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Key events in the war in Ukraine
From the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February last year to the armed rebellion Saturday of the pro-Kremlin Wagner paramilitary group, here is a timeline of the main events. The biggest attack on a European country since World War II has killed or wounded over 150,000 people, according to Western estimates. February 2022: invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a "special military operation" in Ukraine on 24 February, saying he wants to demilitarise and "de-Nazify" the country as well as protect the predominantly Russian-speaking east from "genocide". A full-scale invasion starts, with missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities that sparks a refugee crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stays in the capital Kyiv to lead the resistance. The West imposes unprecedented sanctions on Russia and the European Union and United States send Ukraine weapons and aid. March: Russian advances Russian forces make gains in the south, seizing the city of Kherson, close to the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula. Russian forces also attempt to surround Kyiv and take Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv in the northeast but meet fierce resistance. A month into the fighting, Russia withdraws from the north to focus on the eastern industrial Donbas region, partly held by Moscow-backed separatists, along with the south. April: war crimes revealed In early April, AFP discovers the bodies of at least 20 civilians lying on a single street in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha -- the first of several grisly discoveries in towns that Russian forces had occupied which spark an international outcry and war crimes investigations. May: Mariupol falls On 21 May, Russia announces the fall of the southeastern port city of Mariupol, which had been relentlessly bombed, after the last Ukrainian troops holding out at a steelworks surrender. Sweden and Finland request membership of NATO, fearing they could be future targets of Russian aggression. June: Donbas battle rages In June, Russia takes the Donbas city of Severodonetsk after one of the bloodiest battles of the war, followed soon after by the neighbouring city of Lysychansk. July: gas supplies cut On 22 July, Kyiv and Moscow sign a deal to resume grain exports from Ukraine, in a bid to relieve a food crisis aggravated by Russia's blockade of the country's ports. Russian gas giant Gazprom slashes its supply to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline, fuelling fears of gas shortages in Europe. August: battle for Bakhmut Kyiv launches a major offensive to retake Kherson as a bitter battle begins for the eastern town of Bakhmut, spearheaded on the Russian side by the Wagner mercenary group. Wagner claims to have wrested total control of Bakhmut in May. September: annexation Ukraine retakes hundreds of towns and villages in a lightning counter-offensive around Kharkiv. Putin launches a partial draft of 300,000 reservists, sparking an exodus of young Russian men of military age. On 30 September, he formally annexes the Ukrainian regions of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. October: power supply hit On 8 October, an explosion causes major damage to a bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland -- a symbol of Moscow's annexation of the peninsula. Putin blames Ukrainian secret services for the attack. Russian forces retaliate with a barrage of strikes on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, leaving millions without power in what becomes its new modus operandi throughout the winter. November: retreat from Kherson On 9 November, Moscow orders its troops to retreat from Kherson in the face of advancing Ukrainian forces, marking a stunning defeat in one of the regions it annexed. Jubilant residents hail Ukrainian forces as liberators. December: Zelensky goes to Washington On 22 December, Zelensky visits Washington on his first overseas trip since the war began. He meets President Joe Biden and addresses Congress. January 2023: tanks on the way Russia suffers its biggest single loss of life since the invasion in a Ukrainian attack on a temporary base in the eastern town of Makiivka on 1 January. Moscow says 89 soldiers were killed in the hit. On 25 January, Germany finally agrees to send Ukraine some of its powerful Leopard tanks. The United States follows, announcing that it will provide 31 Abrams tanks. On 19 May, Biden authorises the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. In April, Ukraine also receives anti-missile Patriot defence systems from Washington. 6 June: dam destroyed A blast at the Kakhovka dam in Russian-annexed Crimea inundates vast areas of the Kherson region, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. Kyiv accuses Moscow of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Russia blames Ukraine. June: Ukraine counter-offensive A long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive begins, aided by the supply of Western arms, according to analysts. Russia brands it a failure but Kyiv says it has retaken several areas. 24 June: Wagner rebellion Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, leading a mutiny to bring down Moscow's top brass, says his fighters have captured the army HQ in Russia's Rostov-on-Don "without firing a single shot" and claims to have the support of locals. Putin warns that treason against his rule threatens Russia with civil war and accuses the Wagner boss of a "stab in the back". The post Key events in the war in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
New DCPO chief to focus on personnel morale, asset optimization
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) bid farewell to PCol. Alberto Lupaz and welcomed its new City Director, PCol. Richard Bad-ang, in a turn-over ceremony at the Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on March 22......»»
