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Criminal cases vs. Gwen, Capitol officials over CICC dismissed
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The state’s anti-graft investigating body has dismissed the criminal cases lodged against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and 11 others over the controversial Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). The Office of the Ombudsman, in a 12-page ruling dated December 14, 2020, stated that the decision of the Cebu Provincial Government then to […] The post Criminal cases vs. Gwen, Capitol officials over CICC dismissed appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Drug killings 95 percent lower than in previous admin
The number of deaths recorded under the Marcos administration’s war on drugs has decreased by over 95 percent, in contrast to the bloody anti-drug campaign of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte......»»
11 drug offenders complete reformation program
11 drug offenders complete reformation program.....»»
4 nabbed in drug den raids in Cebu, Bohol
4 nabbed in drug den raids in Cebu, Bohol.....»»
Drug den in Punta Princesa, Cebu City shut down, three men nabbed
CEBU CITY, Philippines — With the help of concerned citizens, law enforcers arrested three newly identified drug personalities and dismantled a suspected drug den in Sitio Tres de Abril, Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, March 21, 2024. The drug bust took place at around 1:25 p.m. in the barangay, which was previously.....»»
Drug den in Brgy. Apas: Couple nabbed, P108,800 ‘shabu’ seized
CEBU CITY, Philippine — A couple was arrested for allegedly running a drug den in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with call center agents and habal-habal drivers as their usual clients. A buy-bust operation at around 5:30 p.m. led to the arrest of Jonathan Roca, 44, and his common law partner,.....»»
PDEA-7: No marijuana-flavored vapes in Central Visayas
CEBU CITY, Philippines – No marijuana-flavored vapes have been monitored so far in Central Visayas, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the region, said. This was according to Intelligence Agent IlI Jonar V. Cuayzon, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Section of PDEA Regional Office 7. Cuayzon, however, said that they are not discounting the.....»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
CLI secures PCC approval for JV with Singapore builder
Property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. has received approval from the antitrust body to proceed with its joint venture with a Singapore-based builder for the construction of high-end residences in Cebu City......»»
Guild of Runners opens in Escario, Cebu City
Summary: A new fitness studio, Guild of Runners, has opened in the heart of Cebu City, offering coach-guided sessions that combine track-and-field, treadmill training, and whole body workouts for strength and conditioning. The studio stands out as the only fitness center in Cebu to provide heart rate monitoring throughout sessions using a mobile application connected to a wrist or chest strap worn by trainees. Led by a Licensed Physical Therapist and a Certified USA Track and Field Coach, the Guild aims to improve overall fitness, including posture, coordination, balance, weight management, cardiovascular endurance, and musculoskeletal strength through running-based workouts. The studio also specializes in training runners and athletes preparing for competitive races, ranging from 5k to triathlons. Those interested can attend a free trial class and find more information on the Guild of Runners' Facebook page......»»
Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives
Scores of Palestinians were killed in central Gaza on Sunday after Israel stepped up its strikes on the war-torn enclave and another convoy of 17 aid trucks arrived as the Hamas-run territory faces "catastrophic" shortages. With the violence raging unchecked, Iran said the region could spiral "out of control". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Lebanon's Hezbollah, saying getting involved would be "the mistake of its life". Washington warned any actors looking to inflame the conflict that it would not hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation". Hamas militants in Gaza stormed across the border into Israel on 7 October, launching a raid that killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burnt to death on the first day, according to Israeli officials. They also seized more than 200 hostages in the worst-ever attack in Israel's history. Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign that has so far killed more than 4,600 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Officials said the central town of Deir al-Balah had been particularly badly hit overnight from Saturday to Sunday. The ministry said at least 80 people had been killed in the overnight raids on central Gaza, which destroyed more than 30 homes. At the hospital morgue, an AFP journalist saw the bodies of many children on the bloodied floor, where distraught families wept as they identified the victims. Among them was a man clutching his dead toddler and a young boy who pulled back a blanket over his little sister's body. "My cousin was sleeping in his house with his daughter in his arms. He was a man with no record, nothing to do with the resistance," said Wael Wafi, gazing at the body of his cousin, his arm still wrapped around his three-year-old daughter Misk. Also Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that 29 of its staff had been killed since the start of the war in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying half of them were teachers. On Saturday it had given a toll of 17. The scale of the bombing has left basic systems unable to function. The UN said dozens of unidentified bodies had been buried in a mass grave in Gaza City because cold storage had run out. Meanwhile, an Israeli soldier was killed near the Gaza border by an anti-tank missile fired by militants inside the enclave, the army said. 