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AFP urged: Stop sending trainees to China
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines should stop sending its high-ranking personnel to China “to study and train” within the Chinese’s military academy as it would be a “slap in the face” of Filipinos. This comes as information he received disclosed that the Chinese government is paying all the expenses of the AFP officials undergoing massive training and studies in Beijing amid the harassment incidents against the Filipino soldiers in the West Philippine Sea. During Monday’s public hearing by Committee on National Defense, Senator Francis Tolentino said that a number of ranking AFP officials who faced the congressional Commission on Appointments had completed their schooling at the Beijing Military Academy and other training institutions of the Communist People’s Liberation Army. This information was then confirmed by Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino before the senators. Tolentino also said that even the Philippine National Police Academy had also been sending its cadets for training in China, which he described as “indeed very alarming.” “We have not been accepting cadets from our [military] treaty ally while we have been sending [our soldiers] to the country harassing us in the West Philippine Sea. What’s the rationale behind this? How did this happen?” Tolentino asked AFP and DND officials. The post AFP urged: Stop sending trainees to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cadets assure: No more hazing in PNP Academy
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy assured that the individuals who would be entering the academy would not be experiencing any form of hazing. This is in relation to the past incidents of hazing among new recruit underclassmen in the PNP which has created a stigma to the public about […] The post Cadets assure: No more hazing in PNP Academy appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Phl seeks stronger alliance with Vietnam
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has expressed its intent to forge stronger maritime cooperation with Vietnam in the South China Sea, where both countries are claimant states. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo revealed this Tuesday in his speech before the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. “Our geographies and status as major littoral and claimant states in the South China Sea make maritime cooperation a vital point of interaction between our two countries, as economic and security partners. As in centuries prior, this body of water connects our peoples, despite some differences,” Manalo said. “Beyond its strategic significance, the South China Sea is the lifeblood of millions of Filipinos and Vietnamese people who depend on the sea for livelihood,” he added. Manalo stressed that as maritime nations, the Philippines and Vietnam should prioritize having safe and secure seas and sound marine ecosystems as integral to the future of their citizens and the region. The DFA official is on a four-day official visit to Vietnam for the 10th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, three years after the 9th Philippines-Vietnam JCBC was held in Manila in 2019, attended by then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Given the previous joint marine research expeditions of the Filipinos and Vietnamese scientists in the 1990s, Manalo said the two countries “must press further on in exploring novel modes of cooperation in maritime safety, search and rescue, marine scientific research, and marine environmental protection.” “Achieving maritime security is a powerful impetus for our Strategic Partnership. Through the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns, we discuss challenges and explore joint initiatives for the effective management of our competing claims in this area, with the overarching goal of preserving regional peace and stability,” he pointed out. He also noted that the two nations also benefit from the rules-based order which he described as the “bedrock of peace and prosperity” in the South China Sea, a shipping passage for an estimated $5.3 trillion worth of trade. “Our Strategic Partnership must affirm that we are invested in keeping the seas open and free for the enjoyment of our peoples and that disputes must be managed and resolved peacefully in accordance with international norms and laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” he said. The DFA chief is referring to the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the larger South China Sea. However, China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, continued to ignore the arbitral ruling, and insists on its nine-dash line claim. In a bid to reinforce its claim in the oil and natural-gas-rich region, the Philippine government started calling that portion of the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea in 2012. The post Phl seeks stronger alliance with Vietnam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl wants stronger maritime cooperation with Vietnam