PhilSys ID registration now open for kids under 4 years old
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Children up to four years old can now sign up for their Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID, according to an official from the Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas (PSA-7). Edwina Carriaga, the chief administrative officer of PSA-7, told CDN Digital that parents don’t need to bring their children to the registration.....»»
Philippines arrests suspect related to Sunday s school blast
MANILA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops have arrested a suspect related to a university gym bombing on Sunday that killed four and injured 50 others, a military spokesperson said Friday. Xerxes Trinidad, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' public affairs chief, called the male suspect "one of the accomplices." He did not elaborate on the details of the suspect's arrest. Authorities earlier identifie.....»»
MSU blast victims receive medical, burial assistance
In response to the bomb explosion at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University–Main Campus in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, victims received medical and burial assistance. Officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and other Bangsamoro Government agencies, including Barmm Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Hadj Murad” Ebrahim, visited victims at hospitals. Six patients received financial aid through MSSD’s Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations program. Additionally, injured patients at the MSU Infirmary received financial aid for transportation and medical needs. The MSSD workforce also visited the bereaved families of the deceased victims to provide cash assistance and support. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support will be provided for MSU-Main Campus Marawi students, and interventions for deceased victims' families will be determined by MSSD. Officials from various agencies, including the university and security sector, held a meeting and inspected the site of the incident. Related stories include the naming of MSU Marawi bombing suspects and statements from officials condemning the attack......»»
Philippines Identifies Suspects After Bombing At Sunday Mass
MANILA - Philippine police have identified at least two suspects in the bombing of a Catholic Mass that killed four people, a regional police chief said onMonday, vowing to hunt down those behind the blast, which was claimed by Islamic State militants.The bomb went off on Sunday during a service at a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city left in ruins in 2017 by a five-month military campaign to end a bl.....»»
Philippines Identifies Suspects After Bombing At Sunday Mass
MANILA - Philippine police have identified at least two suspects in the bombing of a Catholic Mass that killed four people, a regional police chief said onMonday, vowing to hunt down those behind the blast, which was claimed by Islamic State militants.The bomb went off on Sunday during a service at a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city left in ruins in 2017 by a five-month military campaign to end a bl.....»»
Dawlah terrorist killed in accidental IED blast
A ranking leader of the Dawlah Islamiya was killed in an accidental explosion of the home-made bomb he was to bring somewhere in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday......»»
Three times the funin Eastwood City township
The country’s friendliest global indoor multi-activity park from Finland opens in Megaworld’s 18.5-hectare Eastwood City township in Quezon City. The new SuperPark Philippines brings a plethora of fun from three themed zones and wows visitors with 21 high-energy activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Megaworld Corporation, through its subsidiary MegaPark Philippines, Inc., has collaborated with SuperPark for the exclusive license of two global multi-activity establishments in Metro Manila. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SuperPark Philippines and share the joy and adventure that SuperPark is known for worldwide. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, representing our commitment to creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of movement and play,” shared Juha Tanskanen, chief executive officer of SuperPark LTD. An unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun and adventure awaits at the fourth level of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and soon in McKinley Hills in Taguig City. Known as the world’s friendliest activity park, this dynamic facility will present a diverse range of synergetic world-class activities tailored to individuals of all ages and fitness. “We are excited to introduce a new dimension of entertainment to our valued patrons at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. SuperPark Philippines is set to be a flagship attraction at Eastwood City, providing a dynamic space for Filipinos to bond, play and create unforgettable memories,” Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls shared. Thematic zones The ADVENTURE AREA provides a play haven for kids and their parents, featuring a multi-story playground — with climbing structures and obstacles, a toddler’s ball game and a digital wall. The zone promotes an active playstyle with visitors having the option to go for TapWall, FunBall or Sliding Mountain. Participants will be tested on their reaction speed, memory power and coordination in TapWall. For free-spirited