the said municipality. “Based on the initial investigation, it is believed that possible transmission of the virus resulted from either the transport of infected live hogs from neighboring municipalities that still have active cases of ASF, swill feeding, and poor biosecurity,” the DA regional office said in a statement. The DA assured the public that a technical team has been deployed upon the confirmation of the cases, and continues to conduct proper preventive measures against the spread of the virus. The agency said it is closely monitoring the area and its neighboring communities for possible transmission. The DA advised the public not to be alarmed and to help stop the spread of the disease by observing the protocols so that the farmers and hog raisers will be able to continue with their livelihood. ASF is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects pigs. There is no known cure for ASF, and the only way to prevent it is to implement strict biosecurity measures. The DA has urged the public to report any unusual deaths of hogs to the MAO or PVO. The post Southern Leyte swine fever infection confirmed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service
If life were a train, then Michael Ted Macapagal’s has been quite a ride. Raised by a labor leader and human rights lawyer father who served the people of Olongapo, including the workers of the US American Base in Subic, Michael Ted Macapagal had always wanted to become a public servant. It took Ted, though, a long journey to reach his goal, first achieving success in the insurance field in the United States where he lived for 20 years starting in 1991. Today, he is the chairman of the Philippine National Railways, a position “that allows me to make a difference in the lives of my countrymen,” he shared during his recent visit to the Daily Tribune office in Makati. Ted, good-looking and affable, proudly spoke of a father, his namesake, Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal who, early on, exposed his son to a firsthand view of a gentleman who looked beyond himself and his personal interests, and instead dedicated his career to protecting the common man and bettering their lot. The elder Ted served as a city councilor for 10 years. In 1984, he ran for the Batasang Pambansa, and in the late 1980s, for city mayor. “In all these electoral processes, I was involved and saw for myself how my father related to the people. He was a sincere man who helped them in the best way he could. He provided free legal services to those in need,” Ted recounted. Ted grew up in Olongapo, his place of birth. It was in the neighboring province of Pampanga, though, at the Don Bosco Institute in Bacolor town, where he first studied, but he eventually returned home to Olongapo, where he finished high school at the St. Columban. Aiming to become a lawyer, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where he majored in History, which he intended as his pre-law course. Not unexpectedly, he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi, his father’s fraternity. He also joined rallies where he stood with those who wanted the retention of US bases in the Philippines, in keeping with the sentiments of his townsmen. “It was the one concern where the whole of Olongapo was united,” he recalled, “because the people’s livelihood was connected to the base and the American presence in the community.” As a lawyer who specialized in labor, his father himself handled cases for the base employees. In 1988, his father lost his mayoralty bid in Olongapo. He fought against his fraternity brother, Richard Gordon. Actually, the two had been fighting it out for decades. “Olongapo became too small for them,” shared Ted. “A vivid memory to me to this day was the night I cried after my father lost. I was heartbroken because, for the most part of my life, I saw him give his all to the people. Throughout all those years, I just loved assisting my father. I followed him whenever he visited his constituents. I was a witness to everything that happened to him, his conflict with his political adversary and the loyalty of the people who believed in him and saw in him the man who would change the face of politics in our city.” The elder Macapagal became OIC-Mayor in 1986, but only two months after he received his appointment from the new president because the incumbent mayor did not easily give up his post which he was required to vacate under the new revolutionary government. “The next local election was the most expensive political exercise that our family ever waged,” Ted recounted. “It was then that my father decided that I pursue a new life in the United States, away from politics back home. “All the while, my heart never left the Philippines. Even before I left, I promised myself I would return to continue what my father started.” First non-white president Ted stayed in San Francisco for 20 long years. He had a tough time at the beginning of his new life. “I started off doing odd jobs. I worked as a security guard, janitor and waiter in a pizza parlor. “I also guarded the heavy equipment in a construction site in San Francisco. Thievery was a problem in that kind of situation. We would sleep in a trailer. “I transferred to a construction firm because I found out it offered a bigger salary. But I didn’t know the technical aspects of construction. Once, I made a portable ladder, but it fell apart, for which I was scolded by the owner of the company. I was fired on my third day on the job. Too bad because it paid high.” Ted then decided to pursue another degree, one that would be more useful in the United States. He took up Human Resource Management, a four-year course at the University of California in Berkeley. When he finally entered the corporate world, his first job was as a clerk. It wasn’t long before he became Division President of Stewart Title Company, one of the largest underwriters in the world, with offices across the United States, and in some 80 countries around the globe. He was based in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I may have been the first non-white president,” he said. “And I was a division president for the whole of North America. I was the first Filipino to reach that level.” Of his trailblazing accomplishments, he shared, “I was able to bring cultural diversity to the company, which enhanced its value. I got the top post because I asked for a meeting with the president. I told him we were not diverse enough to appeal to the non-white clients, and there were many of them who were first-time home buyers. Then, I told him to make the rounds. He would see that none of the home buyers was white. They were of different ethnic groups. I told him that if he appointed me as vice president, I would give him multi-cultural buyers because I would appeal to them and they would be our first-time buyers. So, he appointed me, and one month later, he made me president.” As an adjunct, he lectured on the topic of title insurance and escrow procedures in several community colleges in and around the San Franciso Bay Area. Through it all, he chose to keep his Filipino citizenship. The ‘Railway President’ For all the successes he was enjoying, the Philippines beckoned. He felt he still had a mission to accomplish. “My father was surprised. He asked me why I would still want to go home when I was doing well in the States. I insisted, so I came back and I plunged into political life. I worked on difficult campaigns, like the one for Rodrigo Duterte.” Back to his first love and passion, the political arena, he was in his element and served as president of PDP LABAN in Olongapo City