Tawi-Tawi IPHO receives P5-million assistance from MSSD-BARMM

Tawi-Tawi IPHO head Dr. Sangkula Laja signed a MOA with MSSD on Sept. 24 for the provision of the financial assistance. The signing was witnessed by OIC Provincial Social Welfare Officer Barbangsa Jalaide and Jennifer Monteron, Nurse V at Datu Halun Kasilan Memorial Hospital.

COTABATO CITY – Tawi-Tawi’s Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) received P5-million financial assistance from the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

The fund will be used for the hospitalization, laboratory tests, and medicines of poor patients admitted at Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital located at Bongao island, the province’s capital.

Tawi-Tawi IPHO head Dr. Sangkula Laja signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with MSSD on Thursday, Sept. 24 for the provision of the financial assistance.

The fund will also cover the patients’ other needs such as their transportation fare, meals for their watchers, and hygiene kits, among others.

Few weeks ago, MSSD has also provided P10-million each to Marawi City’s Amai PakPak Medical Center and Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City.

The financial aid is part of MSSD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program under the Emergency Assistance Program Fund. It is a series of medical assistance provision among vulnerable hospitals all over the Bangsamoro region.

MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie has earlier said that her ministry will continue to respond to the pressing poverty and health challenges in BARMM especially amidst the coronavirus pandemic. She said MSSD remains committed to assist and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable sectors in the Bangsamoro region. (Bureau of Public Information/Photo form MSSD)

PWDs in Maguindanao receive cash assistance from BARMM

COTABATO CITY—Four hundred fifty-three (453) persons with disability (PWDs) from Datu Piang in Maguindanao received cash aid from the Bangsamoro’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD-BARMM).

During the official launching on Saturday, Sept. 26, of MSSD’s program dubbed “Kalinga Para sa may Kapansanan”, each of the PWDs received Php4,500.00 as part of their monthly allowance from January to September.

The program aims to protect the PWDs in the Bangsamoro region from abuse, neglect and/or abandonment.

MSSD Minister Raissa H. Jajurie said, “the Chief Minister recognizes that while PWDs require social protection, they are also capable of claiming their rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being members of society.”

Arlene Utto, 36, a resident of Datu Piang, suffered a stroke last year. She said she is thankful for this initiative of the Bangsamoro Government as it will be of great help to PWDs like her.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin na katulad kong PWD. Ako po ay na-stroke last year at ‘di na makalakad ngayon. Maraming salamat po BARMM at may pandagdag na akong pambili ng aking gamot,” she said.

MSSD-BARMM is targeting 30,000 PWDs across the Bangsamoro region to be included in the program, wherein they will receive a Php500.00-worth of monthly social pension for their medicine and daily needs. (Bureau of Public Information)

Sawadjaan's 'trusted aide' falls in Zamboanga: PNP

 By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

Hashim Saripada (PNP photo)

 

  

 

 

MANILA – A suspected member of a terrorist group and allegedly the trusted aide of Dawlah Islamiya caretaker Mudzrimar Mundi Sawadjaan was arrested in Zamboanga City over the weekend, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan said Monday.

Cascolan identified the suspect as Hashim Saripada alias Ibnu Kashir Saripada, who was arrested by operatives of Regional Intelligence Unit-9 and 84th Special Action Company (Seaborne) in Barangay Recodo around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Cascolan said Saripada’s arrest is a big blow to Sawadjaan’s group.

“Saripada is the assistant of Mundi Sawadjaan, this will be a very, very big blow on him kasi nawalan siya ng isang pinagkakatiwalaan (he lost a trusted aide) and this one is his assistant so karamihan ng kanyang activities ngayon hindi na matutuloy (most of his activities have been shelved) because of that and he knows na mino-monitor na siya ngayon ng lahat ng (he's being monitored by all) intelligence and anti-terrorism units,” he said.

Cascolan said Saripada was wanted for the crime of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder. Seized from the suspect were a hand grenade and materials for making improvised explosive devices.

Based on police reports, Saripada had a key role in the July 31, 2018 bombing of a CAFGU detachment in Sitio Magkawit, Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Saripada, together with Sawadjaan, also reportedly prepared the IED detonated by an Indonesian couple at the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on January 27, 2019.

“Investigation revealed that Saripada facilitated Al-Maghribi’s travel from Sulu to Basilan," he told reporters during a press conference at Camp Crame. Al-Maghribi is the suspected suicide bomber in the Basilan blast.

