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COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’
A candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan chairmanship in Quezon City was disqualified by the Commission on Elections over 'vote buying' charges. In a seven-page resolution issued on 26 October 2023 and signed by COMELEC's Second Division Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, concurred by Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, noted that SK candidate Judielyn Bartolome Francisco of Barangay San Bartolome was "disqualified" to run for the upcoming BSKE elections as she violated Section 68 (a) of the Omnibus Elections Code for "vote buying". The case stemmed from a petition filed by Arjay Lacsa on 26 September this year, who claimed that Francisco engaged in vote buying by sponsoring and funding a leadership seminar "cum" team building of some 80 youths of their village at Paradise Adventure Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan held on 16 and 17 September 2023, a few weeks after the filing of candidacies. Pieces of evidence presented by Lacsa included social media posts of the participants themselves tagging Francisco as their " future SK chairman" and three affidavits of witnesses who claimed that Francisco was even present in that event. On 5 October, the COMELEC summoned Francisco to explain her side who gave her reply on 9 October saying she did not have the resources to fund the gathering while she also admitted being there as a host for the opening program "in return for a professional fee." She also informed the commission that she also filed perjury charges against Lacsa's witnesses at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. The commission, however, concluded that they "are not convinced" as Francisco's lengthy answer reveals that "they are in the nature of general denials emanating from respondent's self-serving and uncorroborated statements." The affidavits of Lacsa's witnesses, the commission added, are "rich in details" and the evidence is pointing to Francisco as the host of the team building. Francisco's involvement is a deliberate and strategic scheme to influence the voters of Barangay San Bartolome to vote for her, the commission's resolution read. The post COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
4 Pinoys killed in Israel getting aid — Fluss
The Israeli government, through its Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, assured the families of four Filipinos who died when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel that they would receive financial aid. “As long as they are documented and in Israel, then the Israeli government will recognize them as victims of terrorism. For that, they will be receiving financial assistance — their parents, spouses, their children, accordingly,” Fluss told members of the media. The talk with Fluss was organized by the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. “We have clear legislation for helping Israelis in this case, as well as Filipinos and other foreign nationals. This will come in the form of financial assistance on a monthly basis, depending on whether they need assistance in education, health care, or even a grant for housing, as clearly stated in Israeli law,” Fluss said. “The aid will be coursed through either the Philippine government or to the families of the victims,” he added. Photos of four Filipino caregivers who perished during the war were displayed during the forum, namely Ilongga OFW Grace Prodigo Cabrera, who chose to be taken away by Hamas to save the 80-year-old Israeli woman under her care; Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, a 33-year-old who was killed along with her patient in Israel; Loreta Alacre, who was shot to death by Hamas while she was on her way back to her employer; and Paul Vincent Castelvi. Meanwhile, with the report that two missing Filipinos are now in the hands of Hamas as hostages, Ambassador Fluss said they are leaving the responsibility to the Philippine government to provide updates. “There are formal channels of communication between the two governments. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquartered in Jerusalem is constantly coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, while we are coordinating here with the DFA,” he said. The post 4 Pinoys killed in Israel getting aid — Fluss appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DMW has spent P414M on distressed OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers said on Thursday that they have spent about P414 million of its P1.2 billion action fund this year to assist distressed Overseas Filipino Workers. According to DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac, the agency still has a balance of P780 million. “We still have a balance of around P780 million. We have a catchup plan that we are doing for the last two months of the year, most of these funds will be rolled over to the year 2024 anyway,” Cacdac said in a hearing of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs. Cacdac added that the action fund is for legal, medical, or humanitarian assistance. “That three-fold assistance model was assigned by no less than our dear secretary, Secretary Toots Ople because what is stated in the law is legal or other forms of assistance. But Secretary Toots pointed out the other forms of assistance are legal, medical, or humanitarian,” Cacdac added. Cacdac stated that the action fund has benefitted 5,325 Filipinos this year, including those affected by various challenges in Turkey and the Middle East. “This includes the earthquake in Turkey, those affected by the conflict in Sudan, the case of a large fire and building collapse in the UAE, Dubai, and Qatar, and recently, of course, what our OFWs are suffering from the conflict in Israel and Lebanon is also included here,” he added. The OIC added that Filipinos living in war-torn areas tend to get more out of the fund. He said that about 700 OFWs families in Israel have availed of helpline assistance. “At first, we provided P20,000 in financial assistance upon return, but Secretary Toots increased it to P30,000… There is a special case for those who were caught in a conflict or war situation like Sudan. But here in Israel, we handed P50,000,” he said. The post DMW has spent P414M on distressed OFWs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reps Duterte and Castro trade barbs anew
