Media workers now included in A4 vax priority group

 By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos 

 

(File photo)

MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the proposed sectors included in the A4 priority group for the vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, said the updated A4 category on the Covid-19 vaccination priority list was approved on Thursday.

Members of the media are now included in the A4 list, Roque said.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were also elevated from the B5 category to the A4 level.

The sectors belonging to the A4 group are:

-Commuter transport (land, air, and sea), including logistics;

-Public and private wet and dry market vendors;

-Frontline workers in groceries, supermarkets, delivery services;

-Workers in manufacturing for food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical products;

-Frontline workers in food retail, including food service delivery;

-Frontline workers in private and government financial services;

-Frontline workers in hotels and accommodation establishments;

-Priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders;

-Security guards/ personnel assigned in offices, agencies, and organizations identified in the list of priority industries/sectors;

-Frontline workers in private and government news media;

-Customer-facing personnel of telecoms, cable and internet service providers, electricity distribution and water distribution utilities;

-Frontline personnel in basic education and higher education institutions and agencies;

-OFWs, including those scheduled for deployment within two months;

-Frontline workers in law/justice, security, and social protection sectors;

-Front-line government workers engaged in the operations of the government transport system, quarantine inspection;

-Worker safety inspection and other Covid-19 response activities;

-Frontline government workers in charge of tax collection, assessment of businesses for incentives, election, national ID, data collection personnel;

-Diplomatic community and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel in consular operations; and

-the Department of Public Works and Highways personnel in charge of monitoring government infrastructure projects

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said members of the media are not included in the A4 list because they will be included in the B classification with other workers in society.

The Department of Health is developing detailed guidelines for the A4 category.

National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie Edillon on Monday said establishments, agencies, and organizations (EAOs) shall issue certificates of A4 eligibility to their employees who belong to the category.

Edillon said EAOs are also urged to provide logistics support, including transportation, to facilitate their workers’ inoculation.

EAOs, she added, are also encouraged to adopt a scheduling system for their workers, taking into consideration possible adverse reactions after vaccination which may result in workers taking time off from work. (PNA)

PH reaffirms 'strong commitment' vs. chemical weapons threats

 

COMMITMENT VS. CHEMICAL WEAPONS. Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya (left) reaffirms to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the Philippines’ strong commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, notably chemical weapons, on April 9, 2021. Malaya turned over the Philippine government’s contribution of USD15,000 or approximately PHP726,000 to the Trust Fund for a Center for Chemistry and Technology. (Photo courtesy of OPCW)

MANILA – Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya reaffirmed to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the Philippines’ strong commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, notably chemical weapons through a ceremonial signing and exchange of letters.

 Malaya turned over the Philippine government’s contribution of USD15,000 or approximately PHP726,000 to the Trust Fund for a Center for Chemistry and Technology on April 9.

“I commend the work of the OPCW and its vision to establish the ChemTech Centre, which aims to strengthen the Organisation’s capability against new and emerging chemical weapons threats and support capacity building among OPCW Member States,” Malaya said in a news release on Thursday.

Director-General Fernando Arias, representing OPCW, thanked the Philippine government and noted that “the Philippine contribution advances the establishment of the ChemTech Centre which will be a centerpiece for research, analysis, and training for all Member States”.

The Center is currently planned to become operational at the end of 2022.

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavor to permanently eliminate chemical weapons.

Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

Over 98 percent of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. (PR)

1st Iftar

 

A Family of fish vendor Mokamad Lembak 72 years old with his wife Noraisa  Luz lembak   together with their children eating their first meal of Iftar on Tuesday April 13 at Barangay Texing Cotabato City.

The annual long-month celebration of Ramadan  is to renew  their spiritual beliefs to complete the Five Pillars of prayers being a  Muslim believers.  (Photo by Mark Navales)

 

1 killed, and four BIFF members captured during Ramadan bust

 By: Mark Navales

Policemen inspect high powered weapons, explosive and ammunition, recovered from the hideout of suspected PRO-Islamic militants on Wednesday morning April 14, 2021 in Brgy. Butilen and Brgy. Sambulawan, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. The primary target of the raid, a BIFF bomb expert manage to escape but his companion was killed while his mother and wife were taken into custody at CIDG-BAR.MM (Mark Navales)

Cotabato City -- Authorities killed Marcos Manungal, a former village chief of nearby Datu Piang in Maguindanao allegedly involved in illegal drug trafficking and extortion and arrested four suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during the commencement of Ramadan last Wednesday, April 14 in a bloody encounter.

The four captured suspected militants were Mike Guipal Badrudin, Nadia Kero,

Arbaiya Bangkong Mustapha and Ali Ebrihim Ebrahim, including the mother and wife of Abu Naim while assorted firearms and homemade bombs were recovered from their hideout. (1) Shotgun SN. Deface, 4 live ammunition 12 gauge, 1 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) (4) magazine for BAR, 50 live ammunition .30 caliber, 35 N1 Garrand Clip, 9 Carbine Magazine,3 ammunition boxes and 1 green Magazine pouch.

