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7 nanlaban drug suspects dead after Baste Duterte declares drug war
Less than a week after Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a "war on drugs" in the city, at least seven drug suspects were killed during a buy-bust operation in the city — violence that highlights the seriousness of the mayor's recent threat of outright killing persons caught using illegal drugs......»»
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......»»
7 dead after Davao City Mayor Duterte declares war vs. drugs
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 March) – Two more drug suspects died in separate buy-bust operations in Toril District here before dawn Tuesday, after they allegedly resisted arrest, a police official said. This brought the number of fatalities to seven since Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared a “war” on illegal drugs last March […].....»»
Abalos: P21 billion drugs seized since BIDA’s start in 2023
At least P21 billion worth of illegal drugs were confiscated since the start of the government’s BIDA or Buhay Ingatan, Droga ay Ayawan flagship program last year, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said yesterday......»»
PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. on Wednesday said it is expecting further delays in the reimbursement of arrears of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to private hospitals due to the cyber-attack on the agency’s online system. According to PHAPi president Dr. Rene de Grano, the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s online system is expected to cause further delay in its promise to settle its outstanding debts to hospitals amounting to P27 billion. “During the past hearing, PhilHealth president [Emmanuel] Mandy Ledesma promised to pay by December the P27 billion-worth of supposed arrears of PhilHealth to different hospitals,” De Grano told reporters in a chance interview. “Of course, we are hoping that it will be pushed through. But then this problem (cyber-attack) came, which made PhilHealth’s entire system down, then of course, we will be expecting more delays,” he added. Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. As defined by Trend Micro, a multinational cyber security software company, ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. In the state-run health insurer’s case, the Medusa ransomware group was said to be demanding $300,000 in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. Worst case scenario Earlier this month, Ledesma made a commitment before lawmakers in the budget deliberation of the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed P199 billion budget of the Department of Health for next year that the state-run health insurer would settle “a bulk or majority” of its P27 billion unpaid claims to various hospitals in the country. Of the P27 billion worth of unpaid claims by PhilHealth to various hospitals, P10 to P15 billion are estimated to be from private hospitals. Unlike big private hospitals that have “buffer funds,” De Grano said that further delays in payment would cripple the operations of smaller private hospitals. “Most of the small private hospitals rely on or are very dependent on patients who are NBB, charity patients, or no balance billing,” he said. “If there would be further delay in payments, smaller private hospitals will run out of money to the point that it will affect their cash flow. It will affect their operations.” If the non-payment of PhilHealth continues, he warned that smaller private hospitals would require their patients to pay their bills from their pockets. “The worst that will happen, initially, perhaps smaller private hospitals would no longer accept [PhilHealth] beneficiaries. They would ask patients to pay their bills out of their pockets,” he said. “Because, otherwise, we can no longer provide these services. Private hospitals are paying for their nurses, medicines, and supplies. If PhilHealth won’t pay them, it would empty their funds,” he added. Delayed HEA Meanwhile, De Grano also expressed his support for the complaint filed by a group of private healthcare workers against several DOH regional offices before the Anti-Red Tape Authority over the long overdue distribution of their health emergency allowances or HEA. “They prioritized the government facilities. The private [hospitals] were left,” he said. “They should tell the truth. They must tell if there are no longer funds available.” Earlier this week, the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines, whose members are part of at least 26 private hospitals in the country, filed a complaint against DOH regional offices over its failure to distribute P5.8 billion worth of HEA. Under Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, healthcare workers who were at the frontline of the government's fight against COVID-19 are mandated to receive HEA and other benefits. The post PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Son of a gun
What is it about carrying around a firearm that transforms a Dr. Jekyll into a Mr. Hyde? Lately, the public has been treated (if that is the right word) to a slew of spectacles showing ordinary citizens involved in gun-toting road rage incidents. There would be a traffic altercation, it would turn confrontational, one person would alight from his vehicle, pull out a gun and point it at his adversary to intimidate him. Unfortunately for these “kawawang” cowboys (to borrow the song lyrics of the late Fred Panopio), they forget that the entire population these days is armed with phone cameras. Their gung-ho attitude is caught on camera and posted online, going viral among a population looking for sensational footage. Worse for the bully, since there are a lot of reelectionist senators, such videos invariably trigger a Senate inquiry supposedly in aid of legislation, never mind if our country already has strict gun laws. This would inevitably give the anti-gun advocates another chance to restate their mantra of “guns are evil,” disregarding the fact that firearms are inanimate objects that do not spontaneously pull their own triggers without human intervention. Those like us who are in favor of the right to carry arms — under the proper legal regulations, of course — would then counter with our own mantra: “Guns don’t kill; people do.” The debate is monotonously repeated every time there are morons such as that bald Gonzales character, who unlawfully use guns. The call for a total gun ban to address the issue is a knee-jerk reaction by jerks. For every a-hole who pulls out his gun out of pique, there are tens of thousands like me who have never used their firearm even under pressure. I believe that the safeguards now in place for applicants for gun licenses have been effective in filtering out the vast majority of psychos who cannot handle the perceived “power” born out of carrying a gun. To call for a firearms ban just because some weirdos out there abuse their privilege to carry guns is like calling for a total ban on cars simply because there are a few drivers who