DUMAGUETE CITY – A former rebel has called on pregnant members of the underground movement to give up their cause and surrender to authorities so they could give their children a good future.
Clarice (not her real name), a 21-year-old mother of a four-month-old, gave her testimony as a speaker/participant in the three-day 1st Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental which concluded on Sunday.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, she called on at least four other young pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) members to rejoin mainstream society.
She said these young women, if they still remain with the NPA, are bound to leave their newborn babies with families unknown to them, with the risk of not ever seeing their children again.
She also urged youth leaders in Tanjay City to be wary of the deceptions and lies of the NPA that she had personally experienced.
“I am a victim of the lies and deceptions of the NPA. I was exploited and I fell prey to their false promises of better living conditions. Do not be fooled by what they tell you,” Clarice said in the local dialect.
Recounting her experience in the underground movement, she said that she became a vulnerable target of the NPA because of her lack of education as well as her family background.
Separated from her seven siblings at two years old after their mother died, Clarice said her father brought her to Silay, Negros Occidental where she lived until she was 19.
She returned home to Tamlang Valley, Sta. Catalina.
She said she had to fend for herself in Silay, working as a house help because her father already had a second family.
Her siblings in Sta. Catalina came across her on social media and convinced her to come home so she decided to go back to her roots.
Once there, she enrolled as a “visitor” in third grade at an elementary school but never completed the school year because of fear of being rejected.
She suffered the stigma and around this time, two women recruited her to join the NPA, telling her that life would be easier if she were to join the insurgency movement.
But things were far different from what she had expected. There were plenty of restrictions and she said she carried a firearm even when she was not running errands for the higher-ups.
Clarice met her husband, Jose (not her real name), last year and they were “married” by the NPA, although she knew the ceremony was not legally binding.
It was only when she conceived that they realized the dangers of having a baby while in the underground movement.
Clarice and Jose finally made arrangements for their surrender to the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Siaton, Negros Oriental last May.
They are now happily settled in a safe place.
During the Youth Leadership Summit, Clarice said she learned a lot of new things which opened her eyes to the real world of peace and freedom.
The YLS is funded by the Tanjay City government and facilitated by the 11th IB headed by commanding officer, Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, with the help of the provincial Youth for Peace. It graduated 47 aged 15 to 25, including Clarice.
The activity prepares the young participants as future leaders with lectures on the environment, illegal drugs, terrorism and the role of youth in nation-building.
Jestoni Cuadra, president of the Negros Oriental Youth for Peace, said he is honored and privileged for being chosen to lead the group.
“It is a responsibility to be able to serve the youth and the biggest challenge is to get their attention because the reality is in this current generation, they have little memory retention,” he pointed out.
Earl John Tocao, chairman of the Tanjay YLS chapter, said “it is very transformational and I am now more empowered to lead the group, especially as I am a member of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgende and queer) and I hope to see equal treatment among all”.
Tocao said he will be working closely with the LGU and other sectors to promote the welfare and future of the youth in Tanjay.
Jeannette Quila, chairperson of the Youth Development Program of Tanjay City, said the event “molded the character of the participants and inspires us to do what we thought we were not capable of doing in terms of leadership.”
Quila admits a “change of personality” after the training, saying she used to have little self-confidence. (PNA)
BAGUIO CITY – Officials of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on Monday urged the public to cooperate and support the census of agriculture and fisheries that formally deployed enumerators on Monday.
“Today is the start of the enumeration, help us and cooperate in this undertaking,” said Villafe Alibuyog, regional director of the PSA-CAR during the media launch at a hotel here.
She said that data collection is a challenge not just because of the mountainous terrain and the distance of households in rural areas but also because there are people who refuse to provide the correct information or data.
A total of 577 individuals composed of enumerators, team supervisors and area supervisors have been deployed in the region for the census which will end on Oct. 25.
Alibuyog said they conducted a seven-day training for the 577 personnel to equip them with the skills of enticing the responders to provide correct and accurate information.
