US tells citizens to avoid Kabul airport due to security threats
The United States on Saturday urged its citizens in Afghanistan to avoid traveling to Kabul airport, citing "potential security threats" near its gates......»»
US tells citizens to avoid Kabul airport due to security threats
The United States on Saturday urged its citizens in Afghanistan to avoid traveling to Kabul airport, citing "potential security threats" near its gates......»»
After Ayungin harassment, China tells PH: Prepare ‘to bear all potential consequences’
The Philippines, meanwhile, says it 'will not be deterred – by veiled threats or hostility – from exercising our legal rights'.....»»
China, Not Russia, Still Tops List of Threats to US
WASHINGTON - Russia's war in Ukraine - portrayed by top U.S. officials as posing a danger to the United States itself - still trails China when it comes to long-term threats to America's security, according to a top Pentagon official.The warning from Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, comes in testimony prepared for a hearing Wednesday by the House Armed S.....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
AirAsia Phl all set for long Undas weekend
AirAsia Philippines on Friday, 27 October, assured all its guests flying to various provinces for the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day of a smooth and on-time customer journey at NAIA Terminal 2. AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and Manila International Airport Authority OIC Bryan Co, along with other airport officials, conducted an inspection of AirAsia check-in counters, kiosks, and boarding gates at NAIA Terminal 2 to demonstrate the airline's readiness for Undas and the long weekend. The airline expects to operate more than 700 domestic flights and carry more than 90,000 guests from 27 October to 1 November. This is 8 percent higher than the figures for the same period in 2022, with all domestic destinations averaging 90 to 93 percent passenger load. In order to effectively handle the influx of guests, four customer happiness counters in addition to the 20 check-in stations were activated. In addition, four self-check-in kiosks are provided to make contactless check-in easier, particularly for passengers who aren't checking bags. "We would like to guarantee our guests a smooth journey this holiday as they travel to their provinces and fly back to Manila. We have activated all and even augmented our ground operations staff to man the check-in counters without breaks. This exercise will also support MIAA's positive on-time performance," Isla said. AirAsia Philippines is closing the month of October with a positive 90 percent on-time performance. "With the commitment of our airline and industry partners, we aim to maintain our strong OTP record from the long weekend rush this year. Our objective is to minimize crowding in passenger and aircraft movement areas through the timely dispatch of flights. We're striving to establish this as a norm at NAIA. Thanks to our partnerships with airlines and government agencies, passengers are starting to notice a positive shift in NAIA operations," shared Co. To avoid being stuck in the traffic rush, AirAsia Philippines is encouraging all its guests to allot extra travel time, at least three to four hours before their flight schedule. Guests are also advised to regularly check their mobile and email accounts or visit the AirAsia Superapp, the AirAsia website (www.airasia.com), and AirAsia social media channels for the latest travel advisories. The post AirAsia Phl all set for long Undas weekend appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Settle fees early,departing aliens told
The Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday advised all foreign travelers leaving the country during the upcoming Undas holiday break to comply with immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport on the date of their departure. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded registered foreigners who are studying, working or living permanently in the Philippines that they can obtain their special return certificate or re-entry permit prior to departure at any of the various BI’s district, field, satellite, or extension offices nationwide. While foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months may also secure their emigration clearance certificates before departure, Tansingco said securing the required permits early will decrease queuing time by half, as they will not have to line up at the BI’s airport cashiers anymore. The BI chief added that with the complete elimination of all Covid-related travel restrictions, the Bureau is anticipating a spike in passengers at all international airports in the country, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, this upcoming December, and this time they are also experiencing a big increase in the volume of New Year’s Day travelers. During this peak season, the Bureau reminded all travelers that other immigration services are also available online via the BI’s e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Tansingco shared that the bureau also has a one-stop shop facility located at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also secure the said documents. He also reiterated previous reminders for passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight and go straight to immigration after check-in. The Bureau is confident that BI operations will be smoother this holiday season as it has deployed additional immigration officers and assigned a rapid response team as well as mobile counters for immediate deployment as necessary. The post Settle fees early,departing aliens told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday advised all foreign travelers who are leaving the country during the upcoming Undas holiday break to comply with their immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport on the date of their departure. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded registered foreigners who are studying, working, or living permanently in the Philippines that they can obtain their special return certificate (SRC) or re-entry permit (RP) prior to departure at any of the various BI's district, field, satellite, or extension offices nationwide. While foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months may also secure their emigration clearance certificates (ECC) before departure, Tansingco said securing the required permits early will decrease queueing time by half, as they will not have to line up at the BI’s airport cashiers anymore. The BI chief added that with the complete elimination of all COVID-related travel restrictions, the bureau is anticipating a spike in passengers at all international airports in the country, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), this upcoming December, and this time they are also experiencing a big increase in the volume of New Year's Day travelers. During this peak season, the bureau reminded all travelers that other immigration services are also available online via the BI’s e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Tansingco shared that the bureau also has a one-stop shop (OSS) facility located at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also secure the said documents. He also reiterated previous reminders for passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight and go straight to immigration after check-in. The BI is confident that its operations will be smoother this holiday season as it has deployed additional immigration officers and assigned a rapid response team as well as mobile counters for immediate deployment as necessary. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 24 October, BI agents detained a South Korean wanted person who was allegedly part of a major narcotics ring that smuggled contraband into Korea from the Philippines. Commissioner Tansingco identified the suspect as Choi Sun Hyeok, a 56-year-old male who was arrested at his residence in Bgy. Lahug, Cebu City by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. The BI-FSU operatives were armed with a warrant of deportation, which Tansingco issued pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI Board of Commissioners issued against Choi in 2017. Tansingco said that Choi would be immediately deported to Seoul, South Korea after the bureau had secured the necessary clearances for his departure. According to the South Korean government, Choi was tagged as a high-profile fugitive, as he is believed to be a member of the so-called MS Alliance syndicate that facilitates the illicit transport of narcotics to Korea. A red notice for his capture was also issued by Interpol this year after an investigation confirmed that he was in the country. According to Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, Choi is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Changwon District Court in Korea, where he is charged with violating his country’s narcotics control act. Investigators have also established that this year alone, Choi’s accomplices in the syndicate managed to smuggle into Korea more than 265 grams of methamphetamine by concealing the drug in their underwear. It was gathered that the passport of Choi, who will be committed to the BI detention facility in Taguig City, was already revoked by the Korean government, thus making him an undocumented alien. Choi's name was also placed on the BI blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines. The post BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Saudi urges nationals to leave Lebanon
As tensions increased along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, Saudi Arabia yesterday urged all its citizens to leave Lebanon “immediately.” The embassy of the Gulf state in Beirut said it was “closely following developments” in southern Lebanon, where at least 18 people have been killed in clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Most of those killed were fighters, but two civilians and a Reuters journalist were among them. On the Israeli side, at least three people have died. Last 7 October, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas launched a massive attack against Israel, killing more than 1,400 people — mostly civilians — by shooting, stabbing, and setting properties on fire. Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of almost 3,500 persons, predominantly civilians. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group with roots in Lebanon and supported by Iran, like Hamas, have engaged in several hit-for-hit episodes. Hezbollah demanded a “day of rage” following a rocket attack on a Gaza hospital that resulted in the deaths of hundreds on Tuesday. Despite Israel’s denial, hundreds of Hezbollah supporters gathered in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Wednesday to protest the airstrike. Saudi Arabian citizens still in Lebanon were advised to “exercise caution and avoid areas where gatherings and demonstrations are taking place,” said a statement from the Saudi embassy. This week, Kuwait issued a similar travel advisory to its residents. The foreign ministry of Kuwait advised people who wanted to go to Lebanon to “be patient and postpone travel during this stage” and to those who were already there to “return voluntarily if there is no urgent need for their presence.” The post Saudi urges nationals to leave Lebanon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel
Gun battles raged Sunday between Hamas militants and Israeli forces a day after the Islamist group launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, in a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides since the Iran-backed Hamas launched the multi-pronged assault at dawn on Saturday, with Israeli forces fighting holdout militants and pounding the Gaza Strip with air strikes. This is what we know about the conflict so far: How it unfolded The army said hundreds of Hamas militants attacked Israel from around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Saturday, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in an assault that also came 50 years after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Islamist group fired thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza as its militants used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence surrounding the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Using motorbikes, pickup trucks, motorized