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has expressed its intent to forge stronger maritime cooperation with Vietnam in the South China Sea, where both countries are claimant states. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo asserted this on Tuesday in his speech before the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in Vietnam. “Our geographies and status as major littoral and claimant states in the South China Sea make maritime cooperation a vital point of interaction between our two countries, as economic and security partners. As in centuries prior, this body of water connects our peoples, despite some differences,” Manalo said. “Beyond its strategic significance, the South China Sea is the lifeblood of millions of Filipinos and Vietnamese people who depend on the sea for livelihood,” he added. He continued: “As maritime nations at the heart of this seascape, it is a given that we consider safe and secure seas and sound marine ecosystems as integral to the future of our peoples and our region.” Manalo is currently on a four-day official visit to Vietnam for the 10th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, three years after the 9th Philippines-Vietnam JCBC was held in Manila in 2019, attended by then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Given the previous joint marine research expeditions of the Filipinos and Vietnamese scientists in the 1990s, Manalo said, the two countries “must press further on in exploring novel modes of cooperation in maritime safety, search and rescue, marine scientific research, and marine environmental protection.” “Achieving maritime security is a powerful impetus for our Strategic Partnership. Through the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns, we discuss challenges and explore joint initiatives for the effective management of our competing claims in this area, with the overarching goal of preserving regional peace and stability,” he pointed out. He also noted that the two nations also benefit from the rules-based order which he described as the “bedrock of peace and prosperity” in the South China Sea, a shipping passage for an estimated $5.3 trillion worth of trade. “Our Strategic Partnership must affirm that we are invested in keeping the seas open and free for the enjoyment of our peoples, and that disputes must be managed and resolved peacefully in accordance with international norms and laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” he said. The DFA chief is referring to the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the larger South China Sea. However, China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, continues to ignore the arbitral ruling, insisting on its nine-dash line claim. In a bid to reinforce its claim in the oil and natural-gas-rich region, the Philippine government started calling that portion of the South China Sea as West Philippine Sea in 2012. Similar to the Philippines, Vietnam has overlapping claims with China over the Paracel and Spratly islands, which remain the main point of contention between the two countries. According to Manalo, until the resolution of these disputes, the Philippines and Vietnam “share a distinctive responsibility in working to achieve a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and seeing to its conclusion at the earliest opportunity.” The post Phl wants stronger maritime cooperation with Vietnam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangladesh major hub for tiger poaching
Bangladesh remains a major hub for the poaching of endangered tigers despite government claims of a successful crackdown on pirate groups involved in the trade, according to research published Friday. The vast Sundarbans mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh hosts one of the world's largest populations of Bengal tigers. Their pelts, bones, and flesh are bought by black marketeers as part of a broader illegal wildlife trade valued at an estimated $20 billion globally each year. Research from big cat conservation group Panthera and the Chinese Academy of Sciences said tiger parts harvested in the Sundarbans have been exported to 15 countries, with India and China being the most common destinations. "Bangladesh plays a much more significant role in the illicit tiger trade than we previously realized," study co-author Rob Pickles said in a statement. Pirate groups operating in the Sundarbans found a lucrative trade in tiger poaching before a government crackdown started in 2016. At least 117 pirates were shot dead and hundreds more were detained, according to official figures, while many others surrendered as part of a government amnesty. But Panthera's research, published in the Conservation Science and Practice journal, said that the vacuum created by the crackdown had been filled by more than 30 specialist tiger poaching syndicates and opportunistic poachers. Traders operated through their own logistics companies and in some cases concealed their activities through licenses for legal wildlife trade, the study added. The research, based partly on interviews with those involved in the wildlife trade, also found that domestic consumption of tiger parts had increased since the crackdown, owing to Bangladesh's burgeoning economy. Wealthy local buyers were purchasing medicines using tiger parts "as well as large ornamental items for display such as skulls and skins", the study said. The findings were disputed by Bangladesh's official Sundarbans conservator Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, who said the crackdown had brought the illicit trade to a standstill. "We have taken measures to conserve the Bengal tiger population in the Sundarbans," he told AFP. "No tiger has died from... tiger-human conflict in the past five years. Tiger sightings have increased." Just 114 Bengal tigers live in Bangladesh's portion of the Sundarbans, according to an official census published in 2019 -- up slightly since a record low four years prior. An updated population count is due to be published next year. Poaching is the number one threat to tigers globally, and China is the biggest overall driver of demand, largely for use of their body parts in traditional medicine, according to Panthera. The post Bangladesh major hub for tiger poaching appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner Jr. is next AFP chief — Palace