'Accident' as Israel hits Egypt post Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the war with Hamas could take months. "It will take one month, two months, three months, and at the end, there will be no more Hamas," Gallant said. A second convoy of 17 trucks of aid entered Gaza from Egypt on Sunday following an initial delivery of 20 trucks on Saturday after intensive negotiations and US pressure. Separately, an AFP journalist saw six trucks leaving Rafah after filling up from dwindling fuel stocks held at the crossing as the enclave faces catastrophic shortages after Israel cut off supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity. It later resumed water supplies to the south on 15 October. Although Egyptian media said another 40 trucks would enter Gaza on Monday, the UN says the enclave needs 100 trucks per day to meet the needs of Gaza's 2.4 million residents. And so far, there have been no deliveries of fuel, with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warning Sunday that supplies would run out "in three days". "Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals, and... aid will not reach many civilians in desperate need," he said. The Hamas government said 165,000 housing units -- half of those in the entire Gaza Strip -- had been destroyed in the raids. With fears growing that the conflict could spread, Israel on Sunday admitted accidentally hitting an Egyptian border post, apologizing for the incident which Cairo said had left an unspecified number of border guards with "minor injuries". Risk of regional escalation There were fresh exchanges of fire over Israel's northern border with Lebanon as fears grew that Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas and Iran, could enter the conflict, prompting Israel's Netanyahu to warn it would be "the mistake of its life". "We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," he said. Iran also warned about the conflict spreading on Sunday, with top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian cautioning that if Washington and Israel did not "immediately stop the crime against humanity and genocide in Gaza.. the region will go out of control". But Washington said it wouldn't hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation", just hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region. "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on ABC News. On Sunday, Pope Francis used his weekly Angelus prayer in Rome to plead for an end to the bloodshed. "War is always a defeat, it is a destruction of human fraternity. Brothers, stop!" he said. He later held a 20-minute conversation with US President Joe Biden about "conflict situations in the world and the need to identify paths to peace", the Vatican said. Biden later discussed with war with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, the White House said. The US president also held talks with Netanyahu, said the White House, adding: "The leaders affirmed that there will now be continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza." In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced he would be traveling to Israel on Tuesday for talks with Netanyahu. Protesters marched in several European capitals on Sunday. At least 10,000 people rallied in support of Israel in Berlin as Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to stamp out a resurgence of anti-Semitic incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thousands gathered in Paris to demand an end to Israel's operation in Gaza, the first pro-Palestinian rally in the French capital that wasn't banned on security grounds. The post Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Principled peace
Self-defense is essential for a nation’s survival, which was what the United States veto of the United Nations resolution calling for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s campaign against Hamas was all about. Based on a formula that Brazil and Russia drafted, the resolution was meant to allow aid delivery to the war zone, mainly in northern Gaza. Under United Nations rules, a “no” vote by any of the five permanent members of the Security Council stops action on any proposal. The body’s permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. Russia had proposed two amendments to the UN resolution seeking a ceasefire that the SC rejected. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia’s proposal came with its warning that anyone who did not support Russia’s draft resolution “bears responsibility for what happens.” Coming from Russia, the call for moral responsibility in Israel’s war against terror was somewhat off, considering its ongoing campaign to occupy Ukraine. In delivering the veto, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the “resolution did not mention Israel’s right of self-defense.” “Israel has the inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the UN Charter,” she said. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Security Council had reaffirmed the right in previous resolutions on terrorist attacks. “This resolution should have done the same,” she said. UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward said her country abstained from voting on the resolution as the text needed to clarify Israel’s inherent right to self-defense. She pointed out that the resolution also ignored that extremist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. “They (Hamas) have embedded themselves in civilian communities and made the Palestinian people their victims too,” she said. She reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, to rescue hostages, and to strengthen its security in the long term while calling on Israel “to take all feasible precautions” to avoid harming Palestinian civilians. The argument of the UK is the source of the dilemma in the current conflict — saving civilians but with the responsibility falling solely on the shoulders of Israel. Hamas, a terrorist organization, is not bound by, therefore is not expected to follow, UN resolutions. Directing Israel to implement a ceasefire, even momentarily, puts it at a disadvantage since Hamas and its terror allies will continue to fire their rockets while consolidating their forces. War indeed brings horrors that should not happen in a civilized world. Human frailty is brought to the fore by the greed and ambition of the terror organization, stripped of religious embellishment. Hamas wants to drive out the Israelis and establish a kingdom to rule over the Palestinians. A spokesperson of the Israeli Defense Forces said resolute action is necessary against Hamas to end its reign of terror and prevent the recurrence of its recent attack on civilians. The surprise assault on 7 October resulted in the slaughter of 1,400 mostly civilian Israelis. Israel then declared war on Hamas, which rules the Palestinian government, vowing to hold it accountable for the massacre. Hamas uses treachery and guile, digging bunkers and underground communities in civilian areas to evade the Israeli forces. The terror group uses the propaganda mill to elicit tacit support from countries with anti-Israel sentiments. It uses the Israeli airstrikes on its facilities that cause civilian casualties as leverage to get the Israeli operations to stop. The UN, as the organization relied on to keep the peace in the region, has failed to provide a fair and rational solution to the conflict. The post Principled peace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community
Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - In a significant stride towards ensuring equal rights and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Municipal Council of Panglima Sugala has passed a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, No. 001. This landmark decision comes after a series of campaigns, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bangsamoro region, amidst increasing acts of violence and discrimination. HUMAN RIGHTS Caravan headed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, along with Google, Commission on Human Rights and implemented by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. The urgency to address the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community was also recognized by the Bangsamoro Parliament through resolutions 524 and 526 in 2021, which called for a thorough investigation into instances of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Emphasizing the significance of these resolutions, they are expected to contribute towards protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from illegal acts, while preventing discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment. Human Rights Training/Workshop lead by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. Bangsamoro Region has been marked by a series of reported cases of LGBTQIA+ members being subjected to harassment, physical attacks, and even murder in recent years. The passage of this ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards curbing these acts of violence and promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality within the community.The passage of the ordinance was spearheaded by Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali, with support from the Mujer LGBT+ Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany through their Human Rights Caravan program. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and individuals have been instrumental in ensuring the successful enactment of this legislation along with the members of the Municipal legislative council. This landmark passage was welcomed by the Executive Director of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation Alvin ''Toni Gee'' Fernandez, saying "Our organization is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news of the passage of the landmark law. For years, we have dedicated ourselves tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space for the Moro LGBTQIA+ community in Bangsamoro. The importance of anti-discrimination ordinances has never been more crucial than now. We firmly believe that these measures serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every Moro individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community, and we will continue our unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice for all in Bangsamoro." Panglima Sugala Municipal Government Officials with Mujer LGBT+ Organisation What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the lack of a national anti-discrimination law in the Philippines, which has remained unresolved in the Congress for the past 24 years. This void has left LGBTQIA+ communities reliant on local legislation for protection and deprived them of their basic human rights for decades. The passage of this ordinance is a strong message that local communities are determined to initiate change and create an inclusive and safe environment for all. Panglima Sugala Municipality - Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 001 Under the newly enacted anti-discrimination ordinance, the LGBTQIA+ community in Panglima Sugala will be afforded vital protection against all forms of discrimination, including denial of access to