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All Stars raring to inspire kids, wow fans
There’s an air of nostalgia as captains Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar led the entourage that arrived here yesterday for the weekend’s PBA All Star festivities......»»
Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE
The Commission on Elections on Monday has received additional personnel and resources from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Education ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October. The ceremonial turnover was held in Camp Crame, Quezon City where over a thousand PNP, AFP and PCG contingents who will be deployed for the conduct of security operations and DepEd personnel who will facilitate the voting were physically present while the others attended virtually. The PNP is set to deploy over 187,000 personnel during the BSKE while the AFP will field more than 117,000 troops and the PCG with over 30,000 personnel. DepEd, on the other hand, said 494,662 personnel will serve as board of election inspectors. The PNP, AFP, PCG as well as the DepEd all committed to the Comelec their full support to ensure a safe, peaceful and clean BSKE 2023. Meantime, the PNP reminded their men to be extra wary on the happenings on the ground to thwart any possible threats in relation to the elections. “To all the personnel who will be deployed to guarantee the success of the BSKE, I offer my heartfelt guidance and support. Your devotion to this duty is vital, but it must be matched with the same level of care and responsibility for yourselves,” said PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. “Prioritize your well-being, both physically and mentally. We are at our strongest when we care for ourselves and each other. By safeguarding your health, you enhance your ability to fulfill your duties effectively,” he added. The DepEd also appealed to the PNP and AFP to ensure their security considering incidents in the past where teachers experienced harassment and intimidation by some groups especially on the election day. The post Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war
The first aid trucks arrived in war-torn Gaza from Egypt on Saturday, bringing urgent humanitarian relief to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave suffering what the UN chief labelled a "godawful nightmare". Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza that has killed more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. An Israeli siege has cut food, water, electricity and fuel supplies to the densely populated and long-blockaded territory of 2.4 million people, sparking fears of a humanitarian catastrophe. AFP journalists on Saturday saw 20 trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent, which is responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza. The crossing -- the only one into Gaza not controlled by Israel -- closed again after the trucks passed. The lorries had been waiting for days on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to a request from its main ally the United States to allow aid to enter. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the relief supplies were "the difference between life and death" for many Gazans, more than one million of whom have been displaced. "Much more" aid needs to be sent, he told a peace summit in Egypt on Saturday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the aid and urged "all parties" to keep the Rafah crossing open. But a Hamas spokesman said "even dozens" of such convoys could not meet Gaza's needs, especially as no fuel was being allowed in to help distribute the supplies to those in need. 'Reeling in pain' Tens of thousands of Israeli troops have deployed to the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground offensive that officials have pledged will begin "soon". As international tensions soar, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was hosting a peace summit in Cairo on Saturday attended by regional and some Western leaders. "The time has come for action to end this godawful nightmare," Guterres told the summit, calling for a "humanitarian ceasefire". The region "is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice", he said. Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight". But he stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". "Those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he added. Egypt, historically a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has urged "restraint" and the relaunch of the long-frozen peace process. But diplomatic efforts to end the violence have made little headway, without the participation of Israel and its enemy Iran, a supporter of Hamas and other armed groups. 'Sliver of hope' A full-blown Israeli ground offensive carries many risks, including to the hostages Hamas took and whose fate is shrouded in uncertainty. So the release of two Americans among the hostages -- mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan -- offered a rare "sliver of hope", said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. US President Joe Biden thanked Qatar, which hosts Hamas's political bureau, for its mediation in securing the release. He said he was working "around the clock" to win the return of other Americans being held. Natalie Raanan's half-brother Ben told the BBC he felt an "overwhelming sense of joy" at the release after "the most horrible of ordeals". Hamas said Egypt and Qatar had negotiated the release and that it was "working with all mediators to implement the movement's decision to close the civilian (hostage) file if appropriate security conditions allow". Traumatised families with loved ones missing in Gaza demanded more action. "We ask humanity to interfere and bring back all those young boys, young girls, mothers, babies," Assaf Shem Tov, whose nephew was abducted from a music festival where Hamas killed hundreds, said Friday. Devastation Almost half of Gaza's residents have been displaced, and at least 30 percent of all housing in the territory has been destroyed or damaged, the United Nations says. Thousands have taken refuge in a camp set up in the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Fadwa al-Najjar said she and her seven children walked for 10 hours to reach the camp, at some points breaking into a run as missiles struck around them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she told AFP. In Al-Zahra in central Gaza, Rami Abu Wazna was struggling to take in the destruction wreaked by Israeli missile strikes. "Even in my worst nightmares, I never thought this could be possible," he said. Israel's operation will take not "a day, nor a week, nor a month" and will result in "the end of Israel's responsibilities in the Gaza Strip", Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Friday. Regional tensions flare In Gaza, retired general Omar Ashour said the destruction was "part of a clear plan for people to have no place left to live". "This will cause a second Nakba," he added, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who were expelled from or fled their homes when Israel was created in 1948. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, amid fears of a wider conflagration. Fire across Israel's border with Lebanon continued overnight, with one Israeli soldier killed, Israeli public radio said. The military said it hit Hezbollah targets after rocket and missile fire. Violence has also flared in the West Bank, where 84 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The post First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipinas bare 29-member Australia camp roster; Miclat back for Olympic qualifiers
The Philippine women’s national football team announced a 29-member squad for the Filipinas’ camp in Australia ahead of the 2nd round of Olympic qualifiers in Perth later this month......»»
