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AFP wants Filipino boats, fishermen to go in WPS
The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is eyeing the increase of Filipino boats and fishermen in the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. This was bared by AFP-WesCom chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos in a media interview, shortly after the recent Stratbase ADRi forum titled "Implementing a Comprehensive Philippine Maritime Framework to Advance Rule of Law" in Makati City. Carlos said the primary target is to assert the country’s sovereign rights in its own territorial waters. Hence, encouraging more Filipino folks to go fishing in the WPS, particularly in Rozul Reef and Ayungin Shoal. Asked about the maritime situation in the WPS, Carlos said: “The situational update based on maritime awareness monitoring, the number of foreign vessels loitering in the area is not changing.” The AFP, he added, continues to monitor the waters as part of its domain awareness efforts. Carlos said these foreign vessels are most swarming in the Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), Rozul Reef, Ayungin Shoal, and Pag-asa Island. The military official previously reported the “extensive damage” of corals in Rozul Reef and expressed suspicions that Chinese vessels have been harvesting corals from the area. Despite the swarming activities of the foreign fishing vessels, Carlos was glad to note that Filipino fishermen are still willing to fish in the WPS. “I’m happy to report na ongoing that we have ongoing efforts to convince our Filipino fishermen to fish in the WPS para ma-exercise natin ‘yung atin (so we can exercise our) sovereign rights to fish,” he said. Carlos said more Filipino fishermen have been present in Ayungin Shoal and Rozul Reef for four weeks during the last month. “I’m happy to note, the number has increased a little. Hindi ko masabi substantially, but we need more. We need to increase their number more. But it's a good start for the last month, dumadami na sila (they were increased),” he added. Meanwhile, Carlos noted that they are now crafting a National Strategy for WPS. “The message in strategy. I don’t want to sound it—but it's not a complete overhaul of our strategy. It’s a normal tweaking of the courses of action that we will take against the situation on the ground,” he said. Carlos added that the strategy also includes the changing of geopolitical situation in the area “with more nations’ extensive support to our effort to establish a rules-based international order in the WPS.” “We are all taking these into consideration in putting in on our strategy. A little tweak here and there, not a complete overhaul,” he stressed. “We’re okay with the strategy now, but we are tweaking it a little to be more effective in addressing the situation on the ground,” he added. Carlos said the military forces wished to get more resources “so they can perform their job better.” “With the shift in the external security operations from internal security operations, we are expecting also a shift in the allocation of resources and the allocation of the forces to be able to address external security threats,” he said. He also cited that some ships from other areas are now being deployed in the WPS. “It’s a work in progress to strengthen our forces to address external security threats in the WPS,” he added. Carlos said whatever strategies are being used in WPS must be aligned with the national security strategy of the entire Philippines. “It’s more on making it a tune to the situation on the ground,” he added. The post AFP wants Filipino boats, fishermen to go in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is exerting key efforts to further improve the country’s presence in its territorial waters in the West Philippines Sea. AFP’s Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos said among these efforts include the effective control of all islands now occupied by the Philippines in the WPS, establishing a stronger naval presence, and enhancing maritime domain awareness in these areas. "What is certain is that the solution to the WPS maritime issue is not in the hands of the military alone, but the whole-of-nation approach because it takes a consideration of all matters, not just the military," he said during the Stratbase ADRi forum titled "Implementing a Comprehensive Philippine Maritime Framework to Advance Rule of Law" in Makati City on Wednesday. Carlos underscored that a stronger naval presence involves the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that continuing to conduct maritime patrols in the country’s maritime territory. The WesCom chief also bared the government is slated to come up with a national strategy in the WPS, anchored to the ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In the same forum, Acting Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Moya Collett has expressed concern over the “destabilizing behaviors” directed against the Philippines, particularly the recent developments in the disputed Spratlys Island and Scarborough Shoal. “There have been a number of reports about destabilizing behavior directed towards the Philippines in the South China Sea and we’re very concerned about that,” Collett lamented. “We want all activities in the South China Sea and throughout the world to be consistent with international law and UNCLOS in particular,” she added. Meanwhile, Collett bared that Australia is eyeing the possibility of expanding its existing coral reef restoration program in the Philippines, covering the Rozul Reef—previously swarmed by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia. This after, the AFP and the PCG reported that corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal had been “extensively destroyed” after the CCG and CMM vacated the waters. Collett said there are “no specific plans for that at the moment.” “But I think there’s potential for us to do that through our existing marine cooperation program,” she added. The post AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hong Kong’s top court to rule on same-sex marriage
