With daily cases high and vaccines yet to arrive, VP questions easing quarantine
Vice President Leni Robredo opposes plans for the entire Philippines to shift to MGCQ starting March......»»
U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 2023 Levels, C.D.C. Says – The Daily Guardian
The Daily Guardian – Measles Cases on the Rise in the United States Measles cases in the United States have been steadily increasing this year,.....»»
Immigration officer convicted
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday revealed that a Bureau of Immigration officer has been convicted for the falsification of travel records showing that former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was in the Philippines even if he did not arrive and leave the country in 2020. The NBI said BI officer Marcos S. Nicodemus has been found guilty by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court of violations of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Though the RTC decision was not provided by the NBI, it said that Nicodemus “was sentenced by the court to a maximum imprisonment of nine years for each of the criminal cases with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been wanted by the German government for his involvement in the $2.2 billion Wirecard fraud. In 2020, the Philippine government joined the hunt for Marsalek due to Wirecard’s links in the country and discovered travel records that showed that the Austrian came to the Philippines in 2020. Then Department of Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation. In August 2020, the NBI “recommended to the DoJ the prosecution of subject Marcos Nicodemus for falsifying the travel records of an Austrian national.” “Investigation conducted by NBI-IAID (NBI-International Airport Investigation Division) revealed that based on Marsalek’s travel records, he arrived in the Philippines through NAIA Terminal 1 on 23 June 2020, processed by Immigration Officer Darren Ilagan but with a mysterious ‘canceled by user’ remark and departure on 24 June 2020 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport processed by Immigration Officer Perry Michael Pancho,” the NBI said. “However, NBI-IAID discovered thru CCTV (closed circuit television) footages that Marsalek never entered the Philippines and he did not even depart through MCIA,” the NBI said. The records of Marsalek were found to be spurious due to the following: Existing immigrations protocol as of that date disallowing passengers from entering Philippine territory due to Covid situation; absence of actual scanned data page of the passport; existing protocol that incoming flights of airlines disallowing the boarding of a passenger who will be prevented entry based on the destination country’s protocol as of flight date. The NBI said that Ilagan testified that Nicodemus, who was his supervisor, “ordered him to conduct a derogatory check upon Marsalek despite the fact that he was already not on duty on that date and that Marsalek is not present during checking.” Guevarra in 2020, said that the travel records of the Marsalek were falsified possibly as “diversionary tactics to mislead his pursuers.” The post Immigration officer convicted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage
Those with sharp memories and local crime story buffs will never forget three road rage cases that hogged print and broadcast news headlines toward the end of the 20th century and into the millennium. These high-profile cases involving detainees Inocencio Gonzales, Rolito Go, and Jason Ivler ended in their conviction and sentencing to long prison terms, with their names forever etched in the annals of heinous crimes recorded in the country. A brief refresher. On 2 July 1991, a De La Salle University engineering student was driving on a one-way street in San Juan City, Metro Manila, when he ran into construction firm executive Rolito Go, plying the road from the opposite direction. After a brief altercation, Go shot Eldon Maguan in the head, who died in the aftermath. Go served 25 years in prison before he was released. Seven years later, in the middle of a heated argument over a parking slot, real estate developer Inocencio Gonzales Jr. lost his cool, which led to the fatal shooting of a pregnant woman and the wounding of two younger children with her and her husband at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on 21 October 1998. Gonzalez was meted a 14-year prison term. In 2009, a nephew of music celebrity Freddie Aguilar, Jason Ivler, shot dead a son of former Malacañang official Renato Ebarle Sr. after a tiff on a Quezon City road. An earlier road incident in 2004 that snuffed the life of another Malacañang official, Nestor Ponce, also pointed to Ivler as the accused in Ponce’s death. A Quezon City court found Ivler guilty of the murder of Renato Ebarle Jr. and sentenced him to 40 years in jail. There are no available statistics on road rage incidents in the Philippines, but observers have noted an alarming increase in recent years. But in the United States, statistics show 413 people were hurt in road rage shootings in 2022, or a 135 percent increase from 2018. US traffic experts say confrontational driving is more often the case that could be caused by traffic conditions, inconsiderate motorists, and high stress levels among motorists with ages ranging from 19 to 39. Not too long ago, two road rage incidents that have gained public attention