DOTr urged to ensure safe, hassle-free travel during extended holiday

 By Leonel Abasola 

(Posted by:beckydeasis-theredlinenews-editor)

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to establish “seamless coordination” with other concerned agencies to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel for passengers on all forms of transportation ahead of the expected exodus of people from Metro Manila for the upcoming “Undas.”

In a statement, Gatchalian noted that more Filipinos are expected to travel to their provinces, or tourist spots, including foreign destinations, to take advantage of the extended holiday break due to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) leading to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“A concerted effort is needed to swiftly address and resolve any road and transport-related issues that may arise,” he said.

When it comes to air travel, he said it is imperative to implement robust security protocols and advanced detection technologies to enhance the safety of both passengers and airport personnel.

He said similar measures to enhance the safety and security of passengers using maritime transport systems should also be adopted, including continuous maintenance of boats and vessels, the presence of life-saving equipment, and well-trained crew members to ensure that no accidents will happen.

“As for land travel, the Toll Regulatory Board should address the usual vehicular bottlenecks during peak seasons. And to toll road users, please go for the Radio-frequency identification system for toll payment and pre-load your accounts for a smoother and more convenient travel experience,” Gatchalian said. (PNA)

 

3 dead, 3 injured on election campaign related violence in Cotabato City

 By: Mark Navales 

(Posted by beckydeasis-theredlinewseditor)

Cotabato City-- At least three people were killed, scores 3 wounded, and a dozen individuals were taken by police after violence between two political aspirants erupted Monday night in the Southern Philippine in the City of Cotabato.

 Election violence is nothing new in the Philippines wherein politician's rivalry still the main source of some incidents every campaign period more particular in some identified far-flung provinces in the country.

 The Barangay elections in the country will set on October 30. Lately Former President Rodrigo Duterte postponed the said aBrangay elections last year, citing the possibilities that drug traffickers or Drug Lords could be funded the election campaign of some candidates here.

 Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr.City Police Chief, told reporters that victims were identified as Nur-Moqtadin Butucan, Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasawiran, 21, and Mawie Kaunutan  at the barangay of Rosary Heights 12 shortly after 9:00 p.m. while hanging campaign posters and they suddenly attacked to death by unknown suspects as of press time.

Police added, the victims with their supporters will retaliate and returned gunfire against the perpetrators but they were outnumbered which resulted the death of Three (3) and leaving three others injured.

During the incidents, the police immediately conducted hot pursuit and clearing operations which resulted the captured of 12 suspects,” Manalang said.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao also added that he was vehemently surprised and got mad the incidents because he don't want of his peaceful, progressive and democratic city may disturb this kind of violence and put the city into a bad light.

Mayor added, “those who responsible of this tragic shooting incidents must know their responsibilities and actions because our authorities will give them an immediate legal actions and justice may serve. 

 On the other hand: A New York-based security risk and management agency reported hours before the shooting about 18 incidents of election-related violence have been recorded since October 20.

The firm advised foreigners residing in the Philippines to avoid rallies, party offices, polling stations, and Counting Centers, as a precaution.

“If clashes erupted nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe non-governmental building immediately," Crisis24 said in their advisory released on October 23.

 In 2018 village polls, police have recorded 25 people dead and 27 wounded in 47 recorded cases of violence.

Just over the weekend, 500 military personnel arrived in Maguindanao to help and maintain the peace and security Situitions upon holding the incoming Barangay-SK election.

Major General Alex Rillera of 6th Infantry Division Commander in Central Mindanao, emphasized that the deployment was a strategic movement to ensure the peaceful, secured to conduct of the incoming elections.

"This pro-active stance is aimed at safeguarding the electoral process, demonstrating the commitment of the government to upholding democracy and maintaining peace and order situitions of there area of responsibilities” Rillera said.

“This collaborative effort of the military, police, and other security forces signifies the government's unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe and fair electoral process," he added.

Meanwhile, Police said there are 35 incidents recorder of election related violence to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections have been recorded in the country as of press-time said national police spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo.

Last August 28, an incumbent village Chief of Albay, Alex Repato, who was seeking re-election, was shot by unknown perpetrators after filling his certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Election.

Days before that, village chairperson candidate Haron Dimalanis was shot to death also by two men in front of the town hall in Midsayap North Cotabato on August 20.

Last month, a village chieftain seeking re-election and a former Councilor were attacked and shot in hiscar in Zamboanga on September 3, While in Taal, Batangas last September 6 another re-electionist, Erasmo Hernandez, was gunned down.

“These cases manifest the rising numbers of election-related violence as the 2023 barangay and SK elections approach,” the Commission on Human Rights also said

“Continued occurrences of violence against electoral candidates undermines the electoral process and negatively impacts our democracy. The culture of fear it creates can impair the people's right to make free and empowered decisions,” the human rights body added.

Last year 2022, Authorities disbanded about 20 private armed groups working for politicians over concerns about potential poll-related violence.

Most of the disbanded armed groups were from an Autonomous Muslim region in the South, wherein of some members of gun-for-hire organizations are links to militant.

Accordingly, there were certain groups in the country that engaged a gun running business and it was known a long- culture businesses of some feuding clans in some tribal areas – rival political dynasties and among others.