get into accidents due to their lack of driving skills. In this connection, I have been wondering why my proposal to test drivers’ IQs, and if it is low, to put a notice on their cars saying “Warning: Stupid Driver” (much like the notice on beginners’ cars, “Warning: Student Driver”) has fallen on deaf official ears. My best friend, Dr. Francis Aquino, a psychology major before becoming an anesthesiologist, once told me that those who swagger around, gun in hand, are covering up for something. The psychoanalytic term he used was “compensation.” It may be for lack of parental affection when an infant, lack of wealth or power, a timid nature, or even — seriously — a small penis. Doc Francis added that sometimes those who drive the biggest cars or pack a gun with the longest barrel are those with the smallest dicks. Well, I drive a compact car and have a snub-nose revolver, so draw your own conclusions. Reminds me of that famous quote from Mae West: “Is that a gun in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?” Levity aside, a legal gun-carrying citizen should always possess the proper mindset when lugging around his weapon for protection. He should be aware of the multitude not only of the online hatred that he will be getting when he unlawfully unholsters his firearm and uses it to threaten someone but of the legal problems he will face afterward. And then there is the possibility of encountering someone who also has a gun, or who has armed bodyguards, in which case the resulting shootout will definitely result in casualties, both on the part of the combatants and, worse, of innocent bystanders. In this case, one might end up being a dead son of a gun. The post Son of a gun appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fighting gun violence, Kamala’s new task
“We know true freedom is not possible if people are not safe,” United States Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday in announcing her new role to combat gun violence. The 58-year-old Democrat will lead the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which will coordinate on the issue but lacks significant enforcement authority to combat the epidemic in a nation with more firearms than people. “We do not have a moment to spare nor a life to spare” while the United States is “torn apart” by gun violence, she said at the White House on Friday. “After every mass shooting, we hear a simple message, the same message all over the country,” she added, saying Americans are begging for their leaders to “‘do something, please do something.’” Despite the new push, the White House does not have unilateral power to meaningfully limit gun use in the United States, such as by banning assault weapons. Any substantial moves would have to come from Congress, where fiercely anti-gun regulation Republicans control the House of Representatives. Biden has tried to work around legislative requirements and imposed certain regulatory and administrative restrictions, which have only a limited scope. The new role adds a significant job to Harris’s portfolio just a little over a year ahead of the 2024 race, in which she and the 80-year-old president are facing re-election. The vice president has already been tasked with handling other politically sensitive issues such as immigration. Tackling gun violence gives the former California prosecutor the chance to work on a visible issue that often garners more widespread consensus from the American public. According to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization, 44,374 people were killed by guns across the United States last year. Gun deaths have slowed slightly this year, at 28,793 for the first eight months, according to the archive. Harris — the first woman to become vice president as well as the first Black person and person of South Asian descent to hold the job — also recently embarked on the so-called Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour, in which she visited several US universities. She was generally received with enthusiasm, in contrast to her often-flagging favorability poll numbers. with AFP The post Fighting gun violence, Kamala’s new task appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US experts carry out second pig-to-human heart transplant
A 58-year-old man this week became the world's second patient to receive a transplant of a genetically modified pig heart, the latest milestone in a growing field of medical research. Transplanting animal organs into humans, called xenotransplantation, could offer a solution to the chronic shortage of human organ donations. More than 100,000 Americans are currently on waiting lists for organ transplants. Both heart procedures were carried out by experts from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with the first patient dying two months after his transplant last year due to "a multitude of factors including his poor state of health" prior to the operation, the university said in a statement Friday. The latest operation took place on Wednesday, with patient Lawrence Faucette ineligible for a donated human heart due to pre-existing vascular disease and internal bleeding complications. Without the experimental transplant, the father of two and a Navy veteran was facing near-certain heart failure. "My only real hope left is to go with the pig heart, the xenotransplant," Faucette was quoted as saying prior to the procedure. "At least now I have hope, and I have a chance." Following the transplant, Faucette was breathing on his own and the new heart was functioning well "without any assistance from supportive devices," the university said. He was taking conventional anti-rejection drugs as well as receiving a new antibody therapy to prevent his body from damaging or rejecting the new organ. Xenotransplants are challenging because the patient's immune system will attack the foreign organ. Scientists are trying to circumvent the problem by using organs from genetically modified pigs. In the past few years, doctors have transplanted kidneys from genetically modified pigs into brain-dead patients. The NYU Langone Hospital Transplant Institute in New York announced this month that a pig kidney transplanted into a brain-dead patient had functioned for a record-breaking 61 days. Early xenotransplantation research focused on harvesting organs from primates -- for example, a baboon heart was transplanted into a newborn known as "Baby Fae" in 1984, but she survived only 20 days. Current efforts focus on pigs, which are thought to be ideal donors for humans because of their organ size, their rapid growth and large litter, and the fact they are already raised as a food source. The post US experts carry out second pig-to-human heart transplant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chronic bureaucratic lapses