Hong Kong's top court will decide Tuesday whether to recognize same-sex marriages, rendering a verdict in one of the most consequential cases on the subject in the city's history. Over the past decade, LGBTQ activists in the former British colony have won piecemeal victories in court, striking down discriminatory government policies on visas, taxes, and housing benefits. But the case brought by jailed pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham -- set to be decided at 2:30 pm local time (0630 GMT) Tuesday -- will be the first time Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal has directly addressed the issue of same-sex marriage. Since launching his challenge in 2018, Sham, 36, has twice failed to convince the courts that Hong Kong should legally recognize his marriage to a same-sex partner, which was registered in New York nearly a decade ago. In his most recent setback, in August 2022, appeal judges wrote that Hong Kong's constitutional text "only provides access to the institution of marriage to heterosexual couples". Sham has argued the city's ban on same-sex marriage violates his right to equality, while the lack of a policy alternative -- such as civil unions -- does the same, in addition to breaching his right to privacy. British rights lawyer Karon Monaghan, representing Sham, told the court in June the ban disadvantages same-sex couples in areas such as inheritance and housing rentals. A poll this year found that 60 percent of Hong Kongers supported same-sex marriage, compared to just 38 percent a decade ago. Some international businesses in the city have also backed marriage equality campaigns, crediting it as a way to attract talent. But the city's Beijing-approved leadership has shown little appetite for passing laws that advance LGBTQ equality. Rights advocacy has partly gone underground after Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, following huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in the finance hub. Sham, a prominent democracy campaigner, is one of dozens of activists behind bars awaiting prosecution under the security law on charges unrelated to LGBTQ rights. In July, a radio show promoting gay rights aired by Hong Kong's public broadcaster was canceled after a 17-year run. The post Hong Kong’s top court to rule on same-sex marriage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, Nestlé intensify urban agri efforts
Nestle Philippines and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry on Tuesday announced the sealing of its partnership that will advance efforts to promote urban agriculture as an easy and practical way to help Filipino communities achieve food self-sufficiency while improving their access to and consumption of more plant-based food. Through a memorandum of agreement signed earlier this year, the three-year partnership will enable DA-BPI and Nestle’s brand MAGGI to jointly conduct skills-building activities that demonstrate sustainable ways of growing vegetables in the home, or under-utilized areas of communities, schools, and other urban spaces while enriching families’ abilities to create nutritious, delicious and balanced meals using their own homegrown produce. With the agreement, MAGGI will be responsible for creating programs to engage with communities, which include on-ground and online workshops featuring expert agriculturists from DA-BPI who will teach science-based methods of vegetable crop production in limited spaces. “Nestlé Philippines believes in a collaborative approach to building communities, and we are proud to stand alongside the Department of Agriculture in inspiring a farm-to-fork movement among Filipino families and communities. We believe that food security is key to the health of all and that there’s no better way to build a strong nation than by ensuring that healthy food is accessible to everyone,” said Joey Uy, Corporate Affairs head, Nestlé Philippines. Everyone has a role For his part, DA-BPI director Glenn Panganiban stressed that it is the government’s task alone but everyone has a role to play in food security, and the key to ensuring that Filipinos will always have FAITH — or Food Always in The Home — is to work together. “Through this partnership, we can teach more Filipinos to grow their own food by providing proper mentoring and assistance, as well as other forms of support from the government and private partners like MAGGI,” he said. Also under the agreement, MAGGI will produce and distribute learning materials on vegetable production and affordable plant-based recipes, as well as starter kits that contain planting essentials such as seed trays or basic implements; along with compost and various vegetable seeds produced by DA-BPI. Last July, the 2023 MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Advocacy kicked off as part of the brand’s celebration of Nutrition Month. The various initiatives under the advocacy during this month-long observance were anchored on the theme, “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All.” Accessibility of good nutrition The advocacy emphasized the accessibility of good nutrition, beginning with the Nestlé Kasambuhay for Good Festival at the Quezon City Memorial Circle where DA-BPI conducted a urban gardening lecture and MAGGI held a live cooking demo. MAGGI is also committed to continued cooperation with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, or FNRI, and the National Dieticians’ Association of the Philippines sharing data resources on the prevailing nutrient deficiencies in the Philippines and working closely with them to enhance fortification of MAGGI products. The post DA, Nestlé intensify urban agri efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EPD Task Force activated for Palaro