“We trained the enumerators to have a rapport with the responders so that they would be able to get the information by also assuring the public that the information they will give will be treated with confidentially and will not be used against them by other agencies,” said Aldrin Bahit, chief statistical specialist of PSA-CAR.
He said they also encounter data gathering challenges in highly urbanized areas like the difficulty of entering gated subdivisions and even condominium buildings, and people being out of their houses when PSA personnel arrive.
This is aside from the reality that farmers and fisherfolk do keep a regular record of their activities, making it difficult for them to recall information being asked for the census.
Bahit assured the public that the confidentiality of the information obtained by PSA is further enhanced by the “Data Privacy Act.”
Bahit said “Remote Sensing” and “Artificial Intelligence” mechanisms will also be used in gathering and confirming data for the success of the agriculture and fisheries census.
“These technologies will be used and focused on gathering data on the size of mango and coconut plantations, the surface area of fishponds, fish pens and fish cages,” Bahit said.
He said the weather also affects the outcome of their data gathering.
“If we take pictures, we see clouds covering the surroundings but we never give up and we continue to pursue measures to improve our data gathering system and give ease to enumerators,” Bahit said.
Proclamation 272 declared September 2023 as National Agriculture and Fisheries census month which happens every 10 years.
Agriculture is critical data, especially now that the government is giving utmost importance to agriculture and fisheries, he also said.
Warren Mamanteo, supervising senior statistician said: “The data gathered, for example, the number of cows being used in the fields, will be utilized by the government in coming up with plans, programs and support to the sectors. If the Department of Agriculture sees there is a need for more cows, then they might include the program of cow distribution for the farmers.” (PNA)
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) North Cotabato 1st Engineering District along the national highway here Tuesday morning.
Lt. Col. John Miredel Calinga, municipal police chief, identified the victim as Jerry Largo Jr., an employee of DPWH-Midsayap and resident of Barangay Cabayuran, Libungan, North Cotabato.
Largo was driving a motorbike heading for work at the DPWH district office when tailed and fired upon by two men riding on motorbikes around 7:15 a.m. along the highway in Barangay Villarica.
He died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds on the chest and abdomen.
A police pursuit operation has been launched following the incident. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday said it would christen and commission into service two US-donated Cyclone-class patrol vessels on Sept. 11.
In a statement, Navy spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said these ships will be known as the Alvarez-class patrol vessels once commissioned in service.
The christening and commissioning rites would be held at PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
“The PN will be conducting the christening and commissioning ceremony of the two newly-acquired Alvarez-class patrol vessels, namely BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178) with Honorable Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Secretary of National Defense as Guest of Honor and Speaker,” Negranza added.
The US Navy transferred these two Cyclone-class patrol vessels upon decommissioning in Bahrain on March 28 and were delivered to the country last May.
The ships, the former USS Monsoon (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9), were transferred to the PN through the Excess Defense Article (EDA) program.
The 55-meter vessels will be able to complement the PN’s patrol gunboats in ensuring safety and security within the “littoral waters of the porous borders and vast maritime environment of the Philippines, being equipped with the firepower and lethality for littoral operations.” (PNA)
MANILA – The combined amount of damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Goring and Hanna has exceeded the PHP1.3 billion mark, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.
In its latest disaster bulletin, the agency said agricultural damage was estimated at PHP623.8 million in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Some 17,801 farmers and fisherfolks were affected.
Meanwhile, infrastructure damage was estimated at PHP727.2 million in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and Cordillera.
A total of 1,378 houses were reported damaged in seven regions.
Meanwhile, affected families are at 140,095 which is equivalent to 514,016 persons residing in 1,757 barangays in eight regions.
One death has been confirmed in Western Visayas while report of another fatality in Cordillera and one missing person in Western Visayas is being validated. (PNA)
MANILA – A lone bettor from Metro Manila became an instant millionaire after hitting the PHP111-million jackpot of the Grand Lotto 6/55 on Monday night.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in an advisory Tuesday, said the bettor guessed the winning combination 55-50-06-45-12-40 which carried a total jackpot prize of PHP111,039,686.
