Dengvaxia scare affects Zamboanga immunization program

ZAMBOANGA CITY --Local health officials here assured the public, especially the parents, that the vaccines they use in all the immunization programs are safe.

Dr. Dulce Amor Dagalea-Miravite, OIC city health officer, made the assurance as several parents are hesitant to allow their children to participate in any immunization program due to the Dengvaxia scare.

This, as a number of children from the Luzon area were reported to have died due to the bad side effects of Dengvaxia vaccine.

“The vaccines that we used are tried and tested. Hopefully, they will not be carried away by the Dengvaxia scare,” Miravite told the Philippine News Agency.

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, DOH assistant regional director, disclosed earlier that 60 percent of the parents of the public school children population to be dewormed did not grant consent due to the Dengvaxia-scare.

Miravite said the immunization program is aimed to protect the children from disease.

Among the vaccine preventable diseases being used in the expanded program for immunization include: 

Polio, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine; and, the five-in-one Pentavalent Vaccine, which protects the child from Dipteria, Pertusis, Tetanus, Hepa B, and HIB virus.

“What will happen if parents will not bring their children in the health centers for immunization, the children will not be protected and if there will be a case of measles, there will be immediate spread of the disease and if many will get the disease, the result will be an outbreak,” Miravite said.

She said they are monitoring all health centers to determine development in the immunization programs of the government. (PNA)

5 star engineer of Sulu never sleep

Feature:

Some people tag this engineer a " workaholic", others may  say he is very "dedicated and honest" in terms of duty or works as District Engineer of Sulu, 1st Engineering District.

This 24/7 engineer never sleep because he wants his works perfect even hampered by some lawless elements while implementing projects along the way, he never unshaken or afraid of.

Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul was very dedicated of his work because he wants his constituents to  uplift their living conditions and well-develop community soon  not a terroristic-community, said Hadjirul.

This engineer of Sulu was tag by more constituents here a "5-star engineer" in terms of development and efforts.

 He is just like a "super - hero" who saves their lives from the devil.

He is very enthusiastic person, the only thing he pursued - is to help the people.

Therefore, Engineer Abdulmunir I. Hadjirul was visited by more military officials in Sulu in order to give their respect and" Thank You messages"  in order to respond their requests as development-partner for Sulu.

Pata Officials and residents surrender firearms

PATA, Sulu -- As a result of JTF Sulu's campaign against loose firearms, twenty (20) additional high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition and magazines were voluntarily surrendered by the municipal officials and residents of Pata, Sulu at 10am today to Brig. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, Commander, JTF Sulu at the Headquarters of 31st Marine Company in Brgy. Simbangon of the said far-flung municipality.

The war materiel surrendered includes: four (4) M16 Rifles; one (1) M653 Baby Armalite Rifle; thirteen
(13) M1 Garand Rifles; one (1) Sig 7.62mm Rifle and, one (1) caliber .30 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR); 141 rounds of 5.56mm; 298 rounds of caliber .30; and, 61 rounds of 7.62mm rounds ammunition and a number of assorted magazines said military.

More loose firearms are expected to be surrendered to JTF Sulu as their effort to make Sulu a gunless province sooner.

Military  ensure that terrorism, criminality and clan wars (rido) will be lessened if not totally eradicated.

This efforts of Mayor Anton Burahan and other officials and residents of Pata, Sulu yo voluntarily surrendering their loose firearms because they want their municipality a gun-free and progressive.

The commendable action of a local chief executive and responsible citizens of Pata may serve as example for other government officials and residents here in the province of Sulu and the whole of Mindanao so that the road to peace is realized', said Brig. Gen. Cirilito E Sobejana. 

President Duterte stops purchase of helicopters from Canada

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, February 9, ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to cancel the deal with Canada to buy 16 helicopters.

In his press conference here, the President mentioned that Canada has said it would only sell the helicopters if it will be used for evacuation and emergency purposes.