Police Major Esmael Madin, chief of operation of Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said combined police and military Interagency Operation CIDG RFU BAR, RSOG PRO BAR, 6IB Philippine Army, IG, RIU15, EOD, Maguindanao Maritime Police Station, 1401ST RMFB14, 1ST PMFC Maguindanao PPO, PIU-Maguindanao PPO 1402ND RMFB14, 140T4H RFMB14 and Datu Salibo MPS.

were about to serve a search warrant around 5:30 a.m. in the village of Sambulawan, Datu Salibo town of Maguindanao Province against Jaybee Mastura, also known as Abu Naim, a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) implicated in series of bomb attacks in the region but the target and his companions resisted.

“The suspects who were inside the house sensed the presence of the operating troops and they opened fire. We retaliated and killed one of our companions,” Madin said, adding Abu Naim managed to escape.

“Naim was involved in various bombing activities in the region. He works as a bomb expert of BIFF under Toraife,” Madin stressed.

Confiscated items in the residence of Jaybee Mastura @Abu Naim are 2 Winchester M14 rifle

1 Elisco Baby M16, 1 caliber 45 pistol, 1 BRB423 Fragmentation grenade, 30 rounds 5.56 ammunition, 3 rounds .45 ammunition, 1 Magazine M14 Rifle, 1 Magazine M16 Rifle, 1Magazine .45 pistol, 1 magazine black pouch, 1 magazine pouch yellow and 1 samsung box A20

“Oplan Paglalansag Omega” and Oplan Salikop a joint Interagency Operation headed by CIDG operation chief P/Major Esmael Madin simultaneously implemented the SW Nr. 21-236 Violation of RA 10591against Marcos Manunggal signed by Hon. Allan Edwin P. Boncavil Acting Presiding Judge of 12th Judicial Region RTC Branch 19, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat dated April 6, 2021 and the second SW Nr. 21-238 violation of RA 9516 against Jaybee Mastura at Brgy. Butilen, Datu Salibo

Marcos Manunggal an ex Brgy. Chairman of Brgy. Tee, Datu Salibo Maguindanao, Datumanot Manunggal together with his eight (8 members they are responsible for the distribution of drugs in Maguindanao towns.

 Marcos Manungal,  killed  during the buy bust \operation

Notorious group in the area of Datu Salibo, Sharif Aguak, Mamasapano all of Maguindanao and Midsayap of North Cotabato, newly identified as the “Manunggal Group” (DI-Unlisted). Aside from Illegal Drug Trading they are also involved in Gun Running and Gun for Hire Activities. They are extorting money from different establishments and some habal-habal drivers in the area.

Jaybee Mastura @ Abu Naem/NAim was involved on various bombing activities in North and South Cotabato to Saranggani province; After the death of  Tokboy Maguid leader AKP he merged with the group of Abu Turaifie one of the BIFF leader; He became the SOG team leader and IED expert of the DI-Turaife Group; He was responsible on the IED explosion in a computer shop in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on September 2, 2018 which resulted in the death of 2 persons, two others in critical condition and 11 were wounded. 

The series of attacks occurred while millions of Filipino Muslims in the country, mostly concentrated in the Island of Mindanao, commenced their annual month-long fasting intended to bring them closer to God. Ramadan will end with Muslims celebration worldwide called Eid al-Fitr, an Arabic term which means "festival of breaking the fast".. (By: Mark Navales)

 

 

 

Duterte hopes Ramadan will bring peace, prosperity

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos  

(File photo)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte expressed hope on Tuesday that the holy month of Ramadan would bring peace and prosperity despite the pressing challenges the country is currently facing.

Duterte issued the message, as he joined the Muslim community in observing Ramadan amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“It is my hope that we can all move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as the blessings of Ramadan bring peace and prosperity to the entire nation,” he said in his Ramadan message.

The start of Ramadan, the holiest month for the Muslim faithful, falls on April 13.

For the entire month, Muslims fast and offer prayers every day from dawn to sunset.

Duterte hopes that fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, would remind everyone of the “value of sacrifice, obedience, and charity in our daily lives.”

“The entire nation joins our Muslim sisters and brothers as we commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammad,” he said. “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, may peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you all on the holy month of Ramadan.”

Duterte also called on Filipino Muslims to promote solidarity among all Filipinos by manifesting faith through action and by fostering peace, hope, and unity, as the country deals with “the most challenging of times.”

“Let us all come together and channel the spirit of Ramadan by helping those who are less fortunate and most in need,” Duterte said.

Time of contemplation, reflection

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, in a separate message, said the occasion calls for a “time of contemplation and reflection.”

