Engr. Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul New Years message...

New Year is not about changing the Dates but Direction; It's not about changing Calendar but Commitment;
It's not about changing Actions but Attitude; It's not about Changing the Fruit but Faith, Force and Focus!.. May you commit and create the Best New Year ever!...

My Family and I, the whole staff and employees of Sulu Ist Engineering District wishing you all the most amazing, blessed, peaceful and prosperous New Years to come!..

Happy New Year Everyone!...

Engr. Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul
District Engineer
Sulu Ist Engineering District
Jolo, Sulu

Abdusali "Elay" K. Asmadon New Year's greetings.

Happy New year (2019) to the people of Lugus, Sulu, May this New Year wish, fill  everyone  hearts with hopes of a brighter tomorrow, unfold  our new dreams to realize Allah has a great faith in you.

May this year filled with peace, good health, lots of love and loads of wealth 2019.

Happy New year to everyone!...

Abdusali "Elay" K. Asmadon
Former Mayor
Lugus, Sulu, Philippines

MAKE NOISE USING HORNPIPES

A vendor tests a hornpipe to attract customers in Divisoria, Manila on Thursday (December 27, 2018). Hornpipes are a safer alternative to firecrackers in welcoming the New Year. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

PNP identifies at least 18 areas as election hotspots

MANILA —The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified at least 18 areas as election hotspots.

PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde revealed this after signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the holding of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) Plebiscite in January and February 2019 and the May 13 midterm polls at the Comelec main office in Manila on Friday.

We have one in Region 1. Also, in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao, Basilan, may tatlo dun...” he said.

Albayalde, however, declined to name the identified hotspots.

With this, the PNP head noted that it has yet recommended areas to put under Comelec control.

“As of this time, wala pa kaming other recommendations although on the part of the PNP we have at least 18 that are categorized as hotspots,” Albayalde said.

“We categorized them as hotspots because there were previous incidents of election-related violence and there is a presence of rebel troops in the area and other threat groups,” he added.

But, the PNP chief was quick to say that the 18 areas are not necessarily to be placed under Comelec Control.

“We have 18 cities and municipalities in our list but not necessarily to be under Comelec Control,” he said.

“It will depend on the outcome of the weekly conferences, updates that will be tackled by the technical working group, kung sa tingin naman ng Comelec na of the 18, meron pwedeng ihandle ng Comelec Control, then it’s up to the Comelec to decide,” Albayalde added.

The MOA was signed by Comelec Commissioner Al Parreno, who is the Commissioner in charge of BOL Plebiscite, AFP Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal and Albayalde.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the Comelec has not identified yet areas to be placed under its control.

“Wala po. At this point wala pa which doesn’t mean na hindi na magkakaroon. Maaring magkaroon its just wala pa siya ngayon,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

The poll body earlier said that it is considering placing under its control the municipality of Daraga, Albay, following the ambush of Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe on Saturday. (PNA/By Ferdinand Patinio)

Senate may hold parallel 'parking pork' probe

By Mar Serrano  

LEGAZPI CITY – Senator Cynthia Villar said on Monday the Senate could also hold a parallel probe on the “parking pork” scam issue, which involved billions of alleged funds insertion in the proposed 2019 budget.

Villar stressed, however, that the Senate would not want to preempt the outcome of the investigation being initiated by the Lower House. “We still don’t know and we are not part in the investigation so the Senate will have to wait for the House probe result,” she said.

The Senate probe could come later, Villar noted. “Let the House investigate on this, on how huge amount of funds were inserted allegedly by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).”

She said on the cue of Senator Panfilo Lacson, the Senate could conduct a similar investigation as soon as it receives the result of the investigation by the Lower House.

A probe by the upper chamber may be possibly set in January, Villar added.

The senator was guest during the Awarding Ceremony for the Outstanding Communal Vegetable Garden and Cleanest and Greenest Municipality at the Albay Astrodome here.

She said in an ambush interview, “We don’t want to comment about this issue, we leave this to the House of Congress for them to dig out how this practice happened and who is involved.”

Lacson recently exposed the “parking pork” to media, a new kickback scheme by lawmakers, where big amounts of funds are "parked" in a legislative district by well-connected congressmen.

He said the Senate, once it holds a probe, would scrutinize the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and ask officials to explain the alleged questionable budget insertions. (PNA)

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Preps for Baguio Flower Festival 2019 begin

PANAGBENGA 2019. Photo (from left) shows Baguio Flower Festival Executive Committee co-chairman Anthony de Leon, BFF Foundation Trustee and former mayor Engr. Bernardo Vergara, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and organizing committee member Freddie Alquiroz tell the media about the changes in the Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga) during the launch of the February event on Monday (Dec. 17, 2018). (Photo by Pamela Mariz Geminiano)

BAGUIO CITY -- Preparations for the famous Flower Festival, also known as Panagbenga, have officially started in this mountain resort city.