House lawmakers Paolo Duterte and France Castro continued to trade barbs, with the former accusing his peer of merely sensationalizing the issue with his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte struck back anew at Castro—who filed a grave threat case against the former president—for her swift retaliation against his remark that "public servants should not be onion-skinned." "I just wish that your passion to sensationalize this further is the same as your passion to protect the farmers and innocent victims who were killed and victims of the NPAs," Duterte told Castro. The younger Duterte made the remark in response to Castro's latest tirades against his father, saying the erstwhile president's statement was far from a legitimate criticism but a threat. Recall that Castro sued the ex-president before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday after threatening to kill her and "all you communists" on a television program. Castro, a member of the Makabayan bloc, stressed that "this is a crime against a person" and that "Duterte's threats should stop." "Death threats and red-tagging aired on television must be must be stopped because it endanger the lives of people. It is far different from criticisms and should not be tolerated because it fosters the state of impunity," Castro said. Congressman Duterte came to the defense of his father, accusing Castro of using her right to silence critics. "The former President has received much harsher and humiliating criticisms in the past but never filed a case against anyone. As public servants, we all are under scrutiny by the Filipino people," Duterte said. He added, "If the former President has said something that threatened her, then maybe she should come out clean. It's not that we hide behind this so-called 'right.'" Furthermore, Duterte stressed that Castro should do away from the drama and publicity. "You filed a case; let the court look at the merits. Simple as that. Like what I've said, it is your right. But I heard worse." Castro has been on the receiving end of the Dutertes tirades following the crusade of the Makabayan bloc to strip Vice President Sara Duterte's office and the Department of Education, which she concurrently heads, of P650 million in confidential funds from the proposed 2024 budget. Ex-president Duterte said Castro would have been the "first target" of his daughter's intelligence fund. The OVP and DepEd were among the five civilian agencies, namely the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Information And Communications Technology, awarded zero confidential funds for next year. The post Reps Duterte and Castro trade barbs anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stray animal adoption urged to lessen abandonment cases
Senator Mark Villar on Thursday expressed concern about the increasing cases of animal abandonment in the country. Villar has filed a proposed measure strengthening the adoption of stray and impounded animals. Senate Bill 2257 seeks the provision of incentives to those who would adopt stray and impounded animals to lessen abandonment cases. Citing data from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Villar underscored the need to improve the government’s program for rescuing abandoned animals. According to PAWS, there were around 12 million stray cats and dogs in 2019, which are either logged as former family pets or those who have reproduced in the streets due to lack of proper shelter. Villar said the rising numbers of abandoned animals remain highly disproportionate to the support they ought to receive. “This 12 million number of strays we have in record was back in 2019. Apat na taon na po ang nakalipas. With the pandemic placing a great burden to Filipinos, we can only expect na mas dumami na po ang mga stray animals na walang proper care and shelter,” Villar said. “We must act on this and extend our aid in securing safe animal shelters,” he said. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA said animal homelessness in the Philippines “has reached a crisis point” as stray animals struggle to live unsupervised in the streets and impounded ones are euthanized every month in municipal pounds. The unfortunate fates of strays and impounded animals are due to the limited resources of both public and private shelters, it added. Villar cited the case of a certain local government unit in the National Capital Region which previously reported that its city pound captures an average of 200 stray animals weekly, yet “they do not have sufficient resources to maintain their care.” Villar stressed the need to exhaust all means to ensure that proper aid is given to animals left in shelters. “My heart goes to these animals who are forced to these unfortunate living situations, and some of them to their untimely deaths because they cannot be cared for. Bilang isang animal lover at pet welfare advocate, I will do my best to lessen these rising numbers of strays and euthanized impounded animals,” he said. SB 2257 or the Act Strengthening the Adoption of Stray and Impounded Animals, seeks to encourage the adoption of stray and impounded animals by providing tax incentive benefits to any individual or group that shall adopt stray and impounded animals, to reduce cases of euthanasia for stray and impounded animals. The bill also outlines the provision for adoption, highlighting the role of LGUs in facilitating the implementation of animal adoption programs. “Through this bill, we are hoping that the number of strays and impounded animals will decrease as it will provide guidelines for adoptions in close coordination with LGUs,” Villar said. “We are also looking forward to more Filipinos who will be encouraged to adopt, not just because of the tax incentives this bill provides, but also because of their love and care for animals,” he added. The senator lamented that while there are multiple non-government organizations and private shelters that encourage the adoption of rescued animals, “the pet adoption rate in the country remains at a concerning low rate, less than one percent in particular.” “I hope that the bill will increase the adoption rate of stray pets so as to ensure that animals will be brought up in comfortable homes rather than being forced to survive in the streets,” said Villar. The post Stray animal adoption urged to lessen abandonment cases appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel envoy assures financial aid to 4 Filipino victims
The Israeli government, through its envoy in the Philippines, Ambassador Ilan Fluss—assured the families of four Filipinos who earlier died in the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic terror group Hamas—that they will be receiving enough financial aid from the Israeli government distinguishing them as victims of terrorism. “As long as they are documented and in Israel, then the Israeli government will recognize them as victims of terrorism. For that, they will be receiving financial assistance, their parents, spouses, their children, accordingly,” Fluss told members of the media during the forum “Coming Together: An Afternoon of Unity, Prayer, and Solidarity with Israel” in Makati City on Thursday, organized by the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. “We have clear legislation in helping Israelis in this case, as well as Filipinos and other foreign nationals. This will come in financial assistance on a monthly basis, depending on if they need assistance in education, health care, or even a grant for housing, as clearly stated in Israeli law. The aid will be coursed through either the Philippine government or to the families of the victims,” he added. Photos of four Filipino caregivers who perished during the war were displayed during the forum, namely Ilongga OFW Grace Prodigo Cabrera, who chose to be taken away by Hamas to save the 80-year-old Israeli woman under her care; Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, a 33-year-old, who was killed along with her patient in Israel; Loreta Alacre who was shot to death by Hamas while she was on her way back to her employer, and Paul Vincent Castelvi, who was also killed during the onset of the war. Meanwhile, with the report that the two missing Filipinos are now in the hands of Hamas as hostages, Ambassador Fluss said they are leaving the responsibility to the Philippine government to provide updates. “There are formal channels of communication between the two governments. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquartered in Jerusalem is constantly coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, while we are coordinating here with the DFA,” he said. The DFA on Thursday said they are verifying reports that the two missing Filipinos in Israel were taken hostage by Hamas with the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines. According to the report of the Israeli government and international multimedia news provider Reuters, two Filipinos who were previously tagged as missing were among the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas. Fluss maintained that the Israeli government "is dedicated to dismantling and destroying all the infrastructure made by Hamas forces in Gaza, bringing back the abducted Israeli and foreign nationals held in Gaza," but emphasizing that "they are not planning to occupy Gaza." For the part of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, its president Yoray Ofek, stressed that they stand behind Israel and aired utmost support to the Israeli government. The post Israel envoy assures financial aid to 4 Filipino victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO head vows full digital shift
Despite a court order stopping the delivery of plastic cards for use in the manufacture of driver’s licenses, Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza said the agency will pursue its full digitalization program. Mendoza said that is one of “the core foundations that I want to establish since I assumed the top post at the agency in July.” He said digitalization complies with the marching order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “This is what we are going to pursue as part of his legacy under his reform slogan ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ which focuses on making all government transactions smoother, faster, and more comfortable for Filipinos.” The LTO, Mendoza added, is already providing all services related to land transportation with a new online portal, the so-called Land Transport Management System, or LTMS, that integrates LTO services in a single database and digital platform. The system is designed to allow stakeholders to connect directly to the LTMS via customized online portals. The stakeholders have different workflows with specific requirements, such as biometric verification before uploading a certificate. “In the case of the LTMS, we in the LTO do not want to delve further into the things that were not done that resulted in the glitches and missed opportunities for its full utilization,” Mendoza explained. “Instead, I have been focusing on fixing all these problems soonest for us to deliver the long-overdue reliable and comfortable services not only to all our clients across the country but also our kababayans abroad,” he added. Technical review ongoing “This is the reason why I immediately created a Technical Working Group when I assumed the top LTO post — to iron out all these glitches by consolidating the LTMS system and the old IT system of the LTO because there are some services that could not be served by the LTMS and remain under the old system,” Mendoza said. By consolidating these two systems, he explained, “I am confident that this would result in the full utilization of a user-friendly online transaction process, which is what the LTO digitalization program envisions it to be.” “Right now, the good news is that we are in the final phase of consolidating these systems and hopefully, we will be able to launch it before the end of November this year,” Mendoza said. The post LTO head vows full digital shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NSC bares options vs increasing China’s aggressive actions in WPS
The Philippines has a lot of options to respond to the increasingly aggressive actions of China in the West Philippine Sea, which include the filing of a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS in response to the latest collisions of Manila and Beijing vessels in the Ayungin Shoal. This was bared in a radio interview by National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, on Tuesday. Malaya said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Coast Guard to complete the maritime investigation on the separate collisions concerning China Coast Guard vessels and Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted boat for the rotation and re-provisioning or RoRe mission in the area. “Kasi may mga patudsada rin ang China sa atin at kailangan sagutin natin ‘yan with proofs and evidences and then magmi-meeting po ‘yung security cluster para mapag-usapan yung resolute response sa maging action ng China sa pinakahuling RoRe mission,” he told the SuperRadyo DzBB. Malaya, also the spokesperson of the National Task Force on the West Philippines Sea, noted that the government and security sector are exploring all options to respond to China’s aggression towards WPS. But, he did not divulge the country’s step-by-step actions. “I’m not at liberty to discuss that now because we cannot telegraph our moves to China. China doesn’t expose their plans either, so we can’t let them know what we intend to do,” he said. Malaya said the results of the maritime investigation will be presented to Marcos and will be followed by discussions of the administration’s concerned cabinet members on the possible response to the matter. “There a lot of options that are [placed] in the table right now, we can file a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS,” he stressed. Malaya emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Coast Guard “made it clear” that China had violated maritime rules and collision regulations during the Ayungin incident. “We have a lot of recourse that we can do because of this unprecedented event that happened, but it would be up to the President and the concerned Cabinet members what will be our next move,” he added. “There’s no decision on that so far. It will be decided by the Cabinet cluster and by the President himself. Let’s just wait for their responses. So we'll have to wait and see what the Cabinet says.” Malaya emphasized the entire government and the security cluster are “taking this issue very seriously,” thus, the President called for a conference meeting to discuss the matter thoroughly. “Clearly, the Chinese side did their actions with clear intent to prevent and block our ship which led to the collision so we are gathering all the evidence to voice our position about what happened on Sunday,” he said. Malaya said the government “must take the long view and be very patient” like how China effectively calculated its long-term responses to its territorial claims. Meanwhile, the NSC official underscored that the results of the maritime investigation will be presented to Marcos and will be followed by discussions of the administration’s concerned cabinet members on the possible response to the matter. “There a lot of options that are [placed] in the table right now, we can file a case in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or ITLOS,” he stressed. Malaya emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Coast Guard “made it clear” that China had violated maritime rules and collision regulations during the Ayungin incident. “We have a lot of recourse that we can do because of this unprecedented event that happened, but it would be up to the President and the concerned Cabinet members what will be our next move,” he added. “There’s no decision on that so far. It will be decided by the Cabinet cluster and by the President himself. Let’s just wait for their responses. So we'll have to wait and see what the Cabinet says.” Malaya emphasized the entire government and the security cluster are “taking this issue very seriously,” thus, the President called for a conference meeting to discuss the matter thoroughly. “Clearly, the Chinese side did their actions with clear intent to prevent and block our ship which led to the collision so we are gathering all the evidence to voice our position about what happened on Sunday,” he said. Malaya said the government “must take the long view and be very patient” like how China effectively calculated its long-term responses to its territorial claims. The post NSC bares options vs increasing China’s aggressive actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO chief to pursue smoother, faster transaction
Despite a court injunction issued on the delivery of plastic cards used for driver's licenses, Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza on Tuesday said the agency will pursue its full digitalization in all LTO transactions. "(That is one of) the core foundations that I want to establish since I assumed the top post of the agency in July," Mendoza said. He added it is in line with the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and "this what we are going to pursue as part of his legacy under his reform slogan 'Bagong Pilipinas' which focuses on making all government transactions smoother, faster and more comfortable for the Filipino people." The LTO, Mendoza said, is already providing all services related to land transportation with a new online portal, called Land Transport Management System (LTMS), which integrates all LTO services in a single database and digital platform. The system is designed to allow stakeholders to connect directly to the LTMS via customized online portals. The stakeholders have different workflows with specific requirements, e.g., biometric verification before uploading a certificate. "In the case of the LTMS, we in the LTO do not want to delve further into the things that were not done that resulted in the glitches and missed opportunities for its full utilization," Mendoza explained. "Instead, I have been focusing on fixing all these problems in the soonest possible time in order for us to deliver the long-overdue reliable and comfortable services not only to all our clients across the country but also to our kababayans abroad," he added. "This is the reason why I immediately created a Technical Working Group (TWG) when I assumed the top LTO post—to iron out all these glitches by consolidating the LTMS system and the old IT system of LTO because there are some services that could not be served by the LTMS and remain under the old system," Mendoza stressed. He explained that by consolidating these two systems, "I am confident that these would result in full utilization of a user-friendly online transaction process which is what the LTO digitalization program envisions it to be." "Right now, the good news is that we are in the final phase of consolidating these systems and hopefully, we will be able to launch it before the end of November this year," Mendoza further explained. "For the driver’s license issuance, for instance, it Is 100 percent LTMS while the renewal of motor vehicle registration is now at 90 percent LTMS. For the newly registered units or NRUs, it was all under the old IT system but right now, it is now at 60 percent LTMS," the LTO chief said. "There are still things to be done to make the entire IT system glitch-free, and that is the reason why we are now working double to make it available in the soonest possible time. I assure all our kababayan that we will not stop until all of these are consolidated to be fully operational, with the end goal of making all the LTO digital transactions reliable, fast, and glitch-free," Mendoza assured. The post LTO chief to pursue smoother, faster transaction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t
The United States warned on Monday that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces and Philippine Coast Guard civilian vessels could trigger its 72-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. “The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea,” the US Department of State said in a statement. The statement came a day after a China Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine resupply vessel that was conducting a routine resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal. During the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also bumped the BRP Cabra, one of the PCG ships that were escorting the boat contracted by the AFP. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the collisions, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered investigated by the PCG, were “intentional.” For its part, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said further study is needed to invoke the MDT due to the incident. “The matter of filing another case is something that is still being studied by the government. But, of course, all incidents like these will actually bolster the case that it is not the Philippines that is the aggressor but the other party, which is China,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said. “It’s a provocation on the side of China but at this point, whether it will constitute an armed attack that would allow the invoking of the MDT is something that needs to be studied,” she added. The Philippines and the US agreed under the MDT, signed in 1951, that an armed attack on either of the parties would be considered an attack on the other, necessitating common or joint actions. Ambassador summoned The Philippines on Monday summoned China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, to explain the “blocking maneuvers” conducted by its vessels. China has insisted on its territorial rights over the Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Swarms of CCG ships and Chinese maritime militia vessels had been monitored in the WPS, which Philippine officials said was a blatant disrespect of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. In July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitral case it lodged against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The US said it stands with the Philippines in the face of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing” a 22 October resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. “By conducting dangerous maneuvers that caused collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard ships, the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation,” the US State Department