 In 2016 general election, there were 50 people died more or less in election related violence recorded according to police statistics. Three years later, during the 2019 midterm election, 23 people were killed and 50 injured. (Mark Navales)

 

WHO yet to confirm 'sticky eyes' as symptom of Arcturus: DOH

 By Ma. Teresa (post by: Becky de Asis/theredlinenews)

MANILA – The World Health Organization (WHO) is yet to confirm “sticky eyes” or conjunctivitis as a symptom of the XBB.1.1.6 Omicron or Arcturus subvariant, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

“In general, Covid-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, and diarrhea, among others,” the DOH said in a Viber message to reporters.

Other symptoms may vary from case to case aside from the known flu-like symptoms, the DOH said.

“Studies are continuously ongoing of what effects the virus may entail. What is important is that cases remain manageable,” it said.

On Tuesday, the DOH logged the country’s first case of XBB.1.1.6 Omicron subvariant in its latest surveillance report.

The case is from Iloilo province and was asymptomatic and was already recovered.

Along with it, the DOH detected 85 additional variants of Covid-19.

Of the tally, about 39 were identified as XBB subvariant (14 were XBB.1.9.1, 13 were XBB.1.5, one was the XBB.1.16, the rest were other XBB sublineages).

Twenty-eight cases were identified as BA.2.3.20; 12 cases were BA.5, and three cases belonged to XBC.

The remaining cases belonged to “other Omicron sublineages.”

The XBB subvariant remains the most dominant strain nationwide with 1,861 cases recorded to date. It is followed by the XBC with a total of 764 cases.

The DOH advised the public to consult a physician or to head to the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis of symptoms.

“To help prevent further transmission of Covid-19, continue observing proper sanitation, masking, distancing, and good ventilation. Further, vaccination remains to be the best defense against severe Covid-19,” it said. (PNA)

 

BTA holds simultaneous public consultations on Bangsamoro Local Governance Code in Maguindanao

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(theredlinenews/beckydeasis-published)

MAGUINDANAO ― In an effort to involve all constituencies in the Bangsamoro region, the Bangsamoro Parliament's Committee on Local Government held simultaneous public consultations in Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte on the proposed Local Governance Code.

"The consultation will help us in the Parliament enhance the proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code," said Deputy Floor Leader and Committee on Local Government Chair Atty. Raissa Jajurie on the consultations conducted in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur, and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte today, January 20.

Hundreds of stakeholders from provincial, municipal, and barangay local government units, non-government organizations, and civil society groups attended the consultations.

Among the prevalent concerns raised were the educational attainment and qualifications of running elective officials and anti-political dynasties.

The BLGC introduced qualifications and disqualifications for elective officials based on the proposed code.

According to BTA Bill No. 30, all elective officials for the province, city, and municipality must have reached at least college level; the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan chair must have reached junior high school; and Sangguniang Kabataan members must have reached elementary level.

The code applies to all constituent provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and other political subdivisions, as well as officials, offices, or agencies of the Bangsamoro government. It will provide a clear direction between the local government units and the Bangsamoro government.

The Bangsamoro Local Government Code was introduced in the first Parliament as the Bangsamoro Local Government Code, but it was later renamed "Bangsamoro Local Governance Code" to highlight citizen participation.
 
Atty. Jajurie also emphasized the importance of passing the BLGC, which establishes the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the constituent local government units, noting that, unlike other regions in the country, the BARMM has its own government.

The BLGC is among the priority codes the Bangsamoro Transition Authority must enact during the transition period.

Atty. Jajurie said that the Parliament aims to pass the proposed code within the first quarter of the year.

The committee will hold another round of public consultations in Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, and the BARMM Special Geographic Area in February.

The first leg of public consultations for the BLGC was held in the region’s island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in December last year. (Press Release)

 

More infra projects to be built for indigenous communities in BARMM

(PublishedbyThe RedlineNews/BeckydeAsis)

COTABATO CITY – Through the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA), eight infrastructure projects are underway for indigenous communities in Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte.

 
The infra projects, amounting to a total ofPhp61.9-million, was funded under the 2021 Special Development Fund (SDF). These included:
 
1.           Tribal hall at Brgy. Pura in Datu Odin Sinsuat;
2.           Tribal Hall at Brgy. Bugabungan in Upi;
3.           Tribal Hall at Brgy. Ranao Pilayan in Upi;
4.           Tribal Hall at Brgy. Looy in South Upi;
5.           Water system level II at Brgy. Kinitaan in Upi;
6.           Water system level II at Brgy. Kabinge in Datu Saudi Ampatuan;
7.           Indigenous Peoples Peace Hall at Brgy. Talisawa in Datu Abdullah Sangki; and
8.           50 units core shelters at Brgy. Limpongo in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan.
 
MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama, who led the groundbreaking ceremonies on Jan. 12, 13, and 17, ensured that the ministry will continue to provide quality services and protect the welfare of every indigenous people in the Bangsamoro region.

For instance, he said the tribal halls are important as it will serve as a venue for the IPs to gather during important occasions such as tribal meetings, wedding, and rituals, among others. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO with reports from MIPA)

 

Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum strengthens ties between the national and Bangsamoro government

COTABATO CITY — "The Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum serves as a confidence-building instrument and, in the process, a venue for the fruition of a unified strategy for Philippine governance," said Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong in a historic forum of the Parliament and the Philippine Congress.

As part of efforts to forge closer relations between the national and Bangsamoro government, the Parliament and the Philippine Congress convened for the first time in a joint legislative forum in Manila.