fun, the FREESTYLE HALL awaits, sharing a mission of promoting health, happiness and a vibrant fitness culture. Guests can run around, jump into trampolines complete with a giant airbag, immerse themselves in mixed-reality games and scale digital climbing walls. The professional-grade trampoline airbag is safer and more hygienic than the usual foam pit. Try the Valo Jump, which comes complete with digital sensors and allows guests to bounce with plenty of missions and never-ending fun. Enjoy the Bagjump and Augmented wall climbing for some Augmented Reality fun. Patrons can engage in sports-themed activities and unique freeform mixed-reality games with digital twist parkour experiences in the GAME ARENA. The themed activities are fully augmented to focus on enhancing motor skills, improving balance and agility, and boosting stamina. The zone with the most number of activities and attractions boasts exciting stations that include: Iwall, Superball, Sub Soccer, Hot Stepper, Street Soccer, Skill Hoop, Table Soccer, Air Hockey, Cyclobeat, Super Dash, Valo Arena and Sissy Fox, Super Pinball and Street Game Court, among others. Since 2012, it has captivated audiences from Finland and became globally acclaimed in 2017. With Finnish roots influencing its approach, SuperPark values delivering joy through active play, fostering social interaction, prioritizing inclusivity, blending digital with physical movement, investing in research, embracing their Finnish heritage and believing in the power of joyful play. Creating safe, high-quality venues brimming with fun and activity across Asia and Europe, has made SuperPark a sought-after destination for corporate team-building events, recreational activities and celebrations. It’s not just any global indoor multi-activity park, SuperPark strives to bring endless smiles, laughter and “all-you-can-play” activities to all birthday heroes and their guests. A minimum of 15 people are needed for such bookings with the friendliest indoor park. SuperPark is one with the world to celebrate the most exciting season of the year — Christmas! SuperPark is ready to provide a perfect venue for super Christmas parties, super valuable bonding and get-together experiences. The park is uniquely facilitated for a SuperTeam Building. The activities also come with a SuperSquad Challenge where teams can decide the sequence of the tasks they wish to complete. Guests can book tickets and prepare for all-out fun via the SuperPark website or pay over the counter upon arrival at the park’s reception area. Tickets come in affordable packages with Junior Tickets available for P200 all days of the week. Adults who wish to partake in the fun activities have a weekday rate of P650 from Monday to Thursday, and a “Superday” rate of P750 from Friday to Sunday. Special grip socks that are needed inside the venue are sold at P75 per pair. The friendliest indoor activity park is also open daily during mall hours. Customers can also follow SuperPark on Facebook or Instagram for more information and to avail of special promos. The post Three times the funin Eastwood City township appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO innovates responses to backlogs
The Land Transportation Office, or LTO, now under the leadership of Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has committed to implementing innovative solutions to immediately address the piles of problems “inherited” from the previous leaderships. Mendoza, whom Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista tasked to help the agency improve its current state, expressed confidence that he could turn the LTO around and make it more efficient and effective. He said this aligns with the Marcos administration’s marching orders to digitalize and bring government services closer to the people seamlessly. Mendoza has already begun to execute some changes, such as streamlining the driver’s license application process, implementing a new online vehicle registration system, and reducing the number of fixers at LTO offices, among others. Speaking in a recent interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Mendoza disclosed that his agency is studying cost-effective ways to produce license plates. Presently, the LTO has a manufacturing plant with eight machines working to produce license plates, but as recently directed by Bautista, the agency is looking at outsourcing them instead of producing them. “We make the plates ourselves, although we are studying if maybe it is high time to review whether the LTO should produce or outsource the plates. I told Secretary Bautista that in terms of efficiency, it might be less costly and faster if we outsource it,” Mendoza said. “We are thoroughly studying those options to weigh which will be less costly to the government. Thus, finally, we could resolve all the backlogs,” he added. Million plates a month Mendoza added that the agency’s plate-making plant could produce a million monthly plates to replace all the backlogs — from the old green plates to the new white ones. He said before the end of November, the license plate backlog will hopefully be fully addressed. With production in full swing, a motorist with a newly acquired four-wheel vehicle can claim his license plates within 10 days. In the meantime, new motorcycle owners can now get their plates immediately. This significantly improved from the previous year when motorists took years to get their plates. To recall, in March, ex-LTO chief Jay Art Tugade issued a memo suspending the production of license plates due to a shortage of materials. Online