Trash Flash

TRASH FLASH. The 3rd Integrated Ecological Waste Management Expo and Environmental Summit, which runs Aug. 10-12, 2017 at SMX Aura, Taguig City, presents one-of-a-kind outfit to demonstrate what can be produced from trash gathered through proper solid waste management. (PNA photo by Catherine J. Teves)

PAF in the market for FA-50PH tail wheel assembly

MANILA  --- To ensure that all of its available aircraft are flyable and mission-worthy at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is allocating the sum of PHP8,340,000 for the procurement of a wheel assembly for one of its brand-new FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.

Submission and opening of bids is on Aug. 22, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

This was bared by PAF bids and awards committee chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla in a bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.

The FA-50PHs are currently being used by the military in the ground-support role in the ongoing effort to neutralize the remaining Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

Other aircraft helping in the ground-support role are the Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco", SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 light attack planes and AgustaWestland AW-106 attack helicopters, to name a few.

The PAF operates 12 units of the Korea Aerospace Industries-made fighter jet. The entire order is worth PHP18.9 billion. (PNA)

Prayer mass officiated by Parojinog supporters and families in OzamizCity

By: Mark Navales

Ozamiz City – Hundreds of loyal supporters and families gathered in covered court,  mourned  and give prayers to  the late mayor Reynaldo Parojinog , his wife Susan  and brother Octavio was dead on the spot in a recent drugs operation in Ozamiz City  and left 16 dead on the spot including the mayor.

The supporters of Parojinog families gathered and officiated  prayer mass  in the village of San Roque, Lawis just to give respects and shows their supports to  the bereaved Parojinog families. ( By: Mark Navales)

DPWH ARMM goes Global Information System map (GIS) – an easy inventory system around the world

Feature News:

DPWH ARMM Regional Sec retary Don Loong  and District Engineer Munir Hadjirul is briefed by the technical consultants on the status of the ARMM Comprehensive Roads inventory and transparency 

For the first time in the history of ARMM, all National, Provincial, Municipal and Barangay roads are being inventoried by actual road inspection with simultaneous geo-tagging and laid down on the global information system map (GIS). This data can be seen on multiple layers such as google earth, horizontal-vertical maps as well as political maps of ARMM.

This is part of the legacy we are preparing for the coming government that may come. A fully inventoried roads map of the ARMM. This is also the system that ensures that there is no more ghost projects in the ARMM as we are using all the technology available, from the latest roads surveying gadgets and softwares, Global information systems, geo-tagging, top of the line drone surveillance systems, on the road survey actual inspections, simultaneous video with google map documentations together with extensive transparency on social media, website, youtube and vital public ports.

Aside from this, consultants are also working on a more responsive and highly accessible website for the DPWHARMM On the Road data that will allow the public easy and transparent data on all projects undertaken the past years.

Going a step further, we are also developing an android based monitoring and management system that will be available in android for downloading that will be, perhaps, the first in the world.

The consultants are also having a hard time on these very innovative transparency systems and closely working with the Regional Secretary that tracks the progress monthly.

The Regional Secretary is at present still looking for the best website developers and best android application developers to join the team. Please send a messenger to the DPWH ARMM on the road account if you know of anyone interested - even if they be based in Manila.

Aside from this, a massive project impact assessment and documentation as well as a project documentation book is also being embarked - another first in the line of the public works.

ARMM -DPWH Sec Don believes that the lasting legacy of the Hataman Administration will be these systems that will form as a baseline of infrastructure projects and full mapping with inventory and status and update of the road projects - this is the only sustainable system that will ensure that - no matter who becomes the next leaders or ARMM or the next governements - all parties will have access to transparent information that will prevent or minimize the wastage of government funds, prevent ghost projects to areas that had already received projects.

The failure of past administrations were that the whole world was in the dark as to how ARMM looks like and where the projects in ARMM were placed. But with all these utilisation of technology open to the public in social media, youtube, website and hard bound books, the entire ARMM will be as familiar to the entire world as their neighborhood, and the next leaders will have to continue the reforms that we have started.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant - with all these work we do aside from building infrasture - we are building a legacy of sustainable development in a post-conflict region that may become a global case study for interventions in conflict affected areas around the world. 