Speaker Balindong said that the PCBPF will also serve as the main instrument for addressing concerns and issues in the Bangsamoro.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, there should be a PCBCF for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives involving both the regional and national government.

The PCBPF, according to the Senate, is imperative to facilitate legislative measures and initiatives concerning the Bangsamoro government and its people.

The Forum also serves as the coordinating unit for the two legislative bodies, resolving potential issues and affecting the implementation of provisions of the BOL, as well as closely monitoring and overseeing bills filed in Congress affecting the Bangsamoro government.

Several key legislative measures for the region were discussed, including priority codes that need to be passed; laws enacted to upgrade hospitals in the different areas of the Bangsamoro region; the possibility of extending the deadline for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members who wish to apply for amnesty; qualification of Shari’ah circuit court judges; and future plans for the continued cooperation of the Philippine Congress and the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that the establishment of BARMM is a "historic win for the whole country."

To have continued cooperation and address the issues and concerns discussed in the forum, PCBPF will create a technical working group.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez said this will be the beginning of a strong, inclusive, and productive partnership between the Philippine Congress and the Bangsamoro Parliament in uplifting the lives of our Bangsamoro people.

Meanwhile, Senate President Miguel Zubiri called for the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, while expressing full support for the PCBFP.

"To enable the smooth and efficient delivery of government services, serve the people, we have to work hard on this particular electoral code because we don't think we can extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the people would like to vote for the representatives and members they want to," said Senate President Zubiri.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim vowed for the passage of the two priority codes within the first quarter of 2023.

Chief Minister Ebrahim, Speaker Balindong, BTA deputy speakers, deputy leaders, and several Members of the Parliament; House Speaker Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; OPAPRU Secretary Galvez; PCBPF members Senator Loren Legarda, Francis Tolentino, and Robin Padilla; House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe; House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Joey Salceda; Representatives Rex Gatchalian, Yasser Balindong, Mercedes Alvarez, and Maximo Dalog Jr. were present during the meeting. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

 

 

PBBM to sign EO creating 'green lane' for strategic investments

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos 

GREEN LANE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and other officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022). During the meeting, Marcos approved the DTI's proposal to issue an executive order establishing a "green lane" for strategic investments. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to sign an executive order (EO) seeking the creation of "green lane" for strategic investments, Malacañang announced Tuesday.

This, developed after Marcos convened a meeting with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and other officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace in Manila.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be signing an Executive Order to promote ease of doing business in the Philippines and make it competitive with other Southeast Asian nations in terms of attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs)," Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), said in a statement.

"The EO will mandate concerned offices to establish a Green Lane to expedite and streamline the process and requirements for the issuance of permits and licenses, including resolutions of issues concerning strategic investments," she added.

During the meeting, the DTI presented to Marcos the proposed EO after identifying the barrier across multiple regulatory agencies that hamper the smooth entry of FDIs in the country.

Marcos backed the proposal, as he acknowledged that setting up a "green lane" is a "big help" for firms.

“Malaking bagay ‘yun (That's a big help). That will address immediately ‘yung tinatawag na ease of doing business na laging nirereklamo sa atin (the challenges on implementing the ease of doing business in the country),” Marcos, as quoted by the OPS, told DTI officials during the meeting.

The proposed "green lane" policy, Marcos said, would enable the government to change the "extraneous" and "obsolete" procedures.

Strategic investments

Garafil said the proposed EO will cover all national government agencies (NGAs) and their regional and provincial offices, local government units (LGUs) and quasi-judicial bodies involved in issuing permits and licenses necessary for establishing strategic investments in the country.

The strategic investments include "projects of national significance, highly desirable projects endorsed by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and FDIs endorsed by the Inter-Agency Investments Promotion Coordination Committee (IAIPCC) or priority projects or activities under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which are considered as projects of national significance or highly desirable that may be endorsed by the Board of Investments (BOI) of the concerned Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)."

"The EO mandates NGAs and LGUs to act on a permit or license application not longer than three working days in the case of a simple transaction, seven working days in the case of complex transactions, and 20 working days for highly technical transactions from the date of receipt," she said.

Garafil said a technical working group headed by the DTI’s BOI will be in charge of implementing the EO.

She said a BOI-Investment Assistance Service (BOI-IAS) will become the single point of entry of investment availing of the green lane services endorsed as nationally significant or highly desirable projects.

"Non-compliance with the EO’s provisions will be a ground for administrative and disciplinary sanctions against any erring public officer or employee, as provided under existing laws and regulations," Garafil said.

'More conducive' to business opportunities

The proposed green lane is vital in fulfilling the Marcos administration's goal of making the Philippines "more conducive" to business opportunities, the Office of the President said in a separate Facebook post.

During the meeting, Pascual sought the issuance of an executive order (EO) which allows the creation of a green lane for firms to hasten the processing of their applications for permits and other needed documents.

"DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual presents the proposed creation of an Executive Order (EO) on the provision of guidelines in expediting the process and issuance of permits and licenses for the implementation of strategic investments in the Philippines, and creation of Green Lane," the RTVM said.

"This concerns national government agencies (NGAs), including their regional and provincial offices when applicable, local government units (LGUs) and quasi-judicial bodies," it added. (PNA)

 

Marine, bizman killed, driver hurt in Zambo shootings

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. 