The entire bureaucracy suffers from serious lapses. Let’s borrow the phrase, “seven deadly sins,” as a handle to better understand how they indicatively fail to inform public policy on what government “should do or should not do,” to wit: First: “Tight fiscal space.” A little over 60 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) is reserved for foreign lending institutions with which the country has huge borrowings. Consequently, the government has to make do with the remaining less than 40 percent in terms of public spending. It’s no urban legend that about 45 percent of these allocable public funds is siphoned off due to massive corruption across all levels of government. Second: “Good governance.” The term, as often used, is an oxymoron. Whenever presidential appointees in any line department, agency, or bureau introduce reforms or new management ideas into state affairs, it’s unfortunate that outcomes and impacts go in the opposite direction — or bad governance overshadowing good. Isn’t it a paradox that the “top brass” of the Manila International Airport Authority were dismissed by the Ombudsman even as key stakeholders and captains of industry (i.e., the Makati Business Club) vetted and vouched for their performance par excellence on the job? Contrivedly, a purely management issue just shouldn’t be within the purview of the Ombudsman. For another, how is it that the housing program has become too costly for the government? Reportedly, P36 billion in interest is accrued by the government every year if one million houses are built. With a target of three million houses, the onerous interest is pegged at P100 billion every year, a “sunk cost” that the economy can ill afford to sustain. Why even start a program that demands that humongous amount of interest on a year-by-year basis? Third: “Street-level bureaucracy.” Nearly the whole range of public affairs appears to be manned by those we can compare to a typical traffic enforcer, gate guard, or utility aide, who, if given a chance to exercise a little authority, tend to behave as their actuations come directly from above. Fourth: “Tax hike.” Some strange mathematicians in Congress thought of taxing vehicles per kilo of weight, coupled with jacking up taxes on vehicle users by as much as 90 percent. Worse, how can there be an increase in the road users’ tax – year in and year out? Fifth: “45 seconds turnaround time.” This is the kind of rhetoric that rests on the “big bluff” or what one legislator calls a “promissory note,” or the carrot, to get what they want in their agency budgets. Scenes like offloading, missed flights, and logjams would never be a thing of the past since the Bureau of Immigration operationalized its new set of guidelines that are essentially racist, if not anti-poor, against outbound Filipino travelers, while sparing foreign travelers. Sixth: “Privatization overdrive.” There’s a dangerous pattern or trend of government aiming to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, all 45 casinos of PAGCOR, some mass transport systems (e.g., LRTs), and the toll expressways. Whether or not this privatization track is driven by the “gospel of efficiency” is another story. More likely, it’s because it opens doors to raising “windfall capital” and making available “alternative investments.” Seventh: “Multiple allotments.” As if a mere afterthought, there are “double entries,” even multiple ones, in the National Expenditure Plan that bloat the budget and such entries by various agencies even insulate them from any accountability. This explains why what is budgeted — twice or thrice — cannot be disbursed over and over again, not to mention the perennial failure of most line departments to fully utilize their budgets. In the voluminous General Appropriations Act the President signs, every budget cycle has become a “hiding place” for public funds that only trained eyes can declassify as “significant others,” for lack of a better term. It isn’t remote to say that when an agency prepares its budget, it knows under which item in its “shopping list” the money is. The post Chronic bureaucratic lapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Departure rules ‘not restrictive’
Recently revised departure guidelines for Filipino travelers targeted to boost government measures to fight trafficking and were not meant to intrude on privacy and impede the right to travel. In a news forum on Saturday, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the decision of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to revise the departure guidelines really aims to reduce “the grave menace of human trafficking” in the country. Clavano added that the 2023 revised IACAT guidelines were culled out from the 2015 policy. The IACAT, he said, is not imposing additional documentary requirements on travelers, he said. “It is not true that we’re asking for additional requirements. If there are red flags, if there are inconsistencies in their stories, or if they did not meet the standards of immigration officers — then questioning will follow,” Clavano said. The IACAT earlier announced it will implement revised departure protocols for Filipinos traveling abroad beginning 3 September. Senator Risa Hontiveros appealed to the Bureau of Immigration not to “bully” Filipino travelers who are going abroad when it starts imposing stricter regulations starting next month. Bullying alleged As the author and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and one of the lawmakers who exposed the scam syndicates within and outside of the Philippines, Hontiveros said she believes the government must ramp up its efforts in fighting human trafficking. “I believe it is absolutely imperative that we do more against human trafficking. I am aware of the magnitude of this serious global problem,” she added. “But my appeal to the BI is not to bully our Filipino tourists. Let’s give our compatriots a chance to relax and visit their families without much hassle,” she added. Senator Francis Tolentino hopes that the revised guidelines won’t become another burden to outbound Filipino travelers. In a radio interview on Saturday, Tolentino urged the IACAT to simplify the requirements for Filipino travelers and their processing going through the immigration counters at the airports. The post Departure rules ‘not restrictive’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ: Revised departure guidelines to boost Phl’s anti-human trafficking efforts