The Eastern Police District has created a task force to ensure the safety of athletes, delegates, and the general public during the whole duration of this year’s Palarong Pambansa from 26 July to 5 August in Marikina City. Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has ordered the Marikina police to ensure that safety and security arrangements are in place. “We have met with our local police authorities to review their comprehensive security plan for a safe, peaceful, and orderly Palaro for the protection of athletes, delegates, and the general public,” Teodoro said. According to Marikina police chief P/Col. Earl Castillo, a total of 1,088 security personnel will be deployed to secure the delegations during the event. “We are 100 percent ready. As of now, there is no direct eminent threat in the staging of this year’s Palaro Pambansa,” Castillo said. The task force consists of 695 police officers, 138 barangay peace-keeping action teams, 155 bantay-bayan, and 100 Office of Public Safety and Security personnel. They are tasked to ensure the security and safety of the VIPs, student-athletes, sports officials and other guests, including sports venues, billeting quarters and other areas throughout the whole duration of the event. Castillo said the police deployment is not only intended for the Palaro as there will also be anti-criminality operations. An advance command post will be put in place in Marikina Sports Center. Some 60 police assistance desks will be assigned in 31 billeting areas and 29 playing venues The post EPD Task Force activated for Palaro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wagner chief says his rebel troops ‘turning back’
The rebel Wagner mercenary force threatened to march on Moscow on Saturday before announcing a stunning pull-back, as Kyiv seized on the chaos to launch new assaults against Russian positions in Ukraine. The Wagner private army captured a key military headquarters in southern Russia, and sent a force north to threaten the capital, defying Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin's warning of civil war. But amid Russia's most serious security crisis in decades, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin delivered a surprise announcement, saying his troops were turning back to avoid bloodshed in the Russian capital. "We are turning our columns around and going back to field camps," Prigozhin announced after previously vowing to march on Moscow to topple the military leadership. He said understood the importance of the moment and did not want to "spill Russian blood." Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said he had negotiated a truce with Prigozhin "on stopping the movement of armed individuals from the Wagner group on Russian territory and further steps on de-escalating tensions." Kyiv revelled in the chaos, as Putin's former mercenary ally Prigozhin turned his Wagner force away from the offensive against Ukraine and made threats to topple the chiefs of Russia's military. "The man from the Kremlin is obviously very scared and is probably hiding somewhere," Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his daily address, adding that Putin has "created this threat himself." Separately, Ukraine's deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar announced that Ukrainian forces had gained more ground in the eastern region of the Donbas, launching new counteroffensives in several areas. Putin's spokesman insisted the Russian leader was still at work in the Kremlin and had not fled Moscow. Russian blood Before Prigozhin's apparent climbdown, Russian regular forces had launched what one regional governor called a "counter-terrorist operation" to halt the Wagner advance northwards up a main highway towards Moscow. The governor of the Lipetsk region, whose capital is just 420 kilometers (260 miles) south of Moscow, said Wagner's private military force was "moving across" the territory and urged civilians not to leave their homes. In the capital, the mayor urged Muscovites to stay indoors and declared Monday a day off work. "The situation is difficult. I ask you to refrain from travelling around the city as much as possible," Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a statement, warning of possible road closures. Prigozhin said his troops had taken control of the military command centre and airbase in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, the nerve centre of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We got to Rostov. Without a single shot we captured the HQ building," he said, claiming that local civilians had welcomed the operation and vowing to overthrow Russia's military command. "Why does the country support us? Because we went on a march of justice," he said, claiming his men had not killed any soldiers despite having been hit with strikes from army "artillery and after that from helicopters". Responding to the challenge in a televised address, Putin accused Prigozhin -- whose private army provided shock troops for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine -- of a "stab in the back" that posed a threat to Russia's very survival. 'Harsh measures' "Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and to us as a nation. This is a blow to Russia and to our people," Putin said, demanding national unity. "Extravagant ambitions and personal interests led to treason," Putin said, referring to Prigozhin, who began building his power base as a catering contractor. "All those who consciously stood on the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, stood on the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment, before the law and before our people," Putin vowed. Another Putin ally, Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, declared that he had dispatched his own units to help quash the Wagner rebellion, warning: "The rebellion must be put down, and if harsh measures are necessary, we are ready!" Latvia announced that it was tightening security on its Russian border and would not admit refugees fleeing the chaos. 