because of social media posts that had gone viral involved men in uniform. In the viral video of an incident in Quezon City, Wilfredo Gonzales, a policeman dismissed from the service for grave misconduct in 2018, was shown brandishing a gun and threatening a cyclist in a traffic row. Even more controversial was a press conference conducted by the QC police days later that suggested they were “lawyering” for Gonzales, a former QC policeman. The PNP has no mandate to host such a press conference, it was later learned. In a separate incident, a Pasay City policeman, SSgt. Marsan Dolipas was also shown in a video post holding down an armed Angelito Velasquez Rencio, who said he was an Intelligence agent, after a traffic dispute in Makati City when the latter allegedly sideswiped the policeman. Both incidents prompted the usual calls for an investigation. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Rafael Tulfo have called for a Senate probe into the escalation of road rage cases in the country. It is interesting to note that even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. filed Senate 2923 when he was still a senator back in 2011. The bill “hopes to once and for all stomp rood rage as on unnecessary and reprehensible evil, and define such as a circumstance that could aggravate, or even qualify, on offense occasioned by it. The incidents involve public order and safety, particularly “road sharing,” a concept that they said is often ignored or alien to many Filipino motorists, added the senators. For his part, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, whose jurisdiction includes the control of the PNP, said: “For the sake of a peaceful and orderly society, we cannot allow a culture of impunity. We cannot allow bullies to intimidate people with deadly weapons. There must be consequences here.” Still, the incidents persist. Behavioral scientists attribute road rage to several reasons: A need to control other drivers who violate their space, unchecked anger or aggression, huge egos, or a need to be dominant. Others think the rise in incidents lately came about by the advent of Covid-19 when stress levels reached abnormally unreachable heights caused by depression, the loss of jobs or loved ones to the pandemic, and the inability to cope with such. Solutions have been suggested. Push for continuing driver anger management education. Discard the “it’s the other driver’s fault” excuse. Don’t allow anyone to push your “rage buttons” by staying calm and collected when an altercation appears to be headed your way. Yield to others. These may be easier said than done, but why not take the chance? As an anger management expert said: Realize road rage is ridiculous, life-threatening, and not something you have to participate in — ever. And you can arrive at your destination safe and sure. The post Road rage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI releases guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-Jin
The Bureau of Immigration announced on Friday that it released new guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-Jin. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the new guidelines, which were also approved by the Secretary of Justice, aim to address the immigration needs of Filipinos who have the status of Nikkei-Jin under Japanese law. The word "Nikkei-Jin" refers to Japanese immigrants and their offspring who left Japan and raised their families in other nations. More than 3 million Nikkei-Jins live in their adopted countries, according to data from the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad; the largest of these populations are in Brazil, the USA, China, Canada, Peru, and the Philippines. The BI acknowledged in the order that Philippine Nikkei-Jin are recognized as Japanese citizens by official documents issued by the Japanese government. Tansingco also shared that a Philippine Nikkei-Jin may depart from the Philippines with or without a Philippine passport. Those who travel without a Philippine passport lose the presumption of being Filipinos for purposes of traveling outside the Philippines. In such cases, a Philippine Nikkei-Jin may travel abroad to and from Japan with a Japanese passport or travel document and a BI Order recognizing him as a Nikkei-Jin. The order would allow the Philippine Nikkei-Jin to depart from the Philippines with a deferment of payment of immigration fees. Philippine Nikkei-Jin who likewise arrive without a Philippine passport should present the same order; otherwise, applicable rules for foreign nationals will apply. However, if the Philippine Nikkei-Jin has already renounced his Philippine citizenship, then he will be treated as a foreign national, subject to the rules regulating aliens in the Philippines," clarified Tansingco. The BI chief said that the bureau recognizes the needs of Filipinos who have the status of Nikkei-Jin under Japanese law, and they are Filipinos who are likewise descendants of Japanese nationals. Hence, they see the importance of crafting specific guidelines for processing their immigration documents. The post BI releases guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-Jin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rise in Covid Cases in Laredo – The Daily Guardian
Title: Laredo Health Department Releases Latest Covid-19 Figures; New Vaccine Set to Arrive Soon Laredo, Texas – The Laredo Health Department has provided updates on.....»»