The Department of Justice stressed that the revised departure guidelines for international-bound Filipino travelers primarily target to boost the government measures to fight human trafficking in the country—far from claims that it was intended to intrude on people’s privacy and impede traveling rights. In a news forum on Saturday, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the decision of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to revise the departure guidelines really aims to reduce “the grave menace of human trafficking” in the country. Clavano further explained that the 2023 revised IACAT guidelines were culled out from the 2015 policy. Thus, the IACAT is not imposing additional documentary requirements on travelers, he said. “Hindi po totoo na additional requirement dahil hindi naman ho iyan required. ‘Pag mayroon lang red flags, ‘pag mayroon lang nakitang inconsistency sa kuwento or hindi na-meet iyong standard po ng ating mga Immigration Officers, doon lang sila magtatanong (It is not true that we require additional requirement because it’s not required. If there are red flags, if there are inconsistencies in their stories or if they did not meet he standards of immigration officers—then questioning will follow),” said Clavano. The IACAT earlier announced it will implement revised departure protocols for Filipinos traveling abroad beginning 3 September. Senator Risa Hontiveros appealed to the Bureau of Immigration not to “bully” Filipino travelers who are going abroad when it starts imposing stricter regulations starting next month. As the author and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and one of the lawmakers who exposed the scam hubs within and outside of the Philippines, Hontiveros said she believes it is absolutely imperative for the government to ramp up its efforts in fighting human trafficking. “I believe it is absolutely imperative that we do more against human trafficking. I am aware of the magnitude of this serious global problem,” she added. “Ngunit hinihingi ko din sa ating BI na huwag naman maging bully sa ating mga Pinoy na turista. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na maka-relax o makabisita sa kanilang pamilya ng walang malaking abala (But my appeal to the BI is not to bully our Filipino tourists. Let’s give our compatriots a chance to relax and visit their families without much hassle),” she added. Senator Francis Tolentino hopes that the revised guidelines won’t become another burden to outbound Filipino travelers. In a radio interview on Saturday, Tolentino urged the IACAT to simplify the requirements for Filipino travelers and their processing going through the immigration counters at the airports. Tolentino said the agency should also enhance their information drive on required travel documents and the process of undergoing immigration interrogation. The senator added there must be a “synchronized” process so that Filipinos who wish to go abroad can travel smoothly. In imposing the revised guidelines, Hontiveros hopes the BI would also impose stricter policies for travelers entering the Philippines. “Sana ay kung gaano kahigpit ang BI sa mga palabas ng Pilipinas ay ganoon din ito kahigpit sa mga papasok sa bansa (Hopefully, as strict as BI is on those travelers going out of Philippines, it will also be as strict on those entering the country),” she said. Hontiveros lamented that Filipinos traveling outside the country should not be treated as second-class citizens within Philippine airports. Under the revised guidelines, outbound passengers should present the basic travel documents consisting of a passport with at least six months validity from the date of departure; an appropriate valid visa whenever required; a confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, if necessary; and a boarding pass. For tourists, immigration officials may also ask for proof of hotel booking/accommodation, financial capacity or source of income; passenger’s declared purpose of travel, proof of employment, and other similar documents. Immigration officials may also ask outbound travelers for a copy of their original Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate or report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage, copies of documents of sponsor, valid work visa or permit, residency permit, or any equivalent document, overseas employment certificate, e-receipt, or OFW clearance for OFW sponsors. If traveling through a relative’s sponsorship, an original affidavit of support and guarantee duly notarized by the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Honorary Consulate must be presented. Clavano urged outbound travelers especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to follow the revised IACAT guidelines, by preparing the required documents before proceeding to immigration counters at the airports, to ensure hassle-free processing of their travel documents. “Well, this is really not a hindrance to the right to travel. Ito po ay isang polisiya ng ating gobyerno na i-eradicate or tigilan na talaga itong malawak at malalim na problema ng human trafficking,” he said. The post DOJ: Revised departure guidelines to boost Phl’s anti-human trafficking efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grumbling mounts
There continues to be discontent among certain sectors regarding the proposed policy on military pensions, and now there is another idea floated to scrap the free college education. Just like a low rumbling sound of thunder, affected sectors are grumbling over Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno’s statement that the free access to state university education is “unsustainable” — which is indicative of a potential effort to repeal a landmark legislation enacted during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who appointed Diokno as Budget and Management secretary and then Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor. For six years as a member of Duterte’s economic team, we were oblivious to Secretary Diokno’s opposition to Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017. Straight from the horse’s mouth during a forum organized by the University of the Philippines School of Economics on 19 August, he said the law is anti-poor since “there are more poor people who do not attend college.” To say that subsidizing college education really “consumes a lot of funds” is irresponsible, anti-Filipino and anti-development. RA 10931 was embraced by Filipinos during a period when the financial situation of the government appeared stable. The blame for becoming indebted to finance the efforts to control the pandemic falls neither on the people nor on the national government. Fast forward to post-pandemic, there is no convenient excuse for sacrificing human investment through debt for education to support lavish government expenditures in the wake of the national government pronouncements that the gross national product increased to P5.643 billion in the second quarter of 2023 from P5.592 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Truth be told, 2.46 million students were beneficiaries of a free college education during the academic year 2021-2022. It is not only they who are reaping the rewards of one of the “most long-lasting” legacies of former president Duterte’s administration, but their families, communities, and the country. Jade Baguna, a Tertiary Education Subsidy or TES program graduate in Social Work, cannot help but share the positive impact of the policy on his life and his family. Despite facing challenges like long walks to and from school and a meager weekly allowance during high school, the program enabled him to complete his degree, achieve the eighth position in the board examination, and become a Social Work instructor. The Finance Secretary may have lost his train of thought that investing in free college education has long-term economic benefits. A well-educated workforce is crucial to driving innovation, technological advancements, and economic growth. By providing access to higher education, the country can nurture a pool of skilled professionals who will contribute to various industries, drive entrepreneurship and attract investments. At a time when the need to rejuvenate an economy is paramount, scrapping free college education may limit the availability of qualified workers, hinder economic development and reduce global competitiveness. One of the most compelling arguments for a free college education is that it promotes equal opportunity and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue higher education based on merit and potential rather than financial means. This ensures that talented and motivated students, regardless of their background, have a fair chance to improve their lives and contribute to society. Sec. Diokno’s sustainability concerns sparked a debate. Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera said there is nothing better than for a country to invest in its young people and produce highly skilled manpower. “It’s the best anti-poverty strategy. You educate an individual, you make him employable, and you make sure the poverty stops with him or with her,” he said. For Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, taking out the scholarship program is synonymous with seeing a decay of education in our country. “Education is the great emancipator of people from the bondage of poverty. With education you are able to move forward with your family,” he said. Senator Francis Tolentino has this to say: “Perhaps the lack of money of the national government should not be the reason why they cannot be given the opportunity to study. Education is a basic human right. We need to provide our youth with the necessary basic tertiary education.” Higher education provides a holistic learning experience and fosters personal growth and critical thinking. It promotes civic engagement, social responsibility, and the development of well-rounded citizens. By scrapping free college education, we risk limiting these benefits and creating a society that is less educated, less informed, and less equipped to tackle complex societal challenges. Time and again, it pays to revisit Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Access to education should not be seen as a privilege but as a fundamental right. In other words, recognizing education as a human right implies that every individual is entitled to receive an education, without any form of discrimination, as it is legally protected. The post Grumbling mounts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The enduring legacy of Susan ‘Toots’ Ople
The passing of Susan “Toots” Ople, the former Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, marks a profound loss for the nation and the global community in the ongoing battle against human trafficking. Throughout her tenure and beyond, Ople has left an indelible legacy as a relentless advocate, tireless worker, and compassionate leader. Her contributions and unwavering commitment to combating this heinous crime will continue to shape and inspire future generations in the relentless pursuit of justice and protection for vulnerable migrants. Under Ople’s guidance, the Department of Migrant Workers underwent significant transformations. She spearheaded initiatives that focused on prevention, prosecution, and protection, recognizing the multifaceted nature of human trafficking. Her leadership resulted in the formulation and implementation of comprehensive policies, including stronger legislation and international cooperation, aimed at deterring traffickers and safeguarding the rights of victims. One of Ople’s notable achievements was the establishment of a robust victim assistance program, providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation services to survivors. Her emphasis on victim-centric approaches ensured that survivors received the necessary protection, access to justice, and opportunities for reintegration into society. Her unwavering commitment to empowering survivors has been pivotal in offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of exploitation. Recognizing that human trafficking is a transnational issue, Ople played a vital role in fostering international cooperation and collaboration. She actively engaged with global organizations, governments, and civil society, advocating for stronger anti-trafficking measures and sharing best practices. Ople’s tireless efforts in raising awareness of human trafficking and mobilizing public support have been instrumental in shaping public opinion and garnering political will. Through her advocacy, she highlighted the plight of victims, exposed the strategies of traffickers, and called for collective action to combat this modern-day slavery. Her influential voice resonated globally, bringing attention to the urgency of the issue and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among nations. Susan “Toots” Ople’s legacy extends far beyond her tenure as Secretary. Her passion, determination, and unwavering dedication to the fight against human trafficking have left an indelible mark on Philippine society and the international community. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to the power of committed individuals in effecting change and transforming lives. Ople’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide future leaders, policymakers, and activists in their efforts to eradicate human trafficking. Her emphasis on victim protection, empowerment, and international collaboration sets a high standard for the global fight against this grave violation of human rights. Her contributions have paved the way for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing human trafficking, emphasizing prevention, prosecution, and protection. Susan “Toots” Ople’s passing leaves a void in the fight against human trafficking, but her legacy remains an enduring source of inspiration. Her unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and tireless advocacy have undoubtedly contributed to significant progress in combating this heinous crime. As we remember her, let us honor Susan “Toots” Ople’s legacy by continuing the fight against human trafficking, working towards a world where the rights and dignity of every individual are protected, and no one falls victim to the horrors of modern-day slavery. The post The enduring legacy of Susan ‘Toots’ Ople appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippine director puts women at the ‘heart’ of drug war film