“Kasi sabi nila, magpabili lang sila sa atin but only for evacuation and emergency, hindi natin pwede gamitin ‘yung para sa anti-insurgency, because if it is used against the Filipino rebels, hindi nila ibigay,” the President said.

“So this is my reaction: I want to tell the Armed Forces to cut the deal, ‘wag na ituloy and somehow we will look for another supplier,” he said.

During the Manila Times’ 7th Business Forum, Duterte said he respects the decision of the Canadian government.

“We respect the policy of the Canadian people, well and good, do not buy anything that has something to do with arms,” he said in his speech.

At the same time, he assured the Canadians that “we are friends, we do not hate you, we love Canadians because there are a lot of Filipinos there.”

In the same speech, Duterte defended Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, saying his right-hand man has nothing to do with the project to acquire the new frigates.

He noted that it was purely an issue between the military top brass and the Department of National Defense (DND).

He said there was a squabble between Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and former Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado, who wanted a different deal.

The purchase of frigates was approved during the time of the Aquino administration with former DND chief Voltaire Gazmin signing the contract.

The President wants Go to demand a public hearing in a Senate investigation and not an inquiry behind closed doors.

“Kaya nung sinabi nila na nag-intervene tapos tumawag, may Senate investigation. Sabi ko “Bong…” Kay sinabi sa kanya, “Sige lang, tutal Executive session,” he said.

“Sabi ko: ‘Yan ang huwag mong gawin, Bong. Demand an open and transparent public hearing. And demand how this came about, the original. Para makita and that it may be to their sorrow, lalabas talaga ‘yan diyan. Kung bakit nagku-compete silang dalawa, maglagay ng…
At huwag kang pumayag ng secret-secret meeting diyan. Harap-harapan,” he further said.

The President stressed that his administration is serious in fighting corruption, noting that commercial documents do not reach his desk.

“Kung ikaw Cabinet member, the Department of Highways, iyo ‘yan. Hindi ako makialam. Huwag mong ipadala sa akin for approval. Kasi noon, in the past, magdaan doon kasi ‘pag mga kasi — Si Medialdea walang pakialaman, hindi dumaan sa kanya ‘yan,”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct a preliminary investigation on the alleged acts associated to the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Go ahead and proceed in your investigation,” he said in a press conference here. “And your individual thinking says that it is a crime… But what is extrajudicial killing?”

The President noted that if he is accused of extrajudicial killing, the provision of extrajudicial killing “is not found anywhere.”

“So how can you now accuse me of a crime when the law says the treaties that we enter into forms our part of the law of our land,” he said.

“Our land says, the Philippine land republic says that before a penal statute for a punitive act can be a basis for prosecution, you have to publish it. 

Was there any publication? None. What is in the Revised Penal Code? Is there extrajudicial killing?” the President said.

Also during the press conference, the President declared that no country can bring the Philippines into trouble as long as he’s the President.

He also noted that Benham Rise or the Philippine Rise belongs to the Philippines.

“The Philippine Rise or the Benham Rise is ours… Benham Rise or the Philippine Rise belongs to the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“We will claim exclusive ownership of the economic zones,” he said. ### (PND)

Davao braces for flooding due to TS 'Basyang'

By Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and Disaster Monitoring Office are on alert as heavy rainfall in Northern Mindanao brought by Tropical Storm "Basyang" (international name Sanba).

As of Sunday night, all emergency response units have been alerted and on standby. Likewise, all flood-prone barangays have also been alerted by the city government.

The Davao City Information Office (CIO) reported Sunday night that Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon were experiencing heavy rainfall, raising alarm that rainwater could drain again towards the Davao City River systems.

To recall, Tropical Depression Urduja which hit northeastern Mindanao last December, brought heavy rains in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon causing Davao City’s river systems to overflow in many barangays.

Based on the latest report as of 5 a.m. Monday of state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), "Basyang" has slightly slowed down as it continues to track in a west northwest direction.

Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains is expected over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao. "Basyang" was last observed at 690 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

 It has maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Pagasa has advised residents of the affected areas to continue monitoring for updates, undertake 

precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides, and coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices.