Andanar said Ramadan serves as a solemn period for the Muslim community to revisit the revelations of Allah with renewed faith and commitment.

“May Allah’s holy teachings be a guiding light for our fellow Muslims towards leading a life of purity and clarity,” he said.

Andanar is also optimistic that Filipino Muslims would seek unity and peace for an “equitable and inclusive society.”

“May this also be a time to foster even further, unity, peace, and solidarity among our fellowmen especially at this time when we are enduring the impacts of Covid-19,” Andanar said.

Andanar also reminded the Muslim faithful to continue following the minimum health standards as they observe a “solemn, blessed, and safe” Ramadan. (PNA)

 

 

Hundreds of Ukay-Ukay seized in Pagadian City

 By: Mark Navales

Pagadian City – The  CIDG RFU9  operatives  seized 56 bales of assorted “Ukay-Ukay  loaded on board at Fuso Fighter Truck  colored white with plate number Cal 1897 at Barangay San Francisco at around 02.30 in the afternoon yesterday (April 12).

The said “ukay-Ukay has estimated market value of P200,000.00 according to operatives.

The operatives of CIDG-ZDS RFU9 together with PHPT9 in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, Zamboanga District Office arrested the suspects namely 1. Eldie Mangubat y Archival (Driver), 44 y/old, male and a resident of San Poblacion, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; 2. Jimmy Ardiente jr y Lacar (Truckman), 25years old, male and a resident of Poblacion, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; 3. Bernardo Delos Santos (At-large), 32 y/old, male and a resident of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; and 4. Aldy Pondar y Romayrat (At-large), 27 y/old, male andca resident of Barangay San Francisco, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur for violation of R.A. 4653 prohibiting the commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothing or rags.

Therefore, the following items were Fifteen bales (15) of comforter (Ukay-Ukay) with estimated market value of Php45,000.00 (Php3,000 per bale); 2. Sixteen bales (16) of blouse (Ukay-Ukay) with estimated market value of Php80,000.00 (Php5,000 per bale); 3. Twenthy Five bales (25) of Household Ramage (HHR) (Ukay-Ukay) with estimated market value of Php75,000.00 (Php3,000 per bale) and; 4. One (1) Fuso Fighter Truck Colored White with plate number CAL 1897.

Meanwhile the arrested persons and confiscated items were brought to CIDG ZDS PFU Office for documentation and proper disposition. (By: Mark Navales)

 

Message of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim on the observance of the Holy of Month of Ramadhan 1442H (2021)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmahtullahi Taala Wa Barakatuh.

On behalf of the Bangsamoro Government, I wish to extend my prayers and greetings to the entire Muslim Ummah especially those in our region as we welcome this year’s Ramadhan.

Considered as the holiest month in the Hijri calendar, Ramadhan is filled with historic and spiritual importance to the lives of every Muslim around the world. From the revelation of the Noble Qur’an to the virtues brought upon by fasting, Ramadhan is truly a time of reflection, discipline, and faith to the Almighty Allah.

Just like last year, we must observe Ramadhan differently than what we have been accustomed to because of the unprecedented global health crisis. Like most of you, I wish things were under better circumstances, but we have one common duty right now and that is to keep each other safe.

And as always, we trust the wisdom of the Almighty Allah and remain optimistic that things will be better.

As a people, I know that together, we can surpass the challenges that we face today. And of course, I pray that we become one in advancing our shared aspirations as one Bangsamoro – to rebuild our region, to live in peace and to pass on a better life to those who will follow.

To our Muslim brothers and sisters, May Allah accept your fast, prayers, alms giving and all your good deeds as the spirit and blessings of the holy month of Ramdhan be with you.

Ramadhan Al- Mubarak, wa kullo Aamin wa antom bi khair.

 

DFA walk-in office to remain closed until April 30

 By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

MANILA – The walk-in office for referrals of assistance-to-nationals (ATN) cases of the Department Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFA OUMWA) shall remain closed until April 30, the DFA said on Monday.

In an advisory, the DFA said the temporary suspension of operations comes after the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna.

“This is to allow our Covid-19-positive personnel to simultaneously isolate and work-from-home, and for DFA to avoid another wave of COVID-19 infections involving its staff,” the DFA said.

The walk-in office for referrals of ATN cases of the DFA OUMWA is located in Roberts Street, DFA Main Building in Pasay City.

While the office is closed, it said the ATN concerns will remain to be served through its hotline at 0999 980 2515 and through its Facebook page “OFW Help”—both available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The ATN office of the DFA OUMWA seeks to help Filipino nationals in distress all over the world.

These include helping prepare temporary travel documents, provision of assistance in social welfare and medical-related cases, criminal cases, immigration-related cases, locating whereabouts of missing Filipino nationals, assistance to Filipinos facing court cases, among others. (PNA)