Following the Lamitan bombing, Saripada went into hiding in an island in Sulu, said PNP Intelligence Group chief, Brig. Gen. Edgar Monsalve. The arrest was a result of the strengthened coordination of the police with the community, he added.

“Meron mga kapatid natin sa community na nagbigay ng impormasyon na sighted ulit si Saripada sa Zamboanga kaya inuulit ko 'yung reminder po ng ating mahal na chief PNP na dapat tayo ay lumapit sa community ito na naman po ang isang ehemplo. Nangyari na naman po, tulong ng ating mga kababayan na impormasyon na ibinigay sa PNP (We have reports from the community that Saripada was sighted in Zamboanga and with this we reiterate the reminder of the PNP chief that we should provide information to the police. This is a good example),” Monsalve said.

Saripada is currently under the custody of police in Zamboanga.

“Hindi po tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa at tayo po ay tuloy tuloy po natin siyang dinidiplomasya, para makipag-cooperate siya at makapagbigay ng impormasyon tungkol sa plano nila (We are not losing hope, as we try to extract information from him and urge him to cooperate in giving us information about their group's plans)," he noted.

Police and military forces are now hunting Sawadjaan who was also tagged as the brains behind the twin suicide bombings in Jolo on August 24, 2020 which claimed 15 lives.

Cascolan assured the public of continuous police efforts against domestic threat groups.

In a related development, Cascolan said 26 members and a supporter of a communist terrorist group have surrendered to the police in Masbate province.

Of the surrenderers, 15 were members of the New People's Army, nine members of Milisyang Bayan, two members of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, and one supporter.

They also surrendered four high-powered and 28 low-powered firearms. (PNA)

Boracay Oct. 1 reopening to drive PH domestic tourism: DOT

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora 

Boracay (File photo)

MANILA – The reopening of Boracay to more markets on October 1 would jumpstart the Philippines' domestic tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday.

“The reopening of Boracay to new market sources signals a gathering momentum for domestic tourism all over the country. We are pleased that the BIATF (Boracay Interagency Task Force) and the local government units of the Province of Aklan and Municipality of Malay have agreed to put health and safety as the priority as we carefully and safely welcome more guests to the island,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

During a special meeting with Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores on Tuesday, the BIATF approved the reopening of the island to travelers from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) in addition to tourists from Western Visayas who have been permitted to enter Boracay since June 16.

Romulo-Puyat said the resumption of tourism businesses in the resort island would be "calibrated" with several measures in place.

Upon the reopening, travelers from GCQ and modified GCQ areas would be subject to the "test before travel" regulation that requires a negative RT-PCR result 48 to 72 hours prior to departure.

Among others, visitors would be advised to go on a strict quarantine immediately after a test and until the time of travel to the island.

Another key agreement advises airlines to use the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Municipality of Malay as the only airport of entry in moving tourists to the island.

Age restriction, meanwhile, was relaxed permitting travelers below 21 and above 60 years old with no comorbidity.

The DOT said Boracay's health and safety guidelines would still be subject to continued enhancement.

To date, there are about 199 Boracay hotels and resorts representing 4,416 rooms with certificates of authority to operate issued by the DOT.

A Covid-19 Laboratory is also now operational at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan, which forms a part of the network of facilities and services needed in a safe environment for host communities, business stakeholders, and tourists. (PNA)

Feature: Fighting is the best option to achieve peace in Mindanao – Sulu terrorism will end soon

By: Becky D. de Asis

(courtesy from Taralets blogger)

Everybody knows about terrorism in Sulu that killed a hundreds of innocent civilians, government forces including  kidnap victims  refused to give ransom money.

I recalled the story about  the kidnapping of Grace Burhams and her husband about their sad stories rocked the whole world of their experienced while in the hands of Abussayaf were Grace survived while her husband  died when he attempted to escape,

The said incident still unsolved by the government, kidnapping, terrorism still happened every now and then, that marks Sulu’s a “ Haven of Terrorism”.

I also recalled the other incidents involved  the  Five Marine Officers beheaded by Abussayaf along the hinterlands of Patikul. It just like a movie shooting while  they beheaded because  of video footages  shouted “Allahu Akbar” means “ God is Precious”, This Barbaric acts of Abussayaf terrorists were  considered as inhumanity  against God’s Well.

The said incidents still unsolved and the terroristic attacked of Abussayaf still continue, the government failed to neutralized the terrorists in the said province.