Trump: US considering additional sanctions on North Korea

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 -- Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution tightening sanctions against the country. Commenting on the sanctions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised to take decisive steps against the United States, including "physical actions."

"We are considering additional sanctions at a very, very high level and probably you could say as strong as they get," Trump told reporters at his golf resort on Friday.

Trump and Jong Un have exchanged heated remarks since Pyongyang’s repeated efforts to develop its nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Most recently, Pyongyang conducted two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) on July 4 and July 28. (Sputnik)

Media practitioner, driver wounded in attack in Batangas

By Roselle Aquino

BATANGAS CITY Aug. 10 -- A columnist and his driver were wounded after being attacked by still unidentified suspect in Batangas City at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

 Batangas Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Randy Peralta identified the victims as Crisenciano "Cris" Ibon and his driver Gerry Ebreo.

 Ibon is the former Batangas correspondent of a Manila-based daily and currently a columnist of the tabloid Police Files.

Peralta said the victims were watching television in a house at Barangay Kumintang when shot several times by an unidentified suspect.

 Ibon was rushed to the Camillus Hospital while Ebreo was rushed to the Batangas Medical Center.

 Initial medical condition report divulged that the bullet entered Ibon's back from the right and exited to the left part of his chest while Ebreo was hit on the spine.

 Police are still investigating the incident. (Roselle Aquino/PNA)

2 Negrenses charged for P2.46-million drug raid

BACOLOD CITY   -- Two residents of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental were charged by the police on Friday, a day after they were arrested in a buy-bust operation which yielded PHP2.46 million in hard drugs.

Charged were Hanjie Alquiza, 36, of Barangay Punao, and Charlemagne Mavida, 24, of Caballero Extension, Barangay 2 before the City Prosecutor’s Office, according to the progress report of the San Carlos City Police Station.

The two suspects, detained at the police station, were charged for sale and possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.

Both are former convicts – Alquiza for attempted homicide and Mavida for robbery – and released from jail only last month.

They were arrested around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday by operatives of Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit led by Senior Inspector Ryan Villasario in coordination with San Carlos City Police Station headed by Superintendent Arturo Fullero.

A police agent purchased “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) from Alquiza worth PHP2,500, which led to the confiscation of 246 grams of hard drugs amounting to PHP2.46 million. Mavisa was found with two sachets of shabu.

Charles Ian Alquizalas, 33, of Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City, was also charged by the police Friday for sale and possession of illegal drugs following his arrest Wednesday.

He yielded PHP101,680 worth of “shabu” and a .22 caliber revolver loaded with seven live ammunition.(PNA)

107 wounded Army troopers get medals

MANILA, Aug. 12 – A total of 107 troopers who were wounded while fighting Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City and other areas in Mindanao, were decorated for their gallantry during a short ceremony at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last August 10.

In a statement issued Friday, Philippine Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, said the soldiers were presented the Army's Wounded Personnel Medal during the ceremony that was led by Army Support Command head, Maj. Gen. Elmer Pabale.

Tiongson said that through the medal, the Army recognizes the bravery, professionalism, and heroism of the soldiers, who continue to be a source of national pride.

"The Army also extended its gratitude to all its personnel in Marawi City and all over the country who continue to risk their lives to achieve just and lasting peace and stability for the country," he said.

As of this posting, the number of fatalities in the Marawi crisis has been placed at 552 Maute terrorists, 128 government troops, and 45 civilians. Some 1,728 civilians have been rescued from the clutches of the enemy and about 610 weapons have been seized from the terrorists. (PNA)

AFP: PH yet to receive notice of US airstrike plan in Marawi City

MANILA, Aug. 8 -- The head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Philippines is yet to receive a formal notice from the United States of its reported plan to conduct airstrikes in the besieged Marawi City and noted that such proposal, if any, has to undergo a process.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said only when the Philippines is actually invaded by "another state actor" can direct military action involving US forces can be allowed.