portal needs full utilization Mendoza said the LTO is also working on finally utilizing the Land Transportation Management System, or LTMS, a P3.14-billion portal created to address Filipinos’ motoring concerns. He lamented that the underutilization of the online portal, which he described as just one of the many inherited problems of the agency, was a misuse of government funds. “The system design is incomplete, and you know that as much as possible, we want to be fully digital as instructed by the President. We want motorists to be able to apply for a license and register their vehicles through that platform,” Mendoza said. “We supposedly have all the facilities. There will be no need to go to LTO offices as it will also address the issues of fixers. However, we cannot do all these until we fully resolve the website’s functionalities,” he said, adding that the LTO would need the developers to provide them with some missing source and application codes. The LTMS was jointly developed by German technology firm Dermalog and its local partners, Holy Family Printing Corp., Microgenesis, and Verzontal Builders Inc. The project went through competitive bidding in May 2018. The LTO’s online portal is a one-stop shop that will integrate all LTO services in a single contactless database system and digital platform. “We are waiting for their reply. I have been open since my first day in office, and I’ve been very open to them. There is a problem, let us talk about it. However, they have not replied to my letters on the source code and application code issue. We have to protect the government’s interest, and the government’s interest is to get the source and application codes so we can do the enhancements ourselves,” Mendoza said. According to the new LTO chief, hiring another third-party team to resolve the LTMS issues might cost the government at least another billion pesos. Mendoza asked why the government does not just find another software developer, saying: “We already paid for the contract.” “If we do it, maybe they will spend another billion just to complete everything, so the government will save a lot if we do it ourselves. We have DICT with us, and LTO is also hiring technical people for us to be able to do it ourselves. So, we can do it, we don’t need foreigners to teach us.” The post LTO innovates responses to backlogs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Economists: 25-bps rate hike likely if inflation rises anew
Economists believe the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas might further raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.75 percent next month if food supply issues and high global oil prices persist. Dan Roces, chief economist of Security Bank, said the BSP might make this decision at its meeting on 16 November to help temper inflation faster. “The higher policy interest rate is driven by mounting local inflation risks, attributed to supply chain disruptions and increasing global commodity prices, including the threat of crude price spikes brought about by tensions in the Middle East,” he told the Daily Tribune in a Viber message. Last Thursday, the central bank hiked its rate by 25 bps to 6.25 percent on an off-cycle period to arrest further inflation uptrend due to the aforementioned factors. Risks might linger Jun Neri, chief economist of Bank of the Philippine Islands, said these inflationary risks might linger until the government finds solutions to increase supply of rice, the main driver of re-accelerated inflation at 6.1 percent last month. While Neri said managing food supply is not the BSP’s responsibility, he agreed with the central bank that rate hikes can help slow inflation by restraining consumer spending. “The rate hike is a statement from the BSP that it is determined to bring inflation back to its target. Inflation expectations may shoot up further if the market doesn’t see any action from the BSP,” the economist said. Exacerbated by Israel-Hamas war “The risk of El Niño, as well as higher global crude oil prices recently among 11-month highs led to higher local fuel pump prices especially since July 2023. This could be exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas war that is still uncertain” Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., added. The post Economists: 25-bps rate hike likely if inflation rises anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chip maker Intel beats earnings expectations as it pursues rivals
US chip giant Intel on Thursday said it made more money than expected in the recently ended quarter as it continued to invest in a "geographically balanced" supply chain. Intel shares jumped more than 7 percent to $34.88 in after-market trades. "We delivered a standout third quarter, underscored by across-the-board progress on our process and product roadmaps; agreements with new foundry customers, and momentum as we bring AI everywhere," said Intel chief executive Pat Gelsinger. Intel reported revenue of $14.2 billion, which was 8 percent less than the amount seen in the same quarter a year earlier but ahead of forecasts. Net income tallied $300 million, compared with $1 billion profit in the same period in 2022, earnings figures showed. "Our results exceeded expectations," said Intel chief financial officer David Zinsner, who said earnings benefited from "expense discipline." Intel has been working to catch up with rivals, especially Nvidia, when it comes to powerful chips needed to handle the computing demands of artificial intelligence. Intel touted investments being made in chip production facilities with