from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, he joined LAKAS-CMD as its local chairman. This engagement led to his original target, as his father had achieved in his lifetime — serving the people. This time, he would be appointed to key posts in the government. He became director of the Clark Board and Gulf Oil Philippines. He took his oath of office as chairman of the Philippine National Railways on 28 April 2023. It is a job in a government agency where he is confident “I could make a difference because I can see that President Bongbong Marcos is really intent on improving the railway system of the country. “On my part, I want to make a difference. I want to be able to contribute whatever I can to help the president to achieve that objective. I call him now the ‘Railway President’ because I consider him the father of the railway system in our country.” Of course, he noted that many plans have been formulated during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Moreover, he recognized that President Gloria Arroyo “navigated our country through the global crisis. I was in the United States when the global economic crisis happened, and the Philippines was one of the countries spared, and I give credit to her. The economic fundamentals were very strong during her time. Being an economist, she was there at the right time when the country needed her the most.” With President BBM at the helm, he is confident “we will be able to push through with our development plan and finish the projects we have started, like the North-South Commuter Railway, which is a 147-kilometer stretch from Clark to Laguna. We hope to have the dry run in 2026 and it will be fully operational in 2027.” He also looks forward to the completion of the Bicol South Long Haul project. He is equally hopeful for the North Long Haul, the Subic-Clark and the Mindanao railways. He clarified that “we are now talking with the proponents, while some negotiations are being undertaken.” Working boots and a hard hat It would seem that this successful insurance executive was out of place in the railway sector. He pointed out, though, that “coming from the outside, I have the technical advantage of being able to look outside the box. So, I’m looking at it from outside the box, looking in. I am able to see the problems that need to be fixed. Stoppage is one of the problems so we have a bus augmentation program. We will also deploy UV Express units. We are closely coordinating with the LTFRB to provide emergency alternative transportation.” On the other hand, his exposure to people of all backgrounds from his youth, being his father’s son, has given him the advantage of “knowing how it is to be one of the boys. Something that I also experienced in the United States. “When people ask me what my management style is, I tell them straight I like to go down to the ground. I like hands-on supervision. I want my hands to be dirty. If you open the trunk of my car, you will find my working boots and my hard hat. I enjoy going to the construction sites and seeing for myself the progress, the problems, whatever it is that needs to be attended to. “Finally I want those working in the field doing the most difficult tasks to be satisfied and never to be hungry. Gusto ko, busog sila lagi. I am not happy when I get invited by the constructors and I am honored with a feast-like lunch or dinner, and not knowing what the workers are eating. I am on a diet anyway, so I make sure that my hosts bring the food to where the workers are eating. I can only eat so much and I would rather that the workers and the staff are full and happy. I am vocal about my displeasure when the construction workers are not eating the same food that is served to me. I may not be able to invite them to where I am eating but I can have the food brought to them.” Smiling from heaven Without a doubt, the old man Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal is smiling happily from his heavenly perch. He had served his fellowmen well, but he had done right as well by raising a son who took after his heart, to whom service to the people and compassion for the less fortunate matter more than any personal gain. His father, according to Ted, “died a broken man at the young age of 63. But whatever he lacked in longevity and riches, he made up for it with his compassion for others, for the free legal services that he gave to the people of Olongapo. “If you didn’t have money, you went to him because he was generous with his time and expertise. He would even give you some cash to use for your transportation fare to go home. That was my father. “The people whom he helped in turn would come to our home and bring him gifts like eggs, fruits, fish, vegetables and native chickens that they raised in their backyards. My father accepted them all. When I came home and saw all this, I teased him and said that he should probably open a sari-sari store so he could resell them. “Of course, we had a good laugh. But beyond the laughter, we both knew in our hearts that doing good to one’s fellowmen is its own reward and nothing in this world can take the place of personal fulfillment for having put a smile on people’s faces because you somehow made their lives better. “I am grateful that I have been raised by such a great father.” The post Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marikina to deploy health, safety officers
Over 1,000 health and safety protocol officers will be deployed by the local government of Marikina City to safeguard the health and safety of Palarong Pambansa delegates, Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said. “We will be deploying more than 1,000 health and safety protocol officers to all playing venues and billeting schools,” Teodoro said. “Our primordial concern is the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, other delegates, and the general public,” the local chief executive added. There are 29 playing venues and 31 billeting schools during the Palaro 2023. Teodoro said each team is composed of doctors, nurses, and first aiders who have the medical expertise and are highly trained to address emergency medical issues. “They will be manning properly equipped medical stations situated at the playing venues and billeting schools. Ambulances are readily available on-site for emergencies requiring hospital attention,” he said. “We want to ensure an efficient conduct of Palaro here in Marikina,” the mayor added. Teodoro also said that they will strictly implement the minimum public health standards to protect student-athletes and delegates from the threats of Covid-19. “We have an existing temporary treatment and monitoring facility located in Bagong Sibol, Nangka. It can accommodate 100 patients with confirmed asymptomatic to mild cases of Covid-19,” he said. “This facility seeks to immediately isolate delegates who will test positive in order for them to quickly get the much-needed medical attention and treatment,” the mayor added. Also, the city has swabbing facility, and molecular and diagnostic laboratory wherein student-athletes and delegates can get Covid-19 tests quickly. “The swabbing facility can administer immediate antigen tests and RT-PCR tests,” Teodoro said. The city government is also conducting daily and regular fumigation and sanitation activities at the billeting schools and playing venues. “All billeting quarters have potable water while foods are prepared according to strict health and sanitation standards to avoid food and water contamination,” the mayor assured. The post Marikina to deploy health, safety officers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»