said. “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct jeopardized the Filipino crew members’ safety and impeded critically needed supplies from reaching service members stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional stability,” it added. Citing the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, the US noted that China’s territorial claims to Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation outside the territorial sea of another high tide feature, were unfounded. Unsafe moves “The unsafe maneuvers on 22 October and the PRC water cannoning of a Philippine vessel on 5 August are the latest examples of provocative PRC measures in the South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operating in the region,” the State Department stressed. Aside from the US, Japan, France, Canada, Australia and Germany also condemned China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In a separate statement, Canada condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. France, Japan, Germany, too France expressed its “deep concern” over the dangerous maneuvers of the CCG against Philippine vessels “engaged in the Philippine exclusive economic zone.” “France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on 12 July 2016,” the Embassy of France to the Philippines said. Japan, likewise, stressed that it was “seriously concerned” and “alarmed” about the collision of Chinese vessels with Philippine vessels. “Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a tweet. Koshikawa said Japan “strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. The post Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 Koreans wanted for telecom, wire fraud arrested
Two fugitives were captured by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after being sought by South Korea and the US for their involvement in fraud-related operations. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the arrests of the two South Korean fugitives, who were identified as Kwon Junyoung, 38, and Seok Jongmin, 48. The two were arrested last Saturday in Brgy. Cuayan, Angeles City, Pampanga, by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. Tansingco said that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the South Korean authorities, government intelligence groups, and the Angeles City Police Station. According to the South Korean authorities, Kwon is wanted for telecommunications fraud in South Korea, while Seok is wanted in Texas for engaging in wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. The BI chief said that as the BI board of commissioners has already issued summary deportation orders against them, soon they will be deported to face the crime they committed. Tansingco added that their names were also placed on the bureau’s blacklist of undesirable aliens, so they are now banned from re-entering the Philippines, the BI chief added. According to information obtained from Interpol's National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, the Suwon District Court in Korea issued an arrest order for Kwon on 12 December 2019. Authorities claimed that Kwon was part of a telecom fraud syndicate operating in Dalian, China, that used voice phishing to call random victims. Based on reports, the callers impersonated investigators from the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office in order to harass the victims and trick them into transferring money to the syndicate's accounts. In contrast, the NCB revealed that Seok is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the US district court in Western Texas. He is accused of conspiring to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, conspiring to commit money laundering, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Seok is accused of working with other suspects to gain access to the websites of the US Departments of Defence and Veterans Affairs using thousands of US military veterans' stolen personal identification information (PII), depriving the victims of their benefits. The BI-FSU also reported that Seok was arrested after posting bail at the Angeles City regional trial court, where he was charged with robbery and extortion, and will be transferred to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig. While Kwon will remain in the custody of the Angeles City police due to his ongoing local case, he will continue to be under the BI’s legal custody for deportation proceedings. The post 2 Koreans wanted for telecom, wire fraud arrested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More senators condemn China’s ‘bullying’ in WPS
More senators on Monday condemned China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea which resulted in a collision with Philippine vessels en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. For Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, China “has gone too far in disrespecting the Philippines” when it performed “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. “I strongly condemn the recent aggression of the Chinese Coast Guard against our Philippine Coast Guard,” Ejercito said in a statement. “The reckless maneuvers executed by the CCG, which resulted in a collision with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply vessel, were not only provocative but also a blatant act of bullying that must be denounced, not only by us but by the international community,” he added. Ejercito said the act of harassment of China within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone “obviously violates our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “We must strongly assert the 2016 arbitral ruling, which clearly affirms that the Philippines has the exclusive rights over the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “This ruling is not only legally binding but a reflection of the principles of international law,” he added. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. However, on 12 July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration favored the Philippines’ arbitral case against China. Seven years after the Tribunal favored the Philippines’ arbitral case against China, the ruling remains on paper as China continues to disregard it by keeping its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea. Ejercito said it is “essential to note that this is not the first time the CCG has engaged in such provocative actions against our coastal guards and fisherfolks.” “Moreover, it is the government's duty to ensure the safety of our waters for all Filipinos. We cannot and will not allow such incidents to jeopardize the safety of our people, particularly those who serve in our armed forces and the PCG,” he said. “At the same time, I personally believe that it is high time to expedite the modernization of our Armed Forces in the coming years to protect our sovereignty, safeguard our maritime interests, and ensure the safety and security of our people,” he added. ‘Potential flashpoint’ Senator Grace Poe, likewise, expressed concern over the “dangerous blocking maneuver” carried out by CCG against Philippine vessels. “China's latest act of aggression poses a credible concern that could heighten the tension not only between Philippines and China, but could also be a potential flashpoint in the region,” Poe said in a separate statement. “While an immediate diplomatic protest is anticipated, the recent incident calls for a serious rethinking of our strategies in dealing with these acts,” she added. She continued: “As we firmly assert our rights in our waters, fortifying our relations with like-minded states must continue to thwart similar belligerent actions.” On Sunday, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. “Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia,” he added. Hontiveros echoed Zubiri’s call on China to “stop” its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law. “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” she said in a separate statement. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law,” she added. For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. The post More senators condemn China’s ‘bullying’ in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S., Canada lambast PRC