gliders, and speed boats, the militants streamed into Israeli urban areas including Ashkelon, Sderot, and Ofakim, which is about 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Gaza. The gunmen attacked a rave party attended by hundreds of young Israelis near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza, Israeli media reported. Israel said Hamas has taken more than 100 hostages in Israel. They include an unknown number of Americans and Germans. The militants overran several locations inside Israel, including a Sderot police station where they engaged in a shootout with Israeli forces on Sunday. How Israel is responding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce to "rubble" Hamas hideouts in Gaza, an impoverished enclave of 2.3 million people hemmed in by an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years. The army said it has deployed tens of thousands of soldiers to fight the militants who were still "on the ground" Sunday on Israel territory. It has also carried out air strikes on Hamas positions inside Gaza, in an operation it has dubbed "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the air raids had struck 800 targets including Gaza tunnels, buildings, and other infrastructure. The military said it aims to rescue Israeli hostages and then evacuate the entire region within 24 hours. Almost 1000 killed Israel says Hamas gunmen have killed more than 600 people and wounded over 2,000 in Israeli cities, towns, and kibbutz communities. AFP journalists have seen the bullet-riddled bodies of civilians lying on the streets in at least three locations in Israel: the city of Sderot, the nearby kibbutz of Gevim, and Zikim beach north of the Palestinian coastal enclave. An unknown number of people were reportedly killed at the rave. On the Gaza side, at least 370 people have been killed and more than 2,200 wounded, taking the combined toll to almost 1,000 dead. A British man who had been serving in Israel's army was among those killed in the Hamas attack, his family said. Two Ukrainian women who had been living in Israel were also killed, Ukraine said. Thailand has said two of its citizens were killed, while Cambodia reported the death of a Cambodian student. What Hamas said about the offensive Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets in an offensive it has branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Its chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday vowed to press ahead with "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons". Hamas has called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as in "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Early on Sunday, Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah said it launched missiles and artillery shells into northern Israel "in solidarity" with the Hamas offensive. The Israeli army said it retaliated with artillery fire. Elsewhere, media outlets in Egypt said a policeman opened fire on an Israeli tour group in the northern city of Alexandria on Sunday, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian. How the world has reacted United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" Hamas' attack on Israel and called for "diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration". The West, much of which has designated Hamas a "terrorist" organization, has also condemned the Islamist group's assault on Israel. President Joe Biden said the United States support for its key ally Israel was "rock solid and unwavering". The White House said on Sunday he had ordered "additional support" for Israel. The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel." Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said the Islamic Republic supported the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned Israel must be held accountable for "endangering the security of nations in the region". Russia has called for an "immediate ceasefire". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause, on Sunday urged both sides "to support peace". Saudi Arabia appealed for an "immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control". The post What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP intensifies airport security amid bomb threats
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Thursday said that it has heightened the security of all its 42 commercial airports after the Air Traffic Service received a warning via email that planes leaving Manila for Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be detonated by a bomb. Following the information, all airports were immediately ordered to intensify security measures while verification process is under way. CAAP Security and Intelligence Service assistant director general II retired MGen. Ricardo Banayat and all CAAP airports and area centers should augment appropriate security personnel to meet the anticipated high volume of passenger and vehicle traffic. Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo. CAAP-CSIS personnel are also collaborating closely with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and military authorities, intensifying intelligence and monitoring operations with other security units. Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex. Meantime, Airport Security Coordination meetings will also be convened with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict implementation of security measures aimed at preventing any unlawful interference with civil aviation. In order to avoid any difficulty, they also advise international travelers to get to the airport at least three hours prior to their departure as CAAP also urged the general public to comply fully with security agents and to exercise caution when visiting the airport. “Our primary priority continues to be safety and security, and these steps are being taken to protect everyone who uses our airports,” CAAP said. Meantime, the Manila International Airport Authority assured the traveling public that it had instituted measures to ensure the safety of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport passengers, flights and facilities. Foot and mobile patrols are in place, and K9 units are doing the rounds of the terminals as added measures to