Widows and mothers are at the "heart" of a gritty documentary by Philippine filmmaker Sheryl Rose Andes, who turns the camera on women left behind by former president Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war. More than 6,000 people were killed in police anti-drug raids during Duterte's six-year term, which ended in June 2022, government data shows. Rights groups estimate the real figure was in the tens of thousands, mostly poor men living in slums who died at the hands of law enforcers, hitmen and vigilantes. Many of the victims had wives or partners and mothers, who have had to deal with the heartbreak and hardship of losing a loved one and often the family's main breadwinner. In her new documentary "Maria", Andes follows two of these women, Mary Ann Domingo and Maria Deparine, as they struggle to survive and find justice. "We have to register that this thing really happened. And now people need to see what has happened to their families," Andes told AFP in an interview. Andes said she was inspired to make the film out of fear that Filipinos could forget, or never learn, about the brutal period in their nation's history. She got a "huge wake-up call" when one of her students in a filmmaking course she teaches at Mapua University in Manila expressed surprise that the drug war was "really happening". That moment in 2020 -- four years into Duterte's drug war, which made headlines around the world and sparked an international investigation into alleged human rights abuses -- left her aghast. Three years later, "Maria" is the first full-length documentary to compete in the country's independent film festival Cinemalaya, which opened August 4. "Maria" -- a common name for women in the Catholic-majority Philippines -- focuses on the harrowing experiences of Domingo and Deparine, which Andes says gives the film "heart and emotion". The documentary shows the women doing menial jobs to support their families and making tearful visits to the tombs of their loved ones. "I zoomed in on the details because it should not just be about numbers," said Andes. "This is a story about women. I don't want this to be remembered as a drug war story." 'It is very difficult' Deparine lost two of her sons within days of each other in September 2016. One was with a local drug dealer when they were abducted by unidentified men. They were both shot in the head and their bodies dumped under a bridge. Six days later, a second son was arrested by police at the home of a drug-dealing couple. He was later found dead under another bridge. Since their deaths, Deparine, who works in a fish cannery and voted for Duterte in 2016, has moved multiple times with her husband and surviving son as they struggle to make enough money to pay the rent. In the same month Deparine lost her sons, Domingo's partner and teenage son were killed in a nighttime police raid while the family slept in their shanty home. Later, she and three of her surviving children had to flee for fear of their safety. Lawyer Kristina Conti, who is helping Domingo seek justice for their deaths, said the four officers who allegedly shot dead her partner and son had been freed on bail and were back in uniform after serving short suspensions. That's despite the men facing a homicide trial. "As a mother who lost her partner, it is very difficult. At times I just wanted to give up, and at times I actually did," Domingo, 49, told AFP in an interview. "This (film) is our chance to show to the world what happened to us." 'Political stand' Catholic priest Flaviano Villanueva, who appears in "Maria", said widows, mothers and grandmothers endured "unimaginable" hardships to keep their remaining family members alive. Villanueva, who runs a support group for the families of the drug war's dead, said there was a "social stigma" that led to discrimination against those left behind. Orphans were "bullied" at school and widows excluded from government assistance because "her husband got killed for being a drug addict", he told AFP. Another woman who features prominently in the film is former Philippines vice president Leni Robredo, a vocal critic of the drug war who is seen consoling Domingo and Deparine. Robredo ran in the 2022 presidential election but lost by a huge margin to the son and namesake of the country's late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who has continued the drug war. Andes, who spent a decade working for a non-government organisation before turning her hand to filmmaking, refuses to shy away from difficult subjects. She said documentaries were a "powerful tool" in retelling history, but she feared that Filipinos preferred "escapism" and were not prepared to face grim reality. Despite Duterte stepping down more than a year ago and Marcos Jr vowing to take the drug war in a new direction, Andes said the killings "never stopped". "A documentary takes a political stand," she said. "We are not fiction and we are not here to titillate." The post Philippine director puts women at the ‘heart’ of drug war film appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former Pakistan PM Khan arrested after court convicts him of graft
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was arrested at his home in Lahore on Saturday after a court in the capital found him guilty of graft and sentenced him to three years in jail. The former international cricket star has long warned he would be arrested to prevent him from participating in elections that are due to be held before the end of the year. "His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt," Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in a ruling seen by AFP for a case centered on gifts he received and did not properly declare while he was premier. "He has been found guilty of corrupt practices by hiding the benefits he accrued from the national exchequer willfully and intentionally." In May, Khan was arrested and briefly detained in Islamabad for the same case, sparking deadly unrest during which supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party poured onto the streets and clashed with police. In the aftermath of his release following three days in custody, PTI has been targeted by a crackdown with thousands of arrests, reports of intimidation, and muzzling of the press. After he was taken away by police Saturday, a video made before his arrest was posted to his X account. "My arrest was expected & I recorded this message before my arrest... I want my party workers to remain peaceful, steadfast, and strong," he said in the caption accompanying the video. Khan not in court Khan has faced a slew of court cases on charges he says are politically motivated since being ousted in a vote of no confidence last year, and was not present when he was sentenced Saturday. The judge also fined him 100,000 rupees (around $350). Soon after the ruling, police entered his home in Lahore and arrested him. "I have just received the information that Imran Khan has been arrested," Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, told reporters. Party officials said Khan had been taken to the capital, while his legal team said they would be filing an immediate appeal. "It's important to mention there was no chance given to present witnesses, neither was the time allotted to round up arguments," a member of the team said. Parliament is likely to be dissolved after it completes its term in the next two weeks, with national elections to be held by mid-November or earlier. "Everyone will ask questions about the credibility of elections in the absence of PTI and Imran Khan and questions will be raised about the credibility of elections in the outside world as well," political analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. Khan rose to power in 2018 on a wave of popular support, an anti-corruption manifesto, and the backing of the powerful military establishment. When he was ousted in April last year, analysts said it was because he lost the backing of the top generals. In multiple speeches and interviews Khan has highlighted the power the top brass wield behind the scenes -- a subject historically considered a red line in Pakistan. The case that has led to his arrest centers on gifts Khan and his wife received while in office. Pakistan newspapers have for months carried lurid stories alleging Khan and his wife received lavish presents worth millions during trips abroad -- including luxury watches, jewelry, designer handbags, and perfumes. Government officials must declare all gifts but are allowed to keep those below a certain value or buy them at an officially agreed price. The post Former Pakistan PM Khan arrested after court convicts him of graft appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP: Fair treatment for SoNA rallyists