The winning ticket was bought at an outlet at the BF Resort Village at Las Pinas City.
Meanwhile, 16 others won PHP100,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits; 970 bettors will get PHP1,500 each for four correct digits; and 18,658 will settle for PHP60 each for three correct digits.
The winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169 or the law on PCSO lotteries.
All jackpot prizes must be claimed at the PCSO main office on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
Winners must write their names and signatures on the back of the winning tickets and present two government-issued identification cards or documents.
Lotto winnings of more than PHP10,000 are subject to 20 percent tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.
The Grand Lotto 6/55 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
PCSO urges the public to patronize their games as a large chunk of revenues goes to charity programs. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it has so far logged eight suspected election-related incidents (ERI) ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the cases, including shootings and stabbing, were recorded in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccskargen.
Fajardo said these incidents would have to be validated within 10 days by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) using its parameters to determine if these can be considered as ERIs.
“First, we have to determine whether the victim or the suspect is an incumbent official running in the BSKE. We also check whether these are Comelec (Commission on Elections) officers or family members of candidates or identified political supporters of a candidate. Another thing is we would check if these would affect the electoral process,” she said.
“In the past, there were incidents that qualified as ERI because these happened during the election period. Another parameter is if the incident may somehow create a form of political tension that may eventually affect the electoral proceedings,” she added.
Fajardo noted that out of the eight incidents, one has been validated which happened in Libon, Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his house during the first day filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) last Aug. 28.
Meanwhile, police are looking into another incident where a candidate was allegedly prevented from filing his COC in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
“We have to understand this area under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). There are special geographic areas we also have to monitor the presence of some threat groups. These are some of the factors we are seriously considering studying to make sure na tama yung ilalatag nating deployment (that the deployment we are going to make is right),” Fajardo said.
Meanwhile, Fajardo also said they are awaiting data from the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) on barangay officials who have been allowed to have a police escort after the threats to their lives have been validated.
“Kung saka-sakali na navalidate may existing threat sa kanilang buhay, under the rules ay pupwede lamang sila mabigyan ng maximum of two security escorts coming from the AFP and PNP and hindi sila pwede mamili (If by any chance it is validated that there is an existing threat to their lives, under the rules they can only be given a maximum of two security escorts coming from the AFP and PNP and they cannot shop),” she added.
The PNP mainly is the law enforcement agency tapped by the Comelec to secure elections.
The election period for the BSKE started on Aug.28 and runs until Nov. 29.
During this period, Comelec regulations mandate the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals.
To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail, eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website.
The electronic filing system has been operational since June 5 and will remain open until Nov. 15. (PNA)
Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo filed a measure instituting a policy that prohibits the mandatory collection of any fees or contributions from students attending public elementary and secondary schools.
In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 2420, Tulfo said students from public schools are mostly from the poorest of the poor families and burdening them with required extra fees only discourage them from pursuing their studies.
“By implementing a no collection policy in public schools, this bill seeks to eliminate the barriers that hinder the enrollment and retention of students.
“Families with limited financial means will no longer face out-of-pocket costs associated with sending their children to school, thus promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in education,” the bill read.
Under SB No. 2420, no fees shall be collected from school children enrolling in pre-school up to Grade IV, during the enrollment period and at any time during the school year.
For grade and year levels beyond Grade 4, no collection of any type should be undertaken during the enrolment period and the first month of classes. Starting on the second month, contributions for some memberships may be collected, but only on a voluntary basis and should not be demanded, including boy/girl scouts and red cross memberships, among others.
Tulfo’s proposed legislation is grounded in the recognition of the constitutional mandate for the provision of free public education at the elementary and secondary levels.