'Civil conflict' After Putin's speech accusing him of treason, Prigozhin launched a second broadside. "On treason of the motherland: the president is deeply wrong. We are patriots of our motherland," Prigozhin said. "Nobody plans to turn themselves in at the request of the president, the FSB or anyone else." Armed Wagner fighters deployed around administrative buildings in Rostov and tanks had been seen in the city centre. As the insurrection force headed north through Voronezh and Lipetsk towards Moscow, the capital's mayor announced that "anti-terrorist" measures were being taken. Critical facilities were "under reinforced protection", TASS reported, citing a law enforcement source. While Prigozhin's outfit fought at the forefront of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, in recent months it has engaged in a bitter feud with Moscow's military leadership. He has repeatedly blamed Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, for his fighters' deaths. The post Wagner chief says his rebel troops ‘turning back’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu tourism on the rebound
Cebu-based real estate and hospitality firm AppleONe Group Inc. has launched an aggressive expansion initiative to dovetail with the programs of the Department of Tourism to attract international visitors to sustain the recovery of the tourism industry — a sector of the economy that was among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic — and create more jobs. Based on the DoT data, Cebu province saw a jump in the number of local and foreign visitors in 2022 by 205 percent. Furthermore, it received a total of 2.8 million visitors last year, which is higher by a mile than 902,000 in 2021. This year, the DoT estimated foreign and local tourist arrivals at 1.9 million, but AppleOne is confident that the numbers will surpass the projection, especially with its aggressive efforts to attract more tourists now that the borders are open, flights are back to normal and people are on the lookout for the best revenge travel ideas. “We are in talks with several international luxury brands to help us deliver world-class service and convenience in real estate and tourism-related projects that are now under development within and outside our home market of Cebu,” Ray Manigsaca, president of AppleOne, said. “We have identified several areas in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao for our future development projects and diversification efforts,” he added. But the company said they are not ready to divulge any details yet, as these are all still in the works, and “we’ll be more than happy to share them with the public once AppleOne has inked these agreements and started on the projects.” Future projects “As of now we cannot yet disclose our future projects, but this year, and in the coming years, we are working on luxury developments in and outside Cebu,” the company said in an email message. AppleOne is looking to replicate in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, its brand of luxurious hotels as it aims to embark on partnerships that will uphold the company’s vision. Manigsaca said the company has engaged Marriott International, an internationally recognized hospitality brand, to ensure that The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which sits along a stretch of white sand beach, offers modern conveniences and five-star hotel amenities. Mahi Center, meantime, is AppleOne’s response to the need to advance the information technology industry in Lapu-Lapu City. Mahi Center also offers well-curated retail experiences via a boutique mall, office spaces for IT businesses with direct access to the mall and a business hotel from global hotel brand Marriott International which will be Fairfield by Marriott Mactan, the first in the country. Central Visayas welcomed 3.6 million foreign and local tourists in 2022, more than triple the 1.2 million recorded in 2021. Cebu accounted for 2.7 million of those visitors in Central Visayas, underscoring its status as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Philippines. Manigsaca and his wife, Venus, founded AppleOne in Cebu City 12 years ago to diversify their then 17-year-old construction company, VenRay, which focused on building roads and bridges. The post Cebu tourism on the rebound appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super typhoon ‘Mawar’ maintains strength
Super typhoon “Mawar” maintained its strength while moving westward after battering Guam, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. Based on the latest PAGASA weather bulletin on Thursday, the center of the eye of the super typhoon was last tracked over east of southern Luzon, moving westward at 10 kilometers per hour. PAGASA forecasts that “Mawar” will accelerate westward and enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility likely by Friday evening or Saturday evening. It will hence be named “Betty.” It will move west-northwestward throughout the forecast period towards the sea area east of Extreme Northern Luzon. “Mawar” is forecast to continue intensifying in the next three days and may reach a peak intensity of 215 km/h by Sunday. Afterward, the super typhoon is expected to weaken but it will remain a typhoon by the end of the forecast period. PAGASA said the current track scenario shows that the rain bands of the typhoon may bring heavy rains over Cagayan Valley between Sunday and Tuesday next week. The Office of the Civil Defense Cordillera reminds different local government units through their respective disaster risk reduction management formations to gear up for the possible effects of typhoon “Mawar” to the region. Relief items The OCD Cordillera advised the public and the DRRM councils and offices not to let their guard down even if “Mawar” is not expected to make a landfall. The OCD said