Lately, President Duterte ordered authorities to fight Abussayaf  to put and  end  because fighting is the best option to pave the way for peace in Mindanao more particular in Sulu says Duterte.

Duterte sighted the twin bombings in Jolo lately that killed a dozens of military and civilians that pushed the President to give war and fight to end the Abussayaf terrorists in Sulu.

Duterte admitted that this long-running conflict  in Mindanao remains “impossible dream”he says that fighting seemed to be the best option of the government to led the way for peace.

I know and every bodys knows, that Sulu-long-running conflict is no one can solve unless the ,,,people community, religious group and of course these politician itself sincere to resolve it, The solutions is in their hands,,,

The Sulu archipelago is too small and surrounded by seas, while our government forces are too big and fully equipped,

How come this problem in Sulu still unsolved?

I believe that our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can solve this long-running problem in Sulu because of his dedication to put and end the terroristic activities all over the country in order to have good living conditions and progressive country before he end his term in 2022. (By: Becky D. de Asis/The Redline News)

 

 

 

 

 

PCOO lauds House panel approval of bill on media workers' welfare

By Azer Parrocha

                         Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday welcomed the decision of the House Committee on Labor and Employment to approve the amended draft substitute bill to the proposed Act enhancing the benefits, protection, and security of media workers in the country.

“We welcome the approval by the House Committee on Labor and Employment, led by 1-PACMAN Party-List Representative Eric Pineda and House Assistant Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-List Representative Niña Taduran, of the pending Media Workers Welfare Act under House Bill 2476,” he said in a statement.

Andanar said the PCOO and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) have strongly been pushing for the passage of the Media Workers Welfare Act which aims to provides media workers with security and protection and also uplifts their economic welfare, benefits, and skills.

“This is a step forward towards fulfilling the commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte of ensuring that media workers in the country are secured and protected,” he said.

Andanar also described the House panel approval as an “advancement” towards breaking the global stigma placed on the Philippines as being one of the deadliest and worst places for journalists and media workers in the world.

On Friday, House Assistant Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-List Rep. Niña Taduran’s House Bill (HB) No.2476. hurdled the House panel after two hours of making final refinements to the measure.

Taduran, a former broadcast personality, referred to the measure as her “pet bill” given her work background.

Under the bill, media workers who are assigned to cover dangerous and hazardous events or situations shall be given an additional PHP500 daily pay.

Death and disability benefits amounting to PHP200,000 shall also be awarded to affected media workers.

A Media Tripartite Council shall also be formed.

In December 2019, Andanar expressed hope that the Congress will give priority to the proposed Media Workers Welfare Act.

He said that the lack of protection, security, and benefits of media workers is a “vicious cycle” that needs to be addressed. (PNA)

China extends tariff exemptions on US goods for 1 year

ANKARA – China on Tuesday said it has decided to exempt tariffs on some US products for one more year, a move seen as another concession in an ongoing trade dispute between the two economic giants.

The Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council said no additional tariffs will be imposed on 16 products from the US, including lubricants and fish feed, until Sept. 16, 2021, state-run daily Global Times reported.

The trade war between Beijing and Washington escalated over recent years as the US raised tariffs on Chinese imports and China responded in kind.

There have, however, been concessions from both sides along the way, with the US extending tariff exclusions for a wide range of Chinese goods last month until the end of 2020.

Earlier in May, Beijing decided to exclude some imported products from the US from punitive tariffs, just days after Washington released a list of Chinese products selected for tariff exemptions.

“China's move is a reciprocal gesture towards the US,” Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in the capital Beijing, told the Global Times.

“The exemption extension by China will benefit Chinese importers, US exporters, and downstream manufacturers.”

The report, citing a statement issued by the US Department of Agriculture last week, said Chinese firms recently imported 664,000 tons of soybeans from the US.

China also purchased 101,600 tons of corn from the US, it added. (Anadolu)

 

To strengthen family relationship can defeat Covid 19

 By: Becky D. de Asis

The constant awareness about covid 19 could disturb the mental health and works of million peoples around the world  and many of them died while others suffered hunger and depression.

Here in the Philippines, the Covid 19 problems twisted into a very positive ways approached by planting more flowers and vegetables while on home quarantine.

An Expert says, planting flowers or vegetables would generate happiness, improves people mood and reduces stress and fight depression, so those who are   flower  lovers ,,,, are the most happiest people in the world.