an aim of creating a "geographically balanced, secure, resilient supply chain." California-based Intel is seen as a key tool for the United States to reduce its dependence on major global producers, such as Taiwan's TSMC. Earlier this year, Intel announced it would spend $25 billion on a new plant in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it the country's single largest foreign investment. The "agreement in principle" would see the semiconductor firm build the facility in the southern city of Kiryat Gat that would open by 2027 and operate at least until 2035, Israel's finance ministry said. Intel has been operating in Israel since the 1970s with development centers and a production site that employs some 12,000 people, the finance ministry said. In 2017, Intel acquired Israel-based Mobileye, which makes technology for automated driving systems in vehicles, for just over $15 billion. Gelsinger said Intel teams have kept operations going despite the war between Israel and Hamas. "Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of our people in Israel and their families," Gelsinger said. "Despite all of these challenges, they're performing extremely well. I am praying for a swift return to peace." China Gelsinger said Intel was carefully studying updated rules in the United States that tighten curbs on exports of state-of-the-art AI chips to China. "We do believe that we'll have plenty of opportunity in China," Gelsinger said. "We are continuing to deploy our products there broadly, even as we comply and work with (the United States) around the regulations that they're putting in place." The new rules tighten measures from a year ago that banned the sale to China of microchips crucial to manufacturing powerful AI systems. Calls to further close the supply chain grew after the popularity of generative AI platform ChatGPT. When announcing the beefed-up curbs, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo insisted they were intended to close loopholes and prevent China's development of AI for military use. "It's true that AI has the potential for huge societal benefit. But it also can do tremendous and profound harm if it's in the wrong hands and in the wrong militaries," she told US media. The rules will not affect chips used in consumer goods such as laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, though some will be subject to export licensing requirements. China has said it is "strongly dissatisfied" and "firmly opposes" the curbs. "The US continues to generalize the concept of national security, abuse export control measures, and implement unilateral bullying," the commerce ministry said in a statement. The post Chip maker Intel beats earnings expectations as it pursues rivals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tech titan Amazon sees profit climb as cloud promises boon
Online retail colossus Amazon on Thursday said profit surged in the recently ended quarter on growing sales and more efficient deliveries, with its cloud business promising even better days ahead. The e-commerce colossus said it made a profit of $9.9 billion on sales that tallied $143.1 billion in the recently ended quarter, with more than half its operating income made from Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud unit. Google parent Alphabet and computing colossus Microsoft this week reported rising quarterly profits, playing up demand for cloud computing enhanced with artificial intelligence. Investors, though, had hoped for better performance from Google Cloud causing the company's shares to slip. While Amazon Web Services (AWS) grew 12 percent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier, the unit's growth lagged that of rival cloud businesses operated by Microsoft and Google. "I remain very optimistic about AWS," Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy said on an earnings call. "There's a lot more there for us; then you look at the very substantial, gigantic new generative AI opportunity, which I believe will be tens of billions of dollars in revenue for AWS over the next several years." Amazon just weeks ago said it would invest up to $4 billion in AI firm Anthropic. The success of OpenAI's ChatGPT, a chatbot released last year that can generate poems, essays, and other works with just a short prompt, has led to billions being invested in the field. Anthropic agreed to use Amazon's chips to develop its next models and to use AWS for "mission-critical workloads." Amazon has already announced it aimed to soup up its Alexa voice assistant with generative AI, which the firm said would allow users to have smoother conversations. Retail rebound Amazon earnings "soared past expectations" in the quarter, according to Insider Intelligence analyst Zak Stambor. "We had a strong third quarter as our cost to serve and speed of delivery in our stores business took another step forward," Jassy said, adding its ad business grew "robustly" and AWS cloud computing business "continued to stabilize." "The retail giant's slowdown last year appears to be in the rearview mirror as it has embarked on significant cost-cutting throughout this year and sharpened its focus on key growth areas, such as its high-margin online marketplace and advertising," Stambor said. A top US antitrust regulator sued Amazon in September, accusing the online retail behemoth of running an illegal monopoly by strong-arming sellers and stifling potential rivals. "Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies," said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. Robots and drones Amazon said