public services, education, employment, and healthcare due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance also empowers victims of discrimination to seek legal redress by providing a clear avenue to file complaints and ensuring the enforcement of penalties against offenders. ''Whether people agree with it or not, it is a fact that people with different SOGIEs are humans as well. They deserve protection along with every Filipino in the Philippines. The passage of this ordinance is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance to my colleagues in the Bangsamoro region. It shows that Panglima Sugala local government recognizes the rights and needs of all sectors of society, including those with varying SOGIEs and those living with HIV. By enacting this ordinance, we hope to set a precedent and inspire other municipalities in the Bangsamoro region to follow suit and implement similar measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups.'' - Vice Mayor Sahali strongly affirmed. Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali This historic passage of comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance No. 001 adds momentum to the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the Bangsamoro region. It is seen as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, setting a precedent for other municipalities and cities in the region to address their own local legislation and embrace inclusivity.While this ordinance is a positive step forward, advocates and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to push for the timely passage of the national anti-discrimination bill in the Philippines Congress. The hope is that such a law will provide comprehensive protection and recognition of the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.As society progresses towards acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens, the passage of this anti-discrimination ordinance in Panglima Sugala is a commendable milestone in the long journey towards equal rights and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun-for-hire group members nabbed in Bohol, P300K shabu seized
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Members of a suspected gun-for-hire group that is based in Bohol landed in jail after they were caught by authorities during a buy-bust operation early on Thursday morning, October 19,2023. The anti-illegal drugs operation was made in Purok 1, Barangay Danao in Panglao, Bohol at around 6:30 a.m. Two of the arrested persons were identified as Regie Abundo and his alleged cohort, Christian Manayaga. Also arrested were their “associates” who were identified as Bridget Rose Olaivar and Princess Vanna Cutaran. Meanwhile, two minors were also rescued during the buy-bust operation. Police described the suspects as high-value individuals (HVI) who are part of an “emerging” gun-for-hire group. Authorities recovered from their possession 55 grams of suspected shabu worth at least P374,000; a .9mm pistol loaded with 9 live ammunitions; and a KG-9 sub machine gun with 19 live ammunitions. The buy-bust operation was organized by the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU)/ Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Bohol Police Provincial Office together with the Panglao Municipal Police Station and Dauis Municipal Police Station. Gun-for-hire group Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), said that based on their investigation, the arrested individuals were part of a gun-for-hire group. He said that the highly-organized group may have been responsible for previous drug-related shooting incidents in Bohol province. “Sa atong investigation nga gihimo, kini nga grupo na-involve ni sila sa mga drug-related shootings in Bohol previously. So, atoning gitan-aw. What we are going to do is we conduct ballistic examination sa armas nga nakuha, atong i-match didto sa mga previous shooting incidents,” he said. Pelare said that they will be conducting backtracking as part of their ongoing investigation. “We are now considering backtracking of shooting incidents in previous months kay naa tay nakita nga mga information nag na-involve sila sa drug-related incidents,” he said. Surveillance According to Pelare, local authorities conducted surveillance and intelligence monitoring to gather evidence before the conduct of the buy-bust operation. He also disclosed that they received information that the group may have been used to commit crimes and disrupt the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on October 30. “Ato sang nakita nga kining grupoha, possible untang magamit sa Barangay and SK elections by some unscrupulous political candidates. But because of this aggressive operation instructed and supervised by our Regional Director Police Brigadier.....»»
Cebu to supply vessels for Coast Guard, Navy
The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy may avail sea vessels made in Balamban, Cebu as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. “The new vessel that we are seeing there, the 40-foot vessel that’s made in Cebu, that will be included,” Marcos said. “We will eventually have 40 of them that would give us an increased capability. This is ongoing.” Cebu has long been recognized as the country’s shipbuilding capital with the shipbuilding industry propelling the local economy of Balamban in Midwestern Cebu on the brink of cityhood status and the newly-built ship building facilities in Danao City. The plan was confirmed by Teodoro, who recently went to Capitol and met with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. “Cebu builds ships, Cebu builds equipment that we need, and therefore the synergy that we see today will continue but in a different dimension not only as a locator in the Province