To fight Covid 19, Stay at home and plant more flowers,,, and be safe!!!... "A Friendly Reminder from The Redline News family",

 

 

 

Duterte unlikely to issue EO on satellite technology use

By Azer Parrocha  

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not likely to issue an executive order (EO) which will allow internet service providers to set up networks using satellite technology, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the call of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCOO) for Duterte to issue an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization to improve the country's connectivity would need further study.

“Kinakailangan po nang mas malawakang pag-aaral diyan dahil alam naman natin ang paggamit ng ere ay (That requires extensive review because we know that the use of airwaves is) subject to the grant of a franchise issued by Congress,” he said.

Roque explained that signing the EO could infringe on the Congress’ power to grant franchises.

“Sa tingin ko po parang malabo pong magawa ng Presidente iyan (I think it is unlikely that the President will do that) through an Executive Order because he will be possibly infringing on the powers of Congress but we need to study the matter in more details,” he added.

PCCI President, Amb. Benedicto Yujuico earlier said signing an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization is the fastest way to allow internet services providers to build their network using satellite technology for internet connectivity.

He said the proposed EO may take effect while bills to improve connectivity are pending at legislative level.

Duterte has urged his Cabinet to employ “drastic” measures to shorten the process of securing permits for building telecommunication towers following difficulties experienced by telecommunication companies in securing permits to build towers or cell sites.

In his fifth and penultimate State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 27, Duterte called on Globe and Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., to improve their services by December. (PNA)

 

Global Covid-19 caseload surpasses 27M: Johns Hopkins

BEIJING – The global coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) caseload surpassed the milestone of 27 million on Sunday, with the dead toll over 882,000, according to US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The United States still ranks the first in the tally with a total number of over 6.27 million infections and a death toll over 188,940.

India surpassed Brazil to become the world's second-worst-hit country with its total caseload hitting over 4.2 million, and its death toll reached 71,642.

India is passing through the Unlock-4 phase after the pandemic hit the country over seven months ago. Over the past several weeks, the Asian country's focus has been on ramping up samples testing, which has led to the sudden jump in new COVID-19 cases found every day.

As per the data from the Indian Council of Medical Research, 48,831,145 samples had been tested till Saturday, with 1,092,654 samples tested on Saturday alone.

Brazil on Sunday said it registered 447 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 126,650, while thousands headed to beach and other recreational spots for the long weekend of Independence Day, which was on Sept. 7.

The Ministry of Health also reported that 14,521 cases of infection were detected in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 4,137,521, ranking the third in the global tally.

In the southeast state of Sao Paulo, the worst hit by COVID-19 and the most populated in the country, less than 40 percent of residents stayed at home, the Globo TV network reported, citing government figures. (Xinhua)

16 new Covid-19 infections in Soccsksargen linked to active cases

By Richelyn Gubalani  

(Department of Health-Region 12 Covid-19 tracker as of 6 p.m., Sept. 7, 2020)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) local transmission have continued to increase in parts of Region 12 (Soccsksargen), with at least 16 new infections on Monday traced to active patients.

This, as the Department of Health in Region 12 (DOH-12) reported 23 additional cases of the disease in the region on Monday night based on the results of confirmatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

Arjohn Gangoso, DOH-12 health education, and promotion officer, said 17 of the new cases were from South Cotabato province, three from Sarangani, two from this city, and one from North Cotabato.

“Based on the validation conducted by rural health units, 16 of the patients were traced to have had exposure to confirmed cases,” he said in a report.

Four of them have travel history to areas with recorded local transmission while the status of three others is for further investigation, he said.

Of the four patients with travel history, Gangoso said two were locally stranded individuals who returned home from Manila and Cebu while the two others were fish traders who had exposure at the fishport complex here.

Gangoso said two deaths due to Covid-19 complications were recorded in the region on Monday, bringing the total fatalities so far to 12.

He said this city posted its sixth confirmed death since last week, a 68-year-old male who succumbed to “multi-organ failure due to sepsis, Covid-19 pneumonia, septic shock and high-risk community-acquired pneumonia.”

A 45-year-old female from Polomolok town, South Cotabato died of Covid-19 complications, including community-acquired pneumonia, bronchial asthma in acute exacerbation and pulmonary tuberculosis.

As of Monday night, the confirmed Covid-19 cases in Region 12 already reached a total of 641, with 361 recoveries.

Gangoso said the agency has been closely monitoring localities with reported cases of local transmission and assisting rural health units in terms of contact-tracing and containment activities.

Covid-19 local transmission had been recorded since last month in parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato City and this city.