it has already pre-positioned relief items to areas that will likely be hit by the incoming typhoon so that assistance will be immediately given to affected families. Diego Mariano, OCD Joint Information Center head, said all necessary equipment for clearing operations as well as the rescuers have already been deployed along with personnel and air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council likewise geared up for the possible onslaught of the super typhoon. MMDA acting chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC Chairperson Atty. Don Artes assured close and prompt coordination among concerned government agencies and Metro Manila local government units. “MMDRRMC members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood-prone areas and waterways,” Artes said. In Davao City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office assured that the city has prepared for the possible effect of the super typhoon. In an interview, Alfredo Baloran, head of the CDRRMO, said they have already issued advisories in the barangays to prepare for the howler. “We are still on high alert because the weather disturbance is expected to become a super typhoon that will affect almost all of the country,” he added. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the entry of super typhoon “Betty,” the Philippine Coast Guard said it has already placed all units on a heightened alert status. During the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Thursday, PCG officer-in-charge, Vice Admiral Rogelio Lizor Punzalan Jr. said they have already raised the status after PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Advisory number 2A. “All districts of the PCG are all on heightened alert and we already reach out to the shipping industry, and the shipping lines so that they are aware, and that they could also consider seeking shelter. There is also deployment in advance to flood-prone areas,” he said. The post Super typhoon ‘Mawar’ maintains strength appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bohol LGUs told: Protect marine resources, learn from Panglao’s experience
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Learning from the experience of Panglao town, localities in Bohol province are told the importance of having regulations being set in place before they should start to accommodate divers and other tourists in their respective areas. Also, there would be a need for businesses to establish an advance reservation system to make […] The post Bohol LGUs told: Protect marine resources, learn from Panglao’s experience appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
GenSan, Tarlac town sign sisterhood ties
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 02 August) – The city government here and the municipality of Camiling in Tarlac province signed a sisterhood agreement on Monday to advance the cultural and trade linkages of the two areas. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Camiling Mayor Erlon Agustin led the virtual signing of a memorandum of agreement […].....»»
Mt. Apo as geological monument hurdles City Council 2nd reading
THE 20th City Council approved on second reading the declaration of Mount Apo as a geological monument during its session on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod......»»
Army troops kill BIFF training officer in Maguindanao clash
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Philippine Army troops killed an alleged ranking member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during an encounter in Maguindanao del Sur last Friday. Brig. General Jose Vlademir Cagara, commander of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat team, said troops killed Abu Halil, a training officer of the […].....»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
‘Sama-sama sa Angel’s Pizza’ TikTok Singing Contest Grand Finals: A resounding success
The inaugural “Sama-sama sa Angel’s Pizza” TikTok Singing Contest, an electrifying celebration of talent and creativity, reached its pinnacle with the Grand Finals held at Viva Café in Cyberpark Tower 1, Araneta City in Quezon City......»»
Illegal road works?: Alarm raised over road development within watershed areas in Barangay Carmen
A DAVAO City Councilor has raised concerns regarding road construction within the watershed areas of Barangay Carmen, Baguio District......»»
Shabu dealer linked to Dawlah Islamiya busted in Marawi
Another drug trafficker identified with the Dawlah Islamiya was arrested after selling P102,000 worth of shabu to non-uniformed policemen in a sting operation Thursday in Barangay Cabasaran in Marawi City......»»
Sarah Geronimo named 1st Woman of the Year at Billboard Philippines Women of Music awards
Sarah Geronimo made history yet again on Friday night as she was named the first Woman of the Year at the first-ever Billboard Philippines Women in Music awards held in Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. .....»»
Mandaue to host 7th International Cat Show 2024
CONSOLACION, Cebu – Mandaue City is set to host the 7th International Cat Show 2024 for the second time, supported by the World Cat Federation (WCF) and the Society of Feline Enthusiasts of the Philippines (SFEPI) with the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) as the beneficiary. This two-day cat show will be held on April 13-14.....»»
Over 14K security personnel to be deployed for Davraa 2024
THE Davao City Public Safety and Security Office is all set to ensure the security and safety of delegates to the Davao Regional Athletics Association (Davraa) to be held from April 1 to 7, 2024......»»
DavNor’s IP women charity beneficiaries
BAE Rosita Q. Zafra, President of the IP Women Federation in Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), expressed gratitude as Indigenous People (IP) women were named beneficiaries of a charity event held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC)......»»