The Philippine National Police discourage the burning of effigies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address or SoNA by any groups that would demonstrate support or protests on Monday. In a radio interview on Saturday, PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said the destruction of effigies by progressive groups will not be allowed during their demonstration as it would cause heavy traffic. “ We have already conveyed the request that we discourage the burning of effigies. There are existing laws when it comes to burning in public places,” Fajardo said, noting that the Quezon City government provided permits to four groups for the upcoming SoNA. She also noted that protesters are only allowed to position in Tandang Sora near Commonwealth, while pro-government groups are designated in front of the St. Peter Parish also along Commonwealth. The city government has allotted between 2 and 3 lanes for protesters or rallyists along Commonwealth Avenue. It also opened a zipper lane on the southbound. Fajardo said the two different groups are given more or less two kilometers distance to prevent possible commotion between them during their demonstrations on Monday. “There are given safe distances between these groups that have acquired permits,” she added. Fajardo said the PNP will apply fair treatment between the administration supporters and anti-government groups. “Whatever security coverage will be given to militant groups will be the same treatment to be provided with the pro-government rallyists,” she said while assuring that the PNP has enough security personnel to cover these different groups. Fajardo warned that police would not allow any group to leave their designated areas as stipulated in the permits. “We are hoping for their compliance to what has been agreed upon,” she said. The PNP will allow progressive groups to demonstrate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. while pro-government groups will conduct their programs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fajardo said. Rallyists are given a chance to demonstrate according to what has been provided by their permits, she added: “It was very clear where should they stay and they should maintain discipline among their ranks.” ‘PNP 100% ready for SoNA’ In a separate radio interview, PNP Public Affairs Chief, BGen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP is all set for the President’s second SoNA noting that they have not monitored any threat ahead of the event. “Patuloy ang paglalatag natin ng security measures at patuloy ang pagkalap natin ng impormasyon sa paligid (We continue to lay down security measures and acquiring more information in the surroundings),” he said. Maranan said more than 22,000 police personnel, including a force multiplier, will be deployed in the entire Metro Manila during SoNA. The post PNP: Fair treatment for SoNA rallyists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No burning of effigies — PNP
The Philippine National Police discourage the burning of effigies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address by any groups that would demonstrate support or protests on Monday. In a radio interview on Saturday, PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said the destruction of effigies by progressive groups will not be allowed during their demonstration as it would cause heavy traffic. "Naiparating na natin ang pakiusap na dinidiscourage natin yung pagususnog ng effigy. May mga umiiral na batas pagdating sa pagsusunog sa public place (We have already conveyed the request that we discourage the burning of effigies. There are existing laws when it comes to burning in public places,” Fajardo said, noting that the Quezon City government provided permits to four groups for the upcoming SONA. She also noted that protesters are only allowed to position in Tandang Sora near Commonwealth, while pro-government groups are designated in front of the St. Peter Parish also along Commonwealth. The city government has allotted between two and three lanes for protesters along Commonwealth Avenue. It also opened a zipper lane on the southbound. Fajardo said the two different groups are given more or less two kilometers distance to prevent possible commotion between them during their demonstrations on Monday “There are given safe distances between these groups that have acquired permits,” she added. Fajardo said the PNP will apply fair treatment between the administration supporters and anti-government groups. "Kung ano ang security coverage na ibibigay natin sa militanteng grupo ay same treatment din ang ibibigay natin sa pro-government na magra-rally (Whatever security coverage will be given to militant groups will be the same treatment to be provided with the pro-government rallyists),” she said, assuring that the PNP has enough security personnel to cover these different groups. Fajardo warned that police would not allow any group to leave their designated areas as stipulated in the permits. "Inaasahan natin sa kanilang hanay na sila ay tutupad doon sa napagkasunduan (We are hoping for their compliance to what have been agreed upon),” she said. The PNP will allow progressive groups to demonstrate from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while pro-government groups will conduct their programs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., said Fajardo. Rallyists are given a chance to demonstrate according to what has been provided by their permits, she added: “It was very clear where should they stay and they should maintain discipline among their ranks.” Fajardo said there at least 20,000 police, including personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Office, will be deployed during the SONA. Around 2,000 and 3,000 law enforcement personnel will be visible around the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the venue of the SONA, in Quezon City. The post No burning of effigies — PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IACAT-11 reopens at Davao airport