"Direct military actions may only be allowed during actual invasion of the Philippines by another state actor," he said. "We at the AFP is yet to receive any formal notice or offer for such air capability deployment."

He said the existing Mutual Defense Treaty with the US stipulates that only technical assistance and training may be allowed under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board.

Año expressed appreciation over US' desire to help in the ongoing fight against terrorists in the southern Mindanao city but also emphasized that it has to undergo a process. "And a covenant must be had between the Commanders-in-Chief of both nations before that option my be adopted," he said.

"We appreciate Pentagon's reported desire to help the Philippines in the fight against Daesh-inspired Maute Group because terrorism is a global menace that the community of nations must unite to fight against," Año said.

A US news network reported the Pentagon is considering a plan that would allow the US military to conduct air strikes in Marawi City. Fighting in Marawi City started when government forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS "emir" Isnilon Hapilon last May 23.  (With Kathryn Villamayor-OJT/PNA)

US Coast Guard to send maritime law enforcement experts to Palawan

PNP Director General Roland "Bato" dela Rosa (first from left, first line) was guest of honor and speaker during the transfer of the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center on August 4 at Sito Magarwak, Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section.)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Aug. 8 – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is sending a team of maritime law enforcement experts to Palawan for a week-long workshop that will focus on sharing best practices and enhancing interoperability.

This is according to a media release by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy Tuesday afternoon.

The workshop will be with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It will focus on sharing best practices and enhancing the interoperability among the three participating agencies in support of the National Coast Watch System 2017 Field Training Exercises scheduled to take place in Manila, Palawan, and Cebu in mid-September.

“As strong allies, the U.S. and Philippines share a wide range of interests, and we will continue to work in partnership to ensure our joint maritime security efforts and other lines of cooperation are robust and effective,” the statement said.

The information came after U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski transferred custody of a brand new Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (JMLETC) valued at over Php65.4-million to the the Philippines in a ceremony at Sitio Magarwak, Barangay Santa Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, on August 4, 2017.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald M. de la Rosa was the guest of honor and keynote speaker, and Klecheski also delivered remarks during the turnover.

The JMLETC, funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (USDTRA), is part of the larger National Coast Watch System (NCWS) designed to bolster the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness capabilities and to stop large-scale weapons from transiting through or near Philippine territorial waters.

The facility will also be used to conduct maritime law enforcement training for the PCG, PN, and PNP to enhance vessel boarding, use of force, evidence preservation, and case package preparation techniques.  (PNA)

President enters Main Battle Area in Marawi City

Marawi City  - Even the heavy rain could not stop the Commander in Chief in visiting his troops on the front line last August 5.

Days after troops successfully gained strategic structures previously held by the Daesh-inspired group, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte entered the main battle area and visited the soldiers and policemen fighting in Marawi City.

The Commander-in-Chief arrived 30 minutes past 4 in the afternoon yesterday, bringing G-Shock watches and goods for the engaged soldiers.

He was welcomed by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command; Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, Commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi; Major General Pamonag, Commander of the Special Operations Command; Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, Commander of the Joint Task Force Ranao; and other ground commanders.

In his message to the troops, the president said he wanted them to stay alive and "practice caution until the end of the war."

"Malapit na itong matapos, konting tiis nalang. Just make sure na buhay kayo pag natapos itong gyera na ito," he told around 300 soldiers and policemen who excitedly listened to him.

He met with ground commanders, including battalion and company commanders who are in the main battle area, to show them that he is with them in this fight.

The President also vowed to put up 50 billion trust fund for the soldiers’ and policemen's dependents.

Scholarship grants will also be accorded to the children of all uniformed men, added the President.

President Duterte left an hour after, but soldiers were all smiles after meeting and seeing personally their Commander in Chief.

While getting drenched in the rain, he spent about 20 minutes taking selfies and groupies with the troops before he left the vicinity.

He was accompanied by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr; Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; AFP Chief of Staff, General Eduardo Ano; the Army Chief, Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda; the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S. Mercado; and the Airforce Chief, Lieutenant General Edgar R. Fallorina.

