ON THURSDAY, JULY 27 (Wednesday, July 26, in the United States of America), retired US Air Force intelligence officer Maj. David Grusch has testified before the US Congress that the American government is covering up information about extraterrestrial (ET) objects.
Subsequently, the Pentagon — a metonym for the US Department of Defense and its leadership — has strongly denied the claims of Grusch who testified before a House Oversight subcommittee.
Grusch’s highly anticipated testimony was US Congress’ latest foray into the world of “unidentified aerial phenomena” or UAPs, which is the official term the US government uses instead of UFOs.
When asked by the American lawmakers whether the US government had information about extraterrestrial life, Grusch replied that the authorities likely have been aware of “non-human” activity since the 1930s.
He further revealed that the US government not only has UAPs in its possession but also the remains of the allegedly “non-human” pilots of the aircraft.
This made me recall one dark summer night in 1975 in the sleepy northern Cebu town of Borbon when my cousin and I and his friend saw a luminous green stingray-shaped flying object hovering over coconut trees as we were walking towards the municipal plaza where a “bayle” (dance, in English) would be held.
This happened before the 1977 “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” American science fiction drama film hit the screen.
Written and directed by famous movie writer and director Steven Spielberg, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, Cary Guffey, and François Truffaut, it is the story of Roy Neary, an everyday blue-collar worker in Indiana, USA, whose life changes after an encounter with a UFO.
Interestingly, retired Christian pastor Rev. Barry Downing wrote his first book, “The Bible and Flying Saucers,” which was published in 1968, stressing that many biblical events may have connections to UFOs.
“I believe UFOs are God’s way of saying to our godless culture: ‘I’m back!’ And if God is back, it is time to repent and be glad that the world lives under the umbrella of God’s love, with his angels looking over us,” wrote Downing, Pastor Emeritus, Northminster Presbyterian Church in Endwell, New York.
As an example of what could be a UFO sighting, he cited the “cloud that moved with the Israelites” in the Book of Exodus.
“The cloud of fire moves … you know … it goes in front of them then it stops and moves some more. After they get to Mount Sinai and build the Tabernacle, the house of worship for the Jewish people, it hovers over the Tabernacle,” Downing said.
On the other hand, even Muslims believe in the existence of extraterrestrial or ET life.
“All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds.” (Holy Qur’an 1:2)
With this verse, Allah (Arabic term for God) stresses that He is the Lord of all worlds, apparently referring to worlds as planets, universes, or dimensions.
What do you think?
(AI/MNM)
Once again, Taft Avenue, particularly the area near United Nations Avenue, fell victim to flooding as super typhoon Egay wreaked havoc on Luzon with strong winds and relentless overnight downpours.
The knee-deep waters (see featured images) had a severe impact on commuters, whether they were attempting to board jeepneys or take the Baclaran-Monumento Light Rail Transit train. The roads leading to the Taft Ave.-UN Ave. LRT Station was completely submerged due to the heavy downpour brought on by the super typhoon.
According to the state weather bureau, Pagasa, another typhoon is forecasted, and it may hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City render overtime work as they prepare, and packaging relief goods and assorted food packs for delivery to thousands of typhoon Egay victims up north.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said more than 12,000 individuals were affected by the recent super typhoon to hit the country and were forced to squeeze into temporary shelters in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley without electricity.
(Benjie Cuaresma/AI/MNM)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — As of 12 noon Friday (July 28, 2023), a total of 27 road sections have been identified impassable in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, and Central Luzon due to Super Typhoon “Egay” and may remain as such until late afternoon today depending on the weather.