Thursday it will hire 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees in the United States to handle shopping demand in the months ahead. Amazon said last week that it will expand drone delivery of certain purchases to a third US state as well as to Britain and Italy by the end of 2024. The US firm has installed a new robotics system in one of its Texas logistics centers, featuring technology like automated vehicles, mechanical arms, and computer vision technology. Amazon already uses 750,000 robots in its warehouses to speed up deliveries. "The better they get at delivery, the more it continues to grow the e-commerce market overall and Amazon's place within that market," said Insider Intelligence analyst Andrew Lipsman. But increased productivity via robots won't fix underlying Amazon worker issues, critics say. Amazon early this year eliminated some 27,000 jobs in a move it said at the time was necessary, after years of sustained hiring. Ads shine Advertising continues to be "a major bright spot" for Amazon and it has started using generative artificial intelligence to help sellers create "eye-catching" ads in its online marketplace, analyst Stambor said. Insider Intelligence expects Amazon's US advertising business to bring in nearly $34 billion this year a major leap from before the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Tech titan Amazon sees profit climb as cloud promises boon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Siarganons urged to adopt eco-friendly practices to preserve island
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the people in Siargao to adopt eco-friendly practices to protect and conserve the environment as he expressed his commitment to fortify the island's position as a prime global surfing destination. In a speech delivered by the President's son, William Vincent Marcos, the Chief Executive underscored the significance of this annual event as a catalyst for economic recovery and sustainable development in the region. "Apart from showcasing the exceptional talents and skills of surfers, this Cup aims to fortify the position of Siargao Island as a prime surfing destination on the global map," said Marcos Jr. The International Surfing Cup, a prominent event on the island's calendar, not only celebrates the sport of surfing but also serves as a platform for fostering cultural exchanges and nurturing respect and solidarity amidst differences. It is an opportunity for locals and tourists to come together and experience the rich culture and values of surfing. "This competition reinforces the indomitable spirit of the people of Siargao," the President noted, acknowledging the resilience of the island's residents in the face of challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette, which caused significant damage to the island. He stressed the importance of supporting responsible fishing practices, buying sustainable seafood, and choosing eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products. The President also called on tourists and locals alike to support government initiatives aimed at the development of Siargao. He highlighted programs such as the Training on Homestay Pilipinas, which educates residential owners about accommodating tourists systematically and responsibly. In addition to these efforts, the government is actively pursuing projects to enhance tourism and trade on the island, including the New Siargao Airport Development Project. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is also working on programs to strengthen Odette-hit towns' adaptive capacities and resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. President Marcos Jr. concluded his speech by expressing his optimism for the continued growth and prosperity of the International Surfing Cup and Siargao's legacy in the global surfing community. He reiterated the government's staunch commitment to supporting the island's efforts for economic recovery and sustainable development. "Let us, therefore, unite as one to bring forth a greener, more secure, and more progressive Philippines for all," the President declared, inspiring hope and unity among the people of Siargao. The post Siarganons urged to adopt eco-friendly practices to preserve island appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner: Phl has right to repair BRP Sierra Madre, China can’t tell us otherwise
The Philippines has the right to repair its commissioned navy warship, BRP Sierra Madre grounded in Ayungin in the West Philippine Sea and China cannot tell no, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Wednesday. In an interview during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Brawner stressed that the Philippines has the sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters around Ayungin shoal and so the repair of BRP Sierra Madre must be fitting. “I really believe that we have the right to repair the ship because that is a Philippine-commissioned Navy ship. Kahit andoon siya sa Ayungin Shoal, karapatan natin na ayusin (Even if it was stuck in Ayungin Shoal, it’s our right to repair that),” he said. Brawner lamented that the Philippines did not even bother China when it had gone as far as installing a missile system and even building artificial islands in the WPS. “So, for me, China has no right to tell us not to repair that while they themselves have created these artificial islands,” he said. Brawner criticized China’s audacity to block the Philippines’ legitimate actions in its territorial waters in WPS. “Hindi naman tayo nakialam. Hindi naman natin sinabi, 'Don't do