A number of cases were traced to the fishport complex in Barangay Tambler that had been considered a “hotspot” for the disease. (PNA)

 

CM Ebrahim assigns Muñoz to lead Kabacan killing investigation

 

Cotabato City  – Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has directed Public Order and Safety Minister Hussein Muñoz to form and lead an investigating body on the killing of nine Moros in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

During the Bangsamoro Government’s 41st cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 1, CM Ebrahim said that the tragic incident needs to be thoroughly investigated. Since the brutal incident happened outside of the Bangsamoro’s territory, Ebrahim said that the investigating body shall properly coordinate its actions with the provincial government of North Cotabato and the municipal government of Kabacan.

He also likewise called on the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) to conduct its own investigation.

Aside from the formation of an investigating body, Ebrahim also said that the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) is set to discuss, on September 9, the brutal killing and the recent bombings in Jolo, Sulu.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua said that with the provision of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, specifically on Section 12 of Article VI, “other agencies can also be involved because it is about the protection of the Bangsamoro living outside of the Bangsamoro territory.”

Sect. 12 of Article VI states that “the National Government shall ensure the protection of the rights of the Bangsamoro people residing in communities outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”.

CM Ebrahim said, “We can write to other National Government agencies like National Bureau of Investigation and Department of Defense but we will not wait for their actions. Our investigation has to be immediate.”

Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and Social Services and Development Minister Raissa Jajurie said that cash and relief assistance will be provided for the victims’ families. Both ministers will also visit the victims’ families upon the direction of the Chief Minister.

On August 29, nine individuals were gruesomely shot in broad daylight in the town of Kabacan, North Cotabato. Eight of them died instantly while Nasher Guiman, a minor, died in the hospital. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of Region 12 has since tagged the case as an “extra judicial killing” (EJK). (Bureau of Public Information)

DOT eyes to expand Baguio’s travel bubble plan across PH

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (File photo)

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) threw its full support behind the Ridge to Reef Corridor Plan, one of the key strategies being explored to ensure Baguio City's gradual and safe reopening to tourists from nearby provinces within the year.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed that the plan, which seeks to enable seamless travel for tourism in BLUPISIN—or between Baguio City and the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, is worth emulating in other parts of the country in the DOT's process of reopening domestic tourism.

"This corridor plan of the BLUPISIN is truly admirable, not only because of the variety of tourism products involved but because of how advanced inter-provincial protocols are in terms of border control, as well as in assuring the health and safety of tourists and communities. It is a clear manifestation of the strong support of the local and provincial leaders to jumpstart tourism, which thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region rely on. This can serve as a pilot project, and when successful, can be replicated where applicable," Puyat said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Puyat witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and governors from the Ilocos region, including Governors Amado Espino III (Pangasinan), Matthew Manotoc (Ilocos Norte), and Ryan Singson (Ilocos Sur). A Technical Working Group (TWG) will establish the Corridor Plan and conduct research and other strategies to facilitate tourism and economic recovery in BLUPISIN.

In support to this convergence and the recovery of Baguio's tourism industry, the tourism chief also announced that the DOT, through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), will dedicate funds to support programs such as the Baguio V.I.S.I.T.A. (Visitor Information and Travel Assistance), a multi-platform digital monitoring application; the set-up of the baguiocreativecity.com website and e-commerce platform; and the revival of the city's weaving and fashion industry.

The tourism chief, who served as the Keynote Speaker at the 111th Baguio Day celebration on Tuesday, underscored the importance of sustainability of reopening tourism in the City of Pines and other parts of the country.

"With sustainable tourism as our core advocacy, we have and will continue to ensure that policies are in place for the protection of the environment and the local community," Puyat said. "As Baguio readies to open its doors, we are being given the opportunity now to refocus on sustainable and responsible tourism, taking into account the quality rather than the number of tourists entering this iconic and beloved destination.”

Puyat also cited the advanced and responsible crisis management system of Baguio City that resulted in the highest testing per total population for any local government unit (LGU) in the country.

She lauded the impressive contact tracing technique employed in the city and the implementation of contactless payment and strict health and safety protocols.

"Given these protocols in place, Baguio can anticipate reopening cautiously first to visitors from Region 1. Tourists will be regulated and monitored through the Baguio V.I.S.I.T.A.. Everyone is encouraged to pre-register and pre-book accommodations. Upon entry in Baguio, visitors are expected to go thru mandatory triage and the required testing protocols of either RT-PCR or antigen, once the guidelines are approved. The tour operator or hotel management shall closely monitor the movement of the tourist, and the city will limit the capacity of visitors depending on risk levels," Puyat explained. (DOT PR)

 

DOT hails Lonely Planet mention of 3 top PH dive sites

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan (Photo courtesy of Yvette Lee)

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the mention of multiple Philippine dive sites in the Lonely Planet's article entitled "6 national parks around the world with surprisingly spectacular diving".