Moreover, it aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving the Education For All (EFA) Plan 2015 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly concerning primary school participation. (AI/MNM)
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said that she agrees with Vice President Sara Duterte when the latter said that her office could “live without” the P500 million confidential funds they are requesting for 2024 after Duterte admitted to using confidential funds this year for free bus rides, tree plantings and other programs unrelated to security matters.
“Masaya ako na mismong si Vice President Duterte na ang nagsabi na kaya nilang mabuhay ng walang malaking confidential funds sa 2024. There is no good reason why the Office of the Vice President (OVP) should have confidential fund allocations that are larger than the combined confidential budgets of our top security agencies,” Hontiveros said.
During a Senate Finance subcommittee hearing, Hontiveros showed that the OVP’s proposed P500 million confidential funds – which have less auditing and reporting requirements than regular public funds – “tower over” the combined P438.2 million confidential and intelligence funds allocated for both the Department of National Defense (DND) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).
“There is something fundamentally wrong when the OVP alone has a confidential fund of half a billion pesos while the NICA itself, which is the government’s primary intelligence arm, has confidential and intelligence funds of only P341.2 million. Alam naman natin kung kanino talaga dapat napupunta ang confidential at intelligence funds – sa DND, NICA at iba pang responsable para sa national security, law enforcement at border protection,” Hontiveros said.
Duterte, during the same hearing, admitted that the OVP has been using its confidential funds for 2023 for the “safe, secure and successful” implementation of initiatives with no direct relation to national security, like the construction of a vice presidents’ museum and an OVP permanent office as well as free bus rides, tree plantings and feeding programs.
Hontiveros pointed out that the initiatives do not fall under the exclusive list of programs in which confidential funds may be used, as laid out in COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2015-01. The circular, she said, requires that confidential funds be used only for the purchase of information and or expenses “necessary for the formulation and implementation of programs, activities and projects relevant to national security and peace and order.”
“As important as free bus rides and tree buildings are, these are not projects involving national security for which confidential funds should be used. Hindi iyan pwedeng maging justification para sa napakalaking confidential funds. Pwede namang pondohan ang mga proyekto na yan gamit ang regular funds ng ahensya,” the senator said.
Hontiveros then urged her colleagues in the Senate to take up the Vice President on her word that she and the OVP can fulfill their functions without the hundreds of millions in confidential funds.
“Kayang kaya ng OVP na pagsilbihan ang Bayan ng hindi gumagamit ng confidential funds na halos hindi naau-audit at narereport sa publiko. As I have said before, let’s leave the security and intelligence work to the experts,” Hontiveros concluded. (AI/MNM)
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara emphasized the necessity of reevaluating the government’s free education initiative, with a focus on requiring affluent students to contribute towards their tuition fees.
Angara was invited to comment on Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno’s proposal to assess the program, which Diokno deemed inefficient and wasteful.
In a text message, Angara stated, “I believe we should conduct a comprehensive review aimed at making wealthier families responsible for tuition expenses. Multi-millionaire households should contribute to tuition costs, allowing more resources to be directed towards supporting underprivileged families and students.”
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed agreement with Diokno’s viewpoint, stating, “Free college education should be reserved for those who aspire to attend college, possess the academic aptitude for higher education, and can secure a competitive slot through merit-based examinations. Secretary Diokno’s perspective is indeed valid.”
Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero expressed confusion about Diokno’s priorities, questioning why resources appeared limited for investing in the nation’s human capital while being more generous in flood control efforts that he believed had not yielded the desired results.
Escudero pointed out that a significant allocation of P181 billion was made for flood control in 2022, with a limited impact on reducing flooding in various regions. He suggested that this allocation deserved a thorough review and reconsideration.
Former Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, a co-author of the Free College Law in the Senate, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the law benefits all Filipino youth rather than a select few. Aquino’s statement came in response to Diokno’s proposal to reserve the government’s free tertiary education program for deserving students. (ai/mnm)
DEMONSTRATING ONCE AGAIN his decisive leadership, presidential cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has instructed the House Committee on Appropriations to find ways to allocate P2 billion to assist retailers affected by the rice price ceiling imposed by Malacañang.