that.' Hindi naman natin sinabi, 'Don't bring missile systems into these artificial islands.' Sila ngayon kinalampag. Napakalaking imbalance (We did not interfere. We didn’t say ‘don’t do that’. We didn’t tell them ‘don't bring missile systems into these artificial islands’. Now they’re being shaken. A huge imbalance),” he said. The AFP chief believes that China is persistent in harassing and blocking the country’s rotation and resupply mission in the BRP Sierra Madre because it wants to insist their claims over Ayungin Shoal, which was invalidated by the Arbitral Tribunal ruling of the Hague-based Court on 12 July 2016. China has repeatedly ignored the ruling as it constantly insists that Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin shoal) is part of China’s Nansha Qundao and is under China’s territory. The National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya has also noted that China “has no legal authority or basis” to enforce anything in Ayungin Shoal because it is constituted “well within” the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. The shoal is located 105.77 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine province of Palawan. The post Brawner: Phl has right to repair BRP Sierra Madre, China can’t tell us otherwise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FL, DSWD chief spread ‘LAB 4 All’
First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos was in Pangasinan on 24 October to bring free medical consultations, medicines and other health services to provincial residents as part of her “LAB For All” Project. She was again accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian in the nationwide drive. The LAB for All Project, which stands for “Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat,” was initiated by the First Lady in partnership with government agencies, local government units, and private partners to provide health care services to the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the population. Towards full UHC implementation The initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s efforts toward fully implementing Republic Act 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care Act, which guarantees all Filipinos equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services. Aside from Gatchalian, joining the First Lady were Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, Commission on Higher Education chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III, Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, Food and Drug Administration Director General Samuel Zacate, as well as Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico Jr., and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda. The post FL, DSWD chief spread ‘LAB 4 All’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FL, DSWDchief spread‘LAB 4 All’
First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos was in Pangasinan on 24 October to bring free medical consultations, medicines and other health services to provincial residents as part of her “LAB For All” Project. She was again accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian in the nationwide drive. The LAB for All Project, which stands for “Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat,” was initiated by the First Lady in partnership with government agencies, local government units, and private partners to provide health care services to the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the population. Towards full UHC implementation The initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s efforts toward fully implementing Republic Act 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care Act, which guarantees all Filipinos equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services. Aside from Gatchalian, joining the First Lady were Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, Commission on Higher Education chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III, Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, Food and Drug Administration Director General Samuel Zacate, as well as Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico Jr., and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda. The post FL, DSWDchief spread‘LAB 4 All’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI inaugurates its new office in Cabanatuan City
The Bureau of Immigration inaugurated its new field offices in Cabanatuan City on Tuesday, October 24. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the opening of the new office is part of their ongoing efforts to make immigration services more easily accessible. This new BI field office is located on the 2nd floor of Robinsons Townville Cabanatuan, along Maharlika Highway, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The BI chief added that it was relocated from its previous location in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. Tansingco also said that the strategic relocation aims to improve accessibility and convenience for the local community. Their field office will cater to immigration needs in the area. Within the year, the Bureau will set up new offices. He added that the move is in line with his administration’s drive to open up BI offices in malls for the convenience of the public. They are committed to offering everyone affordable and effective immigration services, and by opening this new office in Cabanatuan City, they hope to bring their offerings closer to the community and make it simpler for locals to get the help they require......»»
