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10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Free expression under attack, artist groups urge UN to probe PH laws
“Our gravest concern now is the new policies which attack freedom of expression: specifically the Anti-Terror Law and Executive Order 70 which created the NTF-ELCAC. This emboldened state actors, such as the police and military to commit abuses on a scale last seen during the first Marcos administration.” The post Free expression under attack, artist groups urge UN to probe PH laws appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation
Bulatlat maintains that these so-called “cyber security” efforts could mean online surveillance, distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, “fake news” and other forms of attacks aimed to suppress freedom of the press and of expression, as well as the people’s right to information. This issue was brought to the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan who will hold her official country visit next week. The post STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Continue serving with care, compassion, PBBM tells DSWD
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of serving the public with care and compassion during the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) 73rd anniversary celebration. He commended the DSWD for its continuous efforts in providing aid to disaster victims and the disadvantaged sectors. President Marcos urged the DSWD to treat the poor and vulnerable with kindness and empathy, highlighting the agency's role in uplifting communities. He also noted the significant increase in the agency's budget, particularly for programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior pension, food catering operations, and the food stamps program. President Marcos emphasized that the DSWD's programs are designed to offer a hand up rather than a handout, aiming to empower individuals and families to improve their circumstances. He underscored the government's commitment to dignified giving and support for those in need, emphasizing the agency's role in providing assistance while promoting self-sufficiency......»»
Probe free speech violations, UN rapporteur urged
Various groups yesterday urged United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan to investigate violations on Filipinos’ rights to free speech and expression during her upcoming visit next week......»»
Junk website blocking order, NTC urged
"Insisting on the blocking of our websites runs counter to the government's claims of having a vibrant democracy. We call on the Philippine government to stop violating the people's right to free expression and opinion," they said. The post Junk website blocking order, NTC urged appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UN rapporteur to gov t: Repeal Anti-Terror Law, Cybercrime Prevention Act
Khan called these “laws of concern” that threaten the freedom of expression in the Philippines despite the Constitution’s guarantee of the right to freedom of expression......»»
UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent
“The whole concept of freedom of expression is to be able to say what you want even if it offends the other side. The government should encourage a greater culture of tolerance.” -- Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan The post UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Red-tagging hobbles free expression and opinion
Freedom of expression and opinion in the Philippines is seriously hampered by the practice of red-tagging, according to Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur, who wound up a 10-day official visit to the Philippines yesterday......»»
Philippines welcomes UN rapporteur on free expression
The government welcomed yesterday United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan and promised her full support “in the spirit of openness and cooperation.”.....»»
DOJ lied to UN expert on red-tagging—Karapatan, NUJP
“We are aghast when the DOJ said that it has sufficient mechanisms to address red-tagging. What are they talking about? Either these are nowhere to be found, or if these mechanisms indeed exist, are rendered useless for victims of rights violations." The post DOJ lied to UN expert on red-tagging—Karapatan, NUJP appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Significance of the country visit of UN SR for free expression and opinion to the PH
Human rights group emphasized the importance UN Special Rapporteur's visit, adding that this is the chance to show the international community that all is not well in the Philippines, and how current government policies, laws and programs have led to killings and various forms of human rights violations. The post Significance of the country visit of UN SR for free expression and opinion to the PH appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UN special rapporteur Khan arrives in the Philippines
United Nations special rapporteur Irene Khan has arrived in the Philippines on Monday to embark on a 10-day visit to assess the state of free expression and press freedom in the Philippines......»»
UN rapporteur, CHR discuss expression rights, impact on marginalized
Khan, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, and the CHR officials discussed Tuesday how these affect various sectors, particularly the marginalized. .....»»
Solo parents to get P1K monthly subsidy
The Local Solo Parents' Ordinance, recently approved by the 20th City Council of Davao City, promises a monthly subsidy of approximately P1,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Councilor Tricia Ann Villafuerte highlighted the ordinance's significance in providing vital support to solo parents and their children, as there are approximately 6,000 solo parents in Davao City. This ordinance is an adaptation of the national law, Republic Act 8972, customized to address the unique needs of solo parents in the city. It aims to meet the essential needs of mothers and their children, including school supplies, consultation, laboratory diagnostics, and financial assistance, such as medical, death, and burial aid. Additionally, solo parents will receive a monthly monetary subsidy of P1,000 and are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select basic commodities, similar to senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD). To qualify for the benefits, applicants must submit necessary documents and meet specific criteria, while disqualification grounds include changes in civil status and provision of necessary assistance by the other biological parent as per the Family Code of the Philippines. It's important to note that individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ineligible for the Local Solo Parents' Ordinance......»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
PCG regains control of hacked Facebook page
The Philippine Coast Guard has regained control of its Facebook page after it was hacked five days ago, on Good Friday, the PCG announced yesterday......»»
PCG regains control of hacked Facebook page
The Philippine Coast Guard has regained control of its official Facebook page three days after it was hacked......»»
Another Niger Media Organization Suspended
The interior minister of Niger's decision this week to suspend the activities of Maison de la Presse (Press House), an independent media organization, is the latest in a series of government actions to crack down on the press and free expression in the West African country.The minister's January 29 decree also announced the creation of a new management comm.....»»
‘Media is a public good:’ Closure of CNN Philippines draws concerns from UN expert
The United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion said that the recent closure of CNN Philippines is a "worrying sign" for media freedom in the country......»»