DAVAO CITY — To intensify its campaign at eliminating trafficking in person and other diverse types of exploitation, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-11 reopened its office at the Davao City International Airport on 14 July. The reopening of the office is a result of a joint endeavor aimed at eliminating TIP and diverse types of exploitation — including sexual exploitation, prostitution, pornography/online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, illegal recruitment and forced labor. It will also serve as a vital hub for coordination, information sharing, and implementing strategies to protect vulnerable individuals. In a presentation, Barbara Mae Flores, the deputy regional prosecutor of the Regional Prosecution Office 11 and the chief of operations IACAT-11 Anti-TIP Task Force said they established the office at the DIA since traffickers use commercial planes in transporting victims. “Airports may be our last chance of visibility and protection. Knowing where and/or how to report suspected TIP incidents is one step in eliminating TIP,” said Flores, adding that they will also be putting up a help desk as an effective prevention of TIP through the improvement of intelligence, surveillance and monitoring activities. “For a timely apprehension of traffickers and interception/rescue of victims and as an immediate assistance to victims or potential victims as well as create and maintain a database and advocate against TIP inside airports,” Flores said. The post IACAT-11 reopens at Davao airport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Monday said that there is a need to study the effectiveness of a proposed bill that would penalize acts of bullying and spreading malicious information in the workplace. The measure — House Bill 8446 or the “Anti-Bullying in the Workplace Act” filed by Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo and Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Partylist Representative Jocelyn Tulfo — seeks to penalize bullying which affects workers’ mental and emotional health. In a radio interview, TUCP legislative officer Carlos Miguel Onate called for a comprehensive review of existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, creating a unified law against practices that adversely affect workers. “There are many existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, but our observation is that there needs to be a stronger implementation and harmonization of the law because there’s so many of them. It needs to be comprehensive,” Onate said. He also lauded the creation of the proposed legislation, saying that the bill jives with their calls to ratify International Labor Organization Convention 190 or the Violence and Harassment Convention. Onate explained that the ratification would institutionalize laws against violence and harassment of workers, many of which have not been able to address their concerns to their employers for fear of losing employment. He particularly cited the dynamics between regular and contractual workers, with the latter not having the chance of telling their experiences to their employers’ human resources divisions due to job security. “We welcome the legislation that advances the welfare of workers against office bullying. We need to reiterate the ratification of ILO Convention 190 which could allow a overhaul [and] comprehensive review of our legislation against violence and harassment in the world of work,” Onate said. Aside from such laws, Onate proposed more efforts from the government to curb bad practices in the workplace, including adding more labor inspectors, claiming that the current ratio of labor inspectors to companies is at one over 800. The post ‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND chief: Peace talks with Reds ‘farce, oxymoron’
Newly appointed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has reiterated his stance over the call to resume peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. In a Palace briefing on Thursday, Teodoro rejected the plans of reopening the peace tables for the CPP-NPA-NDF saying there’s a legitimate political process to engage with them. “My personal position is no. It has been my position even before. and I think that is the position of the security cluster as of this time,” Teodoro said. “First of all, the government is open if the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF will return to the folds of the law,” he added, noting that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity can always do its job to help rebel returnees restore their peaceful lives. “OPAPRU is ready to help them and rehabilitate them,” he said. Teodoro cited the huge contributions of the country’s anti-insurgency task force in dismantling the remaining guerrilla fronts of the communist rebels. Hence, he said the peace talks are "not anymore necessary." “I think, the peace talks—in terms of the democratic process—this can be done in a proper forum. That’s in the Congress. Go get participate in the legitimate political process,” Teodoro stressed. He said establishing CPP is not prohibited in the law, citing the provisions of Republic Act 1700 that have been repealed long ago. However, if the intent of the CPP was to support the indirect and direct armed struggle, Teodoro said: “That’s the problem. So to me, there’s no such thing as…it’s an oxymoron—that legal front? There’s no legal front [because] front is illegal.” Asked how would the DND intend to deal with CPP-NPA-DNF, Teodoro said: “Ideologically, to me, it’s a farce. What we intend to do is to convince those that are still continuing whatever business is they’re continuing—which is against the law—to come and join the folds of the law and join the national development.” The DND chief underscored the CPP-NDF can always apply to become part of the legislative process. “And as a political party, they can register as a legitimate political party just as long as there is evidence that there is a total disavowal of resort to subversive means in order to gain political power,” he said. Teodoro sees the communist ideologies remain unclear. “All of these theories, Marxism, etc., these are political theories, and the end is to gain political power. Now, at the end of the day, people who run things and so, although, it is hidden behind theory – it’s a human too. So, what motivates that human is to gain political power. And behind that, we cannot define what’s the real intention. Now to be fair, have elections,” he said. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially terminated the peace talks with the CPP-NDF on 21 March 2019. In his remaining months in office, Duterte slammed the arrogance of the communist movement’s armed wing, the NPA, saying he could not give the communist guerrillas another chance to resume the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA because of the "continuous killing spree of the NPA.” Despite his own position, Teodoro said he has yet to consult Marcos regarding the President’s plan on the proposed resumption of peace talks. The post DND chief: Peace talks with Reds ‘farce, oxymoron’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»