SHOOTINGS. Policemen sift through the crime scene where motorcycle-riding gunmen shot a Marine officer on Monday (Nov. 28, 2022) in Barangay San Jose Cawa-Cawa, Zamboanga City. The incident was one of two separate shooting incidents that transpired Monday in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Regino Delos Santos)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Marine officer and a businessman were killed while a driver was wounded in separate shooting incidents in this city, a top police official said Tuesday.

The police identified the fatalities as 36-year-old Marine Sgt. Antonieto Doc-Doc, and 60-year-old businessman Benjamin Usman.  

Police withheld the identity of the wounded public utility tricycle driver.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, city police director, said Doc-Doc was shot by motorcycle-riding in tandem gunmen around 1:40 p.m. Monday along San Jose Road, Barangay San Jose-Cawa-Cawa.

He said investigation showed the victim rode a tricycle from Barangay Canelar going to a food chain branch in Barangay San Jose-Cawa-Cawa when his assailants tailed and shot him.

He said the suspects sped towards the city proper while the victim, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Doc-Doc died around 4:10 p.m. on the same day based on the attending doctor’s declaration.

Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells and three deformed slugs from a .45-caliber pistol.

Also on Monday, Musa was shot dead by assailants onboard a motorbike around 9:45 a.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Talisayan.

Lorenzo said Musa was about to get off the tricycle in front of his home when the attack occurred.

The driver was hit by a stray bullet and was admitted to a hospital.

Recovered from the crime scene were three empty shells and a deformed slug of a .45-caliber pistol.

Lorenzo said they have yet to determine the motive behind the two shooting incidents. (PNA)

Nat’l surfing tourney in Borongan City promotes gender equality

 By Roel Amazona 

SURF'S UP. Borongan City Mayor Dayan Agda breaks a surfboard to signal the formal opening of the 3rd leg of the Philippine National Surfing Championship held in the city, the provincial capital of Northern Samar. This is the first time in the history of surfing competition that the male and female categories have the same cash prizes, said Surf in the City Chairperson Rupert Ambil on Monday (Nov. 28, 2022). (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

BORONGAN CITY – The local government of Borongan City in Eastern Samar province ensures the promotion of gender equality as it hosts the 3rd leg of the Philippine National Surfing Championship this week.

This is the first time in the history of surfing competition that the male and female categories have the same cash prizes, said Surf in the City chairperson Rupert Ambil on Monday.

Providing equal cash prizes for both male and female athletes implies that the city recognizes the ability and talent of both gender and even members of the LGBTQ, Ambil added.

“If you can’t explain why the prize money for men is higher than for women, then there’s something fundamentally wrong there. Here in Borongan, we believe in the strength of all genders. It’s a statement from all of us, not only as a surfing community but as representatives of Borongan City, Eastern Samar,” Ambil said.

Officials of the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA) lauded the city government for promoting gender equality in hosting professional surfing championship tournaments.

Philippine National Surfing Team head coach John Carby said providing equality between male and female surfers is within the current roadmap of UPSA and they are lauding the city government of Borongan for leading voluntarily.

Carby said equality between genders in sports is a hotly debated topic, which is why UPSA made a requirement that all categories in surfing competitions sanctioned by their organization must have counterpart categories in both sexes.

Being a male-dominated sport, Carby added that UPSA started to provide better opportunities to female by including more women courses in their judging program.

“We appreciate the initiative and looking forward to put it in our practices for other regions, not to just copy. We hope to copy on their own, but eventually we will also be imposing equal opportunities. This is a roadmap that we want to see it done in a voluntary level in a particular region. We sit down, we clap them, and we raise our hats to the initiatives,” Carby said during a press briefing here.

Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the main goal of the local government is to institutionalize this sporting event that has put the city and the province of Eastern Samar as a destination for surfing enthusiasts in the country.

Borongan has been hosting the national surfing competition for three years now intending to produce local surf champions.

At present, the more than PHP2 million budget for the sporting competition is shouldered by the city and the provincial government, they hope that in the future hosting of the event, private sector will come in to sponsor the competition, Agda said.

Around 250 surfers from all over the country are now in Borongan City for the National Surfing Championship to start Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2022.

These surfers are from the provinces of Siargao, L Union, Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Aurora, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Zambales, Camarines Norte, Leyte, and Northern Samar.

Borongan's surfing event is dubbed Surf in the City, because the competition is held along the surfing spot on Baybay Boulevard located within the city proper.

The event gathers the best surfers from all over the country as they compete for the third leg of a national surfing competition sanctioned by UPSA, the national sports body for surfing in the country.

The first leg of the competition was held in Siargao while the second was in Baler, Aurora. (PNA)

 

National, Bangsamoro lawmakers join forces to bolster peace, development in BARMM

COTABATO CITY—The national and Bangsamoro lawmakers joined forces, following the conduct of the first Organization Meeting for the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF) held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in Pasay City, to discuss ways of bolstering development and sustaining the gains of peace in the Bangsamoro region. 

The meeting, led by Inter-governmental Relations Body (IGRB) co-chairs, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and BARMM Minister Mohagher Iqbal, aimed to constitute the forum and discuss legislation that concerns Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

DBM Secretary Pangandaman shared that “the establishment of BARMM is a historic win for the whole country, and achieving lasting peace and sustained socio-economic development in the region is a common aspiration for the Filipino people.”

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez led the forum discussions which served as an avenue to update on the status of the priority codes, including the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, Bangsamoro Local Government Code, Bangsamoro Revenue Code, and the Bangsamoro Law for Indigenous Peoples (IP), among other important legislative agenda.