1st DEO Sulu – viewing passage creates night attractions

 By: Becky D. de Asis

Jolo, Sulu – The DPWH Ist Engineering District headed by District Engineer  Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul creates something new in DPWH entrance gate. He constructed a beautiful and captivating views during night time.

Hadjirul was surprised that after he built this passage nearby  the gate of his office, there  are hundreds of bystanders and local  tourists meeting place  and sat here through the night.

“It is amazing that I did another something good for those who need space and  need fresh air during night time,”, said Hadjirul.

The said passage is now the new night attraction of Jolo, Sulu.

ATTENTION: Philippine Coast Guard Battery Exam held in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

                  Republic of the Philippines

                    Philippine Coast Guard

                      Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bongao , Tawi-Tawi conducted  PCG Battery Exam on September 02-03,  2017 at M.S.U, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao.

    Those who are interested you may bring:

•   4 copies of 2 x 2 I.D.picture, wearing white T-shirt w/ white background
•   N.S.O. authenticated Birth Certificate

    Application for the upcoming PCG Battery Exam is now open until  31 August , 2017.

    SGD: Lt. Euphraim Jayson Diciano, Alhaj, PCG

                            PCG, OIC Director

2-story senior high school buildings was turned over to Jolo School of Fisheries by DPWH Ist Engineering Dist.

By: Becky D. de Asis

Jolo, Sulu – District Engineer Abdulmunir Hadjirul of 1st Engineering  District was turned over the 2-story Senior High School Buildings  with six (6) classrooms  to the DepEd officials at Jolo School of Fisheries last week.

There are a hundreds of Senior High School students  was very happy and thankful  because they have a new and concrete classrooms suited for their courses unlike the previous rooms  were dilapidated and congested.

Hadjirul said, this school buildings is one  part of their high school buildings  built in other municipalities under DPWH Ist Engineering District.

“I will do the best things to improve and give good ambiance of our senior high school students in order to built a quality and good classrooms”, said Hadjirul.

The Department of Public Works and Highways of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under Secretary Mustapha “Don” Loong ordered   recently  to all the Districts Engineer’s to do the best constructions, quality works just to serve a good services to the people most especially in the ARMM.

Aside from the school buildings, they were also constructed different projects, like water system, farm to market roads, sea wall, ports expansion and more, Hadjirul added.

Therefore,  the DPWH Ist  Engineering  District Office will  signed and award another infra-projects to some private contractors wants to serve also the government and  he added that this is also a part of his transparency program.

The said other projects is coming from his regular infra – projects of 2017.

CPP-NPA-NDF continue re-org their groups in Calbiga, Samar - 87th IB, PA

By: Becky D. de Asis

Calbiga, Samar – The LTC Arnel A. Floresca , Battalion Commander  of  87th Infantry Battalion  received information recently that there were underground mass organization have already been organized by the CPP-NPA-NDF at Barangay Beri, and Daligan all of Calbiga Samar.

 Army said that the military conducted several information along the vicinity of suspected areas,that there were suspected names of solid supporters of the armed groups identifieds  and possible to  joints the revolutionary group and doing there terroristic  attack in several military checkpoints and other establishments to showed up their strength and identity that they were still maneuvering the area.

In a recent reports reach by the military  said,   the said CPP-NPA-NDF celebrated their anniversary last March 29, 2017 at the forested area of Barangay Daligan, Cabilga.

The  communist terrorists are very much active in their IPO works and recruitment activities in order  increase their strength. The said group is under the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB)-NSR, military added.

Moreover, the enemies continue to conduct IPO works in order to gain the sympathy of the masses and to join their revolutionary struggle said military.

Therefore, the military also conducted a counter insurgency program just to beat the rebels.

More aid reach 1,900 displaced families in Lanao del Sur

Zamboanga City - More than a thousand families displaced by the siege in the City of Marawi benefited from the relief goods delivered by government authorities in Lanao del Sur on August 3.

Personnel of the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) of the ARMM and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development transported 1,900 sacks of rice and goods for the benefit of thousands of displaced families taking refuge in Bubong, Lanao del Sur.