Based on Reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bureau of Maintenance, the following roads in CAR and Regions I, II, and III are closed:
CAR:
ABRA
1) Abra-Ilocos Norte Road (intermittent sections), due to soil collapse and fallen trees;
2) Abra-Kalinga Road (intermittent sections), due to soil collapse and fallen trees;
BENGUET
1) Kennon Road, Camp 6, Tuba, due to soil collapse and rock fall;
2) Shilan-Beckel Road, Shilan, La Trinidad, due to soil erosion;
3) Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road:
a. Upper Bakong, Loacan, Itogon, due to soil collapse and fallen trees;
b. Sitio Sabkil, Loacan, Itogon, due to soil collapse brought by mudslide;
4) Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road (intermittent sections) due to soil collapse;
5) Baguio-Bontoc Road:
a. Abiang, Atok, due to soil collapse;
b. Natubleng, Buguias, due to soil collapse;
c. Amgaleyguey, Buguias, due to soil collapse;
6) Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes Road
a. Guinaoang, Mankayan, due to soil collapse;
APAYAO
1) Apayao-Ilocos Norte Road, Madduang, Kabugao, due to soil erosion;
2) Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road:
a. Rabaw Section, Naguilian, Calanasan, due to mudflow;
b. Ferdinand, Calanasan (intermittent sections), due to soil collapse and soil erosion;
IFUGAO
1) Banaue-Hungduan-Benguet Boundary Road, Hapao, Hungduan, Ifugao, due to soil erosion;
MT. PROVINCE
1) Baguio-Bontoc Road
a. Mt. Data, Bauko, to ensure public safety;
b. Tabbak Section, Namatec, Sabangan, due to soil collapse;
c. Bun-ayan, Sabangan, due to soil erosion;
d. Malitep, Bontoc, due to soil collapse;
2) Mt. Province-Nueva Vizcaya Road
a. Samoki, Bontoc (intermittent sections), due to soil erosion;
3) Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur via Tue Road
a. Balaoa, Tadian, Mt. Province (intermittent sections), due to soil erosion;
4) Mt. Province-Cagayan via Tabuk-Enrile Road, Tigil Section, Betwagan, Sadanga, due to soil erosion;
5) Jct. Talubin-Barlig-Natonin-Paracelis-Calaccad Road
a. Pennantiw Section, Lingoy, Barlig, due to soil collapse and fallen trees;
REGION I:
ILOCOS NORTE
1) Laoag-Sarrat-Piddig-Solsona (intermittent sections), due to flooding;
2) Manila North Road, due to flooding;
ILOCOS SUR
1) Tagudin-Cervantes Road, (intermittent sections), due to soil erosion and flooding;
2) Cervantes-Aluling-Bontoc Road, due to soil erosion;
3) Cervantes-Mankayan-Abatan Road, due to soil erosion;
4) Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur via Kayan Road (intermittent sections), due to soil erosion;
5) Jct. Santiago-Banayoyo-Lidlidda-San Emilio, due to high water elevation;
LA UNION
1) Luna-Bangar Road, due to flooding;
REGION II:
CAGAYAN
1) Manila North Road, Calog Sur, Abulug, due to high water elevation;
2) Cagayan-Apayao Road, Itawes Bridge, Tuao, Cagayan, due to high water elevation;
REGION III:
BULACAN
1) Sta. Maria-Norzagaray Road, due to a fallen electrical post;
Meanwhile, three (3) road sections in CAR, Region III, and Region IV-B have limited access due to flooding and collapsed pavement namely:
1) Abra-Ilocos Norte Road, Cabaroan, Danglas, one lane passable due to collapsed pavement;
2) Apalit-Macabebe-Masantol Road, Brgy. San Gabriel, Macabebe, due to flooding;
3) Calapan South Road, Brgy. Campaasan, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, which is passable only to heavy vehicles due to flooding.
Motorists are advised to avoid closed roads and take alternate routes while clearing operations are ongoing. (ai/mnm)
Text & photo by Benjie Cuaresma
Maintenance personnel from the Metro Manila Development Authority gather assorted flotsam and tons of trash washed ashore by typhoon Egay into the multi-million-peso artificial Dolomite Beach along Roxas Boulevard (Manila Bay) near the US Embassy.