Fisherfolk and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and of Mindanao due to expected rough to very rough seas associated with the approaching tropical storm.

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 is up over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, southern Leyte and Bohol. (PNA/Featured image courtesy of WeatherPhilippines)

President Duterte leads groundbreaking of new military camp in Marawi

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of a military camp at the Old City Hall in Marawi City on January 30, 2018. Joining the ceremony are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chairperson Eduardo del Rosario, and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO 

Marawi City — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, January 30, led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new military camp here that would protect the city from future attacks of Islamic terrorists.

Upon his arrival at Barangay Kapantaran, President Duterte was briefed about the project, which is expected to be completed in less than two years.

The Chief Executive then led the capsule laying for the construction of the new military facility that will be undertaken by the Philippine Army’s 54th Engineering Brigade.

The initial development of the site is the renovation of the old Marawi City Hall, converting it into a new Marawi military camp headquarters building.

Located on the top of the hill, the new camp would become a stronghold of the Philippine Army’s infantry units to prevent the re-entry of ISIS-backed groups here and to protect civilians from any security threats.

President Duterte recognized the bravery of soldiers and policemen who fought to liberate Marawi from the terrorist Maute group.

“I would also like to thank the brave men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, kasali na ‘yung — marami akong sundalo na Moro na namatay rin. I’ll salute them for their —katapangan nila to face terror and the police,” he said in his speech during the turnover of temporary shelter units in Barangay Sagonsongan here.

The President was accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, and Philippine Army’s Commanding General Major General Rolando Bautista. PND

Palace calls for probe into frigate deal issue

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. on Saturday, February 3, has called for an investigation into the multi-billion Navy frigate contract entered into by the previous administration with a Korean firm.

This is in connection with the statement of Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano saying that Hyundai Heavy Industries was banned to participate in state-led bids in South Korea due to the firm’s alleged bribery cases in other countries.

“Congressman Alejano, salamat po. Dahil sa iyong sinabi iimbestigahan na po natin yung inyong mga kakampi noong nakalipas na administrasyon,” the Palace spokesperson said in a Malacañang press briefing held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

“Kung totoo na blacklisted iyong binigyan nila ng kontrata, dapat managot iyong mga opisyales ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon at sabihin sa atin bakit naging ganoon ang kanilang naging desisyon,” Roque added, reiterating that the contract was already a done deal in the previous administration.

The Duterte administration, he said, merely performed a ministerial function in giving the Notice of Award to the winning bidder, pursuant to a provision of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform law.

Meanwhile, the Palace spokesperson praised Ilocos Norte for being chosen by giant international cruise liner Star Cruises as a cruise destination.

“The Super Virgo, one of its luxury liners, can accommodate up to 2,800 passengers and 1,100 crew members. We’re confident that we can surpass last year’s 99,147 foreign travelers in Region I,” Roque said, citing the Accommodation Establishment Data of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

He also assured that the government, through the DOT, would assist in the building of a world-class port facility in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

“Kung nagkaroon po tayo ng mas magandang puerto dito sa Currimao, we can expect more cruise liners to call on the Currimao port,” Roque added.

The Palace spokesperson, likewise, congratulated Ilocos for marking its 200th founding anniversary. He particularly noted the Broadway-like production of the Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival in Laoag.

“That is one of the best festivals that I’ve ever witnessed, bordering on probably the best,” Roque said.

‘Palace clarifies remarks on protesting UP students, plight of lumads’

In the same press briefing, Roque clarified the President’s remarks to kick out protesting students of the University of the Philippines (UP) and replace them with bright lumad students.

The Palace spokesperson said it didn’t mean the President wanted to curtail their freedom of expression.

“Malinaw po ang sabi ni Presidente, ang tinututulan niya iyong walkout sa klase. Hindi po niya sinusupil ang karapatan ng malayang pananalita at saka ng karapatan ng peaceful assembly, puwede pong gawin iyan ng mga estudyante, ang tinututulan niya iyong walkout!” Roque stressed.