Government personnel were assisted by troops of the Joint Task Force Marawi and the police in delivering said goods.

About 2,700 displaced families are temporarily sheltered at established centers in Bubong municipality.

Present were ARMM assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong and Mayor Alfair Mundir of Bubong Municipality.

Mundir thanked the government for the additional assistance extended to the families who are affected by the conflict.

Bubong is approximately 30 kilometers from the besieged city. Residents of the said municipality claimed they are affected by the siege with the limited road access.

Now, we have to take the way around Lake Lanao and pay at least Php500.00 for our fare to Iligan City,” said Jabber Mama, a resident of Bubong, married, with five children, and seller of gravel in Marawi. "Before, we only spend Php50.00 for the fare."

Mama added that most residents sell gravel in Marawi City to sustain their living.

“Sana matulungan rin po kami ng gobyerno at ng mga tao para makatanggap rin kami ng relief goods dahil nawalan rin po kami ng kabuhayan (We pray that the government and the people will help us because we also lost our means of livelihood),” said Alikhan Pandiin, married, with four children, and a resident of Bubong.

The ARMM-HEART operates under the supervision of Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman. They sent half sacks of rice and some goods for the evacuees.

The Joint Task Group Ranao, under Brigadier General Rey, led the convoy of 24 vehicles to Bubong.

"We will continue to assist government agencies in the delivery of their goods to areas which are now considered far flung after fighting in Marawi erupted," said Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, Commander of the Task Group Ranao.

The Commander, Western Mindanao Command, Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., gave guidance for us to prioritize support to any humanitarian programs that seek to aid the internally displaced families affected by the conflict in Marawi." (Press Release)

P14-B fund eyed for new soldiers, cops, firefighters, jail guards

MANILA, Aug. 7 -- At least PHP14 billion has been allocated in the proposed PHP3.767-trillion national budget for 2018 to fund the hiring of additional soldiers, policemen, firefighters and jail guards as requested by President Rodrigo Duterte, a House leader said on Monday.

In a statement, House appropriations committee chair and Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles further noted that the PHP14-billion allocation will also finance uniforms, firearms, rifles, ammunition, gears, training and other expenses needed for the new recruits.

“It is safe to say that out of the computed requirement, PHP14 billion is already specifically provided in the proposed 2018 budget," Nograles said, noting that the fund is distributed among the various uniformed services.

If approved without any amendment, Nograles said that this would allow the Philippine National Police (PNP) to hire 10,000 additional policemen,  2,000 additional personnel for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and 1,000 jail guards for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

"For salaries alone, the total basic pay for the creation of 10,000 police officer PO1 positions will entail around PHP1.78 billion. The creation of 20,000 soldiers may cost a total basic pay amounting to around PHP3.56 billion," Nograles said.

"As to the additional soldiers, we already created in 2017 for the Philippine Army 8,892 positions, which we are currently filling up," he added.

The Davao City lawmaker said the hiring of new uniformed personnel is necessary with the existing security challenges amid threats of terrorism and other forms of lawlessness.

“The Marawi crisis, the ongoing war against drugs and other forms of criminality that threaten the peace and security of the people are compelling reasons for us to prioritize the augmentation of our military and law enforcement personnel and the modernization of their weapons and equipment," he said.

Nograles assured that his panel will support the creation of new positions for uniformed personnel.

The proposed budget for next year is 12.4 percent higher than the PHP3.35 trillion budget for 2017 and represents 21.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The education sector will get the biggest chunk of the budget with a funding of PHP691.1 billion broken down as follows: Department of Education (DepED), PHP613.1 billion; Commission on Higher Education (CHED), PHP13.5 billion; and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), PHP64.6 billion.

The other agencies with the highest budgetary allocations are: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),PHP643.3 billion; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), PHP172.3 billion; Department of Health (DOH), PHP164.3 billion; Department of National Defense (DND), PHP145 billion; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PHP138 billion; Department of Transportation (DOTr), PHP73.8 billion; Department of Agriculture (DA), PHP54.2 billion; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), PHP33.5 billion; and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PHP27.9 billion. (PNA)

PCG’s fifth Multi-Role Response Vessel from Japan arrives in Manila

The Philippine Coast Guard fifth Multi-Role Response Vessel – Suluan (MRRV-4406) from Japan was formally received today by the officers and men of the PCG at the Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila.