of Cebu but as a resource purchaser and resource user of the services, goods and other capabilities that your province can produce,” Teodoro said. He added that he is just waiting for amendments to the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization law to locally source military assets. “We encourage our legislators here today that we are waiting for these amendments by the end of the year so that by next year we can start to leverage the talents and abilities of the people of Cebu,” Teodoro said. Balamban has its locators include Japan-based Tsuneshi Heavy Industries and Australia’s Austal Corporation, local builders Advance Catamaran Composites and Cebu Maritime Industry. “You have an important role to play here not only in maintaining peace and security in Central Philippines,” Teodoro said. The post Cebu to supply vessels for Coast Guard, Navy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Immigration officer convicted
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday revealed that a Bureau of Immigration officer has been convicted for the falsification of travel records showing that former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was in the Philippines even if he did not arrive and leave the country in 2020. The NBI said BI officer Marcos S. Nicodemus has been found guilty by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court of violations of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Though the RTC decision was not provided by the NBI, it said that Nicodemus “was sentenced by the court to a maximum imprisonment of nine years for each of the criminal cases with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been wanted by the German government for his involvement in the $2.2 billion Wirecard fraud. In 2020, the Philippine government joined the hunt for Marsalek due to Wirecard’s links in the country and discovered travel records that showed that the Austrian came to the Philippines in 2020. Then Department of Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation. In August 2020, the NBI “recommended to the DoJ the prosecution of subject Marcos Nicodemus for falsifying the travel records of an Austrian national.” “Investigation conducted by NBI-IAID (NBI-International Airport Investigation Division) revealed that based on Marsalek’s travel records, he arrived in the Philippines through NAIA Terminal 1 on 23 June 2020, processed by Immigration Officer Darren Ilagan but with a mysterious ‘canceled by user’ remark and departure on 24 June 2020 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport processed by Immigration Officer Perry Michael Pancho,” the NBI said. “However, NBI-IAID discovered thru CCTV (closed circuit television) footages that Marsalek never entered the Philippines and he did not even depart through MCIA,” the NBI said. The records of Marsalek were found to be spurious due to the following: Existing immigrations protocol as of that date disallowing passengers from entering Philippine territory due to Covid situation; absence of actual scanned data page of the passport; existing protocol that incoming flights of airlines disallowing the boarding of a passenger who will be prevented entry based on the destination country’s protocol as of flight date. The NBI said that Ilagan testified that Nicodemus, who was his supervisor, “ordered him to conduct a derogatory check upon Marsalek despite the fact that he was already not on duty on that date and that Marsalek is not present during checking.” Guevarra in 2020, said that the travel records of the Marsalek were falsified possibly as “diversionary tactics to mislead his pursuers.” The post Immigration officer convicted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NGOs question occupational permits given to prostituted women
NGOs in Davao City question the occupational permits given to prostituted women, stating that selling one's body for sex should not be classified as legitimate work. Referring to prostituted women as 'pokpok' or 'sex workers' only exacerbates discrimination against them, rather than addressing the root cause of the issue. Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala Incorporated, argues that the term 'sex workers' fails to accurately portray the exploitative situations these women face, and instead, glamorizes their predicament. There are existing laws against prostitution, such as Republic Act (RA) Number 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse), RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), and a local ordinance in Davao in its second reading for OSAEC, but Ampog expressed hope that it would pass the final reading. This, she believes, would signal the commitment of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Davao to fund programs for prostituted women. Lawig Bubai and Talikala called on government bodies, non-government groups, and faith-based organizations to address the root causes of prostitution.....»»
WADA warns of ‘consequences’ over North Korean flag at Asian Games