Volunteers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the lead agency of the Dolomite Beach project, are also featured in the photo, lending a helping hand in collecting trash washed up the whole stretch of the Roxas Blvd. shoreline on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
A “return engagement” of some sort is highly anticipated as another typhoon may enter PAR on Sunday, the state weather bureau Pag-asa said.
(Photos by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
The mandatory registration of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) came to an end on July 25, 2023, signifying an opportunity for the government to intensify its efforts in combatting text scammers.
Aio Bautista, the lead convenor of the Philippine Transportation and Communications (PhilTraComm), praised the successful implementation of RA 11934 (the law on mandatory SIM registration) and emphasized that this should mark the beginning of a more robust crackdown on text scammers.
PhilTraComm is a non-government organization advocating the fight against fraud and the proliferation of fake news on social media.
Senator Grace Poe, who authored and sponsored the SIM Registration Act, shared the sentiment, urging authorities to demonstrate how they are enforcing the law.
With over 105 million officially registered SIM card subscribers, the Philippine National Police, and other relevant enforcement agencies now possess the necessary tools and reliable data to monitor and address SIM-related crimes.
RA 11934, the first bill signed into law by President Marcos, aims to put an end to text scams by requiring telecommunication providers to submit a verified and updated list of their authorized dealers and agents to the National Telecommunications Commission every quarter.
Senator Poe reassured the public that the law includes adequate safeguards to protect consumers’ right to privacy.
The government is set to start deactivating unregistered mobile numbers on Monday, July 31, 2023, Bautista said.
Following deactivation, services such as calls, mobile data, and texts will no longer be available to unregistered SIM subscribers.
After the deadline on July 25, mobile owners were granted a five-day grace period to reactivate their SIM through proper registration; otherwise, the telco provider will permanently block the number.
As of now, more than 105 million, or over 60 percent of the total number of active SIMs in the country, have been successfully registered, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
(AI/MNM)
Mateo Iñigo Espocia (Photo courtesy from http://HTTPS://AMSLIPHIL.COM/)
A Filipino student demonstrated exceptional talent in mathematics by achieving a remarkable feat at the 11th World Mathematics Invitational (WMI) held at Yonsei University, South Korea, from July 14 to 18, 2023. Mateo Iñigo Espocia, a sixth-grader from Genesis Christian Academy in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, emerged as the top performer among participants, earning him the prestigious Star of the World trophy.
The event brought together 139 Filipino students from 16 different public and private schools across the Philippines. Mateo’s outstanding performance in the written mathematics competition not only secured him the Star of the World award but also earned him one of the highly coveted diamond awards, given to only four participants during the tournament.
Joining Mateo in the roster of distinguished awardees were two other exceptional students. Andrew Cabigon, a Grade 7 student from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, and Dean Alistair Yu, a Grade 12 student from Makati Hope Christian School, both received the prestigious Legend award for their outstanding achievements for three consecutive years.
In total, the Philippine delegation, under the guidance of the Asian MathSci League Inc. (Amsli), achieved an impressive haul of awards at the event. They secured two Legend awards, four Diamond awards, 14 Gold awards, 32 Silver awards, 48 Bronze awards, and 41 Merit awards in the written competitions. Additionally, Chynna Lorin Co from Makati Hope Christian School won a Silver award in the WMI Mini-Math Creative Competition.
Despite the challenging nature of the exams, Amsli President Rechilda Villame expressed her satisfaction with the students’ performance. She acknowledged that the level of difficulty posed a concern initially, but the students’ preparation and dedication prevailed. Villame explained that while the competition was tough, the Filipino contestants rose to the occasion and excelled. She emphasized that the experience was valuable for the students, especially those participating in an international math contest for the first time.
Amsli’s commitment to preparing students from various schools across the country for such prestigious tournaments continues to nurture mathematical talents and foster academic excellence in the Philippines.
