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‘We are afraid’: Violence-hit Ecuador votes under heavy security
Heavily-armed security officers kept watch Sunday as Ecuadorans voted in a presidential election marked by the murder of a top candidate and despair over the lawlessness that has engulfed the once-peaceful nation. Polls closed after a tense day, with soldiers and police searching voters at the entry to polling stations, while some of the eight presidential candidates wore helmets and bulletproof vests to cast their ballots. The small South American country has in recent years become a staging for foreign drug mafias seeking to export cocaine, stirring up a brutal war between local gangs. The murder of serious presidential contender Fernando Villavicencio on the campaign trail less than two weeks before the vote underscored the challenges facing the country. "The most serious problem is insecurity," said voter Eva Hurtado, 40, as she left a polling station north of the capital Quito on Sunday morning. "So many crimes, assassinations, disappearances. We are afraid." "Security, above all the security of our families, of our people, must be improved," said public worker Luis Veloso, 52. Villavicencio's killing has reshuffled the electoral cards, with none of the eight contenders expected to get an absolute majority -- likely forcing a runoff on October 15. Ecuadorans voted for a successor to conservative leader Guillermo Lasso, who called a snap election to avoid an impeachment trial just two years after coming to power. - Lawyer, reporter, sniper - Leading the polls before Villavicencio's murder was Luisa Gonzalez, 45, a lawyer from the leftist party of former president Rafael Correa. Villavicencio, who was polling second before his murder, was replaced at the last last minute by a close friend, another journalist, Christian Zurita, who witnessed his gunning down. Hours ahead of the vote, Zurita said he was receiving death threats on social media. "The threats against my life and my team will not stop us, but they are forcing us to take greater security protocols," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding that his party had alerted authorities and election observers. Political analysts say the candidate who has seen the biggest boost to his popularity is 40-year-old right-wing businessman Jan Topic. Nicknamed "Rambo," the former paratrooper and sniper with the French Foreign Legion has vowed to wipe out criminal gangs and build more prisons, emulating El Salvador's Nayib Bukele. While casting his ballot, Topic urged voters to elect "the candidate who has the experience, the will, and the plan to eradicate violence in the country." Other leading candidates are right-wing former vice president Otto Sonnenholzner and leftist Indigenous attorney Yaku Perez. In one of the world's most biodiverse countries, two key referendums are taking place on Sunday alongside the election. One will ask voters to choose whether to continue oil drilling in an Amazon reserve that is home to home to three of the world's last uncontacted Indigenous populations. Another focuses on whether to forbid mining activities in the Choco Andino forest. "I feel bad voting in favor of oil exploitation, but Ecuador lives off this oil," said electrician Magdalena Maurisaca. - Brutal gang war - Ecuador was once seen as a haven of peace wedged between cocaine-producing nations Colombia and Peru. The small country straddles the Andes and the Amazon, and was best known as the world's top exporter of bananas and home to the biodiverse Galapagos Islands, where British scientist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. However, in the past five years its large ports, lax security and corruption have lured foreign cartels that have come under increased pressure from the war on drugs in Mexico and Colombia. A struggle for power between local gangs has mostly played out in prisons, where 430 have been killed since 2021, leaving a trail of dismembered and burned bodies. "Ecuadorans are going to vote with three feelings: fear of insecurity... pessimism regarding the economic situation and distrust of the political class," political scientist Santiago Cahuasqui of the SEK International University told AFP. In 2022, the country hit a record of 26 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, higher than the rate in Colombia, Mexico or Brazil. Voters will also elect members of the 137-seat parliament. Initial results are expected to trickle in late Sunday, with a final tally expected in 10 days. To win in the first round a candidate must capture 40 percent of the vote or come 10 points ahead of their nearest competitor. The new president will take office on October 26 and will serve only the remainder of Lasso's term, a year and a half. bur-fb/dw © Agence France-Presse The post ‘We are afraid’: Violence-hit Ecuador votes under heavy security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UNESCO recommends putting Venice on heritage danger list