The vital role of ASEAN
The ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership is more important than ever. We face tests as far as the eye can see — from the climate emergency to a global cost-of-living crisis, raging conflicts and growing poverty, hunger, and inequalities. All these challenges are aggravated by rising geopolitical tensions. There is a real risk of fragmentation — of a Great Fracture in world economic and financial systems, with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence and conflicting security frameworks. I commend ASEAN for your vital role in building bridges of understanding all over the world. ASEAN has played an extremely important role as a center that convenes all those that, unfortunately, represent the most dramatic divisions in today’s world and these series of summits is a demonstration of that fundamental convening role of ASEAN. And we need it in a world that is increasingly multipolar and that requires strong multilateral institutions to go with it — based on equity, solidarity and universality. I am grateful for your steadfast support for multilateral solutions and your contribution of over 5,000 peacekeepers from ASEAN countries. ASEAN’s convening power, commitment to dialogue and experience in conflict prevention are crucial pillars of stability. Today, tensions remain high from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. I am grateful to ASEAN member states for your pursuit of dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution, rooted in the respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Since we gathered last year, the situation in Myanmar has further deteriorated. Brutal violence, worsening poverty and systematic repression are crushing hopes for a return to democracy. The conflict is exacerbating existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by women and girls, including sexual violence, forced marriage and human trafficking. More and more people are crossing borders in a desperate search for safety and protection and the situation is untenable. Over one million Rohingya remain in Bangladesh, in the world’s largest refugee camp. And, regrettably, the conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return are not yet in sight. Much more is needed. My call to the military authorities of Myanmar is clear: Free all detained leaders and political prisoners; open the door toward the full restoration of democratic rule. We must also end our assault against the planet. ASEAN ranks amongst the most biodiversity-rich regions — and is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. We can still limit the worst impacts and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. ASEAN is uniquely positioned to be a leader of an energy transition that is global, sustainable, just, inclusive and equitable. I commend ASEAN member states that are pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships like Indonesia and Viet Nam. And I commend all who are accelerating the phaseout of coal and jumpstarting a fair and inclusive renewables revolution. But greater ambition is needed still — along with much greater support. Developed countries must finally deliver on their commitments to developing countries. Resources are also central to rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals. I have called for deep and structural changes to make global frameworks — including the Bretton Woods system — more representative of today’s economic and political realities and also more responsive. Such change will not happen overnight — and I have proposed concrete steps we can take now, including an SDG Stimulus of US$500 billion a year to the benefit of developing countries for them to be able to reach the Sustainable Goals. This and other action would catalyze SDG progress and help developing economies invest in key transitions across energy, food systems, digital, education, health, decent jobs and social protection. I count on ASEAN member states to help raise global ambition in the vital months ahead. And you can always count on my wholehearted support to shape a future of peace and prosperity for the people of Southeast Asia and the world. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s remarks at the ASEAN-UN Summit, 7 September 2023. The post The vital role of ASEAN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese carmakers confront European industry at Munich show
Chinese manufacturers will be out in force at next week's IAA auto show, one of the industry's biggest, revving their new electric models on the turf of German carmakers, which have been lagging in the e-mobility race. Elon Musk's Tesla, usually a hold-out from such events, will also make an appearance at the show in Munich, joining the jostle to steal the spotlight from Europe's biggest brands. The industry fair, which opens Tuesday with a speech from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, comes with clouds gathering for the automotive sector in Europe and in particular, Germany. While suffocating supply chain problems have eased from the pandemic years, European auto giants are struggling to cope with increased energy costs in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. Although sales in the European Union have steadily improved over the last 12 months, they remain around 20 percent below their pre-coronavirus levels as inflation and higher interest rates dampen appetite for new vehicles. At the same time, European manufacturers are facing increasingly stiff competition from Chinese carmakers which are touting their vehicles at far lower prices. Local upstarts have captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market and are threatening to dominate the growing trade in electric vehicles. Chinese groups were starting "their assault on Europe with the IAA", said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. "The IAA 2023 maps out a new automobile world in Europe. Competition will be tougher. After the Chinese battery factories, their automobile makers are coming," he said, calling it a "turning point" for the industry. In all, 41 percent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China, including brands such as BYD and Leapmotor which will hope to steal the spotlight from German giants Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Contrary to the Asian onslaught, participation from other European makers is muted. Opel will be US-European conglomerate Stellantis's lone ambassador in Munich, while Renault is showcasing only its eponymous marque at the show. In contrast, Musk's Tesla was slowly falling in line with traditional manufacturers as "the brand that doesn't do marketing begins to do exactly that" with its first appearance at the IAA, said independent analyst Matthias Schmidt. - Petrol protest - Over