The city government launched the February festival by earmarking PHP20 million for the grand event, which has for years been proven to be a tourist draw for the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

“Panagbenga shall always be Baguio’s grand celebration of life, proud fiesta of the best in our city’s floral wealth, joyfully shared with our visitors and guests for their fullest enjoyment of the best there is in Baguio,” said Pangabenga executive committee co-chairman, Councilor Elmer Datuin, at the sidelines of the launching program on Monday.

“Panagbenga”, a Kankanaey word meaning “blooming”, was conceptualized in 1995 as a recovery measure after the 1990 earthquake in North Luzon and was first staged in 1996.

Datuin said traditional activities will remain to be the highlight of the Flower Festival, although universities in the city will present cultural shows to present the culture of the Cordillera.

Datuin also said the grand float parade, street dance competition, "Session Road Bloom," and fireworks display are still included in next February's festivities, which both locals and tourists eagerly look forward to every year.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, lifetime chairman of the Board of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), said that with the influx of tourists on the last days of February, the city government and the BFFI have decided to adjust the schedule of the grand street dancing and float parades, as well as the closing program of the festival.

The grand street dancing parade and grand float parade, held every last weekend of February, will be moved to March 2 and 3, while the weekend after will be the closing program.

The flower festival formally opens on Feb. 1 of each year.

The mayor also underscored the importance of sustaining public-private partnership in handling the activities lined up for the 2019 Baguio Flower Festival.

“A full-pledged public-private partnership event for 24 years, the Panagbenga is a proof of the synergy between the government and the private sector, including the city residents who always take part in the highly publicized, biggest crowd drawing event in northern Luzon that attracts tourists from many countries around the world,” the mayor said. (PNA/By Pamela Mariz Geminiano )

P6.8M of Shabu Seized in Zamboanga City Drugs Operation

Zamboanga City – A drug suspect was arrested by combined operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, of Philippine Air Force and PDEA9 during buy-bust operation against Illegal Drugs at Purok 11, Acasia Drive, Brgy Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City at about 2:00 PM of December 16, 2018.

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the arrested suspect as Marrisa Wee Y Musa, aka " Indah" 32 yrs old while her companion identified as Mayong Ilang Kamlon on board his driven faded color beige Isuzu trooper without plate number fled heading towards west coast area. 

Suspect sold the suspected shabu to the poseur buyer worth One Million Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1, 200,000.00).

Accordingly, the driver of said SUV coming from west coast arrived at the transaction site when he sense Marissa Wee was surrounded with police operatives; he quickly made a U-turn and sped west coast. One of the police officer on board his MC and the vehicle of the operatives of Phil Air force who served as blocking force was bumped by the said SUV.

Resulted the police officer sustained injury on his left leg and different parts of his body during  blocking the vehicle of the suspect. 

Recovered from the possession of Marissa Wee were One (1) Blue Caltex Delo Gallon containing One (1) cling wrapped large transparent self-sealing bag containing suspected shabu weighing more or less One (1) Kilo and .007 grams with an estimated market value of Six Million Eight Hundred Thousand Pesos (6, 800,000.00), One (1) paper bag (bench) containing Twelve (12) bundles of boodle money with One (1) genuine One Thousand Peso bill with serial numbers EE047215, One (1) BIR Identification Card of the arrested subject, One (1) Samsung Cellular phone and One (1) Fragmentation Grenade.

Confiscated items were brought to Crime Lab Office for examination while One (1) Fragmentation Grenade was turned over to EODT/K9 for proper disposition.(Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Palace: Catriona Gray’s Miss U win 'sets the bar high'

MISS UNIVERSE 2018. Catriona Gray, 24, waves to the crowd after she is crowned Miss Universe 2018 during the coronation in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday (Dec. 17, 2018). (Photo from Miss Universe Twitter page)

MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday congratulated Philippine bet Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray on winning the fourth Miss Universe crown for the country during the pageant coronation night held in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The Palace wishes to congratulate newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said Gray, who bested 93 other candidates, made the Philippines proud when she showcased “the qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”

“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” Panelo said.

Panelo said that Gray’s victory “sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe.”

“We salute and admire her victory,” Panelo said.

He cited Gray for showcasing the country’s “beauty and elegance” in terms of being a tourist destination.

“Catriona’s crowning glory is placing the Philippines in the world map again for its beauty and elegance that matches the world-renowned attraction of the many scenic and mesmerizing islands in our country,” he added.

In the final question-and-answer portion for the top three finalists, host Steve Harvey asked them to name the important lesson they have learned in their lives and the ways to apply it should either of them becomes Miss Universe.