(Sourced online/AI/MNM)
PinkNews photo courtesy
Sinéad O’Connor, the talented and controversial Irish vocalist, has passed away at the age of 56.
In a statement reported by the BBC and RTE on Wednesday, O’Connor’s family announced her sad demise. The family requested privacy during this difficult time, without disclosing the cause of her death.
Throughout her life, Sinéad O’Connor was open about her struggles with mental illness, revealing that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In 2017, she shared a heartfelt Facebook video from a motel in New Jersey, expressing that she was fighting to stay alive for the sake of others while acknowledging her inner struggles.
Tragically, in 2022, she faced the devastating loss of her teenage son Shane to suicide, and she publicly shared her profound grief, leading to hospitalization.
Sinéad O’Connor first began her musical journey by singing on the streets of Dublin. However, it didn’t take long for her exceptional talent to catapult her to international stardom. Her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra,” released in 1987, showcased her remarkable abilities and set the stage for her rise to fame.
In 1990, O’Connor became a sensation with her emotionally charged cover of Prince’s ballad “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The song’s haunting rendition topped charts across Europe and Australia, further solidifying her reputation as an expressive and captivating performer.
The accompanying music video, featuring O’Connor’s striking shaved head and captivating eyes in intense close-ups, left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
The world mourns the loss of this gifted artist, who not only left behind a legacy of powerful music but also served as an advocate for mental health awareness through her candidness about her own struggles.
(Sourced online/AI/MNM)
Rechie Valdez, a Filipino-Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) representing Mississauga—Streetsville in Ontario, has achieved a significant milestone by being appointed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. Her new role is as the Minister for Small Business, making her the first Filipino-Canadian woman to receive such a prestigious distinction.
This historic appointment came as part of Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle, a move aimed at assembling a team capable of addressing the nation’s pressing issues. Trudeau expressed confidence in his team, emphasizing their commitment to making life more affordable, fostering economic growth, and generating opportunities for the middle class.
Rechie Valdez’s ascent to this position is a testament to her accomplishments and dedication in public service. As she takes on the responsibility of overseeing small business matters, she also symbolizes the diverse talent that Canada embodies.
With Valdez’s appointment, the Filipino-Canadian community celebrates a moment of pride and representation in the country’s highest echelons of power. As she contributes to shaping Canada’s future, Valdez’s presence in Trudeau’s cabinet marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and equitable government for all Canadians. (ai/mnm)
Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas (ABS-CBN News)
Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas has assumed the position of Director for the Northern Police District (NPD), taking over from Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. who now heads the Legislative Affairs Center of the Directorate for Plans in the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame.
With a background as the former Special Action Force deputy director, as well as serving as Pasig City police chief and Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, Gapas has also been associated with the PNP’s Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and later the PNP Intelligence Group.
In his new role, Gapas expressed his commitment to fostering strong communication with local government officials and the four police station chiefs in the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) area. He aims to coordinate efforts to combat criminality and address illegal drug activities.
Gapas believes that with the support of the four local chief executives and barangay officials, they can work together to ensure a more peaceful and orderly environment in the CAMANAVA region.
Malabon police chief
Additionally, in a separate event, Col. Jonathan Tangonan assumed the position of Malabon City police chief, replacing Col. Amante Daro. Tangonan previously served as the chief of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office in 2017 and has held positions as the deputy director for operations in the PNP’s Maritime Group and as the NPD’s deputy director for administration.
During the turnover ceremony, Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval expressed her administration’s full support to the NPD and Malabon Police leadership.
(ai/mnm)
With seasoned aces Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo on board, the Philippines is out to wage a stronger fight as it hosts the second leg of the inaugural Southeast Asia (SEA) Volleyball League on Friday at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Bagunas and Espejo, two of the country’s top spikers, will mark their national team return in the VLeague to form a lethal troika with rising star Steven Rotter, who earned Best Opposite Spiker honors in the first leg held in Jakarta last week.