Malacañang on Wednesday announced that Philippine Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., will serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines replacing General Andres Centino who will be appointed Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. “Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner will be the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will take the place of General Andres Centino who was re-appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the said post earlier this year,” the Palace said an announcement made through the Presidential Communications Office. It was not known though when Brawner will assume the top AFP post. Brawner was appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army on 20 December 2021. He graduated in the Top 2 in the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 and has been serving the military organization in various capacities for 34 years. He served as company commander of the 6th Special Forces Company; battalion commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; operations officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne); chief of staff of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division; chief of public affairs of the Philippine Army; spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment. Brawner is also a former brigade commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017. He once served as Commandant of Cadets at the Philippine Military Academy, where he played an important role in the total eradication of hazing and maltreatment in the Cadet Corps. Brawner later served as the first deputy chief of staff for Financial Management, J10, of the AFP. He is also the former commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, where he supervised the unit’s combat operations that resulted in the decisive neutralization of Jorge Madlos or “Ka Oris,” the notorious commander of the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army. Malacañang said that Brawner has exemplified the highest levels of excellence in his military schooling, a top notcher in his classes in the Special Forces Operations Course, Intelligence Officer Course, and the AFP Comptrollership Course. Brawner acquired three Master’s degrees in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University; Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and from the European School of Management, Oxford, United Kingdom; and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Brawner also received numerous awards and recognitions, including The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers or TOPS in 2013 from the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati; and the Lapu-Lapu Award from President Rodrigo Duterte, for his valuable contributions to the neutralization of Abu Dar, the last of the original leaders of the Maute-ISIS faction. In March this year, Brawner was inducted into the US Army War College or UASWC International Fellows Hall of Fame in recognition of his service in the highest command position in the Philippine Army. The post Brawner Jr. is next AFP chief — Palace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spacey denies ‘aggressive’ behavior in UK sex assault trial
Kevin Spacey said Thursday he was a "big flirt" but denied any "aggressive" behavior as the Hollywood actor entered the witness box of his sexual assault trial in south London. The Southwark Crown Court has earlier heard the testimony of four men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, accusing Spacey of sexual offenses between 2001 and 2013. One complainant alleged the actor assaulted him multiple times and, in particular, grabbed him while he was driving Spacey to a party, nearly causing him to "come off the road". Spacey in his testimony admitted to having touched the man but said "it didn't happen in a violent, aggressive, painful way". "It was gentle... and it was, in my mind, romantic," Spacey, wearing a dark suit and glasses, told the jury. Spacey claimed there was a mutually flirtatious relationship between them and described himself as a "big flirt". But the alleged victim "made it clear that he did not want to go any further," the 63-year-old actor added. Spacey said he felt "crushed" after the allegations were made against him, saying it was like a "stab in the back". Asked about the testimony of another alleged victim, who accused Spacey of making crude remarks at a celebrity event before grabbing his crotch, Spacey described them as "madness". "I never said any of the things that he claims I said to him and wouldn't and never have to anyone in my life," Spacey said. He also claimed he didn't recognize the complainant when shown a photo of him. Spacey, an Academy Award winner for "The Usual Suspects" and "American Beauty", was the artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre from 2004 to 2015. He has denied three counts of indecent assault, seven counts of sexual assault, and one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. He has also pleaded not guilty to one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The trial continues. The post Spacey denies ‘aggressive’ behavior in UK sex assault trial appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCG sends 3 cadets to US for training
The Philippine Coast Guard has sent three of its cadets to the United States Coast Guard Academy for training and to enhance their skills......»»
2 PNPA cadets dismissed
Two cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy were dismissed on Friday for violating the Honor Code......»»