Last Friday, September 1, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 39, setting prices at P41.00 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45.00 for well-milled rice starting on Tuesday, September 5.
“Our goal is to ensure that we can extend assistance to rice retailers who may be affected by this rice price ceiling, as it is a directive from our President aimed at protecting consumers,” Romualdez stressed.
This action was reportedly prompted by government intelligence indicating that certain unscrupulous traders planned to hike rice prices to as high as P70 per kilo.
Touted as a presidential timber in 2028, Romualdez recently led another round of surprise inspection of rice warehouses in Bulacan, with the alert operatives of the Bureau of Customs.
The reputed “Pride of the Warays” personally instructed Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, to immediately coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the swift allocation of P2 billion to support the rice retailers.
As head of the 311-member House of Representatives, Romualdez emphasized that this initiative underscores Congress’s unwavering commitment to fortifying and bolstering the resilience of essential food supply chains.
“The government is not insensitive, so we want to listen to their concerns, and we will try to find a solution to address their fears of incurring losses,” the Speaker said, referring to the rice retailers.
This only proves that the “gentleman from Leyte” has both brains and heart for the poor.
Unlike other “elitist trapos” (traditional politicians) who are busy fattening their pockets in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential polls.
I can’t help but express admiration for Romualdez’s plans to also engage with leaders of rice retailers nationwide later to hear their concerns regarding potential financial losses stemming from the rice price ceiling.
“We are aware that they have high costs from traders, but our priority is the public’s difficulty in buying rice,” Romualdez said.
He compared this situation to what occurred with onion prices when onion cartels raised them to P800.00 per kilo.
Taking the bulls by the horns, so to speak, exemplifies Romualdez’s brand of leadership.
I think the Filipinos shouldn’t forget Martin Romualdez in 2028. (ai/mnm)
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for a period of twelve (12) airing days, effective from September 4, 2023.
This decision comes in response to multiple complaints lodged by viewers regarding the July 25, 2023 episode of the show, specifically concerning the alleged indecent behavior of the program’s hosts during the “Isip Bata” segment.
The case was reviewed by the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee, which initiated a procedural process, requiring the respondents to submit their position papers.
According to the MTRCB Charter, as per Presidential Decree No. 1986, the respondents have the option to file one Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within fifteen (15) days after receiving the decision. If the Board’s decision remains unfavorable after the MR, they may then appeal to the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from receiving the MR decision.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time “It’s Showtime!” has faced a preventive suspension order. In 2010, the MTRCB imposed a 20-day preventive suspension on the show when it was known as ‘Showtime.’
In the year 2023 alone, the MTRCB has received numerous complaints related to the show. The Board has issued two prior warnings for inappropriate utterances by the hosts, specifically the use of the words “G Spot” and “Tinggil” during episodes, both in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1986. The Board admonished the respondents involved and cautioned against similar utterances.
Currently, the noontime show has submitted Motion for Reconsiderations (MRs) for these cases, which are pending review with the MTRCB’s Adjudication Committee.
The program had previously received warnings from the Board regarding the use of the term “Pek Pek Shorts” in a January 9, 2023 episode and the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on February 14, 2023. Respondents were cautioned that further violations would be dealt with more severely.
Additionally, the MTRCB dismissed several complaints due to a lack of merit, emphasizing the importance of fairness and equity. These dismissed complaints included issues related to the “Rampanalo” segment money game, suggestive “macho” dancing, wardrobe malfunctions, and alleged inappropriate attire, such as the Barong Tagalog of one of the hosts. The MTRCB only takes action on cases that it deems to have a legal basis within its mandate as outlined in Presidential Decree No. 1986. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — The Manila Police District (MPD) conducted a surprise drug testing initiative at the MPD Headquarters on Monday, 04 September 2023.
According to PIO Chief Major Philip Inez, approximately 100 police personnel participated in the mandatory drug screening.