Gray cited the optimism and gratitude of Filipinos, especially children, in even in the worst situations as a lesson she would like to impart to others. "I worked a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila; and the life there is very... it's poor, and it's very sad. And I always taught myself to look for the beauty in it -- to look for the beauty of the faces of the children; and to be grateful,” Gray said.

“And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with the silver lining. And to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I could teach also people to be grateful we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces,” she added.

In the question-and-answer portion prior to that, Gray was asked about her stand on marijuana legalization, and she said that she supports its legalization solely for medicinal purposes.

Gray succeeds Demi-Leigh Nel Peters from South Africa. First and second-runners up are South Africa’s Tamaryn Green and Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez, respectively.

She won the country’s fourth Miss Universe crown taking after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran, (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969). (PNA/By Azer Parrocha)

Solon describes Gray as ‘regal’ as ‘majestic’ Mayon

By Filane Mikee Cervantes  

MANILA -- Lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Monday hailed Catriona Gray for winning the country's fourth Miss Universe crown during the coronation night in Bangkok, Thailand.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said Gray's beauty is the embodiment of "Daragang Magayon", the beautiful maiden in the legend of Mt. Mayon.

Salceda described Gray, who wore a fiery red dress, as "regal" as the "majestic" Mayon.

"Truly an Albayana, she was the most prepared candidate ever -- if you prepare to fight calamities, the more you are prepared for victory," Salceda said.

"The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots. I worked with Catriona in her previous quests and she was excited about her role as tourism champion for Albay," he added.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers said Gray's victory is an inspiration to all Filipinos amid the challenging times.

"Her sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amidst the challenges and difficulties. Her victory is our victory. This is such an amazing Christmas gift to the country,” Barbers said.

“Gray embodies the Filipino spirit of resiliency and determination and is indeed an inspiration to the youth and the millions of Filipinos,” he added.

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said the new Miss Universe would make a great ambassador for “peace, love, and compassion” in the international community.

“Congratulations to Ms. Philippines, now new Miss Universe Catriona Gray who has brought immense pride and honor to the Filipinos all over the world not only with her beauty but also with her intelligence, integrity, and her heart for the poor,” Roman said.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, lauded Gray for advocating the rights and welfare of children.

“Nadagdagan tayo ng matibay, maganda, at maimpluwensiyang kapanalig sa mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga kabataan ng bagong henerasyon (We have another strong, beautiful and influential ally [to advocate] for children’s rights and welfare in the new generation),” Herrera-Dy said.

1-Ang Edukasyon party-list Rep. Salvador Belaro said Gray represented each Filipino with “great honor, grace, brains, and beauty”, noting that the new Miss Universe showed how the Filipino is the “best asset” of the Philippines. (PNA)

NAPC exec sees 14% poverty rate falloff in 2022

President Duterte’s says that the anti-poverty campaign of the government has confidently implemented in the country whittled down to 14% in 2022, “ due to occurring government services through the help of 14 government sectors continously.”

The country’s poverty incidence currently stands at 21.6% as of today.

National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary and led Convenor Noel K. Felongco said,  NAPC has figured out a formula---that combines social reform agenda and poverty reduction activities-- to sustain government services through some line agencies and other government sectors.

Felongcon said, NAPC programs and activities were supported by the President Rodrigo Duterte and former Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, "like the Malasakit Centers, a one-stop medical center established in 10 cities established by the  President Rodrigo  Duterte with Bong Go in a crucial role to help the poor among the poorest people in the country he added.

Felongco said the projects has been unveiled in Manila on December 7 with at least 10 government agencies participating to include agencies under the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Justice and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

TESDA unveiled a jobs fair, the DOH provided free medicine and consultation, the public attorney’s office gave consultation and notary services, the DA giving free seeds for urban gardening, the BFAR taught fish culture and  while the participating local government unit hosted the event, provided the venue and food and  among other.

During the activity, both parties and other participating agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the NAPc's programs and activities.

The approached will be replicated in the regions where “the country’s 40 top most poverty's poverty stricken provinces are located which includes regions has most 10 poorest municipalities and  10  poorest barangay's nationwide.

The NAPC has an  ultimate goal and  programs to determined and engage the 14 basic sectors like: urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, labor and informal labor, workers and informal workers, women, persons with disabilities, victims of disasters and calamities, children, senior citizens, non-government organizations, cooperatives and the top 40 poverty-stricken provinces, said Felongco.

President Rodrigo  Duterte instructed the NAPC Executive Atty. Keith Felongco to gave priority and good approach to the affected provinces, addressing the basic needs in order to reduce the poverty problem in the country.

Felongco also said, his office will do the best thing for the immediate falloff of poverty problem in the country while the President continue to his campaign against illegal drugs and other criminalities to give way of his total reform of the country. (with report by Mark Navales)