“They’re experienced players. They’re smart. They can share their experiences with others,” said national men’s team head coach Sergio Veloso as his wards brace for their SEA neighbors anew.
“We can make a stronger job. I feel we can play better now.”
The Philippines takes on Thailand at 7 p.m. for the main event after the opener between Vietnam and Indonesia at 4 p.m. Up next for the hosts are Indonesia and Vietnam on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
More than the games, the Philippines is putting a premium on another international tournament after successfully hosting the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Week 3 earlier this month at the Mall of Asia Arena for the second straight year.
“Men’s volleyball is getting popular and we’re very happy to have our close neighbors with us here. We hope to expand next year with more countries,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara in the event presser Thursday at the Seda Nuvali.
“This tournament is very important for Southeast Asia as we, the Philippines along with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are bidding to host the 2025 Volleyball Women’s World Championship,” he added.
The SEA VLeague—presented by PLDT and backed by the City of Santa Rosa, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, One Sports and Cignal, is a brainchild of Suzara and Thailand federation president Shanrit Wongprasert.
The Filipino spikers went winless in three games in Jakarta but not without a fight, especially in the last match where they held a 2-0 lead against Vietnam only to run out of steam in a tough five-setter defeat.
Indonesia, led by MVP Fahry Septian Putratama, completed an unbeaten to become the first leg champion as Thailand and Vietnam completed the podium.
This time at home, the Philippines spikes for a breakthrough.
“It’s a competition so our target is victory,” added Veloso.
The SEA VLeague women’s division will be held on August 4 to 6 in Vihn Phuc, Vietnam, and from August 11 to 13 in Chiangmai, Thailand.
(ai/mnm)
Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) has resulted in a tragic toll of six fatalities, according to official reports on Thursday.
In Buguias municipality, Benguet, a mother and her three children lost their lives on Wednesday morning when a devastating landslide struck their home. Fortunately, five other individuals in the house were successfully rescued from the disaster.
The death toll rose to six as reports came in of a woman who was killed by a falling coconut tree in Isabela province and a 16-year-old boy who tragically lost his life due to a landslide in Baguio City.
The destructive impact of the typhoon has also caused widespread disruption to communities, with 328,356 people, equivalent to 89,639 families, being affected so far.
In terms of infrastructure damage, the estimated cost has reached P1.7 million.
As seen in a handout photo from the Mountain Province Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) on July 26, 2023, Chico River in Bontoc, Mountain Province experienced rising waters that submerged vehicles and further underscored the severity of the situation.
The authorities and disaster response teams are working tirelessly to assist those affected and provide aid to the affected regions.
A new low-pressure area (LPA) located 1,800 kilometers off northeastern Mindanao is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Once it enters PAR, this weather disturbance will be named “Falcon” as it transforms into a tropical depression.
While it currently has no direct impact on the country in the next two days, Pagasa predicts that on the first day of August, the LPA will likely intensify the southwest monsoon, also known as “habagat,” resulting in increased rainfall.
In other weather updates, Typhoon Egay has already departed the Philippines but maintains its strength as it moves toward the southwest of Taiwan.
Pagasa has issued Signal No. 2 warnings in specific areas, including Batanes, northwestern portions of Cagayan (Claveria and Santa Praxedes), Babuyan Islands, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Adams, Bangui, Dumalneg, and Burgos).
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Wednesday their commitment to further elevate the trade and investment relations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
The two leaders renewed their plan to enhance the two nations’ trade and investment cooperation on the second day of Marcos’ state visit to Malaysia.
“We also agreed to enhance our trade and investment ties with each other,” Marcos said after his bilateral meeting with Anwar, emphasizing the importance of further cultivating the bonds and friendship between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
Marcos said he and Anwar also agreed to resume the 8th Joint Commission Meeting, the two countries’ main bilateral consultative mechanism which will be hosted by Kuala Lumpur in October this year.