This move comes in the wake of a recent incident where a police chief in Mandaluyong was relieved of duty after testing positive for substances, including crystal meth (shabu) and marijuana.
As of the time of this report, the results of the drug tests conducted on police personnel at the MPD Headquarters have not yet been disclosed. (BENJAMIN CUARESMA/ai/mnm)
Undeterred by adverse weather conditions and overnight rains, a significant number of aspiring candidates have stepped forward to vie for the 672,016 vacant government positions available in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
According to the Commission on Elections, as of Saturday (02 Sept. 2023), approximately 1.18 million candidates have submitted their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs).
Among them, 724,005 individuals have registered for the position of Barangay Captains, while about 477,339 have expressed their candidacy for the youth council.
On the final day of COC filing, aspiring candidates were visible at a mall in Malate, Manila on (Monday) September 4, 2023, determined to participate in the forthcoming elections.
The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are scheduled for October 30, 2023, where candidates vie to fill 672,016 vacant government positions across 82 provinces. (Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)
RIZAL, CAMP CAPINPIN — A significant development took place in Lopez, Quezon, as a leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered, along with a cache of war materials, according to Hector Estolas, the Information Officer of the Public Affairs Office at the Philippine Army’s Second Infantry Division, situated in Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.
The suspect in Alias Cuba, who is an alleged vice platoon leader of Platun Reymark from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, chose to lay down arms and rejoin mainstream society.
The surrender operation was a joint effort between the 85th Infantry “Sandiwa” Battalion and the Quezon Philippine National Police in Barangay San Rafael.
The items surrendered by alias Cuba included a caliber .38 pistol, a hand grenade, and one blasting cap.
This voluntary surrender marks a positive step towards peace and security in the region.
Major General Roberto S. Capulong, the Commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, warmly welcomed alias Cuba’s decision to abandon armed struggle and respond to the government’s call for peace. He took this opportunity to encourage other remaining NPA members to follow suit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing assistance, grants, and programs to help them reintegrate into society and live peacefully with their families.
This, he stressed, is a far more constructive path than fighting for the Communist Terrorist Group’s selfish objectives. (AI/MNM)
TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City in Eastern Samar hosted a fishing tournament to locate more fishing locations in the city’s Pacific Ocean.
Carlos Mocose, the event organizer, said the two-day jigging competition that ended Monday explored the city’s seas.
“The discovery of fishing locations will significantly help not only the fishermen, but it will also contribute to the locality’s tourism, leading to a boost in its overall local economy,” Mocose said in a statement Monday.
Due to high gasoline prices and expensive equipment, the event was mostly participated in by those who are financially capable, according to the organizer.
“In areas like Ormoc or Baybay City in Leyte, they’re not facing the Pacific Ocean. The seawater there is shallow, and it does not excite fish hunters,” Mocose added.
At least 160 anglers and jiggers from different parts of the region joined the tournament.
The Borongan City Fishing Club divided the tournament into three events: shore casting competition with 15 registered teams for the most catch and biggest catch categories, offshore jigging competition with six registered teams, and the boatman event with 18 registered participants.
Event organizers will determine the winners based on the weight of their catch.
On the east side of Borongan City, the capital of Eastern Samar province, lies the Philippine Sea which is part of the vast Pacific Ocean.
Meanwhile, over 32 teams registered for the first-ever Fun Borongan E-Sports League Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament which started on Sept. 2.
Sponsored by the city government, 17 teams from outside Borongan joined the competition.
They are mainly from Baybay City, Palo, Leyte, Tacloban City, Catbalogan City and several towns in the province of Eastern Samar.
Borongan City, on the other hand, is represented by 15 teams.
In his message, City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda encouraged the players to play the online game in moderation to prevent it from affecting their daily lives.
The 32 teams will follow the mechanics of a 1-bracket, single elimination, best-of-3 format. The same applies to the semifinals and championship, with the latter adopting a single elimination, best-of-5 format. (PNA)
MANILA – Five international flights have been canceled so far on Monday due to inclement weather, the Manila International Airport Authority said.