Bangsamoro Parliament Member Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba emphasized that the PCBPF is one of the Inter-Governmental Relation (IGR) Mechanisms to meet and discuss the legislative initiatives that will affect the Bangsamoro region that was created for purposes of cooperation and coordination between the two (2) legislative bodies, as required under Section 3, Art. 16 of Republic Act (RA) 11054 otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). 

"The meat of discussions yesterday was solely for the interest and well-being of the general public [especially in the Bangsamoro region]," MP Alba, who is also the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) Floor Leader, said.

Alba further stressed that the PCBPF agrees to create several TWGs to study the matters raised, facilitate discussions and come up with recommendations to the Forum. The PCBPF is scheduled to meet every two (2) months.

Meanwhile, Senator Zubiri, who is a fervent advocate of peace in Mindanao and the principal author of the BOL, thanked in a Facebook post the House of Representatives and the BARMM Government for participating in the forum.

“Maraming salamat po kina Speaker Martin Romualdez, Speaker Pangalian Balindong, at lahat ng mga kasama nating mambabatas mula sa Senado, Kamara, at Bangsamoro Parliament! At salamat din kina Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Sec. Amenah Pangandaman, Sec. Carlito Galvez, at Minister Mohagher Iqbal na nakasama rin natin sa forum,” Zubiri wrote. 

“Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating pagtutulungan, para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-asenso ng BARMM,” he added. 

Tuesday’s meeting was also attended by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong, MPs Jose Lorena, Raissa Jajurie, Eduard Guerra, Ubaida Pacasem, Omar Yasser Sema, Abdulkarim Misuari, Lanang Ali Jr., Marjanie Macasalong, Senators Loren Legarda and Robinhood Padilla, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Representatives Rex Gatchalian, Yasser Alonto Balindong, Joey Salceda, and Maximo Dalog, Jr. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)

 

PBBM urges APEC leaders to advance climate change cooperation

 By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Repost By Becky D. de Asis/The Redline News Editor

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE.  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks at the Retreat Session of the 29th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday (Nov. 18, 2022). Marcos called on his fellow Asia-Pacific leaders to step up their cooperation to address the worst impacts of climate change in the region. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on his fellow Asia-Pacific leaders to step up their cooperation to address the worst impacts of climate change in the region.

During his intervention at the Retreat Session of the 29th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Marcos said the 21-member bloc must work together, as "increased interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and economies brought about by globalization has led to the progressive world we live in today."

Marcos said the effects of globalization on the environment have become "more acute," requiring a "strong, immediate and coordinated international action."

"The world currently faces the greatest environmental challenges of all time -- that it continues to pose threats to the planet, and that is one existential element that we all have to deal with," Marcos said.

"How economies respond is critical in determining the fate of the planet we live on and will pass on to our future generations," he added.

To ensure "inclusive and sustainable" growth amid an apparent downturn of the world economy and risks of recessions, Marcos said APEC leaders must work together towards achieving "economic and social stability" that is aligned with the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040.

Marcos was referring to the APEC members' vision of an "open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful" Asia-Pacific community by 2040.

He made the call, as he expressed the Philippines' readiness to advance its cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region to combat the climate crisis.

"As one of the economies at greatest risk from the climate crisis, the Philippines is committed to advancing these cooperative solutions," Marcos said, noting that various international climate pacts, including the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, are already being implemented in the country.

Marcos added that the Philippines has already ratified several multilateral and bilateral agreements aimed at protecting the environment.

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Bangkok on Thursday, Marcos said APEC member economies should beef up efforts to counter the effects of several global challenges, including the climate crisis. (PNA)

 

 

 

  

 

F

Bravery of 5 Bulacan rescuers lives on: Marcos

 By Azer Parrocha 

HEROES. The five rescuers who perished in the line of duty in Bulacan. Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended prayers to their families and vowed to remember their courage and bravery. (Photo from Sen. Joel Villanueva's social media page)

MANILA – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night paid tribute to the five rescue workers who died in the line of duty in Bulacan province during the onslaught of Typhoon Karding (Noru).

“I am deeply saddened to hear that we lost five good men to Typhoon Karding yesterday [Monday],” Marcos said in his official Facebook account.

He also extended prayers to their families and vowed to remember their courage and bravery.

“Our prayers go to the families of George Agustin, Troy Justin Agustin, Marby Bartolome, Narciso Calayag Jr., and Jerson Resurreccion. Their courage and bravery will live on in our memory,” he added.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, in a separate Facebook post, also honored the five rescuers for their "heroic" sacrifices and extended sympathy to the families, friends, and colleagues.

“Hindi matatawaran ang kanilang ipinakitang sakripisyo na kahit sariling buhay nila ay handang ialay para masagip ang ilan nating mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong. Ang buong bansa ay nagbibigay-pugay sa kanilang kabayanihan (The sacrifice they have shown is priceless, they were ready to risk their own lives to save some of our countrymen who need help. The whole country pays tribute to their heroism),” she said.

On Monday, the provincial government of Bulacan also honored the rescue personnel of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Bulacan and dubbed them as heroes.

“Sa ngalan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan at ng ating mga kababayan, ang inyong abang lingkod ay lubos na nakikiramay sa mga pamilyang naulila ng ating mga magigiting na rescue workers na nasawi habang tumutupad ng tungkuling mailigtas ang ating mga kababayan sa gitna ng hagupit ng bagyong Karding (In the name of Bulacan provincial government and our fellow Bulacan natives, I am sending my condolences to the families of our gallant rescue workers, who died while in the line of duty to save people during the onslaught of Typhoon Karding),” said Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando on Facebook.