"This citation from the largest travel guide book publisher, Lonely Planet, is positive news, something to be proud of especially for the tourism stakeholders of Tubbataha, Palawan, and Cebu," said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat in a press released issued Thursday.

Lonely Planet writer Angela Ballard said, "At the thousands of dive sites scattered throughout the Philippines, you'll be enchanted by the more than 1,200 macro and pelagic species that live in these waters".

"The incredible biodiversity of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan earned it the UNESCO World Heritage Site status," Ballard noted.

The Lonely Planet writer encouraged a visit to Palawan dive spots like Amos Rock, Washing Machine, and Black Rock to "experience 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 11 species of sharks and 13 species of dolphins and whales, along with manta rays, barracuda, nudibranchs, pipefish, and seahorses".

"This fortifies our status as one of the premier diving sites in the world, and very timely with the scheduled staging of the second edition of the Philippine Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2020," Puyat said. (DOT PR)

 

BTA condemns Jolo bombings; Bangsamoro Government to provide aid

Cotabato City —The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) approved Thursday, August 27, a resolution condemning the twin bombings last August 24 in heavily populated areas in downtown Jolo, Sulu.

Moreover, Member of Parliament (MP) Amir Mawallil, the proponent of Proposed Resolution No. 289, suggested that cash assistance can be immediately provided to the families of the bombing victims which accounted for 14 fatalities and injured at least 78 individuals, including government troops.

“An initial news report said that the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) will respond to those displaced, the victims, and the survivors of the recent bombing,” Mawallil said.

“Some of those who were affected and those who survived have the problem of how they’re going back to their livelihood, since some of them are selling on the streets when the incident happened,” Mawallil added.

The said resolution was authored by MPs Hatimil Hassan, Amir Mawallil, Eddie Alih, Abraham Burahan, Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Jose Lorena, Al-Syed Sali, Atty. Laisa Alamia, Atty. Nabil Tan, Adzfar Usman, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Rasul Ismael, and Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr.

“The entire parliament is one with this resolution condemning the twin bombing in downtown Jolo, Sulu,” MP Ziaur-Rahman Adiong stated, who was the Speaker of the Day during the said session.

In addition to the support from the MSSD, it can also be recalled that after the unfortunate explosions, the Bangsamoro Government facilitated to offer assistance for the medical expenses of the victims through the Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBAG) Program of the Office of the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, a resolution “expressing profound sympathy” to the late Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Dimasangcay Alangadi Pundato (Proposed Resolution No. 286) was approved during the said session.

The parliament also covered three committee reports, including the creation of the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (Committee Substitute Bill No. 52), an act institutionalizing policy for Bangsamoro overseas employment (Parliament Bill No. 36), and the special committee report on Marawi. (Bureau of Public Information)

 

Kabacan peace body backs probe on killing of 9 farmers

By John Andrew Tabugoc  

FOR AN IMPARTIAL PROBE. The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Kabacan, North Cotabato on Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2020) passes a resolution expressing support for the creation of an independent probe body on the killing of nine farmers in the area last August 29. The MPOC said an impartial investigation would clear all shrouded angles of the incident and would speed up the arrest of the perpetrators. (Photo courtesy of Kabacan MPOC)

KABACAN, North Cotabato – The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) here passed a resolution on Tuesday supporting the formation of an independent investigating body on the killing of nine farmers at a secluded portion of Barangay Poblacion over the weekend.

Mayor Herlo Guzman said the resolution intends to encourage the National Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and local police to proceed with their joint efforts to solve the controversial murder case soon.

On August 29, nine farmers on motorcycles were flagged down by their still unidentified assailants along a barangay road at the rear part of the University of Southern Mindanao here.

They were strafed with gunfire for no clear reason.

Eight of the farmers died on the spot, while the remaining victim died hours after being treated at a local hospital.

"The MPOC strongly condemns the incident that killed innocent lives, yet we are optimistic that this will be solved," Guzman said.

The North Cotabato provincial police office has already created a Special Investigation Task Group led by Col. Henry B. Villar, police provincial director, to look into the killing.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process have separately issued statements condemning the incident. (PNA)