The United States on Sunday denounced China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea that led to the collision of its ships with Philippine boats en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described China Coast Guard’s actions as a “disruption” of a “legal” resupply mission of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre, its permanent military post in the West Philippine Sea. She tweeted on X that the US “condemns” China’s “latest disruption of a legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino service members at risk. One of two boats contracted by the Philippines to bring supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre was bumped by a China Coast Guard Ship before a Chinese militia vessel did the same to a Philippine Coast Guard escort ship. Carlson said Washington “stands” with Manila in “protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.” Over the past months, the US had reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines amid the escalating tension in the WPS, a portion of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and China. In August, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III stressed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila extends to the latter’s public vessels. Unlawful conduct Canada also condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. Canada said it welcomed the news that no injuries resulted from the collisions and commended the “professionalism and restraint exercised” by the Philippine Coast Guard. “Canada affirms its support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties,” it said. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration — a landmark decision that China continues to reject. Germany also expressed concern over the incident in the WPS. Senators enraged “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. Pfaffernoschke called on “all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award. Senators also condemned China’s actions. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Tolentino expressed anger over the collisions that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” Hontiveros said. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law.” For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. The post U.S., Canada lambast PRC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China bullies Phl resupply vessels
The Philippines and China on Sunday blamed each other for the collisions of their ships in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea which the two countries both claim. The two countries separately issued strongly worded statements after the collision of their vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, which the latter refers to as Ren’ai Reef. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza on May 2. The Unaiza May 1 and 2 are boats contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. Unaiza 1 was able to complete its mission. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship, which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. The United States and Canada condemned China’s action, while Germany expressed concern over the latest development in the WPS. (See related story) ‘Trespassing’ In the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side, which was escorting the resupply vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” It stated that the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction were “violated” by the conduct of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. The Philippines also described the incident as an “utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.” For its part, China blamed the Philippines, stressing that its vessels “trespassed” into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands without permission. “Since the Philippine side ignored China’s repeated warnings, the China Coast Guard responded lawfully and blocked the Philippine vessels which were illegally carrying construction materials,” the CCG said in a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to Filipino journalists. The CCG also said that the Unaiza Mae 2 “sailed at the bow of China Coast Guard 5203 (which it said was conducting law enforcement activities lawfully) in a way that was neither professional nor safe in spite of China’s advanced notice and repeated warnings.” China also blamed the Philippine side for the “bumping” of the PCG’s BRP Cabra and its militia vessel. “At 08:13 A.M., the Philippine vessel 4409 began to astern deliberately, leading to the collision of the stern of its vessel into the starboard of China’s static floating Qiong Sansha Yu 00003,” it said. “The move was to make faults with China and escalate the current situation,” it added. It continued: “The Philippines’ action seriously violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and threatened the navigation safety of the Chinese vessels.” China also insisted that their operations were “professional, legitimate and lawful and the responsibility lay entirely with the Philippine side.” Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration — a landmark decision that China continues to reject. WITH RAFFY AYENG @tribunephl_raf The post China bullies Phl resupply vessels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Canada condemn China’s ‘disruption’ of Phl’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal
The United States on Sunday denounced China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea that led to a collision of its vessels with Philippine vessels en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal. In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described China Coast Guard’s actions as a “disruption” of a “legal” resupply mission of the Philippines to the BRP Sierra Madre, its permanent military post in the West Philippine Sea. “The United States condemns PRC’s latest disruption of a legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting the lives of Filipino service members at risk,” Carlson said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Earlier today, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. It also flagged the “bumping” of the Chinese Maritime Militia vessel against the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. Carlson said Washington “stands” with Manila in “protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.” Over the past months, the US reiterated its “ironclad” alliance commitment to the Philippines, amid the escalating tension in the WPS, a portion of the South China Sea both claimed by the Philippines and China. In August, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III stressed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila is extended to the latter’s public vessels. In a separate statement, Canada also condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People's Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC's actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. Canada said it welcomed the news that no injuries resulted from these collisions and commended the “professionalism and restraint exercised” by the Philippine Coast Guard. “Canada affirms its support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea consistent with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral decision, which is final and binding on the parties,” it said. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post US, Canada condemn China’s ‘disruption’ of Phl’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, China trade barbs over ships’ collision in WPS
The Philippines and China blamed each other on Sunday for the collisions of their ships in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea, which the two countries both claim. The two countries separately issued strongly worded statements after the collision of their vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, which the latter refers to as Ren’ai Reef. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” It stated that the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction were “violated” by the conduct of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. The Philippines also described the incident as an “utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.” ‘Trespassing’ For its part, China threw the blame on the Philippines side, stressing that its vessels “trespassed” into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands without permission. “Since the Philippine side ignored China’s repeated warnings, the China Coast Guard responded lawfully and blocked the Philippine vessels which were illegally carrying construction materials,” the CCG said in a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to Filipino journalists. The CCG also said that the Unaizah Mae 2 “sailed at the bow of China Coast Guard 5203 (which was conducting law enforcement activities lawfully) on purpose in a way that was not professional nor safe in spite of China’s advanced notice and repeated warnings.” China also blamed the Philippine side for the “bumping” of the PCG’s BRP Cabra and its militia vessel. “At 08:13 A.M., the Philippine vessel 4409 began to astern deliberately, leading to the collision of the stern of its vessel into the starboard of China’s static floating Qiong Sansha Yu 00003,” it said. “The move was to make faults with China and escalate the current situation,” it added. It continued: “The Philippines’ action seriously violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and threatened the navigation safety of the Chinese vessels.” China also insisted that their operations were “professional, legitimate and lawful and the responsibility lay entirely with the Philippine side.” Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post Phl, China trade barbs over ships’ collision in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS
Senators on Sunday condemned China for performing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. “Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia,” he added. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “Our freedom of navigation in our own exclusive economic zone within our own continental shelf should be recognized and upheld,” he stressed. The Senate chief also reiterated his support for his colleagues' efforts to beef up the PCG and AFP’s budget for the next fiscal year to “better capacitate them in safeguarding our exclusive economic zones from illegal foreign intrusions.” “As leader of the Senate, I will make sure that our troops will get sufficient funds under the 2024 national budget to bankroll the much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” he said. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” ‘Enough’ Hontiveros echoed Zubiri’s call on China to “stop” its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law. “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” she said in a separate statement. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law,” she added. Hontiveros said the PCG “has every right to be in the West Philippine Sea.” “China has no right to drive our forces into our own seas. Furthermore, they do not have the right to hurt and bump Philippine vessels that are only performing their jobs in our territories,” she stressed. “Chinese vessels have chased, blocked, and harassed our Philippine Coast Guard daily, 24/7 every single time we conduct our resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre,” she added. The opposition lawmaker also called on the international community to join the Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against the Filipino people. “Our nations should not stop fighting for the rule of law. It is the only way to have a chance at true peace and stability across the region and the world,” she said. For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Refrain from using AI image generators’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has issued a memorandum order directing all employees of the Department of National Defense and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to refrain from using Artificial Intelligence photo generator applications, which may pose significant security risks. In an interview on Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro’s internal order was primarily intended for the defense department and its attached agencies. “In light of the fact that the risks and threats posed by these AI applications have not yet been established with certainty, the Secretary of National Defense has deemed it prudent to advise our personnel and the bureaus, especially the AFP, to refrain from using these apps,” Andolong said. “We all know that the defense department and its attached bureaus have many high-profile personalities among us, and any violation of their privacy, of the theft of their data and their identities, poses a great risk to them,” he said. He added that such actions might have security implications amid the current state of available technologies. “I will not venture more into that because I’m not an IT expert, but this could be used for activities that may lead to compromising our national security,” Andolong added. In a memorandum order dated 18 October, Teodoro warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that could lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities, which could compromise someone’s personal data. He said there had been a report of such a case. “The online trending digital application that uses Artificial Intelligence, which requires its users to submit at least 10 photos of themselves to generate an enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks. This application compiles its users’ data and creates a digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves,” he said. The post ‘Refrain from using AI image generators’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Saavedra to appeal dismissal of cases vs Tomas, ex-city officials over Kawit Island deal