“Sila ay kumakatawan sa lahat ng pinakamabubuting katangian ng tunay na Bulakenyo. Ang kaligtasan ng publiko ay higit sa isang trabaho lamang…ito ay isang panawagan ng paglilingkod (They embody the best qualities of true Bulacan natives. Public safety is more than just a job, it’s a call to serve),” he added.

The provincial government has also assured families of the victims of help to defray the costs of the burial as well as the immediate release of their insurance benefits.

Earlier, Bulacan 6th district Representative Salvador Pleyto Sr. filed a resolution expressing the “profound sympathy and sincerest condolences” of the House of Representatives over the death of the five rescuers.

Senators have also paid tribute to the five rescuers in separate resolutions filed by Senators Lito Lapid, Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla Jr., and Joel Villanueva.

Bulacan, Quezon, and Nueva Ecija provinces were among the areas hardest hit by the typhoon which brought heavy rains and winds.

Local authorities said the five rescue workers died after a flash flood swept them while in San Miguel town in Bulacan.

The bodies of the rescuers were later retrieved in the town. (PNA)

 

Countdown to Masskara Festival set midnight of Sept. 30

 By Nanette Guadalquiver 

 

FESTIVAL SPONSORS. Masskara Festival director Pinky Mirano-Ocampo (center) with executives of San Miguel Brewery Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Megaworld Corp., and AB Leisure Exponent Inc.’s Bingo Plus, major sponsors of the 43rd Masskara Festival, after the signing of the sponsorship deals at Scarborough Seafoods restaurant in Bacolod City on Tuesday (Sept. 27, 2022). Mirano-Ocampo said it is "all systems go” for the three-week festivities. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – City officials and residents here will usher in the staging of the 43rd Masskara Festival during the countdown at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds at midnight of Sept. 30.

This year’s edition of the world-renowned “festival of many faces” is poised to be the grandest in the “City of Smiles” as it returns two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s all systems go,” festival director Pinky Mirano-Ocampo said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ahead of the official opening on Oct. 1, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc., headed by Mirano-Ocampo, forged agreements on Tuesday with San Miguel Brewery Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Megaworld Corp., and AB Leisure Exponent Inc.’s Bingo Plus, the major sponsors of the three-week festival, which will run until Oct. 23.

She said they have also tapped minor sponsors to meet the needed funding for the entire festivity expected to draw at least 200,000 revelers.

The city government has also provided financial assistance to the barangays participating in the street and arena dance competition as well as in the Electric Masskara float parade and dance-off contest, she added.

Mirano-Ocampo said they have started to set up the food and exhibit stalls in both the Government Center and the Bacolod Public Plaza.

Aside from these two areas, the Masskara Festival 2022 sites also include the Baywalk at the Reclamation Area, Megaworld’s The Upper East, Lacson Strip, SMX Convention Center, Paglaum Stadium, Panaad Park and Stadium, and the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Mirano-Ocampo said their team is coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the safety and security of revelers.

“Since we are still in a pandemic, we encourage everyone to take heed of the health protocols by using face masks, at the very least, in enclosed spaces and very crowded places,” she added.

The Masskara Festival 2022 is themed “Balik Yuhum”, which translates to smile again or bring back the smile, a reference to Bacolod’s tagline as the “City of Smiles”. (PNA)

 

4 Bangsamoro lawmakers file bills reorganizing, creating, renaming BARMM ministries

 COTABATO CITY — Several Bangsamoro lawmakers filed bills that would reorganize, create, and rename ministries in the region.

Proposed measures introduced on first reading on Tuesday, September 26, include reorganizing the Ministries of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) as well as creating the Ministries of Technical Education and Skills Development;  Energy; Tourism; Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Agrarian Reform; and Bangsamoro Commission on Higher Education.
 
It was filed by MPs Amilbahar Mawallil, Laisa Alamia, Rasol Mitmug Jr., and Suharto Ambolodto.
 
Co-authors of the bills are MPs Baintan Ampatuan, Don Mustapha Loong, and Rasul Ismael.
 
Parliament Bill (PB) No. 18 seeks to structurally and functionally reorganize the MBHTE.
 
Under the proposed measure, a Ministry of Education will be created to better serve the region's basic education sector.
 
With the proposed measure on the reorganization of MBHTE, a Ministry of Technical Education and Skills Development will be created under PB No. 17 that will provide policy direction for technical education and skills training.
 
The Bangsamoro Commission on Higher Education, a separate and independent regional commission focusing on higher education, is also proposed in PB No. 16.
 
Another proposed bill seeks to reorganize MAFAR to focus on the specific needs of the agricultural sector.
 
"The reorganization and creation of a separate ministry will institutionalize a workforce that is solely dedicated to the management of the region’s agricultural resources," said MP Mawallil.
 
Under PB No. 15, MAFAR will be renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture.
 
PB No. 11 seeks to create the Ministry of Agrarian Reform, a principal agency mandated to assist the Bangsamoro government in the implementation of the agrarian reform law, programs, and projects.
 
While PB No. 12 proposes to establish a Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which will serve as the lead agency in charge of the rational and sustainable development, improvement, management, protection, and conservation of the Bangsamoro region's fisheries and aquatic resources.
 