He said the resumption of the joint commission meeting would enable the two countries to explore synergies for future partnerships.
“We do this so that our government agencies will have an avenue to discuss priority cooperation in detail, most especially in the areas of transnational crimes, agriculture, halal industry, Islamic banking, education, tourism and culture, sports, and the digital economy,” Marcos said.
“We continue to work on the corresponding MOUs (memorandum of understanding) in these fields and will have them signed in the near future.”
Marcos said the two nations also sought closer coordination to assist the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the development of halal industry, Islamic banking and food security.
Malaysia, he said, has made an offer to train the Philippines to strengthen its capabilities in improving the sectors that they plan to improve.
“It has been an important part of whatever success that we might enjoy today. And that has been a foothold, a further foothold for us to use to continue to develop and promote the relations between our two countries,” Marcos said.
Marcos said he and Anwar also reaffirmed their commitment to support the two nations’ activities within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
He said they agreed that they could explore multilateral lines to address present issues faced by and promote bilateral relations among ASEAN.
“This will be an important aspect to all the issues that ASEAN is presently facing and to all the issues that the member-states are presently worrying about,” he said.
Post-pandemic future
Prior to his bilateral meeting with Anwar, Marcos had a royal audience with Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah and Queen Azizah.
Marcos said he discussed with the Malaysian King and Queen the long-standing relations and strong economic linkages between the Philippines and Malaysia.
Marcos was accorded a state welcome ceremony, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival at Istana Negara (Malaysia’s National Palace).
He was personally welcomed by the King and Queen of Malaysia, as well as Ibrahim and his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
During his meeting with the Malaysian King and Queen, Marcos stressed the need to examine and restrengthen the Philippines and Malaysia’s relationship as they gear toward post-pandemic recovery.
“It is time for us to really examine that relationship and restrengthen that relationship and that, for me, is the most important aspect of this visit that I have made to Kuala Lumpur, to Malaysia,” Marcos said.
“I believe that it is the way for us to refocus our efforts together to mutually beneficial initiatives for our two countries and to see how we can help one another as we face the post-pandemic future.”
Marcos said post-pandemic scenario is a very different road that the two nations now face, compared to what they had to deal with before the pandemic.
He said the two countries’ memberships in ASEAN and the BIMP-EAGA still continue to strengthen their relationship as they come back and start to emerge from the difficult period in the last two and a half years of the pandemic.
He added the two countries must recreate and transform themselves to be competitive and be part of a new world order.
“We will play a very large part in that transformation. And that transformation is going to strengthen and made more stable by this partnership that we make with each other,” Marcos said.
“And so, it becomes more and more important for me that these partnerships we will foster on a cultural level and the people-to-people (diplomacy) now continue to be expanded and to gain stature in the way that we promote that relationship between our two countries.”
Marcos arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit. (PNA)
MANILA – Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, on Wednesday directed the LTO 3 regional director to promptly initiate administrative actions against its traffic enforcer who, along with an accomplice, was arrested by the police for robbery extortion in an entrapment operation in San Fernando City on July 21.
The police identified the suspects as Kristofferson Canlas, 41, who works at the LTO Law Enforcement Office in Region 3, and his cohort Roderich Catahan, a resident of Angeles City.
Mendoza gave specific instructions to the retired Police Brig. Gen. Ronnie S. Montejo, the LTO Office 3 regional director, to include their immediate superior office as a co-respondent under the doctrine of command responsibility.
He also instructed Montejo to impose a preventive suspension on the arrested LTO personnel pending investigation, considering the reported acts/offense’s “grave nature.”
The newly installed LTO chief also directed Montejo to ensure that the administrative proceedings are heard and decided within 90 days.
Additionally, he instructed the conduct of an audit inventory on the handheld device and manual TOP issued to the respondent, as well as the recall of all government property/equipment, including the handheld device and firearm that were issued.