The canceled flights are Philippine Airlines (PR) 334 Manila-Xiamen; PR 335 Xiamen-Manila; Xiamen Airlines (MF) 819/820 Xiamen-Manila-Xiamen; Cebu Pacific (5J) 311 Taipei-Manila.
The weather bureau said Typhoon Hanna and the enhanced southwest monsoon will bring rain showers and gusty winds over most areas in the country.
Hanna has made landfall over Kaohsiung City in Taiwan and was last located 265 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday. (PNA)
MANILA – The Catholic Church plays an important role in ending violence and terrorism in the country, National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said over the weekend.
This was after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (CBCP-ECPA) became the first private-sector representative to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“We are opening the doors of NTF-ELCAC to the Church because it has an important role to play in ending violence and terrorism in the country. For more than 50 years, we have lived under the scourge of the communist armed conflict. With peace now in sight, the Church has an important role to play in ensuring peace and development in the long term,” said Año, who is also the National Security Council director general, in a statement.
He added that they are looking forward to working with the CBCP in pursuing peace and development in all parts of the country, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Año said they are also eyeing a productive engagement with the CBCP and are open to suggestions from the Church in adopting “moral and ethical approaches in addressing communist insurgency” as earlier mentioned by CBCP president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.
He said that with the CBCP’s representation in NTF-ELCAC, they can immediately address concerns raised by the Church or by cause-oriented groups supported by them.
“Because of this development, the Church will have more opportunity to relay its concerns, since its mandate is to act as a liaison of the CBCP to (the) government,” he added.
CBCP-ECPA executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano attended the NTF-ELCAC’s executive committee meeting last Aug. 31 presided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.
Año said the NTF-ELCAC’s main mandate is to formulate a whole-of-government approach to end armed conflict in the country and that the CBCP-ECPA’s membership in the task force ensures a whole-of-nation participation because the religious sector is an important component of the nation.
Año added that he sees the CBCP making a significant contribution to the development of areas previously under NPA influence as well as facilitating societal inclusivity in pursuit of peace.
With 19 guerilla fronts weakened out of 20 remaining guerilla fronts in the country, Año sees the end of the New People’s Army under the current administration.
“Given that we are now on the road to total victory, it’s necessary that we recalibrate the way we do things and the entry of the CBCP to NTF-ELCAC is one of the changes we implemented under the Marcos Jr. Administration,” he said.
Helping the people
Secillano, meanwhile, appealed to the public to be more “prudent” in issuing statements against the group’s decision to join the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee with the sole intention “to help the people.”
“We meant well sa aming (in going about with this) engagement na ito. We’re allowing ourselves to be a member of the NTF-ELCAC in good faith… Sa pagiging member namin dito sa NTF-ELCAC, we’re provided with a platform for the betterment of the people in the country,” he added.
Secillano is also the alternate representative for Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, who is also from ECPA.
He also clarified that only the ECPA and “not the whole CBCP” would be the point of convergence for the task force because the commission’s mandate is to deal with issues and concerns on public and private matters that affect the Church.
“We don’t want to be myopic in joining the NTF-ELCAC… Sana magkaroon tayo ng bukas na kaisipan at malawak na pang-unawa (I hope that we will all have an open mind and better understanding) Nakita naman namin ‘yung shift tulad ng development (we all saw the shift towards development,” he said, referring to the “paradigm shift” the government has been aggressively implementing in insurgent-cleared barangays in far-flung areas through the flagship project, Barangay Development Program.
On the issue of the so-called “red-tagging” and alleged human rights violations by government units, Secillano pointed out that the ECPA’s membership in the NTF-ELCAC will serve as an opportunity for closer dialogue.
“Everytime may (there is) red-tagging that also includes some of our priests and even bishops, we always reach out naman sa kanila at napapansin naman (to them and we always get the attention we need,” Secillano admitted, adding he sees the venue as the proper forum to prod the government to always give paramount for the promotion and protection of human rights.