Making Phl top innovation, creative hub
In this fast-evolving globalized world, we have learned that those who fail to adapt to new rules and laws will always fall behind. However, rewards await those who can nimbly pivot to the new demands. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines or IPOPHL is very fortunate to have passionate allies in the House and the Senate. They understand that even domestic intellectual property or IP rules have to dance cheek-to-cheek with global changes if we want to keep the Philippines from falling behind. They understand that creating a competitive Philippines requires adequate protection for IP rights which help oil the wheels of technological and economic growth everywhere. This week, IPOPHL briefed the staffs of Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Loren Legarda, Rep. Marvey Marino, Rep. Joey Salceda, and the House Committee on Trade and Investments, all of whom we appreciate highly for taking the time to listen to the pressing needs of our creators, innovators and IP rights holders. Our conversations were filled with insightful exchanges on the future of the knowledge economy, affirming that we share the same vision of an IP system that fosters inclusive economic and social development. In our meeting, we provided the honorable lawmakers with an overview of the 10 main provisions we propose to make the new IP Code more responsive to technological and relevant global developments. Key proposals These 10 key amendments we are pushing for are the following: Impose steeper penalties on infringers — and steeper even where IP infringement threatens health and life, such as when counterfeit drugs and food are involved; Give IPOPHL power to issue orders to block pirated sites and take down IP-infringing posts and platforms; Adopt a solidary liability in trademark infringement where online platforms and service providers, as well as landlords in the case of brick-and-mortar stores, are held accountable for their client-sellers’ IP infringing acts; Allow provisional patent applications which will give filed technologies protection on the date of filing; Introduce a parallel protection system, through which inventors can simultaneously register for a patent grant and utility model or UM protection for the same technology. Such would allow inventors to attempt a patent grant while already commercializing their works as UM applications can be approved in months compared to patent applications which could take years; Provide clear-cut rules on orphan works, which are copyrighted works whose rights holders are difficult to determine or contact; Protect sound marks and certification marks to provide brands with more tools to gain better recall; Recognize extended collective licensing, through which collective management organizations or CMOs can provide licensing solutions to non-members, enabling greater access to CMOs’ cost-efficient, one-stop-shop licensing solutions; Remove the P200,000 damage claim threshold. At present, cases with claims below this amount, usually by MSMEs, cannot be filed as an administrative case; and Institutionalize the interagency National Committee on IP Rights, the IP Rights Enforcement Office, and the IP Academy to funnel to them proper funding and other means of support. Combined, these 10 key amendments will apply global best practices for protecting Filipino inventions; provide an enabling environment for the Philippine creative industry; create more measures to deter counterfeiting and piracy; and make solutions to IP rights protection more accessible to both small and big businesses alike. The proposed protection of sound marks in particular will allow the country to comply with its trade obligation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP Agreement. Building a new IP system sends the world the message that we are building a Philippines that is safe and reliable for all creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Once we turn the page over with this better Philippine IP environment, our kababayans can expect IP creation to set out at an unprecedented pace and make impacts we’d never seen before. The post Making Phl top innovation, creative hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNPA cadet dismissed for Honor Code conviction
The Philippine National Police Academy ordered the dismissal of a Second Class Cadet last 21 June following his conviction by the Honor Committee for stealing, a violation of the Honor Code. This incident highlights the seriousness with which the PNPA values the Honor Code. It serves as a foundation for producing future officers and leaders of outstanding integrity and character. PNPA director Maj. Gen. Eric E. Noble emphasized the Academy›s commitment to providing a safe, honest environment that supports the academic and personal growth of cadets. “Dishonesty, deceit, or other violations of integrity among our cadets will not be tolerated,” he said. The Honor Committee, composed of highly respected members of the Cadet Corps, has the essential responsibility of promoting the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and discipline among their ranks. “Their work is pivotal in maintaining the reputation of the Corps and the Academy as a distinguished institution for developing responsible and ethical leaders for the Philippine National Police,” Noble said. The PNPA reiterates its pledge to take appropriate action against any breaches of the Honor Code, in line with its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and discipline in its cadets. The post PNPA cadet dismissed for Honor Code conviction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Azurin caps PNP roller coaster career ride
