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PCG mulls large drones acquisition for massive maritime patrols
The Philippine Coast Guard is considering the acquisition of large drones it can use to conduct massive maritime patrols within Philippine borders. In a news forum on Saturday, Coast Guard spokesperson, Rear Adm. Armand Balilo, bared the PGC will try to lobby Congress for additional funding they can use to procure large drones to boost the country’s maritime patrol capabilities. The PCG is yet to include the acquisition of large drones in its budget proposal, Balilo said. So far, the PCG has already requested a budget for procuring a remotely-operated vehicle or ROV that can be used in oil spill events in the country. Balilo said the idea of acquiring these drones came during the recently-concluded trilateral coast guard exercise by the Philippines with Japan and the United States in Mariveles, Bataan. “We observed the huge drones being used by the US Coast Guard in patrolling a specific area or during anti-smuggling operations. The newest technology they have during patrols. Instead of the vessels and choppers, the drones flights will go first when they operate against smuggling of products or illegal drugs,” he said. Balilo said it would be a great help should the Philippines will acquire these large drones, which they envisioned deploying in each PCG district. It can cover a range of up to 50 nautical miles. He also noted that the Australian government recently pledged to the Philippines drone equipment, training, and technology for PCG. Balilo said this pledge serves as part of Australia’s commitment to enhance maritime cooperation with the Philippines as well as to bolster regional security and promote closer ties with its Southeast Asian counterparts. The post PCG mulls large drones acquisition for massive maritime patrols appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
Fake booking scams up – ACG
Fake booking scams increased in the second week of March, the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police reported yesterday......»»
Marcos Jr to boost Philippines sports anti-dope body
To strengthen the country’s compliance with international rules against the use of drugs in sports, President Marcos is amenable to increasing the manpower of the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization – the accredited anti-doping organization under the Philippine Sports Commission or PSC......»»
PRO-7: Rules on anti-terror law to boost efforts against terrorism in CV
CEBU CITY, Philippines — An official of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) said that they were preparing to make the necessary adjustments in line with the newly-implemented rules on anti-terrorism cases. On January 15, 2024, the “Rules on the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 and Related Laws” officially took effect. This.....»»
Marcos issues EO to boost assistance to street dwellers
President Marcos has institutionalized a program designed to help vulnerable and disadvantaged persons as well as street dwellers as part of his administration’s anti-poverty efforts......»»
Record purse at Melbourne Park
Players at January’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize pool with organisers Friday announcing a 13 percent boost in the total purse to Aus$86.5 million (US$59.0 million)......»»
Caloocan cops receive 8 patrol vehicles
The Caloocan City Police received eight new mobile patrol vehicles from the city government to boost its campaign on anti-crime activities and public safety......»»
Philippines to boost campaign vs dirty money
The Philippines continues to step up efforts to bolster the effectiveness of the country’s anti-money laundering, counterterrorism financing and counter proliferation financing (AML/CTF/CPF) regime to meet the deadline of Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF)......»»
PNP procures P1.48 billion vehicles, equipment
The Philippine National Police has acquired P1.48 billion worth of equipment to boost the capabilities of police units in anti-criminality operations......»»
Italian PM admits she hoped to do ‘better’ on migration
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has admitted she had hoped to do "better" on controlling irregular migration, which has surged since her far-right party won historic elections a year ago. "Clearly we hoped for better on immigration, where we worked so hard," she said in an interview marking the win, broadcast late Saturday on the TG1 channel. "The results are not what we hoped to see. It is certainly a very complex problem, but I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it." Meloni's post-fascist Brothers of Italy party was elected in large part on a promise to reduce mass migration into Italy. But the number of people arriving on boats from North Africa has instead surged, with more than 130,000 recorded by the interior ministry so far this year -- up from 70,000 in the same period of 2022. After 8,500 people arrived on the tiny island of Lampedusa just three days earlier this month, Meloni demanded the European Union do more to help relieve the pressure. Brussels agreed to intensify existing efforts, and this week said it would start to release money to Tunisia -- from where many of the boats leave -- under a pact aimed at stemming irregular migration from the country. Blaming Germany But Meloni's main coalition partner, Matteo Salvini of the anti-immigration League party, has been dismissive of EU efforts to manage the surge of arrivals that he dubbed an "act of war". The League this weekend also condemned Germany for funding an NGO conducting at-sea rescues in the Mediterranean, saying it represented "very serious interference" in Italian affairs. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, a member of Meloni's party, weighed in on Sunday, telling La Stampa newspaper the move put Italy "in difficulty". "If Germany cared about the fate of people in difficulty and really wanted to help us save lives, they could help ... (with plans) to seriously combat criminals who traffic people," he added in a statement on Sunday evening. Several charity rescue ships operate in the Central Mediterranean, the world's deadliest sea crossing for migrants, although they only pick up around five percent of arrivals to Italy, according to Crosetto. The German foreign office confirmed it was providing between 400,000 euros and 800,000 euros each to two projects, "for the support on land in Italy of people rescued at sea and an NGO project for sea-rescue operations". Protection money While interior minister in a previous government in 2019, Salvini blocked several charity ships from disembarking rescued migrants in Italy, a move that saw him prosecuted in Sicily on charges of kidnapping. Since taking office in October, Meloni's government has restricted the activities of the ships, which it accuses of encouraging migrants while vowing to clamp down on people smugglers. It has also sought to boost the repatriation of arrivals ineligible for asylum, including by building new detention centers and extending the time migrants can be held there. It emerged this week it would also be requiring migrants awaiting a decision on asylum to pay a deposit of 5,000 euros or be sent to a detention center, prompting accusations the state was charging "protection money". The center-left Democratic Party said earlier this week that "on immigration, the Italian right has failed". "It continues on a path that is demagogic and consciously cynical, but above all totally ineffective both in the respect and safeguarding of human rights, and for the protection of Italy's interests," it said in a note. The criticism of Germany comes after Berlin temporarily stopped accepting migrants living in Italy after Rome itself suspended EU rules governing the distribution of migrants. The post Italian PM admits she hoped to do ‘better’ on migration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More agencies join Bangsamoro anti-child labor bloc
The foreign-assisted anti-child labor campaign in six southern provinces got a boost this week with pledges of cooperation from more local executives, law enforcement and state security entities......»»
LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS
The Anti-Red Tape Authority on Wednesday encouraged the local government units to comply with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop or eBOSS to boost the ease of doing business in the Philippines. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said that the eBOSS is a program developed by ARTA in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide LGUs with a digitalized and streamlined business processing and licensing system. "The eBOSS makes it easier and faster for businesses to register and obtain permits, which can help to attract more investors and create more jobs," Perez said in a public briefing. Perez added that ARTA is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that all LGUs comply with the eBOSS requirement. "We are providing LGUs with the necessary support and guidance to help them implement the eBOSS. We are also working with the DILG to monitor the compliance of LGUs," Perez said. As of September 2023, only eight out of 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have been verified by ARTA as compliant with eBOSS. Among them are Quezon City, Valenzuela, Marikina, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City, all of which have seen an increase in revenue collection and business registration. Outside Metro Manila, Lapu-Lapu, Cagayan de Oro, and Batangas City have also complied. "We urge all LGUs to comply with the eBOSS requirement. This is not only a legal requirement, but it is also in the best interest of our businesses and our economy," Perez said. ARTA's Partnership with the Civil Service Commission ARTA has also partnered with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Under the partnership, ARTA and CSC will work together to develop and implement training programs for government employees on anti-red tape and ease of doing business. The partnership is also expected to promote the use of technology to improve government service delivery, Perez said. In addition, he said both ARTA and CSC will monitor and evaluate the performance of government agencies in terms of anti-red tape and ease of doing business. "We believe that this partnership with CSC will be instrumental in our efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services," Perez said. "A more efficient and effective government will benefit both businesses and citizens. It will make it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs, and it will make it easier for citizens to access government services," Perez added. The post LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GCash backs bills running after scams
GCash is expressing its full support for the urgent passage of a proposed law that will boost the fight against scammers and fraudsters. “As we place utmost priority on trust and security, we believe that House Bill 7393, or the ‘Anti-Financial Scamming Act’ and Senate Bill 2039, or the ‘Anti-Mule and Financial Fraud Act of 2023’ will greatly help deter financial cybercrimes in the country,” Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash, said. The proposed legislations will primarily punish cybercriminals and their accomplices such as the so-called money mules who are used by scammers to receive stolen or illicit money and obscure the source of funds while keeping the criminals’ identity secret. While some money mules are aware that what they’re doing is illegal, others are more unwitting. “If urgently passed and implemented, the measures penalizing money mules and scammers can further accelerate the country’s digitalization and financial inclusion agenda,” Reyes indicated. GCash has been proactively blocking suspicious accounts to keep these bad actors from victimizing customers. Rounding up mules From January 2022 to June 2023, GCash had barred 4 million accounts from accessing the platform for fraud. The leading e-wallet is also in close coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the National Bureau of Investigation to ensure scammers and fraudsters are stopped in their tracks. House Bill 7393, once passed, will penalize any person who acts as a money mule or performs social engineering schemes. When done by a group of three or more persons, perpetrators will also face charges of economic sabotage. As for Senate Bill 2039, it expressly prohibits phishing and account takeovers — two of the most common schemes that criminals use to steal money from unsuspecting users. The post GCash backs bills running after scams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red-tagged individuals have only themselves to blame