The World Anti-Doping Agency warned the Olympic Council of Asia of "consequences" on Friday for allowing the North Korean flag to be repeatedly flown at the Asian Games, saying they were treating it "extremely seriously". WADA declared North Korea's national anti-doping body "non-compliant" in 2021 and imposed sanctions that remain today. They include not being able to fly its flag at any regional, continental, or world sports event, excluding the Olympics and Paralympics. Despite this North Korea carried the flag at the Asian Games opening ceremony and it has been routinely hoisted in Hangzhou when their athletes won medals. OCA chief Raja Randhir Singh last week defended allowing the North Korean flag to be flown, saying the governing body of the sport in Asia had written to WADA "explaining their position". In a statement to AFP, WADA said the OCA had breached its obligations as a signatory to its anti-doping code. "WADA takes this matter extremely seriously and has written to the OCA on several occasions before and after the opening ceremony of the Games, explaining in clear terms the possible consequences that could arise for the OCA if this matter is ignored," it said. "WADA is disappointed that the OCA has to date not taken steps to comply with the terms of the DPRK's non-compliance," it added, using an acronym for North Korea. "WADA will follow due process to ensure that the appropriate consequences are imposed for the OCA's refusal to meet its signatory obligations." There are a range of punishments WADA could impose on the Kuwait-based OCA. They include having International Olympic Committee (IOC) funding withdrawn, OCA events losing their status as qualifying events for the Olympic or Paralympic Games, and the imposition of fines. OCA declined to comment when approached by AFP. 'Protecting athletes' The Montreal-based WADA sanctioned North Korea while its already tight borders were shut following the outbreak of COVID-19, which prevented international testing authorities from being able to enter. North Korea recently began slowly reopening and WADA said it had started to allow them back in to collect samples. "However, the broader political status of the country means verification and quality control activities are not straightforward," it added. "WADA will continue to work to strengthen the anti-doping system in DPRK in order to protect all athletes." Despite its years-long isolation from the global sporting arena, North Korea has produced some eye-opening results on its return, notably in weightlifting, where its competitors have smashed six world records. Several rival lifters said they were "shocked" or "surprised" at the results. No North Korean weightlifters will participate in next year's Paris Olympics because they failed to take part in mandatory qualifying events earlier this year. The International Weightlifting Federation said all athletes in the sport had been tested at least once at the Hangzhou Games. While the IWF does not hold jurisdiction over the Asian Games, it does have responsibility for verifying athlete whereabouts submissions under anti-doping rules. That rule required information to be provided for a minimum of three months before any competition. Two North Koreans failed to comply and were barred, the IWF said. The post WADA warns of ‘consequences’ over North Korean flag at Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Skin in the game
Where do you find yourself in the skincare spectrum? Are you still assiduously doing your 13-step Korean beauty routine, convincing everybody your glistening face is not “hulas,” but glass skin? “The word is dew-y!” Or are you the basic sunscreen, a chemical and physical exfoliant or two, maybe slathering a peptide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or whatever serum is in vogue type? Or are you, “I will fight the ravages of time until my skin is as taut as a drum head and as supple as clouds, or I die trying?” In a crowded field littered with skin and beauty “CEOs” being as high profile as the brands they carry, Skin Manila is positioning itself as a sober alternative, anywhere between Glenda, Rosmar (If you don’t recognize these names, maybe get thee a Tiktok app, Luddite!), the basic aesthetic clinics, and the Belo-Aivee industrial complex. Skin Manila has been around for a decade, and the brand quietly expanded to nine branches without much fanfare and hype, but they’re beginning to introduce it to a much wider audience. The company’s choice of name — Skin Manila — even has a generic bent to it. This is something they have done on purpose, trying to be above the fray of the skincare noise and hype, but also smack dab in the middle in terms of accessibility and affordability. Even Skin Manila’s retail line is called Prescription Skin Care, which calls to mind a no-frills approach, although a glance at the ingredient label will see active ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid in their creams and serums. One of Skin Manila’s most successful branches is in Baguio, already bedecked with a Christmas-winter theme where people keep taking selfies. This is where we found ourselves trying its services, during its first anniversary. Apparently, red-cheeked Baguio denizens with what seems like the perfect temperate weather for good skin aren’t taking any chances. Skin Manila offers infusion treatments, cosmetic surgery services, rejuvenation and skin repair, but a signature treatment I chose is the ALMA-Q/PICOLASE Carbon Facial (P8,000) because it sounded like a spacecraft model, and as someone middle-aged, you know you need something industrial strength. This is described on the brochure as “a non-invasive, painless laser skin facial that uses a formulated carbon liquid applied to the face that quickly and effectively treats a variety of skin imperfections. It is suitable for all skin types and particularly beneficial for oily skin, blackheads, enlarged pores, dull rough, uneven textured skin and acne.” [caption id="attachment_193124" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Exilis is used to contour both face and body.