the week, around 700,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, split between exhibition halls and the city center. The move away from combustion engines to electric vehicles -- and the bigger climate question -- will take center stage inside and outside the exhibition halls. As carmakers roll out their latest offerings, climate groups have vowed protests at the fair, including "civil disobedience" aimed at disrupting the IAA. The last edition of the show in 2021 was already troubled by small-scale protests. This time around, some 1,500 people are expected at a camp in a suburban Munich park promoting a "revolution in mobility". Car manufacturers were "destroying the lives of countless people worldwide with their growth imperative", one of the climate groups said ahead of the fair. Automotive groups have not helped their case recently by recording massive profits on the back of strong inflation. Manufacturers -- particularly those at the high end of the market -- have been able to benefit from rising prices to boost their margins. A growing climate consciousness movement is increasingly pitting environmental activists against carmakers. Mindful of society's changing views on automobiles, the IAA upped sticks from Frankfurt to Munich in 2021 and restyled itself as a festival for all forms of "mobility" -- bringing bikes and scooters into the fold. As well as cleaning up its image, the move was an attempt to reinvigorate traditional motor shows. The marquee events have struggled to attract manufacturers, who are doubtful that they create enough publicity to be worth the bother. In 2022, the Paris Motor Show saw visitor numbers dwindle, as it was cut in length from two weeks to one. Many big European names, such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Ferrari were absent from the French fair, to which Chinese carmakers like BYD by contrast turned up. The post Chinese carmakers confront European industry at Munich show appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each
Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, comprised of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, are recognized for going beyond their duty and making a difference in the community. Recipients of this year’s career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors were presented to the public on Thursday, 3 August. Each of them will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy in a conferment ceremony on 29 August, ahead of the Metrobank’s anniversary celebration in September. Outstanding Filipinos embody the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence” as they go the extra mile in their chosen profession and selflessly extend a helping hand to those in need through their various service and community involvements while overcoming adversities and challenges. Bagging the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I/SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon). To be conferred with the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao PA, Civil-Military Officer — Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro). Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation, and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City). “Outstanding Filipinos inspire us to go beyond excellence and pursue a mission that is bigger than ourselves. This year’s batch proved to us how the competence of Filipinos combined with character and compassion can positively impact other people’s lives,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “Educators, peacekeepers, and defenders have chosen to render selfless service to the community and the country despite many adversities. We hope their examples and contributions to society create a ripple effect transcending generations,” he added. The post Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clock ticking on Gilas
There’s only almost a month left before the FIBA Basketball World Cup but Gilas Pilipinas has yet to train with a complete roster. Various problems have hounded the national squad. In fact, barely a few days after the announcement of the 21-man pool, rising star Carl Tamayo pulled out, saying that he needed to rest following a grueling campaign in the Japan B League. Injuries further marred the formation of the squad with Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Ray Parks, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee begging off from the training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, while AJ Edu showed up hobbling with an ankle sprain that he sustained in a workout in Brisbane. Still, Gilas, with a depleted roster, left for Estonia and Lithuania. Their training went well where they faced top collegiate, national, and club teams from Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Lithuania. But shortly before flying back to Manila, Scottie Thompson, one the team’s most versatile players, crashed with yet another injury as he hurt his finger in the final stretch of the camp. The injury was so severe that it could take six to eight weeks for him to recover, practically reducing him to a mere spectator when the World Cup unwraps on 25 August. Then, shortly after their return from Europe, gunner Jordan Heading also withdrew due to a nagging back injury that needs therapy in the United States. But coach Chot Reyes never lost hope. After all, Kai Sotto had returned to the country following a two-game stint in the National Basketball Association Summer League, while Jordan Clarkson was scheduled to arrive based on his earlier commitment that he will join Gilas training six weeks before the World Cup fires off. But as of last Friday, both Sotto and Clarkson had yet to play a single minute with Gilas Pilipinas as it heads for a crucial four-nation pocket tournament in China next week. Their continuous absence is not only a major concern for Reyes, but also for their teammates, who are obviously getting impatient and demoralized for training with a crippled roster for over a month now. There is no doubt that Sotto and Clarkson are the best Filipino players in the world right now. But Sotto seems too busy chasing his dream of becoming the first Filipino to play in the NBA, while Clarkson just signed a new contract with the Utah Jazz that would make him richer by more than $50 million in the next four years. When Sotto showed up to Gilas training on Thursday, he just talked to Reyes and asked for a few more days of rest as he sustained a back injury in his final game in the Summer League. Meanwhile, Clarkson’s initial agreement with the federation appears to have fizzled out as Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio admitted that they were still in the “middle of negotiations,” something that should have been done three or four months ago. Reyes has to make