Measures which seek to create Ministries of Energy and Tourism were also filed.
 
The Ministry of Energy, as proposed under PB No. 14, is an entity that will prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise, and control all plans, programs, projects, and activities of the Bangsamoro government related to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution, and conservation.
 
PB No. 13 seeks to create a Ministry of Tourism, responsible for encouraging, promoting, and developing tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate revenues and employment.
 
Meanwhile, said lawmakers also filed bills that would constitute the Bangsamoro Electoral Code and protect the rights of internally displaced persons of the Bangsamoro region. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

 

 

Kin of Murdered Couple See Hope, Fear Reprisals

One of the relatives pointed to the abandoned residence of the Ligawan family where the couple's tomb was buried inside their residence compound in Sinakulay, President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat. (Photo by Mark Navales)

Sultan Kudarat – After more than a decade of waiting in silence, the relatives of the victims are finally seeing a glimpse of justice and are relieved from pain but fears of possible retaliation remained after authorities arrested on September 14, 2022, in Davao City. One of the alleged suspects in a double murder case belonged to an influential clan in Maguindanao.

Last week, policemen detained Khadafe “Toy” Mangudadatu, the mayor of Pandag, Maguindanao, while inside a hotel in Davao City over his alleged involvement in the killing of couple Abdullah and Lala Ligawan on Oct. 17, 2010 in the village of Sinakulay here.

Judge Samina Sampaco Macabando Usman of the Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat Regional Trial Court Branch 20 issued the arrest warrant for two counts of murder against Khadafe, Police are also hunting three other suspects – Zajid Mangudadatu, Tunggal Usop and Mamayang Amino – in connection to the murder charges who signed the arrest warrant on September 9, recommended no bail for Mangudadatu and all the accused.

In an exclusive interview, one of the brothers of the victims expressed his gratitude and conveyed his reaction on Saturday, September 17, alias Redman, said they were thankful to Allah for hearing their prayers when the arrest of Toy Mangudadatu came out.

“I’ve waited for several years for this moment to happen. The karma hit them. I am very happy that someone will now pay for what happened,” he said.

“I am not afraid. I just wanted the truth to come out,” he added, citing possible incidents that may happen in connection with the case.

Accordingly, after the killing happened, Ligawan said his brother’s five children have been separated from each other and abandoned their house in the village of Sinakulay.

 “The case dragged on for 12 years. We were not noticed before because we just came from an ordinary family. Now, Masayang masaya na kami, nahuli na ang may kasalanan, managot ang dapat managot.” he said.

In a separate interview, another relative named Bai of late Lala, said while they welcomed the development she worried for their safety.

“I am happy that justice was served. I am giving everything to Allah,” she said.   

We tried to get the side of the Mangudadatu’s over the issue but there was no response. Earlier, the family had claimed that the murder was politically motivated and instigated by the camp of former Sultan Kudarat Gov. Teng Mangudadatu whose wife Bai Mariam is the incumbent governor of Maguindanao.

Police Lt.Col. Bernard Lao, regional director of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters the mayor of Pandag have long been under surveillance before he was cornered at the Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on September 10.

Lao assured the public there will be no special treatment for the mayor who is facing

non-bailable charges.

“The pronouncement earlier that he surrendered, well that’s their claim. But he should have turned himself into authorities at the police station,” he said.

Mangudadatu was rushed to hospital following his arrest, complaining of chest pains and difficulty in breathing. But the results of the series of medical tests were all normal, according to Capt. Richard Ebero, medical officer of the Medical officer ng Regional Medical and Dental Unit Region 11.

The Mangudadatu family was known globally following an incident year’s back the Maguindanao massacre, which was considered the worst political violence in the country.

Start of in-person classes ‘peaceful, orderly’: DepEd

 By Stephanie Sevillano 

SAFE SCHOOLS. A teacher secures temperature checks on learners for the first day of face-to-face classes at the Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School in Paco, Manila, on Monday (Aug. 22, 2022). Wearing face masks was implemented among learners, teaching, and non-teaching personnel and also maintaining safe spaces against the Covid-19 threat. (PNA photo: Alfred Frias)

MANILA – The first day of face-to-face classes nationwide is generally peaceful and orderly so far, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.

In a Viber message, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said there were no major incidents reported to them as of Monday morning.

“As 9:20 a.m. po, base po sa mga updates ng ating mga regional directors, maayos at mapayapa po ang pagbabalik eskwela ng ating mga learners. Wala pa pong nakakarating sa amin na untoward incidents. Patuloy po kaming naka-monitor sa ating mga paaralan (As 9:20 a.m., based on the updates of regional directors, the school reopening is orderly and peaceful for our learners. We haven’t received reports of any untoward incidents. We are continuously monitoring our schools),” he said.

The DepEd made the statement following their long preparation for the gradual transition to face-to-face learning to ensure the safe return of learners after two years due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools that started their in-person setup have implemented safety guidelines including the mandatory wearing of face masks, temperature checks, and proper sanitation.

Likewise, police assistance desks were also on posts near school vicinities to maintain security on educational premises.

The Oplan Balik Eskwela Command Center also received 26 calls with most concerns related to school policy and operations; while the top query of some guardians was about the issuance of a Form 138 photocopy even with an outstanding balance in private schools.

Enrollment turnout

As of Monday, the DepEd has recorded 28,035,042 enrolled learners nationwide, which is a slight shortfall from their targeted 28.6 million enrollees.