These human rights groups and activists have been haranguing the government for every perceived action that threatens their democratic space or their existence as an organization. They are always at the forefront, slamming the government and its officials who do not conform to their progressive and radical views. They rev up people into a frenzy and rally them against certain policies and programs that will neutralize the revolutionary activities of the armed left and its front organizations. They organize protest marches and rallies and call on the people to reject government initiatives to eradicate the more than 50-year-old communist urgency, like the establishment of the NTF-ELCAC, which has successfully stopped the resurrection of the communist rebels. The NTF-ELCAC is an ingenious program commenced in the previous Duterte administration, institutionalizing the government’s “whole of nation” approach in confronting the ongoing communist rebellion and against groups that are front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines or CPP. The socio-economic program of the NTF-ELCAC at the barangay level succeeded in dismantling the communist hold on the depressed and neglected barangays. It led to hundreds of NPAs surrendering and returning to the law’s fold. These left-leaning individuals and aggregations exhibit their nationalist pretensions by embroiling themselves with national issues related to the people’s needs and sufferings, picturing themselves as victims of human rights violations committed allegedly by the government against them. They use social media to whip up support for them and use compelling political propaganda subjects like alleged summary killings, unlawful arrests, tortures, and harassment of political activists and progressive groups. Their comrades in Congress who managed to be elected have become effective political mouthpieces against the government. They are good at using the mass media, which is just too happy to accommodate them to boost their sales. Some have infiltrated the government bureaucracy and used their positions and offices to advance their political ideologies in the guise of good government. They have been successful, too, in recruiting young students of impressionable minds to embrace their causes, who end up either young NPA rebels, leading student activists, or dead resulting from government clashes with government troops. These self-proclaimed nationalists have peppered the air with accusations of extrajudicial killings against the government and have defended suspected terrorists and subversives when arrested and prosecuted. They readily proclaim their innocence. They have taken the cudgels of citizens murdered by common criminals or political warlords — but they are deathly silent when the communist armed rebels waylay, ambush, and murderously assault military men and women as well as civilians engaged in humanitarian missions during the occurrence of natural disasters. Even when they are confronted with this telling inconsistency and dared to condemn these terrorist atrocities, these leftists remain tight-lipped. They have never condemned the New People’s Army for its terroristic and undemocratic activities. Given this implied but glaring support to the enemies of the state by their deafening silence, can we reasonably accuse the government officials of classifying or describing them as supporters of the NPA or closeted members of the armed rebellion? Certainly not. They have only themselves to blame for being tagged as red supporters. Why should they be afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed to be called communists or communist supporters? The Anti-Subversion Law, where being a member of the CPP is a crime, has long been repealed. So why the fear or shame of being called a communist advocate or supporter? These democratic pretenders must unclothe themselves of their camouflage and join the parliamentary struggle. They should publicly articulate the virtues of communism against democracy and seek elective posts based on their true ideological selves. They should not use the Bill of Rights to undermine the authority of the constituted authorities, remaining as secret enemies of democracy while masquerading as its champions. It is about time they unmask themselves and be proud of their ideological beliefs. They should put an end to their pretense. They should be principled enough to present themselves as ideologues of communism — own to their loyalty to such ideology — and profess it publicly. Let the people judge who — and what they are — and not what they pretend to be. The post Red-tagged individuals have only themselves to blame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GCash backs urgent passage of legislation against scammers
In line with its thrust of building the safest platform for its users, GCash is expressing its full support for the urgent passage of a proposed law that will give a big boost to the fight against scammers and fraudsters. “As we place utmost priority on trust and security, we believe that House Bill 7393, or the ‘Anti-Financial Scamming Act’ and Senate Bill 2039, or the ‘Anti-Mule and Financial Fraud Act of 2023’, will greatly help deter financial cybercrimes in the country,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash. The proposed legislation will primarily punish cybercriminals and their accomplices such as the so-called money mules who are used by scammers to receive stolen or illicit money and obscure the source of funds while keeping the criminals’ identity secret. While some money mules are aware that what they’re doing is illegal, others are more unwitting. “If urgently passed and implemented, the measures penalizing money mules and scammers can further accelerate the country’s digitalization and financial inclusion agenda,” noted Reyes. GCash has been proactively blocking suspicious accounts to keep these bad actors from victimizing customers. In fact, from January 2022 to June 2023, GCash has already barred four million accounts from accessing the platform for fraud. The leading e-wallet is also in close coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to ensure scammers and fraudsters are stopped in their tracks. House Bill No. 7393, once passed, will penalize any person who acts as a money mule or performs social engineering schemes. When done by a group of three or more persons, perpetrators will also face charges of economic sabotage. As for Senate Bill No. 2039, it expressly prohibits phishing and account takeovers — two of the most common schemes that criminals use to steal money from unsuspecting users. Both proposed measures define money mules as persons who sell, buy, or lend e-wallets or other financial accounts, including those who register for such accounts using fake names or stolen identities to commit a crime. Other bills in the Senate aimed at beefing up the fight against fraudsters and scammers are SB 336, SB 2171, SB 2306, and SB 2407. “We look forward to collaborating with our legislators and other stakeholders for the protection of the Filipino people against evolving threats in this increasingly more digital world,” emphasized Reyes. The post GCash backs urgent passage of legislation against scammers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo
The government’s anti-illegal drugs advocacy campaign program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA got a big boost as the Philippine Councilors League- Olongapo City chapter signed a covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government expressing support and commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a drug-free society. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of PCL as he underscored the vital role of each sector of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector—in the whole-of-nation approach to put an end to the drug menace. “Habang nanghuhuli ang ating mga pulis, NBI at PDEA, inuugat natin ang problema, gumagalaw tayong lahat. That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,”Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City. “Itong laban na ito ay para sa mga anak natin, and we are going to approach it the right way,” he added. Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3. During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting as statistics show that 1 out of 3 Filipino children are stunted. He shared his best practices during his term as Mayor of Mandaluyong City when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1000 days of life of a child for optimum development. His initiatives earned for the city the highest award conferred to an LGU - the Nutrition Honor Award. “What is important is we are all here right now. The government cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role here. Ang importante gawa, hindi salita,” he said. The post BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Birkenstock footwear brand files for IPO in United States
German footwear brand Birkenstock on Tuesday filed for an initial public offering in the United States, planning to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The proposed terms of its share sale have not been revealed, but news reports previously said that the IPO could value the sandal maker at more than $8 billion. The brand, founded in 1774 to make orthopedic shoes, received a Hollywood boost recently when actress Margot Robbie donned a pair of pink Birkenstocks in the lead role of the hit movie "Barbie". By 1897, Konrad Birkenstock had made the first flexible sole fitting the contours of the feet, and the sandals were brought to the United States in the 1960s. They were adopted by hippies who took to their no-frills comfort, while also seeing their utilitarian look as an anti-fashion badge. In 2021, private equity firm L Catterton and the family-holding fund of French luxury brand magnate Bernard Arnault acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock, based in Linz am Rhein in western Germany. Analysts estimated the price of the sale at around four billion euros ($4.4 billion). The post Birkenstock footwear brand files for IPO in United States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos, Albanese forge ‘strategic partnership’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese forged a strategic partnership on Friday to deepen cooperation in defense and security, trade and the economy, and maritime affairs. The two leaders signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace in Manila. “The agreements signed and witnessed today symbolize our joint determination to enhance our cooperation across various domains from development to cultural exchanges,” President Marcos said. “These agreements represent a tangible commitment to work together for the betterment of our two nations,” he added. Albanese said his country has been working closely with the Philippine government in conflict-afflicted Mindanao as he announced a new five-year program to reintegrate former combatants into mainstream society. The Australian leader pushed for community development and livelihood generation, particularly for women and those in vulnerable situations. He said Australia will introduce new visa rules and more scholarships for Filipinos. A memorandum of understanding was also signed by the two countries, giving the Philippines A$4.4 million for joint research projects on soil enrichment. “We’re also supporting the re-establishment of the Philippines Institute at the Australian National University, which will boost partnerships between Australian and Filipino academic institutions,” Albanese said. The post Marcos, Albanese forge ‘strategic partnership’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Navy gets huge boost
The Philippine Navy is slated to acquire two brand new missile corvettes between 2025 and 2026 while two offshore patrol vessels are set to come from 2026 to 2028, according to a Navy official on Wednesday. PN vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia said that the incoming new navy vessels in the country is part of the corvette acquisition program of the Department of National Defense with the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries awarded on 28 December 2021. “We have a lot of naval ships coming in. In 2025 and 2026, we will be receiving two brand-new corvettes from South Korea. These ships are brand new,” Valencia said in a radio interview. The navy official said the brand corvettes are expected to reinforce the two Jose Rizal-class missile frigates that are in service — the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna. According to Valencia, these incoming corvettes, designed to be capable of conducting anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions are worth P28 billion and on top of it is the acquisition of brand-new offshore patrol vessels or OPVs worth P30 billion, which was also awarded to HHI on 28 June 2022. “Come 2026-2028, we expect to receive six more brand new OPVs, the main purpose of the OPV is to patrol the seas,” Valencia said. The post Phl Navy gets huge boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»