a decision quickly. The World Cup is coming up and time is no longer on his side. He has to devise a backup plan — a Plan B — before the support of this basketball-crazy country for this massive and very expensive mission completely erodes. If he has to drop Sotto and Clarkson from his plan, so be it. The important thing is that he comes up with a solid preparation and a game plan that is built around those who have been training regularly. At this point, what Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas need are not the best dribblers, the best passers, or the best defenders. They don’t even need the tallest or the quickest players. What they need are players who are committed. Players who are willing to play for the flag and put the country ahead of their personal goals and ambitions. Players who are armed with big fighting hearts. The clock is ticking on this Gilas squad. Reyes should grab the ball and deliver the dagger before the time expires. The post Clock ticking on Gilas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BTS’ Jin now an ‘elite soldier’ By Pauline Joyce Pascual
BTS Jin recent revealed that he had been promoted to the rank of corporal two months ahead of schedule. This unexpected promotion came as a result of Jin’s recent attainment of the prestigious “elite soldier” title. All physically fit men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to serve in the military under South Korea’s mandatory military service laws. Jin has been working as an assistant instructor at a front-line infantry division boot camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, since December of last year. The expected discharge date for Jin, the first BTS member to begin his national duty, is set for 12 June 2024. Jin had been scheduled to advance in September, but because of his outstanding performance and freshly attained elite soldier rank, he was promoted sooner than expected. Soldiers receive this honorary distinction, according to the Korea Herald, for performing exceptionally well in a variety of demanding training exercises that include a 3-kilometer race, shooting proficiency, first aid knowledge, alertness, CBR (Chemical, Biological, Radiological) training and individual combat. Elite soldiers are identifiable by a distinctive badge on their uniforms, have the chance to advance more quickly and have more leave rights. This honor underlines Jin’s dedication to and commitment to his military responsibilities. In a lighthearted moment, Jin playfully teased his bandmate J-hope, who enlisted in the military in April, with a message in Korean that loosely translates to, “If you don’t get the elite soldier (title), you will be the disgrace of BTS.” J-hope, who is currently working as an assistant instructor at the 36th Infantry Division’s boot camp in Wonju, Gangwon Province, is due to be released on 17 October 2024. The post BTS’ Jin now an ‘elite soldier’ By Pauline Joyce Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipinas bare roster for Aussie camp ahead of World Cup
CEBU CITY, Philippines– The Philippine Women’s National Football Team, or Filipinas has bared its roster of provisional players that will compete in a pre-World Cup camp in Sydney, Australia a month before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup starts. The Filipinas who are now ranked 46th from 49th in the latest FIFA women’s football […] The post Filipinas bare roster for Aussie camp ahead of World Cup appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Tough grind ahead for Gilas
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes is calling for the national pool’s first practice at the Meralco gym tonight and it will kick off a tough grind to prepare for the FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25-Sept. 10. The pool is scheduled to set up camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on June 12-16 before leaving for Estonia on June 22 for friendlies. Gilas team manager Butch Antonio said no tune-up games will be played at Inspire as the priority is to get familiar with each other and the system. He didn’t rule out twice-a-day sessions to fast-track the training program......»»
Bad trip by Jerusalem
It’s been more than a week but Filipino promoter JC Mananquil was still hurting from Melvin Jerusalem’s heartbreaking loss of his world title. Speaking from Los Angeles where he has been staying since the third week of May, Mananquil thought Jerusalem was doing just fine until the roof began to cave in starting the fourth round of his clash with mandatory challenger Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico in Indio, California. “It was really weird because of how he was doing (in the first three rounds) and it suddenly changed,” Mananquil said. Jerusalem was actually in the thick of the fight during the first nine minutes of action then began to slide starting the fourth frame until he was forced to quit on his stool going into the eighth round. “The change of culture could be one thing and the short time (he was in the US),” he added. Jerusalem set foot on American soil ten days before the 27 May showdown with the undefeated Collazo. The Bukidnon-born fighter set up a training camp in Cebu for a month and transferred to Japan where he stayed for four weeks before returning to Cebu. ‘The change of culture could be one thing and the short time (he was in the US).’ Originally, Jerusalem was planning to fly to Los Angeles in the first few days of May but his visa could only be delivered sometime mid-May. His trainer Michael Domingo said Jerusalem couldn’t sleep well and was still jet-lagged by the time he fought at the Fantasy Springs Casino and Resort. No wonder, there is ample reason why Manny Pacquiao travels to the US way, way ahead of a scheduled fight. Aside from the lack of time to get used to the new time zone, Jerusalem seemed to be super happy to be in the US that he lost focus. Well, there have been some fighters who came to the US on short notice but still performed and won their fights. But it doesn’t work that way often. Jerusalem’s one clear example. The post Bad trip by Jerusalem appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Messi future decision drawing near with Barca return hopes fading
With Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain drawing to a close, the Argentine forward will soon reveal his future -- but hopes of a romantic return to Barcelona are fading. Messi, who turns 36 in June, is Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer and biggest icon and was forced to wave a tearful goodbye in 2021 at the end of his contract, with the club unable to afford to keep him. Coach Xavi Hernandez has been pushing hard for the World Cup winner to come back, but Messi's camp has told Spanish media no offer from Barcelona has arrived yet. "For me, there is no doubt that if Messi comes back he will help us on a footballing level, that's what I've let the president know," Xavi told Spanish daily Diario Sport. Barcelona is waiting for La Liga to approve a financial viability plan ahead of spending in the summer transfer window. "At the moment it seems difficult for Messi to return to Barca," said La Liga president Javier Tebas in April. "Barca are not like PSG, who have a fuel tap and money for a big salary." La Liga's financial fair play rules currently limit Barcelona to spending 40 percent of any savings made through salary cuts or player sales, because of the club's losses. Even if they bring in enough new income to break free of the league's financial handcuffs, what they can offer Messi would be modest. By contrast, elsewhere Messi will be paid a king's ransom, into the hundreds of millions. A source close to the deal told AFP in May the forward has an agreement to move to the Saudi Arabian league, joining his former Real Madrid sparring partner Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf state. [caption id="attachment_139853" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Graphic showing the main statistics of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi[/caption] Risks Many Barcelona fans and coach Xavi would like Messi to add a much-needed coda to a story left incomplete by his shock departure. The forward arrived at Barcelona at 13 years old and departed without a proper goodbye to supporters, who at that point were still shut out of stadiums because of the pandemic. Messi showed by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar that he can still deliver at the elite level when motivated. The forward is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or and remains sublime at breaking down stubborn defenses, something Barca has struggled with even on their way to winning La Liga this season. His return would be costly in terms of wages but, without a transfer fee, could still represent good value for a club hungry for short-term success. "Reclaiming" Messi's legacy is positive in its own right, ensuring he finishes his career at the club where he spent two decades. The romance of a fairytale return and a chance to seal his glorious chapter in the club's history are tempting, but with Barcelona moving forward and transforming, it could be a mistake for both club and player to turn back to the past. Some believe Barca should not direct a significant chunk of their limited financial resources towards an aging great when there are clear areas where the squad needs improvement. Xavi has said replacing veteran holding midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is departing, is the key to any success next season. Barcelona also needs a first-choice right-back, a backup for striker Robert Lewandowski and a left-winger. Some fans are worried a return for Messi may tarnish his brilliant legacy at Barcelona and hamper the team's progress at the same time. Messi may consider that in terms of his legacy, there is more to lose than gain by returning to Barcelona. French champions PSG host Clermont in their final Ligue 1 match of the season on Saturday, with Messi's future set to take center-stage after that. The post Messi future decision drawing near with Barca return hopes fading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Anatomy of a Fall’ wins top prize as women dominate Cannes
A tense courtroom drama about a writer accused of her husband's murder took the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, capping a strong year for women filmmakers. French director Justine Triet became only the third woman ever to win the festival's top prize with the icy tale "Anatomy of a Fall", led by a riveting performance from German actress Sandra Hueller. Triet used her acceptance speech to slam the government of President Emmanuel Macron for the "shocking" way it imposed a law increasing the retirement age in France. But she said she was "deeply touched." "I am very pleased to be the third woman who has gotten this prize -- things are truly changing and for the best," she told reporters. There were a record seven women among the 21 entries competing at Cannes this year, and many featured complex female characters. "Anatomy of a Fall" included a standout performance by "Messi" -- the border collie who plays a pivotal role in the film, and won the Palm Dog award a day earlier. Though Hueller did not win an award -- Cannes traditionally only gives one prize per film -- she was arguably the big winner on the night since she also starred in "The Zone of Interest" by Britain's Jonathan Glazer, which took the runner-up Grand Prix. The harrowing and unique look at the private life of a Nazi family at the Auschwitz concentration camp never shows the horrors of the camp directly, leaving them implied by disturbing background noises and small visual details. Hueller chillingly portrays the wife of the Nazi commandant, happily tending her garden and boasting she is "the queen of Auschwitz". 'Intense' The jury of nine film professionals was led by last year's winner Ruben Ostlund ("Triangle of Sadness"), and included Hollywood stars Paul Dano and Brie Larson. "We had a lot of intense, fun discussions," Ostlund told reporters, adding that it was "a very strong line-up". Best director went to Vietnamese-born French filmmaker Tran Anh Hung for "The Pot-au-Feu", a lustrous homage to French cuisine that was loved by many international critics but seemed to leave most local pundits cold. He thanked his star Juliette Binoche, saying she was "quite extraordinary in the film". Best actor went to Japan's Koji Yakusho for "Perfect Days". He thanked German director Wim Wenders for creating "a magnificent character" in the touching tale about a Tokyo toilet cleaner with a complex backstory. There was a surprise choice for best actress in Turkey's Merve Dizdar for "About Dry Grasses", the latest from previous Palme-winner Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Presenting the Palme d'Or, Hollywood legend Jane Fonda recalled the first time she came to Cannes in 1963. "There were no women directors competing at that time and it never even occurred to us that there was something wrong with that," she said. "We have come a long way." 'Deeply honored' The third-place Jury Prize went to Aki Kaurismaki for his sweet, deadpan and very Finnish film "Fallen Leaves" that garnered huge cheers from festival-goers. The 76th edition of the world's leading film get-together was a particularly glitzy affair, with world premieres for the new Indiana Jones and Martin Scorsese films playing out of competition. Glazer received his award from Quentin Tarantino and 97-year-old cult director Roger Corman. The festival often felt like a dream retirement home populated by ageing male icons from Hollywood. Harrison Ford, 80, got weepy when he received an honorary Palme d'Or ahead of the premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny". Scorsese, also 80, said he was happy to stay out of the competition with his Native American epic "Killers of the Flower Moon", joking to AFP: "It's time for others. I got to go. There are kids around." European auteurs Ken Loach, 86, Marco Bellocchio, 83, and Victor Erice, 82, all brought new films to the festival. The post ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ wins top prize as women dominate Cannes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Category 5 Cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar, Bangladesh