The UN's cultural agency UNESCO on Monday recommended that Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger, saying the Italian authorities needed to step up efforts to secure the historic city and its surrounding lagoon. UNESCO said in its recommendation that Venice risked "irreversible" damage due to a string of issues ranging from climate change to mass tourism. The recommendation will now go to a meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Riyadh in September for adoption. "The effects of the continuing deterioration due to human intervention, including continuing development, the impacts of climate change, and mass tourism threaten to cause irreversible changes to the outstanding universal value of the property," said UNESCO. "Some of these long-standing issues have already led to the deterioration of the inherent characteristics of the property and its attributes," UNESCO said, warning that developments including high-rise buildings risk "having significant negative visual impact". "Moreover, the combined effects of human-induced and natural changes are causing deterioration and damage to build structures and urban areas," it added. It said that overall, there was a "lack of significant progress" by Italy in addressing these issues and this was further "hindered by a lack of overall joint strategic vision". A draft resolution prepared for adoption by the World Heritage Committee said there had not been "a significant level of progress in addressing the persistent and complex issues" and added measures proposed by Italy were "still insufficient and need to be further developed". UNESCO said it hoped inscription on the danger list "will result in greater dedication and mobilization of local, national and international stakeholders." The World Heritage Committee, which oversees the awarding of the coveted World Heritage label to sites around the world, is due to meet in Riyadh from 10 to 25 September. It is due to consider 53 new candidate sites for addition to the World Heritage List. The "in danger" label aims to encourage the better preservation of the site for the future. In exceptional circumstances, a site can be stripped of its World Heritage label if the steps are deemed unsatisfactory. The post UNESCO recommends putting Venice on heritage danger list appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos declares AFP external defense shift
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday declared the recalibration of the focus to external security defense as he pressed full support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Speaking at the 125th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy in its Manila headquarters, Marcos feted the Navy personnel who have exemplarily fulfilled their mandates and duties to defending and securing the Philippine archipelago “from Batanes and the Kalayaan islands, the Philippine Rise, to the West Philippine Sea.” “Considering the changing tides of our national security and the significant gains that we have made in terms of internal security, our armed forces is working to recalibrate its focus more towards the external defense of our borders,” Marcos said in his speech. He added: “In this crucial transition, full support for the Armed Forces must be guaranteed, especially for the Philippine Navy’s priority goals of enhancing its intelligence, defense, and coordinative capabilities.” During the ceremony, the Philippine Navy commissioned two of its “acero-class vessels” namely Patrol Gunboat 903 and Patrol Gunboat 905, which will respectively be deployed in Visayas and Mindanao. Addressing gaps These vessels will mainly address gaps in operational support against transnational crimes and protect the country’s territorial integrity and maritime interests. “With the commissioning of the two vessels today, we look further forward to the completion of the AFP Modernization Program, particularly its Horizon 3, which is significantly devoted to the naval aspect of our military operations,” he said. Philippine Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., said the commissioning of these vessels symbolizes the “promising future” of the country’s maritime defense and military efforts toward enhanced capabilities, increased resilience, and stronger presence in the Philippine maritime domain. “I extend our gratitude to the national leadership for making this possible and for the continued support to our Navy as we realize our vision of becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force,” Adaci said. Marcos on Friday confirmed that there is a plan to acquire submarines for the Philippines, showcasing the government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s naval capabilities. When asked about the plan to acquire a submarine, President Marcos responded affirmatively, saying “Right now, we are in the middle of developing mostly our anti-submarine capabilities.” “So ‘yun ang uunahin natin (we will prioritize that) and then maybe, hopefully, when the time comes and the conditions are agreeable then we might be able to acquire those submarines.” Highlighting the importance of prioritizing the enhancement of existing defenses against submarine threats, he outlined the government’s current focus. Submarine acquisition Various countries have presented offers to the Philippines regarding the submarine acquisition. President Marcos disclosed that these offers extend beyond purchasing submarines, with some countries expressing interest in constructing the submarines locally. This prospect holds significant advantages for the Philippines, as President Marcos said, “If they are built here and we can actually build submarines here and provide those submarines to other countries, then that’s another source of jobs and income and increased capability for our Navy.” In May 1898, the Philippine Navy was formally established following the hoisting of the Philippine flag in one of the Filipino revolutionary navy vessels during the revolt against the Spanish colonizers. The “Off-Shore Patrol” which was previously a naval component of the Philippine Army was expanded and became a major service of the AFP. It was named the “Philippine Navy” with expanded objectives and resources in 1951. The Philippine Navy, Adaci said, has become instrumental in enhancing maritime security, promoting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, and fostering international cooperation since then. “Today, we commemorate the legacy of those who came before us, the pioneers who laid the foundation of our Navy, and the heroes who selflessly served our nation. Their sacrifices and contributions have shaped the Philippine Navy into a resilient force, one that stands ready to defend our nation’s territorial integrity and uphold regional peace and stability,” Adaci said. The Philippine Navy has currently seven operational commands namely Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Central, West, Western Mindanao, Eastern Mindanao and Fleet-Marine Ready Force, and 14 support and command units. The country’s naval force has a total strength of 26,830 officers, enlisted personnel, and candidate soldiers, supported by 1,378 civilian employees, as of 15 May. The post Marcos declares AFP external defense shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pita claims Thai poll victory
Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party claimed victory in the country’s election Monday after a result that decimated military-backed parties that have ruled the kingdom for nearly a decade. A stunning surge for the upstart MFP in Sunday’s ballot left it on course to be the biggest party, followed by its rival opposition — the Pheu Thai movement of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat said he would seek to build a six-party coalition including Pheu Thai. “I am Pita Limjaroenrat, the next prime minister of Thailand,” he told reporters at the MFP headquarters in Bangkok. “We are ready to form the government,” he added, vowing to be a “prime minister for all.” The 42-year-old said he had called Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai’s lead candidate to be prime minister, to congratulate her on her campaign and invite her to join the coalition. Thais turned out in record numbers to deliver a brutal verdict on former coup leader Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, blamed for economic stagnation and a crackdown on rights. Between them, MFP and Pheu Thai are expected to take 292 out of 500 seats in the lower house, with the two main army-allied parties mustering just 76 seats in total. But in a kingdom where coups and court orders have often trumped the ballot box, there are fears that the result may yet be thwarted. MFP has vowed to reform the country’s strict lese-majeste laws, putting it on course for a collision with the powerful royalist-military establishment. The post Pita claims Thai poll victory appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WHAT IF… Alvin Pasaol played his last year in UE
History lesson: University of the East had a ready-made replacement for Alvin Pasaol when he decided to forgo his fourth and final year in red and white. In Rey Suerte, the Red Warriors had another super scorer who could come up clutch game in and game out. The Cebuano put up per game counts of 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals on his way to a spot on the UAAP 82 Mythical Team. A season earlier, Pasaol averaged a double-double of 24.4 points and 11.0 rebounds on top of 1.9 steals and was a Mythical selection himself. Now, imagine if those two were teammates. Now, just think if UE had two super scorers who could come up clutch game in and game out. If the big-bodied scoring machine would have come back for one last ride, he and Suerte would have formed the fieriest 1-2 punch in all of the league - at the offensive end, at the very least. At the same time, Pasaol would have been under his third coach in four years, with the late Bong Tan - and active consultant Lawrence Chongson - following Derrick Pumaren and Joe Silva. Still, he would have been, without a doubt, option no. 1 for UE. Their one-and-done prized prospect, meanwhile, would become more dangerous as he slides to option no. 1A. With those two, the Red Warriors could score on anyone and everyone and would truly transform into darkhorse contenders not only for the Final Four, but for the Finals itself. Don't forget that alongside those two, Senegalese banger Adama Diakhite would also be there as well as steady Philip Manalang running the point. That top-heavy team would then no longer be just a tough-out, but a legitimate candidate for a place in the playoffs. It's still tough to take Recto over third-seeded Far Eastern University with L-Jay Gonzales running the show or fourth-seeded University of Sto. Tomas fronted by Season MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo and Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy. However, that top-heavy team would, for sure, pose problems for fifth-running De La Salle University. Remember, UE upset the Green Archers in the first round - and did it without Pasaol. With the 49-point man there, it's not that farfetched to see them vaulting over the green and white in the standings and then threatening the Tamaraws and the Growling Tigers for the last two playoff berths. Ultimately, the Red Warriors would fall short, but a seven- or six-win season would still be the best finish for Pasaol in his collegiate career. And hey, just right outside the playoff picture is, of course, an improvement from their bottom-third finishes from years past. At year's end, Pasaol and Suerte still move forward to greener pastures - the former the face of 3x3 and the latter a fixture on the Gilas Pilipinas pool. And at year's end, the UE Red Warriors would do nothing but build on their best finish in recent history. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Filinvest Invests P16B in Ciudad BTO Project
The development of Ciudad will finally be realized after the Province of Cebu turned over Friday a parcel of the property to homegrown developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) through a build-transfer-operate (BTO) engagement. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO, formally kicked off the project in simple ceremonies onsite on […].....»»