Alarming surge in dengue cases in Palawan
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — An uptick in the number of dengue cases in Palawan, recorded from the beginning of the year until June, has raised concerns regarding how to halt this trend. According to data released Tuesday, 4 July, by the Palawan Provincial Health Office (PHO), a total of 3,274 dengue cases have been recorded in various municipalities during the first half of 2023. Dr. Faye Erika Labrador, the chief of the PHO, expressed her concern and stated that the current situation can be deemed alarming or even classified as an outbreak. However, she said that the decision to declare a state of public health emergency or outbreak lies within the jurisdiction of the municipal governments. The municipality of Taytay recorded the highest number of cases with 1,079 followed by Bataraza with 425, Roxas with 413, Brooke's Point with 322, and Narra with 202. Taytay and Roxas are towns situated in northern Palawan, while the rest are in the southern part. “For this year, from January, we really noticed an increase in cases of dengue and other illnesses compared to last year. The cases in Taytay from up January to March this year is [already] higher compared to the whole of 2022,” Labrador said. Labrador said that in the specific case of Taytay, discussions are already underway within the Sangguniang Bayan regarding the potential declaration of an outbreak. In response to the current trend, she elaborated that they have heightened their efforts in spreading awareness about the viral infection in schools and communities, particularly in towns experiencing higher incidences. These are being done in cooperation with municipal health offices, the provincial office of the Department of Health (DOH), and other line agencies and stakeholders. The campaign focuses on promoting the 5S approach to combat dengue, which includes key practices such as search and destroy, self-protection, early consultation, support for fogging and misting, and maintaining proper hydration. Additionally, Labrador said that schools are actively promoting the use of protective clothing, such as long sleeves, and the application of insect repellents among students as crucial self-protection measures. The PHO has also started its vector analysis to determine the factors related to transmission. A team from the epidemiological unit of the Center for Health and Development (CHD) of the health department will arrive for the purpose. Meanwhile, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on Tuesday, Board Member Marivic Roxas, who chairs the committee on health, emphasized that the increasing trend of dengue cases should not be overlooked and requires urgent attention. Roxas said a comprehensive program must be implemented to stop more Palaweños from falling ill because of dengue. "Let us take significant actions against the growing threat of dengue in our beloved province of Palawan by implementing preventive measures, promoting public health awareness, enhancing healthcare infrastructures and supporting research initiatives," she said in her privilege speech. She further appealed to the public and local government units to join forces in collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the infection, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. The post Alarming surge in dengue cases in Palawan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 600 Kuwait OFWs repatriated
The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Monday that it has brought home 644 distressed overseas Filipino workers from Kuwait since last month, as another batch of Filipinos will arrive in the country before Thursday. DMW Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said that some of the distressed workers may have had labor cases or issues with their employers, while some have overstayed beyond their visas and permits. He added that the numbers — which was cited by Kuwaiti reports last week on the orders by the Kuwait Interior Minister deporting 302 OFWs from a batch of 462 Filipinos housed in a shelter affiliated with the Philippine Embassy — was tagged by the Kuwaiti government as “violation of laws because it sheltered house labor fugitives from their sponsors.” Gulf News, citing a local Kuwait paper, further reported 150 other OFWs in police custody due to travel restrictions imposed against them in relation to various legal cases. Cacdac said that they have not yet confirmed such reports, but repatriation of distressed OFWs is already ongoing. “We’re endorsing distressed OFWs who want to go home to the Public Authority for Manpower or their immigration department. If they have been cleared, they can go home,” Cacdac said. “While we’re waiting for their endorsements, they’ll stay on our side. We’ve been explaining this to the Kuwaiti side in our already three-week talk about the shelters for our OFWs as their endorsement papers are being processed,” he added. He also refused the use of the word ‘fugitive’ to describe the said OFWs in Kuwait as they have been in issues with their employers, and that shelters are still in operation for OFWs. The Kuwait Ministry of Interior previously issued a suspension on visas for OFWs, accusing the Philippines of violating their labor agreement with them but the Philippine government has defended primarily their welfare policies as a way to protect OFWs working in Kuwait during their talks last month. In the same Gulf News report, Kuwait laid down their conditions in the resolution of the issue, including an acknowledgement of the Philippine Embassy’s violations of Kuwaiti laws and vowing not to commit such acts in the future. The post Over 600 Kuwait OFWs repatriated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla: Authorities ready for Teves’ possible arrival