Montejo has been given 10 days to submit actions taken as well as initial compliance.
Police revealed that the two suspects were apprehended for robbery extortion during an entrapment operation in Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga on July 21.
The operation was conducted in response to a complaint lodged against the suspects by the victim, Rolly Nabong, a businessman and a resident of Tabuyoc, Apalit, Pampanga.
Before the police operation, it was discovered that Canlas had apprehended a truck driver for operating a colorum vehicle. A negotiation to settle the fine at PHP70,000 was reached, but instead of paying the money, the driver reported the incident to the police, leading to the subsequent entrapment operation.
Confiscated from the suspects were buy-bust money, PHP10,600 cash, 9mm pistol and ammunition, assorted knives, cellphones and a silver Toyota Vios with plate number ABJ 6114.
The arrested suspects, along with the confiscated pieces of evidence, were taken to the Police Regional Office 3. Appropriate charges are set to be filed against them. (PNA)
The Filipinas celebrate their epic 1-0 win over host New Zealand (SCMP photo courtesy)
WELLINGTON – Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and midfielder Tahnai Annis were both asked what Filipino word came to mind in describing the Filipinas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup monumental 1-0 upset of the Ferns in front of a packed hometown crow at the Wellington Stadium Tuesday night.
“Puso (heart)” both McDaniel and Annis replied in separate interviews moments after their milestone triumph that kept them alive in Group A to bounce back from a 0-1 loss to Switzerland in their first match last week in Dunedin.
“It was a huge privilege for me to finally get to play in the World Cup. A moment to remember and to be cherished. We fought hard with heart,” said Annis, who came off the bench in the second half after sitting out the first game.
McDaniel, who took Player of the Match honors, echoed her teammate’s sentiments of the collective big fighting heart they displayed not only against their rivals but also in the face of a jammed arena of over 30,000 animated local fans who rooted for the Ferns to win.
It was left to Australian coach Alen Stajcic to elaborate and explain what both players said.
“Of heart and spirit, this team has got it in spades. In all those factors, they are 10 of 10,” said Stajcic, who tried to hold back his own emotions during the post-match conference, while relishing their huge achievement.
“They (the Filipinas) are one of the best teams in the world for unity, collective effort, and playing above themselves as a unit. When you see that and you know what you have, that is what makes it really special,” the two-time World Cup veteran mentor stressed.
He amplified the significance of the win in just the squad’s second game, comparing the feat to what other countries had to go through in attaining ‘one.
“For New Zealand, I think it was their 15th or 16th match or five or six World Cups,” he recalled of the hosts’ record of futility until they scored a breakthrough 1-0 triumph over Norway at Eden Park in Auckland last week.
“While watching Colombia and (South) Korea before our game, the commentator said they have one win each. Korea has been at least in five or six world cups and Colombia three or four,” he pointed out.
“To think that we have done it in our second match in our first World Cup. You can’t really appreciate how far we’ve come back in the pack compared to where those countries were in terms of their football history, their culture, and investment,” the Australian tactician explained.
Likening the New Zealand game to a boxing match, Stajcic said “that there was no doubt if this was a boxing match, they (the Ferns) were the better team but we earned that win with other qualities,” he said.
Or in a word – “puso.”
(ai/mnm)
MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced on Wednesday that there will be no further extension for the mandatory registration of subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards as prescribed by Republic Act 11934.
As per RA 11934, the government had previously extended the original deadline of April 26, 2023, by an additional 90 days to allow millions of users with unregistered SIMs ample time to complete the registration process.
However, the NTC clarified that the registration period will now end on July 25, 11:59 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time). After this deadline, telecommunication and mobile data services, including social media access, will be deactivated for unregistered SIMs, except for a brief window until July 30 for reactivation.
Furthermore, access to online banking and other online financial transactions will also be deactivated.
After July 31, all unregistered SIMs will be permanently deactivated and can no longer be registered or reactivated.