BFP snubs Belmonte’s fire marshal pick
The controversy continues on the ranks of the Bureau of Fire Protection as reports that the leadership of the BFP is snubbing the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte of appointing a fire marshal in the Quezon City Fire Department. This comes as Daily Tribune discovered that most of fire safety inspectors and firefighters at the QCFD are saying that there exist the alleged “bata-bata” system and a “quota system” in the agency. Just recently, the QCFD held a turnover ceremony at the BFP National Capital Region office where Sr. Supt. Florian Guerrero was named as the next District Fire Marshal of Quezon City, replacing Sr. Supt. Aristotle Bañaga. Bañaga, was relieved because of unfortunate fire incident a couple of months ago where a fire gutted a residential house converted into a warehouse located at Barangay Tandang Sora which resulted to 15 deaths — which included retired General George Ancheta. Ancheta was an uncle of Quezon City Council Majority Leader Dorothy Delarmente, who is also the chairperson of the Committee on Laws, Rules and Internal Government. During the council’s investigation, it was discovered that there were indeed lapses committed by QCFD for their failure to conduct the required yearly inspection based on the provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines and its Revised IRR. Though records showed that there were inspections undertaken in the year 2021, it failed to notice an unauthorized business activities at the address where the blaze killed 15 people. Because no inspection was conducted in 2022 and 2023. The incident prompted Belmonte to recommend to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. — who has jurisdiction over BFP — the relief of Bañaga and his Fire Safety Enforcement Section head Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion. Abalos then ordered another thorough investigation and let BFP chief director Louie Puracan handle the situation. Puracan instructed Bañaga to take a leave and passed the judgement to BFP-NCR chief Region head Chief Supt. Nahum Tarroza who immediately issue an order dated 18 September 2023, appointing Bañaga’s deputy, Supt. Gilbert Arellano as “caretaker” of the Office of the Quezon City Fire Marshal. However, Tarroza has also appointed Supt. Rowena Gollod, an “under rank” official, who was in “floating status” for being assigned at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit as the Deputy Fire Marshal, replacing Arellano. BFP sources disclosed that Tarroza is allegedly trying to prevent the city government from appointing its own choice for fire marshal because the BFP leadership allegedly benefits from the “bata-bata” and “quota system” in which fire marshals are required to “remit” certain amount of money to the BFP for every Fire Safety Inspection Certificate that they issue. This quota system allegedly could bring in as much as P100,000 per month for BFP higher-ups. In Quezon City, the fire marshal should allegedly accumulate and “remit” P300,000 monthly. P100,000 each for BFP national and metropolis office, and for two DILG padrinos who are holding an Undersecretary positions, a former Quezon City official and the other, a retired firefighter, who could influence Abalos on every BFP issue. Appreciating the BFP gesture of relieving Bañaga and Salvacion without any administrative orders, Belmonte wrote Puracan on 2 October 2023, expressing her thanks to the BFP and recommended that she preferred to have Sr. Supt. Dennis Molo — a former QCFD Deputy — as the Chief of the QCFD and Arellano as his deputy. “As a seasoned Fire Officer, F/SSupt. Molo has generously shared extensive knowledge, experience and expertise with the City Goverment. His contributions in the crafting of public safety policies, formulating and recommending fire safety plans, executing on-the- ground operations and proposing engagement with potential national and international partners-stakeholders have been highly appreciated. For his part, F/Supt. Arellano, as lawyer, has been instrumental in his knowledge of the Fire Code, DILG directives and other relevant laws.” Belmonte wrote in her recommendation letter to Puracan. Puracan then responded to Belmonte by rationalizing his decision in designating Guerrero and brushed aside the Mayor’s recommendation to assign Molo as QCFD Marshal by saying the latter should process first his transfer to the BFP-NCR, as Molo was already assigned at BFP-Region 4A office. The post BFP snubs Belmonte’s fire marshal pick appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»