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves may possibly arrive in the country today (Wednesday), based on information from "a very reliable source" who “may have access to flight data into the country.” “He’s usually a very reliable source for those who come in and out of the country,” Remulla said. Law enforcement agencies have already been placed on alert "so he can be secured properly." Teves, Remulla clarified, will not be arrested since there is no standing warrant of arrest against him yet. Remulla said the notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization also known as Interpol could have prompted Teves to consider returning to the country. “He’s already on Interpol notice and things are becoming more difficult for Mr. Teves to go around. That’s what was told to me by my reliable sources." “He will likely return, most probably because it’s difficult to go around the world now when you’re already on Interpol notice and it’s already known in ASEAN (Association of South East Nations) that he’s a subject of designation as a terrorist. So, things have become more difficult, I suppose,” he added. Remulla said he would welcome Teves’ return in case it pushes through, considering that the National Bureau of Investigation is formally filing a complaint against him in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others last 4 March. He said Teves' return would give the latter an opportunity to formally answer the cases against him. “It means he can answer the process of law. If a case is filed against him tomorrow then it can be immediately served to him, that can run accordingly and the cases be resolved by the panel of prosecutors based on his counter-affidavit.” Teves, who has denied any involvement in the Degamo killing, has yet to return to the country after going to the United States last 28 February to undergo stem cell treatment. The post Remulla: Authorities ready for Teves’ possible arrival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
With daily cases high and vaccines yet to arrive, VP questions easing quarantine
Vice President Leni Robredo opposes plans for the entire Philippines to shift to MGCQ starting March......»»
15,000 foreigners to arrive
Around 15,000 foreigners with long-term visas are expected to arrive in the Philippines after the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed their entry amid the rising coronavirus disease 2019 cases in the country......»»
Navotas under 2-week lockdown
BY JOSEPH PEDRAJAS * Mayor Toby Tiangco announced on Monday that he will place Navotas City under two-week lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Navotas amid the eased quarantine measures in Metro Manila. Tiangco said the lockdown would start until additional police forces arrive. “Basta makuha ko ‘yung (police) augmentation, […].....»»
Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in Philippines
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The contagious pertussis has continued spreading in the Philippines, where it has caused at least 40 death cases, after a province near the capital region reported an outbreak of the disease. In a social media post on Wednesday night, the Cavite government posted a resolution declaring the province under a state of calamity "due to the outbreak of pertussis" after logging 36 cases an.....»»
Latest Deals on Apples M3 and M2 MacBook Airs – The Daily Guardia
Engadget Reviews Apple’s Newest MacBook Air Models, Available at Discounted Prices Since 2004, Engadget has been a trusted source for testing and reviewing consumer tech.....»»
CCLEX safety enhancements pushed after US bridge tragedy
Cebu City, Philippines — In light of recent events, a call for increased CCLEX safety measures has been made to the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) by a Cebu City legislator. Councilor Rey Gealon penned a resolution urging CCLEC to implement precautionary measures at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway to prevent disasters, considering the high.....»»
DOH: Pertussis cases 20 times more than last year
DOH: Pertussis cases 20 times more than last year.....»»
Ashley Tisdale buntis sa 2nd baby: ‘We can’t wait to meet you!’
MAY exciting news ang Hollywood actress at “High School Musical” star na si Ashley Tisdale sa madlang pipol! Ayon sa kanya, ipinagbubuntis niya ang second baby nila ng mister na si Christopher French. Sa Instagram, ibinandera ni Ashley ang kanyang baby bump at ang caption niya: “We can’t wait to meet you [emoji].” Baka Bet.....»»
Cavite nagdeklara ng ‘state of calamity’ dahil sa ‘pertussis outbreak’
NASA ilalim na ng “state of calamity” ang probinsya ng Cavite. Ito ay dahil dumadami na ang mga nahahawa ng pertussis o whooping cough sa probinsya. Ayon sa provincial government, nakapagtala na sila ng 26 confirmed cases at kabaling na riyan ang anim na namatay dahil sa nasabing sakit. Narito ang datos ng Cavite kaugnay.....»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
All Hail the Camera King! HONOR Magic6 Pro Ranks Number 1 in Camera Global Rankings
The leading global provider of smart devices, HONOR, claimed the top spot as the best camera smartphone in the recent DxOMark ranking test, dethroning its competitors with a high-ranking score of 158. DxOMark, an independent camera testing organization that provides comprehensive evaluations of camera performances, has awarded HONOR Magic6 Pro as the top contender in […].....»»