Cyclone Mocha crashed through Myanmar and southeastern Bangladesh on Sunday, sparing sprawling refugee camps but bringing a storm surge to swathes of western Myanmar where communications were largely cut off. Mocha made landfall between Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh and Myanmar's Sittwe packing winds of up to 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour, in the biggest storm to hit the Bay of Bengal in over a decade. By late Sunday the storm had largely passed, AFP correspondents said, and India's weather office said it would weaken as it hit the rugged hills of Myanmar's interior. Some 400-500 makeshift shelters were damaged in camps housing almost one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar but there were no immediate reports of casualties, refugee commissioner Mizanur Rahman told AFP. In Teknaf in Bangladesh volunteers emerged to remove fallen trees and other obstacles from the roads, an AFP correspondent said. Disaster official Kamrul Hasan said the cyclone had caused "no major damage" in Bangladesh, adding authorities had evacuated 750,000 people ahead of the storm. Communications with the port town of Sittwe in Myanmar were largely cut off following the storm, AFP correspondents said. Streets in the town of around 150,000 people were turned into rivers as the storm surged ashore, tearing roofs from buildings and downing power lines. The wind ripped apart homes made of tarpaulin and bamboo at one camp for displaced Rohingya at Kyaukphyu in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Its residents were anxiously watching the rising sea tide, camp leader Khin Shwe told AFP. "We are now going to check whether sea water is increasing to our place... if the seawater rises, our camp can be flooded," he said. Thousands left Sittwe on Saturday, packing into trucks, cars, and tuk-tuks and heading for higher ground inland as meteorologists warned of a storm surge of up to 3.5 meters (11 feet). "We are not okay because we didn't bring food and other things to cook," said Maung Win, 57, who spent the night in a shelter in Kyauktaw town further inland. "We can only wait to get food from people's donations." 'Major emergency' The Myanmar Red Cross Society said it was "preparing for a major emergency response". In Bangladesh, authorities have banned Rohingya refugees from constructing concrete homes, fearing it may encourage them to settle permanently rather than return to Myanmar, which they fled five years ago following a brutal military crackdown. The camps are generally slightly inland but most of them are built on hillsides, exposing them to the threat of landslides. Forecasters expect the cyclone to bring a deluge of rain, which can trigger landslips. Hundreds of people also fled Bangladesh's Saint Martin's island, a local resort area right in the storm's path, with thousands more moving to cyclone shelters on the coral outcrop. The storm had uprooted hundreds of trees on the island councilor Noor Ahmed told AFP. "But we don't have any reports of death. Two persons were injured as they were hit by fallen trees." Cyclone Mocha is the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh since Cyclone Sidr, Azizur Rahman, the head of Bangladesh's Meteorological Department, told AFP. Sidr hit Bangladesh's southern coast in November 2007, killing more than 3,000 people and causing billions of dollars in damage. In recent years, better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced the death toll from such storms. Operations were suspended at Bangladesh's largest seaport, Chittagong, with boat transport and fishing also halted. Cyclones -- the equivalent of hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the Northwest Pacific -- are a regular and deadly menace on the coast of the northern Indian Ocean where tens of millions of people live. Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta in 2008, killing at least 138,000 people. Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer because of climate change. The post Category 5 Cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar, Bangladesh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bringing people gov’t services
The dry season has brought not only uncomfortably higher temperatures across our country but also a slew of “summer diseases” that range from sore eyes to skin conditions and heat stroke. These health problems are not trivial matters. Heat stroke, in particular, poses a significant threat, especially to our kababayans whose work requires them to stay under the blistering heat of the sun. Most of them are our fellow Filipinos in underserved areas who do not have access to electricity and worse, the health services that they need. Following our state weather bureau’s recent announcement that it may issue an El Niño alert by next month, all the more we must prioritize our health as we brace for warmer days ahead. This is why, we also continue striving to bring public healthcare services closer to our fellow Filipinos, especially the needy, the helpless, and the hopeless who have no one else to turn to but our government. Part of these initiatives are the Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers which we initiated and continue to provide to communities in need. Each Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance from different government agencies. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored, institutionalized the program. The program has so far helped over seven million particularly poor and indigent Filipinos through the 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide, according to the Department of Health. We have also been supportive of the establishment of Super Health Centers in areas identified by the DoH as the lead implementing agency. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I took the time last week to visit some of these Malasakit Centers and SHC in various parts of the country to check on their operations or the progress of their construction. On 17 April, we kicked off the week with a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City, Capiz where we also checked on the ongoing construction of the new building of the hospital which I supported for funding the previous years as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. I likewise personally led the distribution of aid to 218 indigent patients and 666 front liners of the hospital while representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to the qualified patients and 59 utility workers. We attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Panay and Panitan towns in Capiz where we also aided indigent residents from each town. We then proceeded to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental to visit another Malasakit Center at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital where we aided 375 patients and 1,877 hospital front liners, including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Indigent patients, 148 qualified security guards, and hospital utility workers also received financial assistance from the DSWD. In Bacolod City, we joined the Panaad Festival celebration and assisted 1,000 struggling residents. The following day in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the city’s Super Health Center and provided aid to 1,000 of its residents. A visit to the Malasakit Center at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center was meant to assess the continuing services to the public and aid 573 patients and 1,550 front liners. A team from the DSWD also extended financial assistance to the patients and 119 qualified hospital workers, including housekeeping and security guards. We witnessed the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center in Umingan, Pangasinan on the same day, and helped 709 persons with disabilities. The inspections of other centers and aid distributions continued for the rest of the week. On 21 April, we flew to Samar where we inspected the SHC in Santa Margarita and assisted 1,000 town residents. In Calbayog, we aided 216 fire victims and 1,000 indigents. During our visit to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in Camp Alano, Davao City, we expressed support for their endeavors in recognition of their role in women empowerment and nation-building. On 22 April, we conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at Quirino Province Medical Center in Cabarroguis where we helped 101 patients and 830 front liners while the DSWD aided the patients and 317 qualified front liners. We joined the town’s 6th Quirino Motorismo. A total of 500 residents in Saguday, Quirino received aid before we inspected the ongoing construction of the SHC. My teams assisted 100 indigent families in Casiguran, 100 in San Luis, and 100 in Dipaculao, Aurora; 100 in La Paz, 200 in Talacogon,100 in Sibagat, 100 in Bayugan, 100 in Esperanza, 100 in Prosperidad, and 550 in Sta. Josefa and Trento, Agusan del Sur; 1,427 in Iba, Zambales; 33 in Sta Rita, Pampanga; 495 households affected by separate fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro City and Tagoloan, and 500 in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental; and 54 fire victims in Maramag, Valencia City, Malaybalay City and Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I was also honored to be able to attend the Philippine Councilors League — Quezon province chapter seminar in Davao City on 20 April, and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-National Cluster Barangay Congress in Pasay City yesterday. Our jobs are no different from each other; we have the same mandate to serve our people. Local leaders are our partners in ensuring that their constituents are well supported to effect real positive change from the local to the national level. Amid the challenges we face, let not these trials beat and hinder us from doing our duties and reaching out to more of our struggling Filipinos in their times of need. Let us all strive to bring public services, particularly healthcare, closer to our people. The post Bringing people gov’t services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Whispers, hints, and non-denials ahead of supposed Biden 2024 launch
No one at the White House will openly tell you Joe Biden is announcing his 2024 re-election campaign next Tuesday. And no one will tell you he isn't. Including Joe Biden. Asked by AFP as he crossed a sun-drenched Rose Garden on Friday whether he was announcing, the president playfully answered: "I don't know." Welcome to the Biden mystery reveal party. Here's what we know. Major US media, led by The Washington Post, quoted multiple unnamed sources late Thursday saying Biden, 80, will declare his candidacy next week -- possibly Tuesday. There are big caveats, namely that the Biden camp has several times previously teased an imminent announcement, then failed to deliver. January, February, start of April -- each deadline, when people in the know said they knew, came and went. This month, Axios quoted more unnamed sources saying that a decision might be put off for months, until after the summer. The latest speculation is different for its specificity and immediacy. And so far, no one -- named or unnamed -- is denying it's true. Tuesday happens to be the anniversary of the day in 2019 when Biden launched the campaign he ultimately rode to defeat Donald Trump in 2020. The symbolism of a new announcement, particularly when Biden's main challenger presently is none other than Trump, would be strong. No mention of election events is on the White House schedule for Biden next week. But his agenda would work nicely with an announcement, especially if it's just a video address, as the US media reports expect it to be. Monday, Biden will preside over a teachers of the year ceremony. He'll also host three Democratic lawmakers from Tennessee whose gun control protest in the state legislature became a national focal point for frustration over unending mass shootings. Public education and attempts at gun control are both major Biden priorities. On Tuesday, possibly the re-election announcement day, he is set to address a trade union conference on one of the main leitmotifs of his expected campaign message -- how his administration is "bringing manufacturing jobs back" and "rebuilding the middle class." Then on Wednesday, he hosts South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state dinner. The event will underline Biden's far-reaching attempts to strengthen US foreign policy by restoring alliances that withered under Trump. Just don't try asking White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if Biden is about to pass go. She immediately ducks behind a US law, the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from being involved in political campaigns. "I know there's a lot of interest in this. Obviously, I totally understand this, the questions about all of this, the press reports that we have seen the last 24 hours," she said at the start of her daily briefing on Friday. "When it comes to the president's plans for 2024, I just want to say... federal law prohibits me from discussing campaign-related topics from this podium." Her attempt to stonewall triggered attempts by reporters to ask the election question in ever more novel ways. "Does the president have any plans to mark the fourth anniversary of his announcement?" asked one. "Who will be able to address questions about 2024?" asked another. "It's not a 2024, not a Hatch Act-type question," began another, prompting Jean-Pierre to burst out laughing and retort: "That's what you think." "I don't have anything to say about 2024," Jean-Pierre summarized. "Either way, it's not going to come from this podium." The post Whispers, hints, and non-denials ahead of supposed Biden 2024 launch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Tiamzons, dead or alive? (1)