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Businessman and whistleblower Crisologo Saavedra is not yet giving up on the criminal and administrative complaints that he filed against former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena and his City Council on the controversial P18 billion Kawit Island deal. Saavedra said he will be filing a petition to ask the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to reconsider its earlier decision to dismiss the criminal and administrative complaint that he filed. “I’ll file an MR (motion for reconsideration),” said Saavedra in an interview with CDN Digital. In 2018, Saavedra filed criminal and administrative complaints over the controversial P18 billion Kawit Island deal. The project paved the way for Gokongwei-owned Universal Hotel and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) to establish an integrated casino and resort in the South Road Properties (SRP). But acting Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Jane Aguilar, in a 21-page decision promulgated January 27, junked the criminal and administrative cases for ‘lack of substantial evidence’. A copy of the decision was furnished to the media on Oct. 20. Osmeña’s co-respondents in the case were then Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Dave Tumulak, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Gerry Guardo, Joy Augustus Young, Mary Ann delos Santos and Franklyn Ong who approved the ordinance that allowed the Gokongwei-owned company to establish an integrated casino and resort in Kawit Island, SRP and UHRI executives Frederick Go, Lance Gokongwei, James Go, Robina Gokongwei-Pe and Patrick Henry Go. Saavedra insisted that Ombudsman-Visayas should look into the technicalities of how the city government awarded the P18-billion project in 2018. He mentioned City Ordinance No. 2154 as his basis, saying that members of the private sector, when entering into joint venture agreements with the government, must meet the “technical and financial qualifications” prescribed by law. “The private participants should have technical and financial capability. I never questioned the financial capability… It is the track record of the corporation, not of the individual offices,” Saavedra added. The Camp of Osmeña has since welcomed the decision of the Ombudsman. ALSO READ: Ombudsman upgrades Saavedra complaint against Tomas Osmeña, 9 others over Kawit Island deal.....»»
Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard
Russian author Sergei Lebedev's novel "Untraceable", about an undetectable toxin used to target Kremlin critics, was released a few years ago but has taken on added resonance as alleged poisonings have multiplied. Now the dissident writer is warning that the Russian exile community in Europe faces an ever greater threat amid heightened tensions over the Ukraine war. "This emigre community in Europe is now one of the most important targets for the Russian security (services)," the 42-year-old, now based in Germany, told AFP in an interview at the Frankfurt Book Fair this week. "There will be attempts to infiltrate, to get informants... Of course, there will be some assassination attempts." In Germany -- which Lebedev describes as a "hub" for overseas Russians -- there have been a growing number of suspected cases of Kremlin critics being targeted. In May, German police said they were investigating the possible poisoning of exiled Russians after an activist, Natalia Arno, reported health problems following a Berlin meeting of dissidents. Meanwhile, Berlin-based Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko wrote in a Guardian article last month about how she fell ill last year after visiting Munich, and poisoning was suspected. Inside Russia, the most high-profile case in recent years of a Kremlin critic allegedly being poisoned was that of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed allegations that it has targeted critics in this way. But Western governments say evidence points to the contrary and for Lebedev, Russians in Europe are not taking the threat seriously enough. 'Very eerie' "They are not very much concerned with security," he said. "They do not understand the principles of how the security services work." "Untraceable", which tells the story of an ageing scientist who creates a highly toxic, undetectable poison, was inspired by the 2018 poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. And it was around the time that the book was published in Russia that opposition politician Navalny was allegedly poisoned -- a development that Lebedev said he found "very eerie". While he has been vocal about his opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he does not believe he faces a threat himself. He has not found himself in the crosshairs of the authorities and feels he does not run the same level of risk as others, such as critical journalists, particularly those still trying to report from inside Russia. Still, Lebedev -- who moved to Germany five years ago with his wife -- said he has been taking extra precautions, particularly when it comes to exchanging sensitive information. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lebedev worked as a geologist and later as a journalist. He was motivated to write a novel after discovering his grandmother's second husband had been the commander of a Soviet labor camp. He was shaken by the revelation and faced the question of how to "deal with this personally -- with the fact that in your family (there) was a murderer". "I realized that the way out was to write a novel." 'Shocked' at Ukraine war The result was the book "Oblivion", about the legacy of the Soviet prison camp system, which was released about a decade ago and launched his literary career. He has since written several books and his latest is a collection of short stories, "A Present Past: Titan and Other Chronicles". It reflects what he believes is Russia's tortured relationship with the Soviet era -- and society's failure to come to terms with the past -- as well as aspects of its problematic present. Lebedev, who lives in Potsdam outside Berlin, did not flee his homeland. He first moved to Germany for professional reasons. But he has not returned since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fearing it is not safe to do so. He said he was "shocked" when Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine. "I was the same idiot as many of us were, thinking that Putin is a... modern autocratic, modern dictator and not the blood-thirsty maniac that he is." He sees no swift end to the conflict. "The most difficult and problematic thing is that Russians are getting used to the fact that they are at war but still life is sustainable," he said. The post Dissident author warns Russians in Europe to be on guard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»