The MRRV- Suluan with assigned bow number 4406 is the fifth of the ten 44-meter multi-role response vessels which was built and delivered by the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) Yokohama shipyard in Japan. She is named after the Suluan Lighthouse situated in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. She will be an additional floating asset to the search and rescue vessels being utilized by the Philippine Coast Guard to further strengthen the agency’s capability in the performance of its mandated functions such as the maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and maritime safety administration within the country’s maritime domain.

Five (5) more brand new MRRV’s will be built for the PCG and will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote its significance as one of the navigational aids in the maritime industry.

Commodore Joel S Garcia PCG Ph.D., H.D., Al-Haj, Officer in charge of the Philippine Coast Guard lauded the men of BRP Suluan for bringing the ship safe inspite of typhoon in Southern Japan. He also said that MRRV Suluan will be also utilized to support the ongoing fight against terrorism on Southern Philippines.(Press Release/courtesy of PCG)

AFP and Maute terrorists still engaged fire fight inside ground zero in Marawi

Philippine Army paramedics assist wounded soldiers at Camp Evangelista Emergency Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro last Wednesday. 

Zamboanga City  - The war in Marawi has entered its third month with the remaining Maute fighters holed up in two barangays of Marawi.

AFP said that as of August 2, more than 1,000 soldiers were wounded in the fighting while 116 soldiers were  being killed in action.

The soldiers killed an estimated 513 ISIS-Maute gunmen and recovered 596 firearms in war zone area.

In a recent reports, the firefighs  between the government forces  and the terrorists  engaged closely, face to face gun fight inside the ground zero. (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Time to turn a new leaf on South China Sea issue

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi  arrived in Manila

BEIJING, Aug 6 -- The foreign ministers of China and ASEAN endorsed the framework of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea on Saturday for eventual adoption at the ASEAN-China meeting on Sunday in Manila, the Philippines, a substantial step toward calming disputes in the waterway and reaching a long-term solution to a once thorny issue.

The draft document on the COC, an official declaration professing common aspiration to maintain peace and stability in the region, is regarded as a concrete step to resolving the South China Sea dispute.

Such encouraging advancement notwithstanding, related parties should cherish the hard-won results achieved through numerous rounds of bargaining accommodation, remain vigilant against outside interference and deliver on their joint commitments.

China and the ASEAN committed to reaching a final COC 15 years ago. The framework was agreed upon in May during a senior officials' meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Setting a rough outline of a COC designed to prevent clashes in the South China Sea, the draft marked a crucial achievement and was hailed as a pivotal milestone for further talks.

Under the agreement, all parties are obliged to reach a final COC to build a South China Sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

All parties should uphold using the framework of regional rules to manage and control disputes, to deepen maritime cooperation and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In 2002, China and ASEAN signed the DOC, committing all members to directly resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes through peaceful means.

More than one year after an ill-founded award at a South China Sea arbitration unilaterally delivered by an ad hoc tribunal in The Hague, the situation in the South China Sea has stabilized and improved thanks to the wisdom and sincerity of China and the parties concerned.

Since 2016, the related parties have agreed to set up a senior diplomat hotline to cope with maritime emergencies, and apply the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) in the South China Sea, which would help cement trust and avoid unexpected issues.

In a joint communique issued in January, China and Vietnam pledged to manage maritime differences and avoid any acts that may complicate the situation and escalate tensions.

In a sign of improvement in bilateral relations, foreign ministers of China and the Philippines decided late last month to seek ways to carry out joint exploration in the South China Sea.

In waters where there is an overlapping of maritime rights and interests, unilateral action might complicate the situation and lead to tensions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed.

China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in compliance with international law, but it should by no means be used as an excuse by certain countries outside the region to stir up trouble.

ASEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. No time than now is better for all p

AFP to probe general linked to Parojinog drug ring

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 6 – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Eduardo Año will look into reports about a general involved with the Parojinog drug ring, although there is no information whether the official is active or has retired from service.

Año said he would call for an investigation into such reports and closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for available information on the report.

”We will not allow – especially those in the active service to be part or coddling, protecting anyone or any drug syndicate. It’s a mortal sin on the part of the AFP,” Año told reporters in an interview on Saturday in Davao.

The AFP Chief was in Davao for a command conference at the Eastern Mindanao Command.

”We still have to coordinate with the PNP or PDEA kung ano yung hawak nila at makapagsimula tayo ng sariling imbestigasyon (We still have to coordinate with the PNP or PDEA what data they have so we can start our own investigation),” he added.

Año’s statement came following reports that an AFP general allegedly close to arrested Ozamis Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog, is protecting the Parojinog’s drug ring. “Di pa natin alam kung active o retired. We will look into that,” Año said.

Año said the AFP has a continuing program that will discouraged the men and women in the AFP to get involved in illegal drugs. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA) posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News

NYC welcomes awardees and participants to the Asean Youth Social |Entrepreneurship Awards (AYSEA) and Conference

This is another first for the ASEAN youth!

In celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the National Youth Commission plays host to the First ASEAN Youth Social Entrepreneurship Awards (AYSEA)that recognizes the accomplishments of young social entrepreneurs from the ASEAN Member States.

The AYSEA awarding ceremony will be held on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Hotel Sofitel Manila which will be preceded by a youth social entrepreneurship conference attended by a hundred local and foreign participants from the ASEAN Member States.

With the theme: Mobilizing Impactful Disruption, the conference will have the ten (10) AYSEA awardees and other experts as resource persons who will share their insights on various aspects of social entrepreneurship.

“For the second time this year, the NYC is hosting a gathering of young people from the ASEAN Member States who have influenced positive changes in their respective communities by turning their non-conventional ideas reality that pushed for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment among the youth. It is our pleasure to welcome this new set of change makers in the ASEAN,” points Usec. Aiza Seguerra, NYC Chairperson.

It will be recalled that in April this year, the NYC facilitated the Preparatory Meeting for the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with the Youth where Usec. Seguerra read the ASEAN Youth Statement before the ASEAN Heads of State. The ASEAN Youth Statement contained among others, the call for support in pushing for entrepreneurship as a strategy to strengthen youth employment in the region.

“We all look forward to the active participation of the youth in social entrepreneurship activities and to be inspired by the success stories of the AYSEA awardees,” says Asec. Paul Pangilinan, NYC Commissioner in Charge of the Organizing Committee.

Moreover, the ten (10) AYSEA awardees will receive trophies and US$5,000 cash as prizes from the ASEAN Secretariat represented by H.E. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for the ASEAN Socio Cultural Community.

The AYSEA awards and conference were made possible by the support and cooperation of the ASEAN Secretariat, the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the ASEAN, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the 2017 ASEAN National Organizing Council and Impact Hub.(posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Husbands, workplace urged to support breastfeeding program

MANILA -- Husbands of breastfeeding mothers play a key role in ensuring the success of a country's breastfeeding program, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial has said.

"As mentioned by World Health Organization (WHO) country director, Dr. (Gundo) Weiler, the husband is important in the formula (for a successful breastfeeding program)," Ubial said during Thursday’s ASEAN Breastfeeding Forum, held in Blue Leaf Filipinas in Parañaque City.

Apart from the husband, the workplace and the environment likewise need to be supportive of breastfeeding women, she said.

She further said that health workers need to be capacitated so they could help promote breastfeeding among women, including girls who would one day become mothers.

In its Global Breastfeeding Scorecard 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that after evaluating 194 nations, it found that only 40 percent of children younger than six months are breastfed exclusively. It also stated that while 70 percent of children are still breastfed at the age of one, only about 45 percent are still breastfed at the age of two.