As a former professor in UP, Roque recalled that in UP there was this so-called maximum absence rule that if a student breached the maximum 20 percent allowance, the student would be automatically “dropped from the rolls”.

“So ang sinasabi lang ng Presidente, huwag naman natin sayangin iyong mga pera ng sambayanan na ginugol natin para sa free tuition ng lahat ng State Universities and Colleges,” Roque explained.

Speaking of the lumads, Roque said that the statements made by the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, saying the government violated the rights of the lumads, was baseless.

“Lilinawin po namin, ang lahat po ng datos ay nagpapakita na ang nagsasamantala sa mga lumads ay NPA (New People’s Army). Sapilitan po silang ginagawang miyembro ng NPA. Ginagawang mga mandirigma at kawawang-kawawa po ang mga lumad,” Roque stressed.

He said the President understood very well the plight of those cultural minorities in Mindanao.

“(A)lam niya, na ang number one problema ng lumad ay kahirapan. Kaya naman sinabi niya baka mamaya papasukin natin nga iyong mga namumuhunan na magkaroon ng trabaho at mabawasan ang pagkagutom diyan sa mga Lumad communities,” Roque said.

“Kapag nagkaroon po ng mas malawakang mga trabaho diyan sa mga komunidad ng Lumads, mababawasan na rin iyong impluwensiya ng NPA. At sa ganoon po, hindi na sapilitan na kukunin ng mga NPA iyong mga Lumads at gagawing mga mandirigma,” he added.

Meanwhile, Roque gladly announced that the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed a record-low 6.1 percent victims of common crimes.

The annual average for property crimes was, likewise, at record-low at 5.6 percent, the lowest in 28 years, he added.

Roque underscored that this current public sentiment validates the success of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug and anti-crime campaigns.

“We vow to continue our efforts to maintain a crime-free community, and we extend our thanks to the community for their unrelenting support,” he assured. ###

ARMM Engineers continue to serve people in Sulu

These engineers of the ARMM  always gathered and developed more projects in order to give a good services in the region even if their lives are in danger.

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Loong (center) with District Engineer Abdulmunir Hadjirul of Sulu 1st Engineering District (2nd from right) , Engineer Ajan Ajijul (right), ADE, and other Engineers walked together to inspect and build more projects in Sulu regardless the danger or risk they encounter, nevertheless they continue to pursue their mission to help their constituents for good. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

Minor died after shot to death by unidentified riding in tandem in pagadian City

Zamboanga City  -  Police  reported about shooting incident transpired along Pulmones Corner Datoc Street, Purok Makabibihag Uno, Barangay Santa Lucia, Pagadian City at about 3:00 AM of February 4, 2018 wherein victim identified as Saidamen Lico Diamla, 13 years old, male, single, Alternative Learning System (ALS) student of Barangay Sta Lucia District And Resident Of Purok Makabibihag Uno, Barangay Santa Lucia, Pagadian City and he was shot by unidentified suspect.

Police  conducted investigation disclosed that  prior to the incident, the victim was just finished playing internet computer games and was on his way home going to his residence, when suddenly two (2) unidentified motorcycle riding in  tandem criminals chased the victim and the back rider/suspect disembarked from his single mc and shot the victim once.

The victim sustained gunshot wound on his left nipple and exit wound on the right side of his ribs that resulted to his instantaneous death.

Suspects fled to unknown direction onboard undetermined single MC.

Meanwhile PNP personnel of Provincial Crime Laboratory Office (PCLO) now conducted scene of the crime operation and was able to recover one (1) fired cartridge case of caliber 45 pistols. PNP personnel of Pagadian CPS conducted thorough investigation to possibly identify, locate and arrest the suspects.

The cadaver now lies at the house of her mother Sittie Diamla Y Lico located at Makabibihag Uno, Barangay Santa Lucia, Pagadian City. (posted by Becky D. de Asis)

Abu surrenders to Marines in Sulu

 Jolo, Sulu - A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the Marine troops in Sulu on Tuesday.