their already established day-to-day protocols. The MIAA is also in close coordination with the PNP-AVSEU and pertinent government law enforcement units tasked with validating any threat to national security. The post CAAP intensifies airport security amid bomb threats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) have shared their finest anti-trafficking strategies with Thailand's authorities. Representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, IACAT, Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section of the Bureau of Immigration (I-PROBES), and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFT) welcomed Thai delegates to the event, "Regional Knowledge Exchange between Thailand and the Philippines on Emerging Concerns in Trafficking in Persons", held from 25 to 28 September. The foreign delegation was led by Director General Jatuporn Saenghiran of the Thai Department of Trafficking in Persons Litigation, Office of the Attorney General. Representatives from the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking (ACT), the International Justice Mission, and the Thai Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime also attended the event. The event was held at the New Coast Hotel and NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Among the topics covered were techniques and difficulties in rescuing trafficking victims, particularly Thai and Filipinos, caught in internet frauds, as well as techniques in repatriating victims. Through persistent work, the Philippines has successfully maintained its Tier 1 position in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from the United States for eight years running. This accomplishment shows how dedicated the country is to stopping human trafficking and safeguarding its citizens from exploitation. Thai representatives looked over and observed the immigration processes at NAIA Terminal 3's BI arrival and departure area, taking note of its anti-human trafficking protocols. In an effort to combat human trafficking on their own soil, international governments are showing interest in studying the Philippine model, according to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Tansingco said that human trafficking is a borderless crime; hence, activities like this that discuss best practices allow countries to strengthen and combine their forces to eradicate this societal evil. The post Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heroes Lounge sans real lionhearts
Once upon a time, in a small town, there lived a retired soldier named Leo who devoted his life to his country, valiantly defending its citizens. He fought in countless battles, demonstrated unparalleled courage and earned the utmost respect of his fellow soldiers. Following years of dedicated service, he eventually retired and returned to his hometown, longing for a peaceful life among the people he had fiercely safeguarded. Regrettably, he discovered that the reality fell significantly short of his expectations. The residents of the town, preoccupied with their own lives and concerns, appeared to have disregarded the sacrifices made by soldiers like him. He was ignored and overlooked; his presence was almost invisible to those around him. He was perplexed at how he transitioned from being a revered hero to an unnoticed figure within his community. Leo’s experience is not unique. Numerous other soldiers, such as retired Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, can empathize. In a Facebook post on 23 September, the 67-year-old decorated military veteran expressed his disappointment over being denied access, along with other retired generals, to a private lounge at the Tuguegarao airport because it was already occupied. “After a very fruitful trip to Isabela and Tuguegarao the past few days, I was very disappointed to find that myself and a handful of retired generals were not allowed to use the Heroes Lounge at the Tuguegarao Airport because it was reserved for these Chinese-looking individuals,” Querubin’s post read. “Are the Chinese the new heroes in this country? Definitely NOT!” To this day, Tuguegarao Airport manager Mary Sulyn Sogorsor has yet to issue a statement on the degrading incident. Is Manager Sogorsor unaware that real heroes were denied entry to the Heroes Lounge? Does she even acknowledge that Colonel Querubin, a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest honor bestowed upon a Filipino, was among them? Colonel Querubin played a crucial role in capturing the MILF’s strategic staging area, Camp Mack in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, in the early 2000s. Has she forgotten the services and sacrifices of the retired generals, who put themselves in immense danger for decades? Querubin, who is no stranger to brushes with death and sustained 67 battle wounds during his more than 30 years in the military service, lamented: “If they can do it to senior officers, what more to the others?” Retired soldier heroes do not deserve the indifference. Being preoccupied with their own lives is never an excuse not to acknowledge their struggles, sacrifices, and contributions. They may have proven that a hero’s spirit can prevail despite the apathy, but they should never become a symbol of forgotten heroes they who had dedicated their lives to selflessly protecting the nation. Otherwise, it is heartbreaking. The post Heroes Lounge sans real lionhearts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators want probe over ‘never-ending gimmicks’ of airport officials at NAIA