General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Saturday likened his eight-month tour of duty as Philippine National Police chief to a roller coaster ride. Azurin will celebrate his 56th birthday today, 24 April, reaching the mandatory retirement age as the 28th PNP chief and the first to serve under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “That’s the best way to describe it. Most of the time down, but we were able to recover,” Azurin told reporters after being accorded Philippine Military Academy honors at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. Azurin recalled being criticized that the PNP under him had become too soft against criminals and rogue cops following his decision to shift to a less-bloody war against drugs. He said his “Life is beautiful” slogan was aimed at giving second chances to those involved in the drug trade, especially the drug users he wanted to be rehabilitated. “We value the preservation of life. And we do not need to threaten criminals,” Azurin said, adding he’d rather have them regret their life decisions behind bars for years. He said the P6.7 billion drug bust in Tondo, Manila last October has also proven to be a tough test for him with no less than Interior and Local Secretary Benhur Abalos claiming there was an attempt by police generals to cover it up. Azurin flatly denied Abalos’ claim, saying that the Special Investigation Task Force of the PNP did its job of filing charges against sacked police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo and in trying to unmask his other cohorts. The SITG also investigated alleged efforts by police officers to steal some 42 kilos from the 990-kilo drug haul, he added. Did his job “I just did my job so, whatever happens, will happen. Let it be where the fight I started would lead. As I’ve said, we were able to unmask the drug syndicates in the PNP,” he said. The same drug bust led to Abalos and Azurin calling on all third-level PNP officials — those with the rank of colonel and higher — to submit their resignations to weed out those involved in the narcotics trade. Azurin recalled being criticized that the PNP under him had become too soft against criminals and rogue cops following his decision to shift to a less-bloody war against drugs. A five-man committee chaired by Azurin has already cleared 917 of those who submitted their resignations, with those of 30 others still being looked into. The committee is expected to wrap up its task in two weeks. Azurin said his legacy may be his assurance that the men and women of the PNP are well taken care of. “When we were still cadets, we were always told that if you take care of your people, then definitely they will take care of you. That’s the legacy that I would leave behind,” he said. At the PMA parade, Azurin thanked his alma mater now under Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino, Philippine Army, for recognizing his 34 years of service to the country. He also thanked his classmates from the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989. PMA values Azurin highlighted the importance of discipline, hard work, and sacrifice for all those who are aspiring to serve the country. “While I am excited for what the future holds, I cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the past 34 years I have dedicated to this noble profession,” he said. He urged the cadets to continue to uphold the PMA’s values of courage, integrity and loyalty. “As future AFP commissioned officers and leaders of men, may the spirit of camaraderie and undying bond of brotherhood as PMAers give you courage, hope, and strength that you may be able to work jointly as one united strong force,” he added. “Get motivated by challenges and be inspired by everyone’s achievements. You are the future of our nation, and I have no doubt that someday you will make us all proud,” Azurin said. The post Azurin caps PNP roller coaster career ride appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
At least 1,000 aspirants to take PNPA Cadetship Admission Test
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A total of 1,023 cadets will take the Philippine National Police Academy Cadetship Admission Test (PNP CAT) this Oct. 29 and 30 respectively. Their testing centers will be at the University of Cebu (UC) Banilad Campus and in Dumaguete City that will start at 9 a.m. to 12 noon with two […] The post At least 1,000 aspirants to take PNPA Cadetship Admission Test appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Don t quit : PMA chief tells 350 new cadets
BAGUIO CITY - The head of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday urged its 350 new cadets to stay positive throughout their training at the school, during the tradit.....»»
Nas Academy claims Whang-Od tattoo course was approved by her
Nas Academy claims that its online course featuring tattoo master Apo Whang-Od is real, saying that they received approval from the mambabatok and her family. Whang-Od is known as one of the oldest traditional tattoo artists from the Butbut tribe of Kalinga. Given her contributions to Filipino culture and the indigenous practice of tattooing, she was conferred […] The post Nas Academy claims Whang-Od tattoo course was approved by her appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PMA cadets catch COVID-19
The Philippine Military Academy yesterday confirmed that some of its cadets as well as military and civilian personnel tested positive for COVID-19......»»
PMA confirms cadets, employees contracted COVID-19
The Philippine Military Academy confirmed that several of its residents, including cadets, have tested positive for COVID-19. “A number of cadets, civilian human resource, and organic military personnel were identified to have contracted the virus,” said Maj. Cherryl Tindog, PMA public affairs office chief. “All affected are asymptomatic and pose no greater danger… There are […] The post PMA confirms cadets, employees contracted COVID-19 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNPA cadets, personnel cleared of COVID-19
The 236 cadets and 13 personnel of the Philippine National Police Academy who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 last month have recovered, the PNPA chief said yesterday......»»
PMA remains closed to tourists
BAGUIO CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Military Academy(PMA) remains closed to tourists even as Baguio City opens its doors to visitors starting this week.PMA Commandant of Cadets Bri.....»»
PNPA holds online classes
Classes at the Philippine National Police Academy continued online for cadets who are not infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, the PNPA said yesterday......»»