[/caption] As the kind of person who registers a mere 2.1 on the tiis ganda scale, I wouldn’t call this procedure completely painless. You feel fluttery pinpricks when the laser hits the skin because a fan is administered alongside, so the pain skates away, but the memory of it stays? (Yes, this is still about skincare) along with the smell of singed hair? Flesh? This is definitely medical grade. This is presumably nothing but a cakewalk to someone who’s already used to all sorts of facial treatments, but if a client is particularly pain-sensitive, the nurse can administer Emla, a topical cream-based anaesthetic. This same procedure is definitely painless on the underarms because skin is thicker there, and is more used to trauma with waxing and depillating. The laser definitely stimulates collagen because immediately after treatment, your face feels very soft, but the results would reveal themselves over a couple of days and weeks. One of our companions said he received compliments days later from people who didn’t know about his facials. The carbon facial is also supposed to reduce hyperpigmentation, which the aestheticist said wasn’t actually my main problem, and I could feel the smugness of my 14-year-old self for deciding to have an at-the-very-least-SPF-15-sunscreen-on-your-face routine whatever else happens because that’s what I read on the pages of Glamour in the late ‘80s. One of my other companions tried the Exilis Face and Neck Contour (P5,000), “which is supposed to contour and tighten the skin by forcing heat deeply into the skin while using cooling technology. The optimal heat stimulates heat production of collagen, which tightens skin, and reduces wrinkles.” He took a picture of his face when one side had already been treated and this half did appear visibly slimmer. According to the clinic brochure, this type of facial is for maintenance after you’ve done the other medical-grade facials. Aesthetic centers are like salons, where you go to a particular one because they make you feel good and pampered. Stephanie Nuestro, general manager of Skin Manila, said this is a large part of their training. “Customer training is as important as the technical know-how of machines…all our aestheticians are nurses.” No matter where you find yourself in your skincare journey, the old adage remains true — the most effective skincare routine is the one you’re able to stick to. The post Skin in the game appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Skin-saving tandem
Salicylic acid is a known medicated topical solution that treats and prevents acne and other skin conditions. It penetrates deep inside the skin pores, peels off thick skin, reduces inflammation and exfoliates the skin. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is one of nature’s most powerfully purifying ingredients noted for reducing skin blemishes and keeping acne at bay. Together, salicylic acid and tea tree oil create an extremely potent combination that fights off acne and targets post-acne dark spots and stubborn blemishes. The Body Shop has recently reformulated its bestselling Tea Tree line of skin care by adding the efficacy of salicylic acid. “We updated our number one skin care range of Tea Tree to help manage people with unpredictable skin care days,” says Emily Sia-Koa, The Body Shop assistant vice president for marketing. “This formula with added salicylic acid is more powerful than ever. The result is skin that feels purified, light and a visible reduction in blemishes.” Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber, internationally certified dermapathologist, says tea tree oil works well with inflamed pimples. Adult female acne is usually big, returns on the same spot and tends to leave deep marks. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="190029,190030"] “Salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a chemical exfoliant,” explains Evangelista-Huber. “All of our cells are connected to each other and a chemical exfoliant breaks that bond to easily shed off the skin. So, all hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is not only an exfoliant but it also controls excessive oil and inflammation. It is the same as tea tree in the sense that they are anti-inflammatory. They complement each other. They exfoliate dark pigmentation of the skin.” She also adds that salicylic acid is one of the safest chemical exfoliants there is because it doesn’t go too deep into the skin, but it’s the only thing that can go inside the hair follicle that unclogs bacteria-causing acne. “The four main causes of acne include clogged pores, excessive oil production, inflammation and bacteria,” says Evangelista-Huber. “Tea tree is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation. Salicylic acid also does those two things but, in addition, it unclogs the pores and controls the oil. So, they really work together. They target all four causes. Since salicylic acid is an exfoliant, it also lightens the dark spots.” Reformulated skin care line The Body Shop reformulated line of Tea Tree with salicylic acid includes Skin Clearing Facial Wash (cleans and controls excess oil), Skin Clearing Toner (removes lingering makeup and impurities), Daily Solution (leaves skin feeling purified and looking healthy), Skin Clearing Hydrator (hydrates skin) and Rapid Action Gel (visibly reduces blemishes). Sia-Koa says The Body Shop sources the naturally powerful tea tree plant from the foothills of Mount Kenya, where it is carefully hand-harvested by expert farmers and steam-distilled within 12 hours of harvesting to deliver the highest-quality oil. “Every individual has different skin care needs and concern,” Sia-Koa says. “So, the skin care each and every individual use depends on what your skin is telling you. From the brands perspective, we always advise our customers to do the basic -- cleanser, tone, treat and moisturize, and not to forget to apply sunscreen wherever you go. Listen to your skin and let it breathe once in a while. Take off your makeup before you sleep. Double cleanse, if needed, to ensure you take out the makeup and dirt in your face effectively.” The post Skin-saving tandem appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»