As of July 24, 2023, the NTC reported a total of 105.9 million successful SIM registrations, accounting for 63% of the total number of reported active SIM subscribers as of December 2022.
The NTC expressed satisfaction with this number, stating that it falls within the target range of 100 million to 110 million registered SIMs by the deadline. Public telecommunication entities reported that almost all of their SIMs with active users have already completed the registration process.
Specifically, out of the 105.9 million successful SIM registrations, Smart had 50.0 million, Globe had 48.4 million, and Dito had 7.5 million registered SIMs. (ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand “Marcos Jr. reassured the public on Wednesday that the government is fully prepared to provide assistance to the Filipinos affected by Typhoon “Egay” (international name: Doksuri).
While on a state visit to Malaysia, President Marcos stated that more than P173 million in standby funds, along with food and non-food items, have been readied to aid the typhoon victims.
“We are continuously taking action to address the potential damages caused by Super Typhoon Egay,” Marcos said in a tweet.
The President also emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of approximately 38,991 affected families in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen.
He acknowledged the deployment of search, rescue, and retrieval personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard to aid in the affected areas.
“Power has been restored to 93.53 percent of the affected municipalities,” he added.
According to the 8 a.m. weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Typhoon Egay made landfall in Aparri, Cagayan, at 3:10 a.m. on Wednesday. The state weather bureau warned that many areas in Luzon would continue to experience strong winds as Egay “wobbles” along the coastal waters near Fuga Island in Aparri. (ai/mnm)
Facebook hacking incidents have reached a concerning level, as reported by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
Over the past three years, the number of reported Facebook hacking incidents has shown a worrying upward trend.
In 2021, there were 503 incidents, followed by 1,402 incidents in 2022, and from January to June 2023, 743 incidents have already been reported in just a span of six months.
According to Capt. Michelle Sabino, the spokesperson for PNP-ACG, cybercriminals have been employing increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit compromised accounts, resulting in severe financial and emotional consequences for the victims.
The main motive behind these hacking incidents is to manipulate the identity of compromised account owners, enabling cybercriminals to execute various fraudulent schemes.
These unscrupulous individuals use the hacked accounts to create deceptive scenarios, deceiving others into sharing personal information or providing financial aid under false pretenses.
Capt. Michelle Sabino emphasizes the importance of securing your Facebook account not only to protect your personal information but also to prevent cyber criminals from victimizing others using your identity.
In case of any suspicious activity or if you suspect your Facebook account may have been compromised, it is crucial to report it immediately to Facebook’s support team or your local law enforcement agency. (AI/MNM)
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, known for his hardline rule and one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, has declared his intention to step down from power after nearly four decades in office.
The announcement came on Wednesday, as he revealed his plan to pass the baton to his eldest son, signaling a dynastic succession within the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
Having assumed control of the country in 1985, following his background as a former Khmer Rouge cadre, Hun Sen’s leadership has been characterized by a strong grip on authority. During his tenure, he effectively eliminated any opposition to his rule, going as far as banning opposition parties, coercing challengers into exile, and suppressing freedom of expression.
In the recently held election, which took place on Sunday, the CPP secured an overwhelming victory with a staggering 82 percent of the vote. However, critics have raised concerns, likening the anticipated transfer of power to North Korea’s dynastic leadership.
During a special broadcast on state television, the 70-year-old leader expressed his gratitude to the people and sought understanding as he officially declared his decision to step down as prime minister.
The political landscape leading up to the election had been marred by controversy, as election authorities disqualified the only substantial challenger, the Candlelight Party, on a technicality, leaving the CPP virtually unchallenged in its quest for power. As a result, the CPP is poised to secure almost all the lower house seats, further cementing its dominance in Cambodian politics.
This momentous announcement paves the way for a significant shift in Cambodia’s political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the country under the leadership of Hun Sen’s eldest son. (Sourced online/ai/mnm)