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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......»»
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......»»
DSWD vows to intensify efforts, collab with agency partners vs hunger
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognizes that addressing hunger is a continuing effort that is why there is a need to implement innovative strategies to combat involuntary hunger, Asst. Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said on Tuesday (January 23). “This is why we continue to implement innovative programs to address hunger […].....»»
Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders
Human rights group Karapatan, said there are at least 91 individuals who have been charged with violations of the ATA and Republic Act No. 10168 or the law on the prevention and suppression of terrorist financing. There are also at least 27 political prisoners charged under both laws. The post Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UK Government Severely Eroded Human Rights in 2023
(London, January 11, 2024) - The United Kingdom government's policies and practices both severely eroded domestic human rights protections and undermined its efforts to promote human rights globally in 2023, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024."T.....»»
Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders
As the motion of reconsideration for the terror charges against Ken Rementilla and Jasmin Rubia was denied by an Antipolo prosecutor, human rights alliance Defend Southern Tagalog calls for accountability of notorious rights violators. The post Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Japan Again Calls Out Chinese Government s Rights Abuses
Last week, during China's fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Japan expressed "concern about the human rights situation in China" and recommended that Beijing "protect the rights of the minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs ... guarantee the fundamental rights and freedom under the Hong Kong basic la.....»»
Brazil: Mixed Rights Record for Lula s First Year
(Sao Paulo) - The administration led by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made important progress in the protection of the Amazon, women's rights, and other rights during 2023, but has failed to tackle the chronic problem of police abuse or defend human rights consistently abroad, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its&.....»»
Pakistan: New Government Should Protect Rights
(New York) - Pakistan's newly elected prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, should make human rights a key focus of his government, Human Rights Watch said in a letter today to the prime minister. The new Pakistani government should adopt an agenda that actively promotes and protects human rights,.....»»
US Strikes Another Houthi Site in Yemen
The U.S. military carried out an additional strike early Saturday against Houthi positions in Yemen in an effort to protect shipping in the Red Sea, according to U.S. media reports.News organizations citing anonymous sources said the latest strike targeted a radar site that officials said presented a continuing threat to maritime traffic.The strike came a little more than a day after the U.S. and British.....»»
US Strikes Another Houthi Site in Yemen
The U.S. military carried out an additional strike early Saturday against Houthi positions in Yemen in an effort to protect shipping in the Red Sea, according to U.S. media reports.News organizations citing anonymous sources said the latest strike targeted a radar site that officials said presented a continuing threat to maritime traffic.The strike came a little more than a day after the U.S. and British.....»»
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......»»
Int’l rights groups condemn detention, deportation of Dutch-Filipino activist
According to Migrante-Netherlands, Marikit Saturay was not allowed to talk to her lawyers and her relatives. A uniformed agent was also assigned to guard her during the entire detention period. The post Int’l rights groups condemn detention, deportation of Dutch-Filipino activist appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
OSG calls on the court anew to reverse the acquittal of 10 human rights defenders
"Such frivolous yet retaliatory charges pursued by government counsels also show how public funds are being wastefully utilized to go after those who defend and uphold human rights.” The post OSG calls on the court anew to reverse the acquittal of 10 human rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
US: Human Rights Guide to 2024 Elections
(Washington, February 7, 2024) - Human Rights Watch on February 7, 2024, released "A Human Rights Guide to the 2024 US Elections: Vital Recommendations for Voters, Candidates, and Supporters of Democracy."This 15-page guide, aimed at the US congressional and presidential elections in 2024, addresses a wide range of domestic an.....»»
Spyware Targets Human Rights Watch Staff in Jordan
(Amman) - Two Human Rights Watch staff members based in Jordan have been repeatedly targeted with advanced surveillance spyware, Human Rights Watch said today. The targeting, which violates their right to privacy, began in October 2022 and succeeded briefly in infecting one of their mobile phones.The same spyware was also used to target the devices of at least 33 Jordanian and Jordan-based journalists, act.....»»
Asia: Regional Leadership Needed on Human Rights
(Bangkok) - Increasing repression by governments in Asia is negatively affecting human rights locally and internationally, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its World Report 2024.In 2023, the Chinese government continued to commit.....»»
Repression Increased in Asia in 2023, Human Rights Watch Says
Governments across Asia grew more repressive last year, emboldened by Western countries eager to curry favor with allies that might help check China's rise and taking increasingly brazen steps to silence their critics abroad, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.In its World Report 2024, launched Thursday morning in New York, the advocacy group takes stock of the human rights situation in more than 100 countr.....»»