“We also would want in the ExeCom (to give importance) to human rights. Mahalaga po itong component na ito dahil kabahagi po sa adbokasya ng ating Simbahan (this is important component because this is part of the advocacy of the Church),” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the CBCP-ECPA’s membership in the Execom is a “blessing” that provides an enormous boost in finding peaceful solutions to put an end to the decades-old violence espoused by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
“We’re blessed to have the CBCP,” Torres said, adding that critics should “listen to the voice of reason rather than throw stones” at the task force and the CBCP.
Last week, the government announced the inclusion of the CBCP into the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee, a development that drew a slew of negative reactions from different groups, including the front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF, like the so-called “Makabayan Bloc” in Congress.
Torres further explained that there is nothing new about the “collective mission” of the task force and members of the CBCP when it comes to the government’s programs on peace, unity and development in the country. (PNA)
MANILA – Pasay City Police personnel rescued a Chinese woman allegedly kidnapped by two siblings, one of whom is a police officer, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Monday.
In a report, NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Zhou Yunqiing, 26, was abducted by Staff Sgt. Lordgin Antonino, 34; and his brother Nelson, 20, at around 10:48 p.m. Sunday.
Nartatez said the police received information on the incident around 1 a.m. on Monday from the victim’s friend, Malaysian Law Yi Wei, 34, who is living at a condominium complex in Pasay City.
Wei appeared before the Pasay police substation 3 in Libertad to seek assistance regarding his friend who was taken by the suspects who posed as operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for an alleged case of human trafficking.
Wei also said the victim was detained inside a room at Qing Qing Hotel in Pasay City.
He also showed a photo of the victim who was then handcuffed and a photo of a police ID bearing the name “PMSG John Reggie Reyes” as well as the text message from the suspects who asked for PHP500,000 in exchange for the woman’s release.
Authorities launched an operation at the hotel and saw Lordgin, who matched the description on the police ID shown by Wei, sitting at the lobby of the establishment.
When the police approached the suspect, he identified himself as a police officer assigned at the CIDG Pasay and claimed that he was involved in an operation at the hotel.
However, police arrested Lordgin after verifying with the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of SPD that the unit was not conducting any operation at the establishment at that time.
Police officers proceeded to a room at the hotel where they rescued the victim and arrested the police officer’s brother.
The police officer yielded a 9mm Taurus with serial number TBW77621 classified as a property of the Philippine National Police, a police ID, wallet, 14 PHP1,000 bills; five assorted identification cards and a mobile phone. (PNA)
MANILA – The government is on track to wipe out the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) units still operating in the country following the declaration of Palawan as an insurgency-free province.
The latest feat brings the country closer to the Marcos administration’s vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous nation, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said in a Facebook post Monday.
“The NTF-ELCAC lauds this achievement as a significant breakthrough that reflects the collective efforts of the local government, the security sector and civil society. ” the agency stated.
The body also reiterated its commitment to promoting peace in all aspects of its work — from diplomacy and security to development and human rights.
“We believe that peace is not only the absence of violence but also the presence of justice, equality, and dignity for all. We are one in attaining unity, peace, and development,” the NTF-ELCAC said.
During the rites for the declaration of Palawan as insurgency-free in Puerto Princesa City on Sept. 1, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the country continues to make significant strides in attaining peace and order.
“Patuloy pa rin ang proseso ng paghahanap ng kapayapaan para sa lahat ng komunidad ng Pilipinas (The process of finding peace for all communities in the Philippines is still ongoing),” he stressed.
The Chief Executive also attributed the successful implementation of the peace initiatives and anti-insurgency efforts to the government’s “whole-of-nation” approach.
Marcos lauded the “collaborative and inclusive” efforts of the Regional and Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Provincial Peace and Order Council, partner agencies and Palawan residents to end insurgency in the island. (PNA)