Abdul Maula Ismula yielded to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cabanlet of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 in Sulu at 9am of January 30)

“The Marine troops were conducting civil-military operations in Barangay Likod, Pata Island, Sulu when a certain Khadafy reported that Abu Sayyaf member Ismula wanted to surrender,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Ismula is associated with the group of Abu Sayyaf member Udon Hasim.

He is listed under the Periodic Status Report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a regular Abu Sayyaf member with two armed followers.

Ismula also turned over his M16 rifle to the Marine troops.

He is currently in the custody of the MBLT-1, Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu for medical examination and custodial debriefing.

The subject is a resident of Sitio Tubig Malaum, Barangay Niyog-Niyog, Pata Island.

“His surrender brings to 60 the total number of Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered in Sulu since January 1, 2017.

This manifests the changing landscape in the province as our ground troops sustain their combat and intelligence operations against the terrorists,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A total of 167 Abu Sayyaf members laid down their arms in the joint area of operations of the WestMinCom. Of this number, 72 surrendered in Basilan, 33 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

On January 29, Udat Mohammad Salam, 24, and Mustafa Salihin Ahajabi, 19, yielded to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the 101st Brigade, in Sulu.

“More Abu Sayyaf members are contemplating to surrender as the Joint Task Forces under this Command intensify their security operations, particularly isolating the reformables from the hardcore Abu Sayyaf members through community-based dialogues, community support programs, and diplomatic mentoring,” added Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

SC approves bar exams fee hike

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA -- To cover the expected hike in operational costs and other logistical expenses in the conduct of the Bar examinations, the Supreme Court (SC) has approved an increase in the examination and admission fees for this year’s Bar examinations.

The en banc notice signed by Clerk of Court Felipa Anama and Bar Confidant Ma. Cristina Layusa showed that Bar examinees would now have to pay PHP3, 750 from the previous PHP3, 500.

“The Court resolved upon the recommendation of Atty. Ma. Cristina Layusa, Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant, with recommending approval of Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, chairperson 2018 Bar Examinations, to approve the increase in the Bar examination and admission fees for the 2018 Bar examinations of PHP250 or equivalent to 7.14 percent,” the en banc notice promulgated last January 10 said.

“The above increase in fees will cover the expected increase in Bar operation costs, particularly the cost of the venue and other logistical expenses and allowances of personnel, concomitant to the expected rise of examinees this year,” it added.

In the 2017 Bar examinations, the SC allowed 7, 227 law graduates to take the exams though only 6,750 managed to complete the four Sundays of what is dubbed as the most grueling and difficult licensure examinations in the country today.

The Bar examinations which will be held on all four Sundays of November covers eight subjects namely political law, civil law, taxation, labor law, criminal law, remedial law, mercantile law and legal and judicial ethics.

The University of Sto. Tomas will remain as the venue of this year’s Bar examination.

It was held for several years at the De La Salle University campus in Taft, Manila but the SC decided to move it to UST after DLSU ended its contract due to several construction activities in their campus that year. (PNA)

Plane crashes off Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- An airplane crashed off the coast of Sitio Landing, Barangay New Agutaya in the northern Palawan town of San Vicente on Sunday afternoon.

The light aircraft which was chartered to transport live fish cargoes to Sangley Point, Cavite, had just taken off from the nearby San Vicente Airport when the accident happened around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

The pilots of the aircraft, identified as Malaysian national Harinalan Muniandy and British national Max Edward Harvey escaped the tragedy.

They were rescued around 10 meters from the Long Beach shoreline by a team of Rescue 165 first responders and elements of the Philippine Marines-Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12).

Lieutenant Colonel Bill Pasia, commanding officer of the MBLT-12, said the victims were immediately brought to the rural health unit (RHU) of San Vicente.

"The two pilots were saved and were immediately brought to the RHU for injury treatment. They suffered minor injuries but are now doing fine. I am still waiting for my men to send me the whole report," he said.

San Vicente is a first class municipality located 122.5 kilometers from Puerto Princesa City. (PNA)