Poa, however, said parents can still register their children, who will be eventually required to go on a face-to-face learning setup come November 2.

“We are still encouraging those who haven't enrolled to enroll as soon as possible. It also bears emphasizing that although we haven't met our projected figures. The enrolled learners this year is already 101 percent of our figure from last school year's enrollment,” he told the Philippine News Agency in a text message.

This year’s over 28 million enrollees have over 4 million pre-registered while the remaining more than 23 million secured their registration during the official enrollment period.

The DepEd insisted this turnout is higher than the previous official enrollment tally hitting 27,560,661.

The DepEd took a firm stance on the gradual transition to face-to-face learning to address the “learning loss” which happened in distance learning during the pandemic. (PNA)

 

3 ‘scammers’ posing as PNP OIC Danao nabbed

 By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

 

PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – Three persons are now facing cybercrime charges for posing as Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge (OIC) Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., on social media in an attempt to defraud individuals.

In a statement Monday night, Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group OIC, said the suspects whose identities were withheld were arrested in Binangonan, Rizal last July 3 during the implementation of a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD).

Seized from the suspects were two laptop computers, 10 mobile phones, three passbooks, debit cards, and a 500-gigabyte (GB) hard disk drive.

Masauding said the suspects created a Facebook account and used Danao's profile to defraud the complainant and offered to send 1,000 sacks of rice to the latter to support the Police Community Relations activity of Danao.

Based on their conversation online, the suspects convinced the complainant to send PHP50,000 as shipment fee for the delivery of the sacks of rice.

This aroused the complainant's suspicion and immediately reported the matter to the Anti Cybercrime Group, which immediately secured a WSSECD before the court to track the suspects.

The suspects were brought to the Anti Cybercrime Group headquarters in Camp Crame for booking procedures prior to the conduct of inquest proceedings.

They will be facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act) as amended by RA 11449 in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

Masauding added the arrest of the suspects was a result of a comprehensive “social media cyber patrolling, and series of surveillance operations” conducted by the ACG. (PNA)

 

New DILG chief welcome to join drug raids: PNP

 By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

 

(File photo)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the gesture of support of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. to its anti-drug campaign following his pronouncement to join anti-narcotics operations.

"Actions like these are certainly morale boosters for frontline law enforcers coming from the highest official of the DILG himself. It augurs well with national policy to sustain the momentum of the national campaign against illegal drugs," PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba said in a statement on Monday night.

He added this will definitely uplift the PNP's resolve to fulfill its mandate of fighting crime and ensuring peace and order.

"For sure, it will boost the morale of our personnel and improve our legal offensive against illegal drugs and criminality," Alba said.

In a press conference on Monday, Abalos vowed to sustain the gains in the anti-illegal drugs campaign as he officially took over the DILG's helm.

Abalos, a long-time Mandaluyong City mayor and former chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said the campaign would be continued but the Marcos administration would put greater focus on building up strong cases against illegal drug suspects.

“The drug war will be pursued relentlessly in accordance with the oath I will be taking and the basis of the Constitution. That’s it. I would like to mention to everyone in some of the drug raids sasama ako, sasama talaga ako rito (I will go with them) to show people and to give motivation to our police and to show them ang gagawing mga (all the) raids are in accordance with the law,” Abalos said. (PNA)

 

Wear face mask, follow health protocols: BBM urges public

 By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos 

 

FACE MASKS STILL REQUIRED. Seniors wearing face masks while waiting for their turn to receive vaccines to protect them from Covid-19 infections in this file photo taken in Bacolod City. President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday (June 17, 2022) called on the public to continue wearing face masks and observing other health protocols. ( PNA file photo)

MANILA – President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is encouraging the public to continue wearing face masks and observing other health protocols amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Marcos made the appeal after the Department of Health (DOH) warned of the possible rise in severe and critical Covid-19 cases by August because of the waning immunity from the coronavirus vaccine and reduction in adherence to minimum public health standards.

“We have to wear face masks and comply with other health standards to ensure our safety and that of our loved ones,” he said in a statement issued Friday.

The Cebu provincial government earlier issued an ordinance on the optional use of face masks, but Malacañang clarified that the local directive was not supported by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Palace said the policy on mandatory wearing of face masks crafted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and approved by Duterte prevails over the local ordinance.

Marcos likewise emphasized the need for continued compliance with the health protocols, to prevent another surge of Covid-19 infections that could impede the country’s economic recovery.

“We have already made economic headways and we should not allow them to be brought to naught. This is why I am urging everyone to take part in preventing another surge that could block our way to economic recovery,” he said.

Marcos urged his fellow Filipinos to avail of the free booster shots being offered by the government to protect themselves against Covid-19.

He said there is a need to receive booster shots, considering that the waning immunity stems from the effect of the highly-transmissible Omicron coronavirus variant on the primary vaccine series.

Citing the findings of a study on over one million people in Qatar, Marcos said those infected with an earlier version of Covid-19 and who received three doses of an mRNA vaccine “appear to be best protected against symptomatic infection by the Omicron variant.”

“With the Covid pandemic still ongoing, different variants may still emerge. And as we have seen, some variants are not as resistant to the first and second doses as others. Hence, there is a need to enhance our immunity by getting booster shots. Kailangan ng dagdag na proteksyon (We need additional protection),” he said.

The DOH on Thursday recorded 425 new Covid-19 infections, the highest daily number of new cases in over two months. (PNA)