Unscrupulous activities of airport officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport must be put to an end, senators said Thursday. In separate statements, Senators Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa demanded an investigation into the new scheme of airport screening officers to steal valuable items from passengers at the country’s main gateway. Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, condemned the incident which she described as “infuriating and embarrassing”. “It seems that they [airport officials] never run out of gimmicks to steal money at the airport,” she said referring to the viral video involving an Office for Transportation Security personnel who was seen swallowing $300 that she allegedly stole from a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. She noted that the CCTV footage of the incident may not be able to capture the whole story. “There are reports indicating that the OTS personnel was ordered to do that to avoid being caught. That means that she might have cohorts there,” she said. Poe expressed hope that the authorities would immediately identify those involved in the criminal activities in the airport. “We ask the airport security office to properly vet applicants and reinterview existing employees to determine their qualifications and evaluate their performance,” she said. “The airport leadership should immediately investigate, file cases and fire employees found involved in criminal activities. Those who violate the law must be punished at once,” she added. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva echoed the same sentiment, adding that the incident would drive tourists away from visiting the country. “How to ‘Love the Philippines’ if we are like this?” Villanueva said. “How can we convince tourists to love the Philippines if upon their arrival here their safety is already at risk?” “Let us give them a happy experience, not a horror story,” he added. Villanueva called on the Department of Transportation to look into the matter and file cases against those who are proven involved in the scheme. “We need to know if she has accomplices in committing crimes to end the mafia of erring officials in the airport,” he said. He also urged the department to conduct retraining and assessment programs for airport personnel. “They also need to be more careful in accepting applicants to ensure that the government is not employing thieves,” he added. For his part, Dela Rosa said the OTS and DoTr should work hand in hand to “get to the bottom of this newly discovered modus operandi at NAIA.” “We are hurting our own reputation before the international arena if this crime is not being addressed immediately,” he said. The post Senators want probe over ‘never-ending gimmicks’ of airport officials at NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested
As the October barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections draw near, we wrote about the apprehension of the authorities over the conduct of the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The Philippine National Police has statistics on several towns flagged as possible election “hot spots.” In fact, they have asked for a postponement of the elections in those areas, but the Commission denied this despite documented incidents of election-related violence. But just as there are conflict areas, there are an almost equal number of barangays where peace is expected to prevail. There will be no contest in those barangays as the candidates will run unopposed. While this could taint the democratic process as the right of citizens to choose their leaders will be somehow restricted, it is still a welcome development. How does this work? This needs the intervention of the patriarchs of families, the elders of the village, and city or town executives. What is essential is to resort to what local tribes (among Maranaws) call “musawarah,” which is Arabic in origin, and “musyawarah,” which is the Malay word for consultation or dialogue. Contending candidates engage in dialogue to find common ground for agreement to avoid a socially, financially, and politically costly election. In the case of a barangay where one family numerically dominates, they choose by rotation from among the siblings or family leaders who will be the Punong Barangay. The other positions, like barangay councilor or kagawad, secretary, treasurer, etc., are equally divided among themselves. And there is an equitable distribution of the salaries and whatever largesse the barangay will receive from the government and local projects. In contested barangays, the town mayor offers a hefty sum to the party running against his chosen candidate and promises a monthly allowance and other assistance. By buying off the different bets, the mayor gets the full support of the barangay, with the Punong Barangay acting as his political operator when the mayoral elections come around. Experience tells us that the mayor, supported by most Punong Barangays, gets to perpetuate his dynastic family in power. This is also one way of settling “rido” or family feuds that are a side issue during elections. Through back channeling and having a common candidate and slate, families that for years were involved in “rido” are open to reconciliation. A Rappler report said about “149 barangays in Maguindanao del Sur’s 24 towns have unopposed bets for barangay chair.” And local leaders are still negotiating to have more unopposed candidates in more barangays. According to local leaders, this scheme is resorted to not necessarily for partisan considerations but for peace because election rivalries are the common cause of “rido.” This is happening also in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and many other BARMM barangays. Through the efforts of provincial governors and city and town mayors, several barangays have candidates running unchallenged in October. Democrats might find this an assault on the freedom of the people to choose their leaders. They will claim that politicians manipulate the people to surrender their fundamental rights as citizens to perpetuate themselves in power and protect their dynasties. But what good is democracy if we have conflict and instability in the villages and one cannot sleep at night for fear of violence? In weighing which interest is preponderant — peace or freedom — pacifists will go for the former. This column supports the work of local leaders in BARMM to have familiar candidates for the coming elections so that lives will not be unnecessarily sacrificed on the altar of politics. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy
Joanna Schlosser found refuge from advancing wildfires at a winery where she works, but is now dealing with a tourism downturn and other wide-ranging fallout on the business -- and Canada's economy. An inferno jumped Okanagan Lake and was barreling down hills behind her Kelowna home when a knock on the door woke up the family of five, ordering them to leave immediately. For two weeks, they stayed at a guest house at Quails' Gate winery with other evacuees, some of whom lost their homes. About 200 houses in the valley would be destroyed. "Your home is your biggest investment and with only five minutes to get out you start to reel about things you left behind that you might not ever see again," Schlosser told AFP. She also fretted about the grape harvest now underway. None of the 222 wineries in the region reported any direct fire damage. But they suffered a big drop in revenues as tourists stayed away during the peak month of August. Kelowna's airport and main highway closed temporarily. Tasting tours, weddings, and other events at the wineries were canceled. "We're now facing a pretty devastating season in terms of winery traffic and sales," said Schlosser. Across Canada, more than 15 million hectares (37 million acres) have been scorched, and 200,000 people displaced, spanning from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to parts of the Northwest Territories. Stephen Brown of Capital Economics noted that forest fires do not normally have a measurable impact on the Canadian economy. But this year, he said in a research note, "With the fires so widespread, we are seeing more of an impact than usual." "The worst Canadian wildfires on record appear to be behind much of the recent weakness in GDP and, with more areas now under evacuation orders, the data are likely to remain weak in the coming months," he said. Sun blocked, roads closed Statistics Canada on Friday reported a 0.2 percent contraction in the second quarter and a weak start to the third. It pointed to wildfire disruptions at mines and oil facilities. Lumber mills were also idled. Outfitters saw their livelihoods upended by fishing bans. A road to Tofino, a tourist hotspot on Vancouver Island with ancient forests and sandy beaches, was cut off. In the Okanagan Valley, orchards lamented smoke blocking out the sun delaying the ripening of apples. The toll, however, is "not as bad as it could have been," said Tony Stillo at Oxford Economics. "Even though the wildfires are record-setting, they're happening in more remote areas with less of an implication for large population or economic centers or transportation corridors -- things that would cut off supply lines," he explained. Disruptions have also been relatively short. Oxford Economics in a June report warned that wildfires could slash Canada's economic growth this year by as much as 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points. Firefighting costs rise Ottawa estimates the annual cost of fighting wildfires at Can$1 billion (US$737 million) and noted that, according to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate impacts such as more and bigger fires could halve Canada's projected economic growth in the coming years. By 2030, the average annual losses from disasters are forecast to reach Can$15.4 billion. Insurance losses have already jumped fivefold since 2009 to more than Can$2 billion annually, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The bureau's Jason Clark said the number of catastrophic events and insurance payouts will continue to rise. Most worrying, he said, is that Canadians aren't dealing anymore with one localized disaster every few years or decades, but rather "several events stacked on top of each other in a single year" -- including fires, floods, heatwaves, and powerful storms. "Where countries regularly experience large losses it has a significant impact on insurance risk assessments and premiums," he said. "We need to be better prepared." Back at Quails' Gate, Schlosser assessed the smoke's impact on grapes, noting that the industry has developed mitigation techniques. "Sometimes it works quite well and others (the smoke taint) is just not something you can avoid," she said, adding that "sommeliers may talk about it in terms of terroir like it's part of that vintage." Smoke taint can add character to a wine, but also risks producing overpowering burnt or medicinal notes. The post Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCCI: Use QR code for added travel needs
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggested to the government on Sunday to create a digital platform for first-time travelers to prevent missed flights and airport congestion as officials plan to implement stricter immigration rules as a deterrent to human trafficking starting 3 September. In a phone interview with the Daily Tribune, PCCI president George Barcelon said the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and appropriate government agencies should consider a QR code-based mechanism to obtain and verify data on first-time travelers faster. “There are 15,000 outbound flights daily and our airport systems are still inefficient. Airports are also not big enough to hold people in line for inspections and questioning by officials under the new policies,” Barcelon said. “The new policies are an additional layer of bureaucracy which we should avoid for an overall efficient travel experience,” he added. IACAT said first-time passengers include tourists, overseas Filipino workers or OFWs, and digital nomads. Tourists affected For tourists, IACAT may require their confirmed return or roundtrip tickets, proof of hotel booking, proof of financial capacity or source of income, proof of employment and other equivalent documents. For OFWs, officials may ask for their OFW Clearance issued by the Department of Migrant Workers, employment visa or work permit, and employment contract. However, for frequent travelers like business people, IACAT Undersecretary-in-Charge Nicholas Ty said they will be asked to present only the basic documents such as passports and plane tickets. However, Barcelon said the government should first conduct consultations with travelers to minimize disruption in flight services and create effective anti-trafficking measures. “They will be requiring additional documents. What would happen if first-time passengers forgot these documents? How can they fly as they may have to deal with matters abroad that are urgent or time-sensitive?” he said. Barcelon stressed there should be clear guidelines first on how the passengers and