The WHO recognizes breastfeeding as “one of the most effective investments a country can make” to ensure a smarter and healthier population, as it protects children from numerous illnesses, increases IQ, and promotes a strong bond between mother and infant.

During the forum, Weiler noted that many people still believe in the superiority of infant formula over breast milk.

"Of course this is a belief that is supported by marketing strategies (of milk companies)," he said.

"There is a need for a change of culture to make sure that breastfeeding is available in the Philippines and all other countries. And we all have a role to play in this,” he said, calling on health ministers of ASEAN member states attending the forum to share and learn from one another's experiences to strengthen their respective breastfeeding programs.

Health experts from ASEAN member states are in the country to prepare the declaration on ending all forms of malnutrition, which will be elevated for adoption during the ASEAN Summit this November.

The forum is part of promoting a people-centered and people-oriented ASEAN as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN forum during the bloc's 50th founding anniversary this year. (LSJ/PNA)

Quake rocks Bukidnon

MANILA, Aug. 5 -- A magnitude 4.8 earthquake of tectonic origin rocked Bukidnon province Saturday (Aug. 5) but Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) isn't expecting damages and aftershocks from the tremblor.

Phivolcs said the 3:39 p.m. earthquake struck 10 km north 10° west of Bukidnon's Maramag municipality (Bukidnon) at a depth of 9.0 km.

The earthquake was reported at Intensity III in Cagayan de Oro City and Kidapawan CIty, noted Phivolcs.

Such earthquake was also reported at instrumental intensity III in Cagayan de Oro City, Phivolcs added. (CJT/PNA)

PRO-ARMM Regional Director visit Tawi-Tawi

By: Becky D. de Asis

P/CSupt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, RD, PRO-ARMM with P/SSupt. Jerich Tan Royales (2nd from right)  met with Madam Juana M. Sahali,, "business tycoon" along the vicinity of public market of Bato-Bato, Panglima Sugala.

Bongao. Tawi-Tawi – The Police Regional Office, Regional Director of ARMM P/CSupt. Reuben Theodore Sindac  visited Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office  under P/SSuperintendent Jerich Tan Royales last July 24, 2017.

Sindac said, he always  conducted several  visits in all area of the Autonomous Region just see to it the real situations of all policemen  in order to update  the real score  and situations  while  implementing  martial law in the whole Mindanao.

“I will always conducted visits especially in all island  provinces under my jurisdiction  just to give morale  and  instructions of my policemen especially to  those in front line areas  because   terrorism is  not only in Marawi  but throughout the country most especially the whole area of the  ARMM ” Sindac said.

Meanwhile, Police Senior Superintendent Jerich Tan Royales also said. The Provincial Police Office of Tawi-Tawi will do the best  for the good and safety of the people here. 

He always instructed all police officials especially in all island mucipalities to be vigilant and always  implement the police guidelines to maintain the peace and order in all  different municipalities of the said province.

Royales said, they have recorded a thousands more or less of drug surrenderees during the implementation of Oplan Tokhang, Double Barrel Reloaded and recovered  more or less 1 Million pesos worth  of Shabu during the said  implementation.

Royales also added, under the implementation of Martial Law, the government suspended police powers of 9 municipal mayors out of 11 including the provincial governor.

On the other hand, the Provincial Police Office of Tawi-Tawi  together with the Marines and SAF  neutralized Abu Sayyaf and kidnap-for-ransom member Ibno Moro in Barangay Kamagong, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi at around 10:30am of July 15.

The joint team arrested the wanted person, kidnapper and Abussayaf member , Ranked as Top 8 Most Wanted in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Moro was involved in the 1989 massacre in Barangay Lapid-Lapid, Bongao; the 2004 kidnapping of Sibuto Mayor Kuyoh Pajiji of Sibutu; the 2002 kidnapping of Alvin Chua at the Chinese Pier in Bongao; and the 2004 murder of Rodrigo Alejandro Sr. and his son, Rodrigo Alejandro, Jr., in Barangay Buan, Panglima Sugala.

The Regional Director RD Sindac was very happy about the accomplishment rendered by P/SSupt. Royales for job well done.(By: Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)