UNODC Executive Director urges action to stop arms trafficking and illicit financial flows to Haiti at UN Security Council
A version of this article originally appeared on UN News. New York, 25 January 2024: "As long as gangs continue to have access to highly sophisticated firearms, they will remain capabl.....»»
With over 460 million children living in conflict, child protection systems must be strengthened, says UNODC Executive Director
In a world where "460 million children were living in contexts of conflict in 2022", child protection systems must be strengthened, said Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at a high-level conference at the European Parliament. At the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict conference in Brussels, organize.....»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Haiti: Urgent Action Needed amid Growing Lawlessness
(Washington, DC) - Haiti is on the brink of a total collapse or takeover of the state as violent criminal groups seeking to overthrow the government have attacked police officers and state institutions, including prisons, Human Rights Watch said today. The groups' actions have brought economic activity, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, and nearly.....»»
New UNODC research on child recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups shows need for a united front on child protection
Children around the world are victims of a serious form of violence: recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups. Recognizing the gravity of this situation and the scarcity of related data and evidence, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with national research partners and the support of the European Union, launched a new study Targeted by Terror.....»»
Speaking up for survivors of human trafficking: Victoria Nyanjura s story
The UN Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (UNVTF) provides humanitarian, legal and financial aid to victims of trafficking in persons through the awarding of grants to civil society organizations. Victoria Nyanjura was recently elected as Chair of the UNVTF and is the first-ever survivor of human traffi.....»»
BIR seizes P5.4 billion worth of illicit cigarettes
The trade of illicit cigarettes remains a problem with the Bureau of Internal Revenue unearthing P5.4-billion in tax liabilities from its latest operation......»»
Haiti gangs unleash new attacks
Haiti gangs unleash new attacks.....»»
Philippines to repatriate Filipinos from crisis-hit Haiti
The move comes after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo approved the declaration of Alert Level 3 in Haiti, signifying the voluntary repatriation for Filipinos there......»»
Gangs Attack Police Stations in Haiti
Gangs Attack Police Stations in Haiti.....»»
Council to appeal March 1 as special non-working holiday in Davao City
The Davao City Council is seeking to appeal to the national government to declare March 1 as a non-working holiday in honor of Araw ng Davao, the city's founding anniversary. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized the importance of this appeal for the people of Davao, expressing hope that the president will grant their request. This initiative comes as a response to a new bill that designates March 1 as the new founding anniversary, shifting the traditional celebration date from March 16. Despite the bill and law designating March 1 as a working holiday, the council aims to annually request Malacañang to recognize it as a non-working holiday. The appeal is intended to ensure that Dabawenyos can actively participate in the festivities. Additionally, the executive committee of Araw ng Davao is in the final stages of organizing events and activities for the celebration. Discussions have been ongoing, with plans anticipated to be finalized soon. This move reflects the council's commitment to honoring and celebrating the city's heritage and traditions......»»
Marcos signs EO reinforcing PH maritime security in WPS
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order geared at strengthening the country’s maritime security and domain awareness in light of China’s recent aggressive threats in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Executive Order No. 57, which Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed on March 25, was released to the media on.....»»
China urges Philippines to stop maritime infringement, provocation
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China lodged serious representations to the Philippine side on its intruding vessels into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao, and once again urges the Philippines to stop maritime infringement and provocation, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the collision between Chinese and Philippine bo.....»»
China urges Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Philippines to immediately stop violating China's sovereignty and its provocations on Ren'ai Jiao, and return to observing the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. Wang made the remarks when asked to comment on a statement made by the Philippine department of.....»»
Pasig RTC inisyu warrant: Quiboloy swak sa human trafficking
Inilabas na ng Pasig Regional Trial Court ang arrest warrant kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy sa kasong human trafficking. The post Pasig RTC inisyu warrant: Quiboloy swak sa human trafficking first appeared on Abante......»»
New Board Members for UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons Announced
Vienna, 2024: The latest board of trustees of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (UNVTF) has been established. The board is now constituted of:The five anti-human trafficking experts, representing the five UN Regional Groups, were appointed by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to provide strategic guidance to the Trust Fund over th.....»»
Globe reports steep 73.7% decline in blocked bank-related spam, scam SMS in 2023
The telecommunications company Globe has reported a significant 73.7% decrease in the number of blocked spam and scam SMS related to banks in 2023. This reduction is a result of the interception of 21.9 million bank-related fraudulent messages, a sharp decline from the 83.39 million messages blocked the previous year. Globe attributes this achievement to its proactive strategies and strong partnerships with major banks and financial institutions in the Philippines. The company has established anti-fraud alliances with the Bankers Association of the Philippines and individual players in the finance sector, enabling the sharing of data and intelligence to prevent and investigate fraud effectively. Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe, emphasized the company's commitment to combating financial fraud and enhancing security measures for customer protection. Globe has invested approximately US$20 million to improve its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system and operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages from both international and domestic sources. Despite certain limitations, Globe remains dedicated to customer protection and emphasizes the need for a unified approach in the fight against fraud. The company is focused on leveraging technology and strengthening alliances with key stakeholders to combat fraudulent activities. As Globe continues to advance its technologies and collaborations, it aims to provide a safer and more secure digital environment for its customers. For more information about Globe and its initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT).....»»
NZ support for strikes against Houthis
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC today expressed New Zealand support for strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea."Today's strikes support international security and trade, on which New Zealanders rely," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. "Nearly 15 per cent of global trade flows thr.....»»
PRO-Davao awaiting order from Senate’s sgt-at-arms to arrest Pastor Quiboloy
THE Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-Davao) has confirmed that they have not deployed law enforcers to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a long-time religious fugitive in the country as they are awaiting a direct signal from the Office of Sergeant-at-Arms (Osaa) in the Senate......»»
Alleged arms dealer nabbed in Argao town
Alleged arms dealer nabbed in Argao town.....»»
Angeles City school gets arms chairs from DENR
Angeles City school gets arms chairs from DENR.....»»