airport authorities will address such scenarios before implementing the new rules beginning 3 September. While Barcelon agreed with the government that human trafficking is a serious problem, he said the authorities should also instead intensify their intelligence activities so they can identify and detain suspects immediately for verification outside airports. “Out of 5 million human trafficking suspects, 3,000 have been arrested. It’s a serious problem but policies should not make things difficult for all passengers,” he said. “The government should tap technologies to prevent human trafficking and invest heavily in them,” he explained. The Bureau of Immigration said it recorded around 6,000 suspected victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and misrepresentation from January to February this year alone. However, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said only 0.6 percent were removed from the plane for further investigations related to those cases. The post PCCI: Use QR code for added travel needs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
N. Korea reopens its borders to citizens living abroad: KCNA
North Korea has moved to further open up from strict pandemic-era isolation, with state media reporting Sunday that citizens living abroad have been allowed to reenter the country. State-run KCNA said that the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters had announced that "citizens abroad have been allowed to return home". "Those returned will be put under proper medical observation at quarantine wards for a week," the report said. It added that the decision had been made "in reference to the eased worldwide pandemic situation." North Korea shut its borders in early 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but there have been increasing signals the country has moved towards reopening. Chinese and Russian officials attended a military parade in Pyongyang last month -- the first foreign dignitaries to visit the country in years. Last week a delegation of athletes was allowed to attend a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan, while state-run Air Koryo made its first international commercial flight in three years. The flight arrived Tuesday morning at Beijing's Capital Airport, with AFP reporters only seeing two North Koreans -- recognizable by their distinctive badges bearing the faces of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il -- come through the arrival gate. Neither spoke to media. Another Air Koryo flight bound for Pyongyang departed just after 1:00 p.m., a tracking website showed. The Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency published photos of a number of North Koreans lining up to check luggage for that flight. Asked about the flights, China's foreign ministry said that it had approved restarting commercial air travel between Beijing and Pyongyang. "During the summer and autumn flight season... the Chinese side approved flight plans for passengers such as the Pyongyang-Beijing and Beijing-Pyongyang routes of Air Koryo," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Monday. des/nro © Agence France-Presse The post N. Korea reopens its borders to citizens living abroad: KCNA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASF invades Cocoro Island
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Provincial Veterinary Office here disclosed on Friday that the African swine fever has reached the region and caused an outbreak on Cocoro Island, a barangay in the fifth-class municipality of Magsaysay in the easternmost side of the province. Palawan PVO officer-in-charge Dr. Darius Mangcucang, in an interview, revealed that Cocoro has recorded approximately 300 swine mortalities as a result of African swine fever and confirmed that out of the six blood samples collected from the domesticated pigs that survived on Cocoro Island, five of them were positively identified as having ASF. The results were according to laboratory evaluations conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry. He also stressed that measures have been put in place to isolate the area and prevent the disease from spreading as the PVO is already enacting measures to control the situation. Meantime, community leaders are taking steps to restrict the movement of pigs and pork products from the island, while surveillance is also focused on monitoring the transportation of pork into the town. “We can manage the situation on the island as long as there is cooperation from the community. The barangay officials are monitoring closely as they have received directives from their leaders,” Mangcucang said. As an alternative to culling, given that all domestic pigs on the island have already succumbed to ASF, Mangcucang said they already initiated a disinfection procedure and used lime on the burial sites. The method aims to confine the virus and is anticipated to last for approximately three months, according to his estimation. “The pigs might all be gone, there’s no need for culling anymore. What we’ll do instead is disinfection. We’ll place lime on the sites where the pigs were buried by the farmers and residents, in order to contain the virus,” Mangcucang said. The PVO, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and local municipal authorities, has also established checkpoints in all entry areas to Magsaysay. He said their endeavors include continuous monitoring, gathering of blood samples, and conducting quarantine assessments. Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, in a statement issued by the Provincial Information Office, assured the public of swift governmental response as collaborative endeavors with various government agencies are in motion to tackle the crisis while citizens are urged to adhere to guidelines to halt ASF’s progression to other parts of the province. “This incident is being closely monitored, and appropriate measures are being taken in collaboration with other government agencies, while simultaneously urging the public to adhere to the government’s implemented policies to prevent further spread of ASF to other parts of the province,” Socrates said. The PVO also appealed to residents to cooperate by refraining from purchasing meat products online and to avoid feeding pigs with potentially contaminated swill or uncooked food. In case of any suspicious pig deaths or symptoms, residents are urged to promptly inform the veterinary office or the Municipal Agriculture Office. The post ASF invades Cocoro Island appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia skirts sanctions with digital ruble