Marcos admin eyes building 20 new dams by 2028
To meet the country’s growing demand for water and power, the government is eyeing to build 20 medium and three to five large dams by 2028, the end of President Marcos’ term, according to National Irrigation Administration head Eduardo Guillen......»»
Dusit Thani, Sheraton to build hotels in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Two international hotel chains — Sheraton and Dusit Thani – are set to build hotels in this city, the third in Mindanao for Dusit Thani and the first in Mindanao for Sheraton. Dusit Thani operates two in the Davao region – Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Davao […].....»»
SamPan: Making her mark
Samantha Panlilio, eldest daughter of Jose Marcel “Jocel” Panlilio, is embarking on an ambitious career path to revitalize and expand the family’s real estate investments as chief operations officer of both the family’s publicly listed Boulevard Holdings Inc. and Puerto Azul Land Inc., even as she sets a parallel course to build her own beauty line, photography studio, and a furniture business under the brand “House of Marrakesh.”.....»»
All residents in no-build zone prioritized for relocation
All residents in no-build zone prioritized for relocation.....»»
Lapu-Lapu City to build 5 residential buildings in Pusok
Lapu-Lapu City to build 5 residential buildings in Pusok.....»»
Romualdez: Philippines WEF hosting to spur more foreign investments
The Department of Transportation said it needs at least P12.5 billion to build 200 more ports under the Marcos administration, underscoring the need to improve connectivity in remote islands......»»
DOTr needs P12.5 billion to build 200 ports
The Department of Transportation said it needs at least P12.5 billion to build 200 more ports under the Marcos administration, underscoring the need to improve connectivity in remote islands......»»
BSP prodded to build up forex reserves
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should continue rebuilding its gross international reserves amid the wide current account deficit and heavy reliance on debt funding, according to Bank of America Global Research......»»
Samar I continues to build road connectivity in Calbayog City
A 350-meter Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a width of five (5) meters is built in the said area to replace the footh path that residents would trudge in order to reach said barangays......»»
SMC scraps plans to build P100 billion Pasig River tollway
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. will no longer pursue its plan to build a toll road on the Pasig River, succumbing to pressure from opposition groups......»»
Capitol signs deal to build 150-MW solar farm
Capitol signs deal to build 150-MW solar farm.....»»
DOJ releases guidelines on case-buildup for online sexual harassment
The Department of Justice said that it crafted guidelines for gathering evidence and case build-up of gender-based online sexual harassment. .....»»
Lufthansa to build 2nd hangar in Philippines
MANILA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa is looking to build a second hangar in the Philippines, as part of its expansion plans in the Southeast Asia region, said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Thursday. Pascual said the plan was discussed during a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos and Lufthansa's managers in Berlin where Marcos was o.....»»
Nokia offers tech solutions for data centers
Technology leader Nokia Corp. wants to build up its ties with local telcos by providing them solutions they require in running their data centers......»»