A puzzling statement was issued that couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon were dead. It was not an assumption but a confirmation made by the faceless spokesperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Marco Valbuena, on Thursday that their top-ranking leaders did not die from a sea encounter in Catbalogan, Samar but were tortured and killed by the military. Ahead of DNA test results on human remains believed to be the Tiamzons, Valbuena made a premature claim. Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., said the PNP Forensic Group has yet to release its official DNA report which is also being awaited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Tiamzons were traveling with eight members of a guerilla group on a boat off Catbalogan City when they figured in a firefight with Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 22 August 2022. The military believed the group perished after their boat exploded. Human remains were found in the water in the succeeding days but were not identified. Who really are the Tiamzons? Benito, 71, National Democratic Front consultant, was the vice chairman, executive committee member, and political bureau member of the CPP–New People’s Army-NDF. Wilma, 70, was CPP secretary general and, like her husband, was a member of the executive committee and political bureau of the CPP-NPA-NDF. She was also NDFP negotiating panel national consultant and the National Finance Commission secretary. The couple were arrested on 22 March 2014 and detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Two years after, they were granted bail when the peace talks with the government resumed under the Duterte administration in August 2016. When the peace talks collapsed in 2017, the couple refused to surrender and went into hiding until a Quezon City court ordered their re-arrest in 2018. On 27 November 2020, Benito and Wilma were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison after being convicted of the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Lt. Abraham Claro Casis and three other Army officers in Quezon in 1988. They were also ordered arrested for 15 counts of murder, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila on 17 September 2017, in connection with the alleged 1985 purge in Leyte of communist rebels accused of being military informants, known as the “Inopacan massacre.” After running around headless since the death of its ideological founder in December 2022, timing is everything for the orphaned communist groups. Yes, everything happens at the perfect time. And, yes, the NDF’s 50th anniversary on Monday, 24 April is the perfect time. According to security forces, on occasions like this, CPP-affiliated organizations are expected to continue propagating issues and propaganda to portray them as still winning against the government and to expedite their recruitment of new revolutionaries. This is their strategy to portray the AFP as the primary violator of human rights in the country; and that the Philippine and American governments are conspiring to execute the apprehended terrorists. True enough, their digital spokesperson, whose face is always left to everyone’s imagination, announced that at the break of dawn on 24 April, all NPA units have been ordered to stand in formation and silently perform a 21-gun salute to pay respects and give the highest salute to the Tiamzon couple — their heroes for a day. (To be continued) The post The Tiamzons, dead or alive? (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kings’ Brown unanimous NBA coach of the year
Sacramento's Mike Brown was named the NBA Coach of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first unanimous winner of the award after guiding the Kings back to the playoffs. Brown also won the award in 2009 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, guiding a team that won 66 games as LeBron James was named the league's Most Valuable Player. He was sacked by the Cavs one year later, eventually landing briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers. In his first year at the helm in Sacramento he turned around a franchise whose 17-year playoff drought was the longest in NBA history and the longest active drought in major US pro sports. The 53-year-old received 100 out of 100 possible first-placed votes, a first in balloting for the award. Brown arrived in Sacramento after six seasons as an assistant to Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors -- just up the road in San Francisco. "These honors don't come around often, so you're very appreciative of them," Brown said during an interview on broadcaster TNT's programme announcing the award. "Inside The NBA" after being named the winner of the award. Long known for prioritizing defense, Brown developed the young Kings team into an offensive force. The Kings led the league in scoring with an average of 120.7 points per game in the regular season. They were second in field goal percentage at 49.4 and third in assists per game at 27.3 Their 48-34 record is an 18-game improvement on last season, when they finished 30-52. Now the Kings are up 2-0 in their first-round playoff series against the reigning champion Warriors after winning the first two games on their home floor. Brown claimed the award ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, who led his rebuilding club to a 40-42 record and a play-in berth, and Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla, at 34 the youngest active head coach in the NBA, led Boston to the second-best record in the NBA after he was thrust into the job days before training camp when Ime Udoka was abruptly suspended for violating team rules. The post Kings’ Brown unanimous NBA coach of the year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»