Russia started testing its digital ruble Tuesday in a bid to limit the impact of international sanctions following its military offensive in Ukraine last year. Russia’s central bank told Agence France-Presse that 13 local banks and 600 individuals took part in the trial, making payments in digital ruble via a mobile app at 30 sales points in 11 Russian cities. The payments were without charge and with a minimal commission for businesses. The dollar-less payment system allows many Russian banks to continue transactions in lieu of the SWIFT system that banned them since last year. Most Russian banks have been banned from the main system used for international transactions, pushing Moscow to look for other ways to de-dollarize. Like cryptocurrencies, the digital ruble uses blockchain technology, which facilitates direct transactions through a decentralized database. The main difference lies in its status as a “central bank digital currency,” which is tightly controlled. The digital rubles are issued by the Russian central bank and stocked in electronic wallets, with the FSB national security service monitoring the system. According to researchers at the Atlantic Council, Russia has become the 21st country to enter the test phase for a digital currency. Social control Mikkel Morch, founder of crypto-focused investment fund ARK36, said the digital ruble will allow Russia to avoid banks where it faces restrictions, and that the blockchain is “much less easy to sanction and attack.” However, Morch said that digitizing the ruble would give authorities “immense control” over Russians. It could be used as “the ultimate social control tool,” he warned, giving the government the power to issue fines or freeze assets with “the click of a button.” “In the wrong hands, this data could be used to spy on citizens’ private transactions,” researchers from the Atlantic Council have warned. To convince wary Russians, authorities have promised its use will be voluntary. WITH AFP The post Russia skirts sanctions with digital ruble appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Safeguarding waters
As an archipelago consisting of over seven thousand islands, the Philippines is expected to hold high regard for the security and well-being of its citizens who traverse its waterways, may it be in the seas, rivers, or lakes. Laguna de Bay, the country’s largest freshwater inland lake, should be treated no differently. In the middle of the lake is Talim Island, which is part of Binangonan, Rizal. With over 40,000 inhabitants, the only method of getting to the island is via motorboat. Last 27 July, the worst tragedy struck one of the boats plying this route, claiming 27 innocent lives. Since then, a lot of finger-pointing has taken place between government offices and local officials. It is a question of who is ultimately liable — the Philippine Coast Guard or PCG, the Maritime Industry Authority or Marina, the local boat operators association Talim Island Passenger Motorboat and Patrons Association, or the boat owners and the boat captain. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services held last 8 August, it appeared that all of them were at fault. Chaired by Senator Grace Poe, the committee brought together all the stakeholders in this disaster, including the victim-survivors and the families of the deceased. In her opening statement, Senator Poe immediately pointed out the alleged violations, from the reported lack of a license of the boat captain to the absence of safety measures such as the completion of a passenger manifest and the mandatory wearing of life vests. Senator Poe was diplomatic in allowing the PCG and Marina to make their respective presentations, and for the Binangonan mayor and the passenger survivors to share their accounts. Senator Raffy Tulfo, who filed his own Senate resolution to investigate this matter, was sharp in questioning the PCG and Marina. Since the boat captain was already in the orange uniform of a detainee, Senator Tulfo asked why the liable officers of PCG and Marina were not in jail as well. The PCG was gracious enough to admit its shortcomings and negligence, and it was commended for that. The PCG’s performance in saving the lives of those involved in the Romblon boat sinking incident, which happened shortly after the one in Binangonan, was likewise recognized. As for Marina, the officers testified on the presence of laws and regulations that require boats and ships to maintain certain specifications to ensure their safety, but these were not being implemented. It became evident that boat measurements and materials were not being followed, and applicants for permits were allowed to cut corners by “bribing” officials with what is known as “pangiti.” The boat captain himself testified under oath that he gave the PCG officer bananas worth P100 and an additional P50 in cash to fast-track the issuance of his safety permits. All this boils down to a flawed system where we have the required laws and regulations to safely keep our waterways, but we lack the budget, manpower, and infrastructure to implement them. At the Binangonan port, for instance, there is no presence of authorities, such as the PCG, since there is no outpost in sight. I went to this port last weekend to inspect it and meet with the locals since my company was the insurer of the passengers’ personal accident policy of the subject boat. Despite the violations of the policy, our company, Milestone Guaranty and Assurance Corp., disbursed financial assistance to the victims of this tragedy, for humanitarian considerations. There is a need to strengthen the PCG and Marina to allow them to fulfill their mandates. We hope these would be highlighted in upcoming budget hearings to avoid more deaths on our shores. **** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Safeguarding waters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»